Bulldog Facts

Breed History - Traits

This breed, often mislabeled, is simply the Bulldog, not the English Bulldog. It got its name from the ancient and brutal gambling spectacle of bull baiting. The Bulldog's traits of courage and tenacity have made him a symbol of determination. Despite his tough-guy good looks, he is fun-loving and extremely affectionate. He adapts well to a family with playful children or to sedate apartment living. Since he is a wash and wear breed to show, he is a popular owner handled dog. 

“Devil Dogs”

According to Marine Corps tradition, German soldiers facing the Marines at Belleau Wood called them teufelhunden. These were the devil dogs of Bavarian folklore - vicious, ferocious, and tenacious. Shortly thereafter, a Marine recruiting poster depicted a dachshund, wearing an Iron Cross and a spiked helmet, fleeing an English bulldog wearing the eagle, globe and anchor. (For more information, visit the National Museum of the Marine Corps.)

“French Bulldogs”

The French Bulldog was originally developed in England as a miniature version of the Bulldog. In the 1860's, French dog breeders imported some of these very small Bulldogs from Great Britain and bred them with French Terriers. Streetwalkers in France greatly admired the imports and this led to the name French Bulldog. When the breed was eventually brought back to England for exhibition, the English made a big uproar about the name French Bulldog, since the Bulldog was originally an English Breed and because the Bulldog was a traditional symbol of English culture.