English Bulldogs originated in England approximately in the 13th century.    The purpose of the dog was for bullfighting, a bloody entertainment, which was also a profitable business they were used to catch a bull by the nose and hold him down.    The breed's body shape gave him the leverage and the agility to sway as the bull tossed him from side to side in an attempt to break the dogs back.  The loose skin which seems many sizes too large, protects vital organs and the jugular vein. The deep furrows kept the blood out of his eyes.   The layback of the face was to let him breathe while hanging on and this is the only breed able to do so. Pinched nostrils were bad, so his short nose has wide nostrils for easier breathing as he hung onto the bull and the Short legs gave him a sturdy stance, enabling him to get in beneath the bull's horns.    In 1835 a parliament act banned this cruel sport and the English Bulldog's population plummeted.  However, its fanciers tried to preserve the dog and breed out undesirable qualities.   The fighting instinct was gradually bred out leaving traits of loyalty, tenacity and courage. Bulldogs began to be kept as pets and became the symbol of Great Britain.