Bulldog is a medium-sized dog with a thick, heavy, low-slung body. It has a large head, a short face, wide shoulders, and sturdy legs. The English bulldog stands 12 to 16 inches (30 to 41 centimeters) tall at the shoulder and weighs from 40 to 50 pounds (18 to 23 kilograms). Bulldogs may be brindle (streaked), white, red, fawn (light yellowish-brown), fallow (pale yellowish-brown), or piebald (marked by large spots).
The bulldog is related to the ancient mastifflike breeds. It originated in England in the 1200’s. It was raised to be courageous, ferocious, and savage. It was used to bait (fight) bulls and bears until the sport was outlawed in 1835. The modern bulldog ranks among the most even-tempered breeds. It is friendly and calm and makes an excellent pet.
See also Boxer; Bullmastiff; French bulldog.
