Bull-baiting, was the sport that these powerhouses were bred for back in the 16th and 17th centuries in England. This gamblers sport entailed tying a bull to a post and sending a number of bulldogs after him. The bulldogs unusual build and appearance are a direct result of this tough upbringing. Their squat faces enabled the dog to breathe while latched onto a massive bull and the wrinkles kept blood out of their eyes and away from its nose. There are a great variety of Bulldogs now as the sport which defined them was outlawed centuries ago so their characteristics have changed to suit other activities. These dogs are not particularly ferocious and are good family dogs. They are very loving, protective, and naturally stubborn.