The earliest bulldog breeds were aggressive and tenacious.
Modern bulldogs are descendent of the Molosser, a strong, powerful, and aggressive breed from ancient Greece. While Molossers worked as guard and attack dogs, this ferociousness has been bred out of their bulldog cousins. Bulldogs are therefore not commonly used as military dogs, but their good nature and tenacity make them both beloved pets and famed military mascots.
History
Until 1835, bulldogs were used almost exclusively to fight bulls for sport.
Bulldogs earned their moniker fighting bulls in the English sport of "bull-baiting." To stay competitive bulldogs were bred for savageness and pain tolerance. But after a British 1835 ban on dog fighting, bulldogs were soon bred to be passive, easy-going and calm. No longer considered fighting dogs, they now became popular family companions.
Features
Just because bulldogs haven't fought for the military doesn't mean they haven't served with American armed forces. Perhaps the most famous military bulldog is the U.S. Marine Corps Bulldog. During World War I, German troops nicknamed U.S. Marines "teufel hunden" or devil dogs. The Marines quickly adopted the nickname for themselves and named the tough and proud bulldog as their official mascot.
Famous Ties
The beloved bull dog is also mascot for 39 U.S. colleges and universities, including the University of Georgia.
The first U.S. Marine mascot, Jiggs, died in 1927 as a Sergeant Major and was given a full military funeral.
Fun Fact
Winston Churchill's unique expression earned him a fitting nickname.
Former Prime Minister Winston Churchill, English Prime Minister during World War II, earned the nickname "The British Bulldog" because of his gruff nature and hangdog expression.
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