English Bulldog 100 Years Ago: From Street Fighter to Showstopper

A century ago, the English Bulldog was a far cry from the cuddly companion we know today. They were bred for bloodsports like bull-baiting and bear-baiting, which made them tough and agile.

Their original purpose was to fight, and they were known for their strength and tenacity in the ring. They were also quite aggressive, which wasn't a bad thing back then.

In the late 19th century, attitudes towards bloodsports began to shift, and the English Bulldog's popularity began to wane. However, their unique appearance and gentle nature made them a natural fit for the growing dog show scene.

As a result, breeders started focusing on developing a more refined and elegant English Bulldog, one that was perfect for the show ring rather than the bloodsports arena.

If this caught your attention, see: English Bull Terrier Dog Show

The English Bulldog was first bred in England in the 13th century as a fighting dog, specifically for bull-baiting.

They were known for their strength, courage, and tenacity in the ring.

Bull-baiting was a popular blood sport in England, where dogs were set upon a tethered bull, and the dog that held on the longest was declared the winner.

The breed's popularity grew, and by the 18th century, they were a favorite among the working class.

Their iconic appearance, with a flat face and wrinkled skin, was a result of selective breeding for these characteristics.

The breed's popularity continued to grow, and by the 19th century, they were a staple of English culture.

The English bulldog has a rich and complex history.

In the UK, the dogs were used for bull-baiting, a blood sport where dogs were used to bait and attack bulls, until it became illegal in 1835.

These early bulldogs were bred for their strength and tenacity, which made them well-suited for this brutal sport.

The bulldog already had some of the characteristic features we see today, like saggy jowls and a squat stance, by 1915.

Their distinctive appearance was shaped by breeding, making them one of the most artificially shaped breeds of dog.

The English Bulldog's transformation into a modern classic is a remarkable story.

Cody Sickle, a renowned breeder, has been involved with the breed since the 1960s and has seen the quality improve dramatically in his lifetime.

The breed's personality, disposition, and ability to live with everyone have become its defining characteristics.

Sickle's first Bulldog, obtained over 60 years ago, already showcased spectacular personalities.

The breed's distinctive look is unmistakable, and it's what initially drew Sickle to the breed.

He soon discovered that the Bulldog's disposition is second to none, making it a great family dog.

Top breeders in the country have consistently produced high-quality Bulldogs, with the breed's health improving exponentially over time.

Sickle's own breeding program has been recognized with the American Kennel Club's 2004 Non-Sporting Breeder of the Year award.

Additional reading: English Bull Terrier Breeder

English bulldogs 100 years ago were quite different from the lovable companions we know today. They were bred for bull-baiting and had a much more athletic build.

Their coats were short and smooth, not the wrinkly, adorable skin we see on modern bulldogs. They also had a more pointed snout.

In contrast, modern English bulldogs are known for their flat faces and wrinkles, which were not present in their ancestors. Their exercise needs were also much higher.

English bulldogs 100 years ago were able to run and play for long periods, whereas today's bulldogs are often content with short walks.

For another approach, see: How Long Do French Bulldogs Live for

The English bulldog was artificially shaped by breeding, and one of the most notable blood sports it was used for was bull-baiting in the UK. This brutal practice was banned in 1835.

In the early 20th century, bulldogs already had some characteristic features, such as saggy jowls and a squat stance, that we see in the breed today.