American Bulldog
Medium
Asia
The Bulldog descended from ancient Mastiffs that originated in Asia and were brought to Europe by nomads. Mastiffs were bred for ferocity in fighting, holding, or bringing down aggressive prey. The Bulldog was bred in the early 13th Century for bull baiting. The short muzzle and wide lower jaw were needed for the dog to clamp itself to the bull's nose like a vise, and the nose had to be upturned so that the dog could still breathe while clinging to the bull. It is mentioned in many historical works, most notably, in Shakespeare's King Henry VI. When animal baiting contests were outlawed in England in 1835, these Bulldogs were increasingly exported to America and also to Germany, where they helped create the Boxer. The last of the working Bulldogs in England were crossed with Pug Dogs to create a stocky, docile, family pet-known today as the English Bulldog. The breed was first registered by the American Kennel Club in 1934 in the non-sporting group and today is a popular show dog throughout the world.
Gentle, friendly, and adoring, with a mischievous dose of stubbornness, the Bulldog is incessantly loyal to its family. It usually gets along well with other animals, is particularly fond of children, and does best indoors. Highly spirited as a puppy, the English Bulldog grows up to be a calm adult. The breed prefers not to exercise, can easily overheat, and is prone to drooling and snoring. Gentle, friendly, and adoring, with a mischievous dose of stubbornness, the English Bulldog is incessantly loyal to its family. It usually gets along well with other animals, is particularly fond of children, and does best indoors. Highly spirited as a puppy, the English Bulldog grows up to be a calm adult. The breed prefers not to exercise, can easily overheat, and is prone to drooling and snoring.
