The name English Bulldog Terrier is a combination of the parent breeds, the English Bulldog and Bull Terrier, also known as the English Bull Terrier, Bully, or Gladiator. The Bull Terrier was originally a white-coated cross between Bulldogs and various terriers, first known as “Bull-and-Terriers”. Eventually, they were mixed with Spanish Pointers to increase their size. These dogs gained popularity during the early 1800s when they were used for sporting and dog fighting in Europe. After dog fighting was banned, the Bull Terrier became a trendy companion for members of high society because of their impressive white coat. In 1885, Bull Terriers were recognized by the American Kennel Club. Later, they were bred with Stafford Bull Terriers to develop more color variations. Today, the white Bull Terrier remains the most popular and well-known Bull Terrier. The origin of the other parent breed, the Bulldog, is widely debated. The American Kennel Club, however, contends that the Bulldog originated in the British Isles and was initially bred for “bull-baiting” – a “sport” in which Bulldogs attacked bulls, or in some cases bears, by the nose. This cruel “game” was eventually outlawed, and the Bulldog was taken in by admirers as a companion dog in the mid to late-1800s. They were recognized by the AKC in 1886. The English Bulldog Terrier is likely to have been bred for decades, given the parent's long history in the same geographical regions; however, they are not a popular hybrid today and haven’t stabilized in form or personality.