Bulldogs are believed to have been bred in England as a
cross between the Mastiff and the Pug, though that can be debated. In the 1600’s,
bulldogs were used for bullbaiting, as well as bearbaiting which was a gambling
sport popular in the 17th century. Wagers were placed while trained
bulldogs leapt at a bull tied to a post. The typical means of attack included
latching onto the animal’s snout in attempt to suffocate it. Bullbaiting and
bearbaiting were both banned, as well as dog fighting in the UK by the Cruelty
to Animals Act of 1835.
Alternatively the bulldog was also handy to have around the
farm and came to good use in catching horses, cattle, and boars in legitimate
dangerous farm situations where a person could not get close to the animal.
Because cornering and leading bulls was so dangerous, bulldogs were trained to
seize a bull by its nose long enough for a rope to be secured around its neck.
Bulldogs Today
The
bulldog, American and English, has gone on to become a popular companion and
working animal as well as a widely used mascot. The original Old English
Bulldog was crossed with the pug. The outcome of that was a shorter, wider dog
with a brachycephalic skull (short snout). Though todays bulldog still looks
tough, they cannot perform the job that they were originally bred for, as they
cannot withstand the rigors of running and being thrown from a bull, and cannot
grip with such a short muzzle. The bulldog breed shows strong loyalty and
protectiveness towards its humans.
“They say that dog is man’s best friend, but they are wrong.
Man is dog’s best friend.”
Karin Klich RVT
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