Bulldogs Puppies - Pictures

Thousands of dog pictures, such as Bulldogs; other pets and dogs for sale.

www.gotpetsonline.comAdvertise here

Bulldogs Puppies - History and Origin

Bulldogs originated in Great Britain as a sporting breed. Their main purpose was bull and bear baiting and everything in the conformation of this breed is aimed at this function. The dog had to grab the bull or bear by the nose and bring it down. This cruel sport is very ancient; the first record of such events date back to the 1200's. The earl of Stamford enjoyed looking at the butchers' dogs chasing bulls and founded a tradition of this entertainment every year. In 1835 baiting was banned in Great Britain.

The true origin of Bulldogs is not clear. The possible ancestor of the breed is the war dog of the ancient Britons. Bulldogs of the 15th and 16th centuries were more vigorous and agile than the modern breed. They were ferocious and dangerous beasts, because only the strongest survived in the ring.

After the prohibition of baiting, Bulldogs were threatened by extinction, but breed fanciers preserved these unique animals and enhanced their ability to be family companions. In the middle of the 19th century the pug blood was introduced into the breed to bred out its aggressiveness and instill an amiable temperament of a lap dog. Later various varieties of Bulldogs appeared: French, American, Alapaha Blue blood Bulldog, Aussie Bulldog, Banter Buldogge, Catahoula Bulldog, Larson Lakeview Bulldogge, Valley Bulldog, and several others. They vary in size, body type and functions. The first breed club, founded in 1864, constructed the first standard for Bulldogs.

Mouse over the thumbnails to view image and photo credit