History There is a lot of controversy about the origin of the English Bulldog. Some say they are from the Mastiff, others say they sired the Mastiff. One thing we do know for sure is that the bulldog is a man made breed. Bulldogs cannot breed or whelp naturally. Bulldogs cannot raise their puppies without close supervision. Bulldogs are thought to have origins in Bull-bating and thus the origin of the name Bulldog.