Bulldog

Bulldog, also called English Bulldog, breed of dog developed centuries ago in England for use in fighting bulls (bullbaiting). Characteristically powerful and courageous, often vicious, and to a great extent unaware of pain, the Bulldog nearly disappeared when dogfighting was outlawed in 1835. Fanciers of the breed, however, saved it and bred out its ferocity. Nicknamed the “sourmug,” the Bulldog is a stocky dog that moves with a rolling gait. It has a large head, folded ears, a short muzzle, a protruding lower jaw, and loose skin that forms wrinkles on the head and face. See also French Bulldog.

The Bulldog has a short fine coat that is coloured tan, white, reddish brown, brindle, or piebald. It stands 13 to 15 inches (33 to 38 cm) tall at the withers and weighs 40 to 50 pounds (18 to 23 kg). Typically gentle and reliable, it is placed in the nonsporting group of the American Kennel Club, which officially recognized the breed in 1886. Several other breeds are known colloquially as Bulldogs, including various pit bull varieties, the French Bulldog, and the American Bulldog.