Bulldogs are one of the most iconic and recognizable dog breeds in the world. With their distinctive robust appearance and flat snouts, these animals have captivated generations as loyal and affectionate pets. They have evolved to become beloved family companions, known for their calm and adaptable nature, making them ideal for both urban and rural living.
Originally bred in England for activities like cattle control, a fascinating archaeological discovery in the ruins of Trales, present-day Aydın in Turkey, has provided new evidence that Romans were already breeding short-faced dogs similar to modern French bulldogs. The remains, discovered in 2007 and recently analyzed by an international team of researchers, reveal that the animal not only had a distinctive morphology but also led a life of companionship and exceptional care.
The study, led by scientists from the University of Life Sciences in Wrocław and Istanbul University, utilized advanced cranial measurement techniques and radiocarbon dating to determine the age and characteristics of the bones. The skull of a 2,000-year-old dog, despite being incomplete, allowed researchers to identify it as a small brachycephalic specimen, reminiscent of the modern French bulldog.
Unlike common working dogs in ancient Rome, this animal appears to have had a different purpose. According to university professor Aleksander Chrószcz, this type of dog “was intended to accompany its owner, sharing a rather comfortable life, rather than being a working dog, of which there are many examples in available Roman literature.”
The discovery also sheds light on breeding practices of the time. Romans primarily distinguished between working and companion dogs, but this finding suggests they also focused on specific traits like size and morphology. Although the modern concept of “breed” did not exist, the dog from Trales demonstrates that selection based on human needs and preferences was already taking place.
While this small Roman bulldog would not be identical to modern breed standards, its existence highlights how the bonds between humans and animals have shaped the evolution of dog breeds over the centuries. The study, published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, emphasizes that this discovery is not only a milestone in archaeozoology but also evidence that even 2,000 years ago, dogs were more than just functional tools.