Many authorities believe that the origin of the Bulldog is the British Isles. The use of the dog in the extremely cruel sport of bull baiting is the reason the name "bull" was made practical. Public opinion condemned bull baiting, and in 1835 legislation put an end to this cruel spectacle. Concerned breeders, aware that the Bulldog faced extinction, succeeded in transforming the pugnacious  brute into a peaceable companion.