Some History of the English Bulldog.

Originally bred for bull-baiting in England, Bulldogs were first referenced in works of literature dating back to the 1500s. The breed developed their stocky frame, large head, and notorious jowls due in part to the strenuous activities they participated in. The breed’s frame remained much the same until the passage of the Cruelty to Animals Act 1835, which outlawed bull-baiting and other forms of cruelty to animals.

As the English Bulldog transitioned from a working dog into a show dog, the breed eventually found their way to the United States in the 1800s. Once in the States, their popularity grew. Outside of finding major success in the show ring, the English Bulldog found celebrity status, too! The original Yale mascot was an English Bulldog named Handsome Dan – the name gets passed down to each successor. During WWI, the U.S. Marines became associated with the breed and made them their mascot, as well. Each Marine bulldog takes the name Chesty. The University of Georgia Bulldogs are represented on the sideline by an English Bulldog named Uga and, you guessed it, each mascot proudly takes the name Uga. In addition to being issued a student ID, Uga watches the university’s football games from an air-conditioned doghouse on the sideline.