The Bulldog In History

The history of the bulldogs dates from the ancient times. According to the mythic tales the ancestors of this breed were used on the battle fields; took place in the arena and helped famous god Zeus to hunt for large herbivores. Possessing mo smell and high speed these dogs were recognized by their tremendous strength and loyalty and courage. Used as a hunting partner and a guard dog these massive animals were famed throughout Europe, Africa and Asia.

The ancient ancestor of Bulldog was primarily bred in Greece by Molossi tribal people inhabited in the northwestern Greece. The bonds between this dog and its human family were very strong. Thus, these breed came into being.

 According to the mythology gods played an essential role in the prehistoric past of the Bulldogs. It describes the myth about master forger Hephaestus. Hephaestus created a Demonesian bronze dog having given it his own soul. Since that time the bronze dog named Laeleps has many owners, Zeus was one of them. Within the time the bronze dog turned into the stone but before his turning he fathered lots of descendants.

 It should be noted that the Mollosians – dogs that were bred by the Greek Molossi tribes - came namely from these descendants. This breed was trained as a watchful guard and war dog. Another tribe named Phoenicians has trade relationships with the Mollosians during the ancient Greek era. Thus, these massive dogs Mollosians were bought by the traders and brought into Briton. It was 800 BC.

By the time the Celts the Molossian dog, Bulldog's predecessor, was highly appreciated in Briton.  Thus, the Celtic and other British tribes bred this type of dog as helpers for hunting big game. These big dogs were named Pugnace Britannicii or war dog of Briton as Celts used them in the war against the Roman tribes.

Later in the year 50 AD the Romans conquered Britonmaking it a Roman province. The Romans adopted the Pugnace. The Pugnace, also named the Canis Pugnax, was capable to stop larger animals. That is why this breed was widely used on the arena.

You can see how interesting and amazing the Bulldog history is. During the long time the huge size and the furious nature of this breed was tempered by different tribes as these dogs were prized and highly appreciated.