The French, visiting England, brought back small versions of the Bulldog to France in the mid 1800s. Brought over to America around the turn of the 20th century, the dogs became the darlings of America for a while but started losing popularity in the 20s. They still retain a strong backing, but are nowhere near as popular as they once were.
These dogs, like the bulldog, are clowns. They like to play and wrestle. They will run but get winded easily, due to compromised respiratory tracts. They want to cuddle as much as play. Again, like the bulldog, these dogs can be very stubborn. Puppyhood can be difficult for those not prepared.