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The "Bulldog" has been around for centuries, in one form or another. Perhaps the earliest mention of the sport of bullbaiting dates to the year 1209. At that time bullbaiting was stage as part of a Christmas celebration! Accounts of bull and bear baiting are common enough from that date on, with descriptions of the type of dog used varying with times and local custom. By the late 18th century, a bulldog type had begun to develop, based on selective breeding for ability in the pit alone. No significance was attached to a physical standard. Form simply followed function. The sport of bull baiting was so loved by the masses that depictions of pit matches and portraits of famous baiting bogs were popular subjects for period artist wood cuts, oil paintings and tapestries have survived to this day, giving modern enthusiasts insight into the early bulldogs' type and structure.

With the decline of the baiting sports popularity in the mid-1800's, bulldog fanciers began the transformation of the bulldog from ferocious gladiator to family companion.Pugs and terriers were said to have been breed into the popular fighting lines in an effort to refine the bulldog and create a more "suitable" form and temperament. These bulldogs began to exhibit the extreme caracteristics of today's AKC, CKC and KC bulldog and ranged in size from under 20 pounds ( these mini bulldogs became popular with the lase workers and were said to have been the foundation dogs for what is now known as the French bulldog) up to 50 pounds and more. An early British Bulldog Standard was published in 1879 and makes no mention of size, working ability or temperament. Interestingly, the AKC Bulldog is classified as a "Non- Sporting" dog.

Bulldogs are known to have arived in America as early as 1774 and by 1877 the breed was well established and represeted by 10 entries at the First Annual New York Bench Show(later known as Westminster). The Bulldog has been a popular pet and show dog in this country ever since