Temperament of Bulldogs

What do the US Marines, Yale University, University of Georgia and England have in common? They are tied together by the choice of a symbol to represent a tough and tenacious character — the mug-ugly Bulldog. 

The Bulldog is a quiet pet, loyal to his family and protective when necessary, but happy to curl up on the sofa, eat two or three square meals a day, and have his belly rubbed. He can be a clown and can be stubborn to train, but he is good-natured and willing to be guided to good behavior if he thinks it's his own idea.

The Bulldog is a study in contrasts. Born in Britain but descended from fighting mastiffs brought to the island nation by Roman conquerors, the Bulldog now bears only slight resemblance to his ancestors in appearance and character and no similarity in behavior. The bloodthirsty nature that equipped the dog for bullbaiting is gone with nary a trace; in spite of his frowning countenance, there is no sweeter dog today.  The vicious personality of its early years has mellowed into its even demeanor of modern times, while maintaining its threatening appearance. This has earned it the description of "beautiful in its ugliness." Bulldogs are popular mascots, demonstrating the toughness of a team, and have become a symbol of tenacity throughout the world. The breed has widespread shoulders and a distinctive, rolling gait, making it recognizable anywhere.

History

Bulldog ancestors were used as butcher's dogs to bring cattle to slaughter. In 1209, bullbaiting was launched as an annual pre-Christmas festival by the Earl of Warren. Two hundred years later the dogs were referred to as Alaunts, and by 1500 they were called bulldogs. Through the next few centuries, animal baiting with dogs became a popular spectator sport for gamblers. Bulls, bears, and other animals were confined in pits, so tall, longer-legged dogs were at a disadvantage. Bulldogs evolved from mastiff-size to today's shorter-legged, pushed-nose version, a dog that could grab a bull by the nose and hang on until the animal tired and collapsed. The flattened nose and enlarged nostrils atop an undershot jaw combined to produced a grip that wouldn't quit on a dog that could still breathe while biting his quarry.

The baiting of bulls and bears was outlawed in England in 1835, but surprisingly, the Bulldog did not disappear along with the bloody sport. Enough people admired the breed's stamina, strength, and persistence to save the appearance and good qualities of the dogs while developing a sweet and gentle temperament to replace the aggression preferred in the baiting arena.

In turn, the Bulldog has lent his good qualities to a number of breeds, including the Bullmastiff, the Bull Terrier, the Boston Terrier, the French Bulldog, and the Boxer.  The Bulldog was granted recognition by the American Kennel Club in 1890, and during the 1940s and 1950s, was close to the top 10 breeds in popularity.
 

Breed Characteristics

The exaggerated characteristics have made the Bulldog difficult to mate and whelp, often requiring human assistance through artificial inseminations and Caesarean sections. Care must be taken during hot weather, since the brachycephalic characteristics of the nose and throat tend to restrict air flow. Bulldog temperament is loving, quiet and gentle. Docile and phlegmatic, their favorite activities are following their masters around the house and taking long naps at their feet.

In public or in conversation, the mere mention of our Bulldogs brings giggles and smiles.  In fact, we are convinced that no other breed of dog evokes so much laughter and curiosity.  Our dogs are natural clowns and have brought us much joy and laughter over the years.