9781422279304

The ancient ancestors of Bulldogs may trace back as far as ancient times. Roman writers described fierce Greek Molosser dogs. Moloss- er dogs are the ancestors of today’s Mastiffs and Bulldogs. It is thought that Phoenician traders introduced these Molossian hounds to Britain around 600 bce . They were used for their hunting skills, but also found a role as war dogs and guard dogs. Strabo, a contemporary of Julius Caesar, wrote in his description of Britain in 64-63 bce , “It produces corn, cattle, gold, silver and iron, which also forms its exports together with skins, slaves, and dogs of a superi- or breed for the chase. The Gauls use these dogs in war, as well as others of their own breed.” The Romans called these British fight- ing dogs pugnance britannicii, and imported many of the dogs from Britain. They had strong, compact bodies and short faces—features which are recognizable in today’s Bulldog.

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