The term “bulldog” was first used around 1568 and might have been applied to other various ancestors of modern bulldog breeds before adorning the breed we recognize today. It has been theorized that bulldogs were bred in England as a cross between the Mastiff and the Pug, though their genetic origin is debated. Since the pug did not arrive in Europe until the late 16th century, it is unlikely that
the breed is an original progenitor of the Bulldog. In the 1600s, bulldogs were used for bullbaiting (as well as bearbaiting)–a gambling sport popular in the 17th century with wagers laid while trained bulldogs leapt at a bull lashed to a post. The bulldog’s typical means of attack included latching onto the animal’s snout and attempted to suffocate it. However, the bulldog’s early role was not limited to sport. In mid-17th century New York, bulldogs were used as a part of a city-wide round-up effort led by governor Richard Nicolls. Because cornering and leading wild bulls was dangerous, bulldogs were trained to seize a bull by its nose long enough for a rope to be secured around its neck. The use of dogs for fighting with other dogs or other animals was banned in the United Kingdom by the Cruelty to Animals Act 1835, but Bulldogs as pets were continually promoted by dog dealer Bill George. Today's English Bulldog is not a fighting dog or muscular dog, as it was for several hundred years ago. Today it is a very friendly, calm and sociable companion dog with a lovely temperament. They work perfectly as a family dog and is very child friendly.
