The Bulldog's heritage lies in England where it descended from the Alaunt, which was a Mastiff-type dog. The Bulldog got its name because it was an apt cattle driver as well as a hunter of wild boar. From the 13th Century on, the breed's qualities were specifically bred so that it was an able contestant in bull-running, bull-baiting and pit fighting. When all of these activities were banned, the Bulldog's status would have dwindled had it not been for the efforts of a few staunch Bulldog-loving fanciers. The Bulldog Club held fast to the breed and it was among one of the first few recognised by the English Kennel Club in 1873. The breed has been popular in North America since the end of the 19th Century. The Bulldog fits in well just about anywhere. His lovable personality makes him a good family pet.

Appearance
The bulldog is a relatively small but stocky breed, with a compact body and short, sturdy limbs. Its shape results in a waddle-like gait. Bulldogs are known for their short muzzles and the saggy skin on their faces, creating the apparent "frown" that has become a trademark of the breed. The size for a mature male is about 50 pounds (25 kg); that for mature females is about 40 pounds (23,7 kg).

Character
The English Bulldog is very loyal and protective of its family and may exhibit aggression in a protective manner. Most bulldogs are so attached to home and family that they will not venture out of the yard without a human companion. Due to their friendly nature, bulldogs are known for getting along well with children, other breeds of dog, and any house-broken pet in general.
 

Temperament
The Bulldog is a friendly and good natured dog. Gentle and mellow, the Bulldog is very good with children and strangers. Some Bulldogs may be aggressive with strange dogs, but generally gets along well with other pets. The temperament of the English Bulldog is generally docile, friendly and gregarious, but are known to be fiercely loyal and defensive and, because of their strength, make good guard dogs.
The bulldog is prone to some health problems, such as hip dysplasia and breathing problems. A bulldog is great for houses as well as apartments, but puppies may be destructive until they reach maturity. They are notorious for snoring, and while some adult bulldogs are considered "dry-mouths" and do not drool, wet-mouths drool extensively. Unfortunately, it is not possible to determine which mouth-type they will grow to be when they are at puppy age.

Exercise/Training
The Bulldog appreciates a daily outing. It should not be expected to jog or walk great distances, or to jump from any heights. Most bulldogs cannot swim. If not properly exercised the bulldog will gain weight, which could cause health problems. A properly exercised bulldog will exhibit a better temperament and will refrain from destructive behavior that results from boredom; however, bulldogs are extremely sensitive to heat. Bulldogs' sensitivity to extreme weather is a very important element to consider when purchasing a dog; The Bulldog cannot handle extreme heat, humidity or cold.
Due to their generally low energy levels, and their quiet nature (they rarely bark without cause) they make great apartment pets as well as household pets. If the Bulldog is not properly neutered and spayed adult animals may develop aggressive tendencies.

Color
Bulldogs come in a variety of colors and ideally have a smooth, short coat.

Grooming
The coat of the Bulldog needs minimal care, but facial wrinkles and any folds around the tail should be cleaned daily. A good nutrition and regular brushing keeps the proper coat shine and the skin healthy. Bathing doesn’t harm the coat of the Bulldog as long as you use a good quality shampoo that doesn't dry the skin and coat and is formulated for a canine coat. The ears of the Bulldog should be kept clean and regularly inspected as well.

Any breed described as "good with children", the dog must be accustomed to children. Any dog that is not well socialized with children will not behave predictably around them. As with all dogs, they should never be left alone with young children.