Ancient Origins: The bulldog’s lineage traces back to ancient civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans
Medieval Bull-Baiting: In medieval England, bulldogs were used in bull-baiting, a popular but cruel sport.
Legislation Changes: The ban on bull-baiting in 1835 with the Cruelty to Animals Act led to the decline of this practice and the need for a new purpose for the bulldog breed.
Breed Transition: Post-bull-baiting, breeders began focusing on altering the bulldog’s temperament and appearance.
Victorian Influence: During the Victorian era, the bulldog's image was refined to align with emerging ideas of gentility and companionship
Standardization: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, breed clubs like The Bulldog Club (founded in 1878) established standards for the breed
Popularity Surge: The bulldog gained popularity in the early 20th century, becoming a symbol of British pluck and resilience.
American Adaptations: In the United States, the breed evolved further, with American bulldogs diverging from their British counterparts in terms of size