Poodles may be French, blue cattledogs may be Australian, but the Bulldog is definitely British. - in fact he is as British as the Union Jack! His courage and a "stiff upper lip" attitude has been used to illustrate the British outlook on life and his image has been used to sell everything British - from war bonds to cars.

Much maligned as a canine "freak" the bulldog is in fact quite an ancient breed whose peculiar characteristics were selected for over hundreds of years to produce a dog able to perform for its owners.

Today the task for which the bulldog was bred is considered to be horrific and cruel. Its purpose was in the "sports" of bull baiting, bear baiting and dog fighting.

Bull and bear baiting is described in writing as far back as 1174, where in the "Description of the City of London", it is written that in the forenoon of every holiday during the winter season, the young Londoners were amused with boars opposed to each other in battle, or with bulls and fully grown bears baited by dogs. The bulls and bears were tethered and the dogs would charge and take hold of the nose of the poor animal. These events were often held for the purpose of betting and not only were they horrifically cruel events for the bulls and bears, but many dogs were maimed or killed.

The dogs were required to be courageous and tenacious but to exhibit absolutely no aggression towards humans as they had to be able to be handled, and even picked up by their owners, during dog fights and baiting.

Bull baiting, bear baiting and dog fighting were all outlawed by the British Parliament in the late 19th century and for the past 100 years the Bulldog has been bred purely as a companion dog.

Today the bulldog is probably the most readily identifiable of all breeds, affectionately known as a "sour-mug" - his short muzzle, broad head, small ears, wrinkled face and broad chest are a legacy of his origins.

Requiring a moderate amount of exercise and capable of a surprising turn of speed, he makes an ideal pet for families prepared to ensure that he can be kept cool as his shortened nasal passages lead to breathing problems in warmer weather

Although not a breed inclined to bark unnecessarily, the Bulldog does make peculiar soft snuffling noises which Bulldog owners find endearing.

There are few breeds with such a delightful, equable, kindly temperament as the Bulldog - self assured, dignified yet affectionate, patient and people loving.