Which breed was originally used for bull-baiting?

The Bulldog was originally used for bull-baiting.

In bull-baiting, dogs were set against a tethered bull and expected to seize and hold it, usually by the nose. The practice was a popular blood sport in England for centuries. Dogs used for it were selected for courage, low-set bodies, powerful jaws, and the ability to cling despite the bull’s attempts to toss or trample them.

The word “bulldog” reflects this historical role. The dogs of that period were not identical to today’s English Bulldog; they were more athletic and better suited to strenuous work. Bull-baiting was outlawed in England by the Cruelty to Animals Act 1835, leaving the old working type without its original purpose.

After the ban, breeders gradually selected for a calmer temperament and a more distinctive appearance, helping create the modern companion Bulldog. This history is why the breed’s name is linked to bulls, while “Pit Bull” describes a different group of breeds and types. Mastiffs also contributed to the broader bulldog ancestry, but the Bulldog is the canonical answer to this question.