Beloved Bulldogs
The origins of Bulldogs can be traced back to 1210, generally believed to have come down from the same common stock that was developed for bull-baiting, meaning these dogs were bred to be strong enough to confront a large bull. The contemporary Bulldog was developed as a companion animal from the Old English Bulldog, a breed that has become extinct and was originally used for bull-baiting, and ceased, following the enforcement of the Cruelty to Animals Act in England.
The history of Bulldogs can be traced back to England, where they were first referenced in literature in the 15th century, and originally bred for bull-baiting, a favored pastime in medieval England. Bulldogs were engineered to possess a low center of gravity, a robust build, and a powerful grip to confront bulls in arenas. In the late 1800’s, Bulldogs made their debut at the inaugural Westminster Kennel Club Show, with Robinson Crusoe being the first champion of the breed in 1888. The breed gained full recognition in 1886, marking a significant milestone in the commitment to the preservation of the breed.
The Bulldog Club was established to avoid cross-breeding and maintain the breed’s integrity. In 1864, enthusiasts founded the Bulldog Club, adopting the motto hold fast. The aim of the Bulldog Club was to safeguard and enhance the English Bulldog breed. This organization existed for about three years and recognized for making the first effort to create a breed standard.
Bulldogs were historically known for their aggressiveness and courage, however, over time, have transformed into the gentle and affectionate companion dogs we recognize today. They have significantly changed from their past fighting origins, and the contemporary Bulldogs are a testament to this evolution. It is common to encounter a Bulldog with a kind-hearted nature and a calm demeanor. They possess a loving temperament comparable to any other breed, thanks to their focus on forming bonds with people. Consequently, they are excellent with children and tend to get along well with other dogs if properly socialized. Due to their history, Bulldogs still have a certain bravery and alertness that were essential for their previous roles. This is one reason they are considered some of the finest guard dogs in today’s world. While they can be very affectionate towards their family, they are often reserved around unfamiliar faces.
Over the years, the original Bulldog breed has evolved into many breeds, including the English bulldog, Olde English Bulldog, French bulldog, American bulldog, Spanish, bulldog, Victorian bulldog, Catahoula bulldog, Alapaha blue blood bulldog, Red-tiger bulldog, Mammut bulldog, the Bullmastiff, and likely others to follow.