The Bulldog (Terra-Nova) - Hardcover

DIANE MORGAN has authored numerous books on canine care and nutrition and has also written many breed books. She lives in Williamsport, Maryland.

The Bulldog is one of the world's most universally recognised and beloved breeds. He has long been one of the symbols of Britain, partly because famous "John Bull", the English counterpart of Uncle Sam, looked rather like a Bulldog in a vest, and partly because he is supposed to resemble the English in terms of his determination and courage. The first description of the Bulldog appeared in 1500, when a certain W. Wulcher referred to the breed as the "Bondogge" in reference to the practice of Bulldogs being tied up (bonded) with other dogs. Shakespeare also mentioned the breed in his play King Henry VI, although the actual term "Bulldog" first appeared in writing in 1609. However, it was only in the 1630s that the breed started to look like the present day Bulldog. Some people call the Bulldog the "English" Bulldog, perhaps as opposed to the French Bulldog or the American Bulldog, but the official name of this breed is simply "Bulldog". Those who admire and own Bulldogs are called Bulldoggers.