Mary Allen
# 19 The American Kennel Club recognized the Bulldog in 1890.
During the 1940's and 1950's, the Bulldog was almost part of the 19 most popular breeds. Today, the Bulldog ranks 12th out of the 155 breeds and varieties registered with the AKC, a tribute to their solid credentials as companion dogs.
The Bulldog is, more than anything else, a triumph of the human ability to rehabilitate an entire breed and, through thoughtful and dedicated breeding practices, turn it into a desirable, loving companion.
In the 1980s cities like Rome enacted laws stating that bulldogs could not be walked in the streets, even on a leash, as they were too wild, and yet within a few years the bulldog was known as one of the friendliest and most peaceful dogs.
All because a few dedicated breeders had the patience, knowledge, and vision to make the Bulldog what it is valued for today.