We want to know everything about dogs. Everything! But there are countless breeds of dog out there, and each one is a unique animal with its own history. That's why every week, we shine a spotlight on a different breed. This week, learn some fun facts about English Bulldogs.
Image via Getty Creative
ENGLAND DEVELOPED THE BREED IN THE 13TH CENTURY
Hundreds of years ago, the Bulldog, as its name suggests, was developed for bull baiting. Bull baiting had a practical purpose: to round up bulls for castration. Bulldogs were therefore something like shepherds for huge, angry bulls. But bull baiting also gained wide popularity as a blood sport. Bulldogs were forced to participate in the brutal and deadly activity for entertainment.
Image via Getty Creative
THE BREED CHANGED DRASTICALLY AFTER BULL BAITING WAS BANNED
To bait bulls, Bulldogs had to be tall, athletic and ferocious. But England banned bull baiting in the 19th century, and since then the breed has changed. No longer needed for their original purpose, Bulldogs became companion animals, and were bred to be much smaller and friendlier. The English Bulldogs we know today are much different than their forefathers.
MORE: Dog Haircuts Gone Really Wrong
Image via Getty
ENGLISH BULLDOGS ARE COMMONLY DELIVERED VIA C-SECTION
Dog breeds look very different, even though all dogs are technically the same exact species. Selective breeding causes these physical differences, which sometimes causes complications. In the case of the English Bulldog, years of breeding have made their heads so large that they usually can't be born naturally. Eighty percent of bulldogs have to be delivered by Caesarean section.
Image via Getty Creative
THE ENGLISH BULLDOG IS THE FIFTH MOST POPULAR DOG BREED IN AMERICA
Every year, the American Kennel Club releases a list of the most popular dogs in America. Currently, the English Bulldog is way up there. In 2013 it was the fifth most popular breed in the country, behind only Labs, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers and Beagles. The Bulldog tops the list of most popular breeds in New York and Los Angeles.
Image via Getty Editorial
TWO ENGLISH BULLDOGS HAVE WON BEST IN SHOW AT WESTMINSTER.
The first English Bulldog to win the top prize at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show was Ch. Strathtay Prince Albert, who was named Best in Show in 1913. Prince Albert was the fifth dog to win the show, and the first non-Terrier. The second Bulldog to win the prize was Ch. Kippax Fearnought, who won in 1955.
MORE: 10 Cool Facts About Border Collies
Image via Wikimedia
PRESIDENT WARREN G. HARDING HAD AN ENGLISH BULLDOG
Many U.S. Commanders in Chief have owned pets during their stints in the White House, but only one had an English Bulldog. That would be No. 29, Warren G. Harding. The dog's name is somewhat mysterious. He is variously listed a Old Boy, Oh Boy and O'Boy. At any rate, he was decidedly overshadowed in popularity by Harding's famous Airedale Terrier, Laddie Boy.
Image via Associated Press
CONTRARY TO POPULAR BELIEF, CHURCHILL DIDN'T OWN AN ENGLISH BULLDOG
The English Bulldog is tightly connected to its country of origin. The breed is a national symbol for the United Kingdom. It's also closely associated with one of the UK's greatest leaders, Winston Churchill, whom the Russians called the British Bulldog (his jowly countenance also famously resembled that of a Bulldog). But despite the connection, Churchill did not, as is often believed, own a pet Bulldog. But he did have a Pug.
Image via Getty Editorial
THE ENGLISH BULLDOG IS ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR SCHOOL MASCOTS
English Bulldogs are one of the most frequently seen school mascots in America, and easily the most popular dog breed used as a mascot. Nearly 40 universities around the country name their sports teams after the breed, and that's not including the countless smaller colleges, high schools and middle schools also cheering, "Go, Bulldogs!"
MORE: 14 Favorite White Dog Breeds
Image via Getty Editorial
THE ENGLISH BULLDOG SERVES AS CORPORATE MASCOT FOR MACK TRUCKS
The ubiquitous Mack Trucks truck-manufacturing company also boasts the English Bulldog as its mascot. The company adopted the dog as its corporate symbol in 1922. Ten years later, the company's chief engineer designed the famous hood ornament that has adorned every Mack Truck manufactured since.
Image via Associated Press
ENGLISH BULLDOGS ARE TALENTED SKATEBOARDERS
Despite their bull-baiting origins, today's English Bulldogs aren't considered the most athletic or active breed. But they do seem to have a secret talent. Several Bulldogs have gained notice for their skateboarding abilities. The big names in Bulldog skating are Tillman, Tyson, Bazooka, Chief and Vegas, but there are even more. Search for "skateboarding Bulldog" on YouTube and clear your afternoon schedule.
Image via Getty Editorial
