English Bulldogs Rescues Pictures

English Bulldogs Rescues Pictures - Introduction

Picture source: Baby the Bulldog © 1998-2004 Dan Atcheson, Baby the Bulldog

In the 13th century, bull baiting became a popular sport in England. The show involved setting a group of dogs onto a raging bull. Early bulldogs were extremely aggressive and reckless in their work. They had wide and strongly undershot lower jaws and the high position of the nose allowed them to breathe freely when they held on to bulls in a death-gripping bite. The action was hugely cruel, and frequently a baited bull's body eventually turned into a bloody mess.

Later on the popularity of bull baiting began to decline and in 1835, shows with bull baiting became banned. The dogs started losing their regular job, and the breed fell into oblivion too. However, there were groups of enthusiastic dog lovers, who set themselves a task to retrieve and preserve the breed. From their early ancestors English Bulldogs inherited a highly intimidating appearance, but nowadays, English dogs are home companion bred, and actually, they are no longer dangerous, but rather friendly and petty.