Why were they bred?

The history of the Bulldog is colourful and captivating yet horrific. Bulldogs were once a 'sporting' breed, developed in Great Britain for the purpose of bull-baiting. Bull-baiting entailed the setting of dogs onto a tethered bull. The dog that grabbed the bull by the nose and bring the bull down was the victor. This was by no means a one sided affair. It was common for dogs to be killed or maimed at these events.

The earliest record of such an event is traced back to the Earl of Stamford in 1209AD. He was so entertained by the antics of some butchers' dogs chasing a bull in a meadow near his castle, that he gifted the meadow to the butchers in return for providing the same entertainment once a year. This type of event became more and more popular through the years with both the lower and upper classes. Bear-baiting and dog fighting also proved popular sports and led to the development of other breeds. Stadiums or 'pits' were cons ... Читать дальше »