BULLDOG

Bulldog. also called English Bulldog, breed of dog developed centuries ago in Great Britain for use in fighting bulls (bullbaiting). Characteristically powerful and courageous, often vicious, and to a great extent unaware of pain, the bulldog nearly disappeared when dogfighting was outlawed in 1835. Fanciers of the breed, however, saved it and bred out its ferocity. Nicknamed the sourmug, the bulldog is a stocky dog that moves with a rolling gait. It has a large head, folded ears, a short muzzle, a protruding lower jaw, and a loose skin that forms wrinkles on the head and face. Its short, fine coat is tan, white, reddish brown, brindle, or piebald. The bulldog stands 34 to 38 cm (13 to 15 inches) and weighs 18 to 23 kg (40 to 50 pounds). Typically gentle and reliable, it is placed in the nonsporting-dog group of the American Kennel Club. See also French bulldog. See the Table of Selected Breeds of Non-Sporting Dogs for further information.