Let’s take a moment to reflect on Georgia’s chosen mascot. Bulldogs were originally developed from large, powerful dogs used by butchers to control penned cattle awaiting slaughter. A cruel sport grew up in England where bulldogs were pitted against bulls, which they subdued by biting them on the nose. This “sport” lasted for ~600 years in England before being banned in 1835.
After the ban, breeders in England began to develop the modern bulldog as a companion animal. The 19th century saw an explosion of breeding small companion dogs. Only by its appearance and cruel heritage is the modern bulldog associated with courage and tenacity. The animals are born with health issues and serve no purpose but “vanity” companions to the humans who perpetuate the breed.