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Surprisingly enough, ancestors of this modern "couch potato" were once bred as canine gladiators.

In the ancient Roman arena, they were trained to latch on to a bull's snout, neck or ears with their powerful jaws, often resulting in the bull lying mortally wounded - to often uproarious cheers by bloodthirsty audiences.

While dog bullbaiting exhibitions continued in popularity throughout the Dark Ages, it rose to most notable prominence in medieval England before the sport was entirely outlawed throughout Europe centuries later.

By the early 19th century, the bulldog was first being bred to become a domesticated household pet - what we now know today as the hapless sad sack (and first cousin to the boxer), with the droopy jowls and the big round eyes.

Behavior & Personality

Although sometimes viewed as that short-limbed dog with the funny face, the bulldog is not without its charms, and has developed quite a following with fanciers who know it as the English, American or French Bulldog ("Frenchies") for its sweet, kind and kid-friendly disposition.

With a legendary vicious temperament now completely bred out, today the bulldog is the perfect household pet, proving itself to be a laid-back and extremely loyal breed that sticks close to its adoptive family with all the tenacity of, well, a bulldog.

Despite the snoring, the occasional flatulence, and drooling who, bulldog fans ask, couldn't fall for its often pitifully forlorn expression?

Care & Health

Their foreshortened muzzle often poses breathing problems for the bulldog who should never be exposed to extremes in exercise, and especially during summer should always be protected from overly hot and humid weather.

As their facial skin tends to overlap, extra care should be taken to keep their faces clean to avoid skin infections. Due to their sedentary nature, weight problems often become an issue, so careful feeding and exercise are important considerations as the bulldog grows older.

More information about Bulldogs around the Web:

The Bulldog Information Library - Virtual English Bulldog encyclopedia with facts & information on health, diseases and hereditary defects, detailed history of its development, guides for breeders, tips on puppy care, bulldog art, humor & fun facts, suggested reading and related resources.

Bulldog Club of America - Breeder resources, photo gallery of national show champions, illustrated guide to breed standards, plus basic tips & advice on bulldog care including grooming, bathing & feeding tips.

Bulldog Club of America Rescue Network - Breed information, online contract & adoption forms, and listings for bulldogs & puppies up for adoption in cities nationwide.

Bulldog Breeds.com - Information, photos & breeder listings for the American, English & French bulldog, boxers, bull terriers and related breeds.

French Bulldog - Major fan site with extensive informaton on the breed, facts on health concerns, basic care, Frenchie resources and online clubs.