Bulldog information is incomplete without a retelling of its ties to the ancient world. The Bulldog’s sturdy build was inherited from its ferocious ancestor, the Molossian of Greece. Kept and bred by the Molossi tribes' people, the huge dog was valued for its great strength and size. Even though the dog did not have speed or a sensitive sense of smell, the dog had the courage to go after prey that would not back down.

Huge dogs, such as the Molossian, were used for hunting large game in prehistoric Europe, Africa and Asia. Originally from Epirus, Greece, the Bulldog’s ancestor, the Molossian, was kept for hunting purposes and eventually became a guard dog and fighting dog. A strong based on mutual need developed between the dog and its human family. The dog became an indispensable member of the household and earned a living through the work that it performed for its human masters.
Any Bulldog information about Bulldog history is incomplete without a mention of its ancestor’s role in Greek mythology. According to ancient Greek myth, the Molossian dog was descended from Laeleps, the Demonesian bronze dog with a soul, which was given to the god Zeus from Hephaestus, the heavenly master forger, and son of Aphrodite. Laeleps passed into the hands of different owners after Zeus and the dog eventually changed from bronze to stone. Laeleps fathered descendants before turning to stone. The Molossian is said to be a descendant of the dog of the gods, Laeleps.

The Molossian dog was accepted as a hunting ally and became a trusted ally in war as well. As a guard dog, the Molossian dog could be relied upon. The exact location of the dog origin is lost in time, although it is believed that Epirus, Greece is the home of the Molossian. Eventually, this ancestor of the Bulldog became a valuable trade commodity among the Phoenician traders, who traveled the ancient world and distributed the goods including the Molossian dogs. The Molossian dog arrived in Briton around 800 BC.
Bulldog information about the breed’s past involves the tribal people of ancient Briton. Celtic tribes kept and bred the dog because of its invaluable services as a hunting partner and guard dog. The dog was used to be a fighting dog that helped the Celtic tribes to protect their home, property and territory. When the Romans invaded in 50AD, they did not expect the war dogs of the Celts.

These war dogs could cause a horse to toss its Roman rider by biting and holding onto a horse’s nose. The horse would kick and through its exertions, the rider was thrown off. The Romans called the dog Canix Pugnax or Pugnace Britannicii. The Romans admired the dog’s ferocity, bravery and enormous strength. As a fighter in the arena, the Pugnace was pitted against human fighters and wild predators. Since these ancient and violent times of the Bulldog’s history, these ferocious tendencies have been effectively bred out of the Bulldog so that the Bulldog is now a fine companion.


The comical and sweet naturedBulldog has come a long way from its more ferocious ancient temperament and is now a trusted household member. You can find greatBulldog information in this article.