British Bulldogs

British Bulldogs of today have very little in common with the original Bulldogs developed many centuries ago in England. The ancestor of the breed was the Alaunt, a large and powerful Mastiff-type dog. The main purpose of the breed was to bring down large prey, like bears, boars, and big cats and to control cattle. Ancient Bulldogs of the 5th-6th centuries were the first dogs in history with a lock jaw grip. The tenacity of early Bulldogs was not caused by the structural difference of their jaws, but by their gameness, courage and a low pain threshold. They were agile and quick enough to catch a bull and hang onto its nose or throat. Some Bulldogs even could throw bulls down. Besides controlling bulls, early Bulldogs were used at farms for guarding the property.

In the Medieval times, British Bulldogs lost all their functions except for baiting bulls and other animals. The appearance of the dogs was changed greatly to facilitate fighting with large and strong opponents. The body of the British Bulldog became stocky and massive; the head became large, with a flat muzzle, deep wrinkles, and undershot jaws. Those dogs were no longer agile, because all they had to do was fighting in enclosures. When bull baiting was banned in 1835, the breed lost its main function and survived only due to the efforts of the devoted breeders.

Actually, many researchers think that the original British Bulldog died out in the early 20th century. What we see today is a mix of the Bulldog and Pug. The American Bulldog and the Olde English Bulldogge are closer to original British Bulldogs than the English Bulldog of today. A present day English Bulldog is no longer a working dog, but a piece of breeding art. Purebred British Bulldogs are very expensive and many people own them as a matter of prestige. This breed is no longer suited for any task except serving as a family pet.

British Bulldogs are very difficult dogs to own. Though shorthaired, they shed and need regular grooming. This breed tends to snore, drool, and slobber. Exaggerated features of the British Bulldog cause many health problems. Owners of British Bulldogs have to devote much time to their pets.