Cambridge Encyclopedia :: Cambridge Encyclopedia Vol. 12

bulldog - Appearance, Temperament, Health, History, Popular Mascot, Bulldogs in the Arts, Quotes

A breed of dog, used in mediaeval Britain for the sport of bull-baiting; heavy body with short, bowed legs and short tail; large round head with flat upturned muzzle; ears and eyes small; short brown or brown and white coat.

Bulldog
Alternative names
British Bulldog
English Bulldog
Country of origin
England
Classification and breed standards
FCI: Group 2 Section 2 #149 Stds
AKC: Non-sporting Stds
ANKC: Group 7 (Non-Sporting) Stds
CKC: Group 6 - Non-Sporting Dogs Stds
KC (UK): Utility Stds
NZKC: Non-sporting Stds
UKC: Companion Breeds Stds

The Bulldog (often called the English Bulldog or British Bulldog) is a medium-sized dog breed that originated in England.

Appearance

The Bulldog is a relatively small but stocky breed, with a compact body and short, sturdy limbs.

Temperament

Contrary to classic cartoon parodies and nicknames of the breed, such as 'Sour-Puss', that depicted the bulldog as ferocious and wearing a spiked dog collar, the bulldog is not a vicious dog breed and gets along well with humans, including children, and usually other dog breeds.

Health

Bulldogs tend to have breathing problems as their flat face restricts air;

History

The term "bulldog" was first used around 1500 and might have been applied to various ancestors of modern bulldog breeds. In the 1600s, bulldogs were used for bullbaiting, a wagering sport popular in the 17th century in which trained bulldogs leapt at a bull lashed to a post, latched onto its snout and attempted to suffocate it.

After bullbaiting was banned, the breed began to die out (known as the Old English Bulldog) until fans turned to conformation dog shows. Although some argued that the older version of the bulldog (known as the Old English Bulldog) was more fit to perform, the modern version’s looks won over the fans of the breed. Examples of the trend are the Olde Englishe Bulldogge, Renaissance bulldog, Victorian, Continental and Dorset Old Tyme bulldog.

Popular Mascot

Because of their tenacity, the bulldog is the symbol of Britain and is popular as the mascot of universities, military institutions, and other organizations.

Bulldogs in the Arts

Hector the Bulldog, and Spike the Bulldog are animated cartoon characters in the Warner Bros. Earl in Rocko's Modern Life Granbull Snubull in Pokémon Meatball, late pet of Adam Sandler Beefy, from the Adam Sandler film, Little Nicky Cyril, the titular bulldog in Connie Willis' Victorian time-travel comedy, To Say Nothing of the Dog

Bulldog is also a macot for an australian Rules Football team

Quotes

"Do you know why the English Bulldog has a jutting chin and sloping face?

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