Bulldog Fun Facts: Here are 10 fascinating facts about the popular Bulldog
How much do you know about the snuggly and proud Bulldog?
By David Hepburn, The Scotsman
The last two years have seen many of us welcome a new four-legged friend into our homes, as the Kennel Club saw dog ownership rise by nearly eight per cent.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your perfect pup. Those with active lifestyles might want to consider a larger dog, while somebody with allergies will be looking for a hypoallergenic dog.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt. One dog that often appears at the top of people’s canine wishlists is the Bulldog – they were the UK’s fourth most popular pet in 2020 (only bested by the Labrador Retriever, French Bulldog and Cocker Spaniel) and have a range of positive attributes that make them a great family pet.
Here are 10 fun and interesting facts about the breed...
1. What's in a name
The barbaric practice of bull baiting was a common blood sport in the UK until it was thankfully banned in 1835. Bulldogs were specially bred to take part in these battles, where they would attempt to bite the bull's nose and then hang on for as long as possible.
2. Not fit for purpose
Today's Bulldogs would no longer be able to carry out the role for which they were bred. Modern bulldogs are incapable of running for a long period of time, have too short a muzzle to maintain a grip, and lack the aggression they once had. They do, however, have all the attributes required to make a great family pet
3. Presidential pups
Two American Presidents have kept a Bulldog at the White House - Calvin Coolidge's pet was called Boston Beans, while Warren Harding's was named Oh Boy.
4. A popular mascot
The Bulldog is a very popular breed for groups, clubs and organisations who are looking for a mascot. Groups that have Bulldog mascots include the Western Bulldogs Australian rules football club, the Croatian GNK Dinamo Zagreb football supporters ultras group, the United States Marine Corps, and the Australian National rugby league team. It is also the mascot of no fewer than 39 American universities.
5. Record-breaker
A Bulldog called Otto entered the Guiness Book of World Records in the unlikely catoegory of 'longest human tunnel travelled through by a skateboarding dog'. He skateboarded under the legs of 30 people in Peru in 2015.
6. Best in Show
Only one Bulldog has ever been named Best in Show at Crufts. In 1952 a Bulldog called Noways Chuckles, owned by John T. Bernard, triumphed at the world's most famous dog show.
7. Famous fans
Celebrities who are Bulldog owners include: Snoop Dogg, Adam Sandler, Ozzy Osbourne, Olivia Wilde, Pink, Brad Pitt, Verne Troyer, Michael Phelps, David Beckham and Gloria Estefan.
8. A first mention
The first written record of a Bulldog is in a letter dated 1631 by a man called Preswick Eaton who was looking to buy two dogs. It reads: "Procuer mee two good Bulldogs, and let them be sent by ye first shipp".
9. A symbol of Britain
The phrase 'British Bulldog spirit' dates back to the 18th centrury when cartoonists would depict Britiannia accompanied by a Bulldog to signify courage. The breed was used heavily in propaganda posters during World War One, then once again came to prominence during World War Two when Winston Churchill seemed to represent the brave pooch in human form.
10. Motoring pioneers
A Bulldog called Bud, complete with driving goggles, was a passenger on what is thought to be America's first ever road trip . He accompanied Dr Horatio Nelson and Sewall K. Crocker in 1903, when cars were rare, to explore the barely 150 miles of paved roads there were at the time.