bulldog, breed of thick-set nonsporting dog developed in the British Isles many centuries ago. It stands from 13 to 15 in. (33-38.1 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs from 40 to 50 lb (18.1-22.7 kg). Its short, straight, flat-lying coat is a glossy brindle, white, red, or fawn in color. The low-slung body, broad chest, large skull, and undershot jaw of the bulldog give it an appearance of stubbornness and defiance, two qualities necessary to its original role as a bullbaiter and pit fighter. These "sports" also required a high degree of ferocity, but after 1835, when such contests were made illegal, viciousness and intractability were progressively eliminated from the breed. Today the bulldog makes a gentle, devoted companion and pet. See dog.

French bulldog, breed of small, alert nonsporting dog with batlike ears, developed in France in the second half of the 19th cent. It stands about 12 in. (30.4 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs from 19 to 28 lb (8.6-12.7 kg). Its short, smooth coat may be brindle, fawn, white, or brindle and white in color. The French bulldog descends from a toy variety of the English bulldog. These toys were not popular in England, and in the mid-19th cent. many were shipped to France, where they were crossed with native breeds. The French bulldog was much desired as a pet in fashionable circles, both in France and in the United States, in the early 20th cent. In recent times it has become popular as a house pet and companion. See dog.

Any of about 90 species of bats (family Molossidae), found worldwide in warm regions, that are named for the way part of the tail extends beyond the membrane attached between the hind legs. Also known as mastiff or bulldog bats because of their facial resemblance to those dogs, free-tailed bats are swift fliers with a stout body and long, slender wings. They are about 1.6–5 in. (4–13 cm) long, excluding the 0.6–3-in. (1.5–8-cm) tail, and typically have small eyes, a heavy snout, large ears, and dark fur. They eat insects and roost in tree hollows, caves, and buildings. Most species live in groups; some, including the Mexican free-tailed bat, form colonies of several million. In the past, guano from such colonies was mined for fertilizer and for sodium nitrate (used to make gunpowder).

Learn more about free-tailed bat with a free trial on Britannica.com.

or English bulldog

Centuries-old breed of dog developed in Britain to fight bulls. Powerful and courageous, often vicious, and largely unaware of pain, the bulldog nearly disappeared when dogfighting was outlawed in 1835. Fanciers of the breed saved it and bred out its ferocity. It is now considered gentle and reliable. It has a large head, folded ears, a short muzzle, a protruding lower jaw, and loose skin that forms wrinkles on the head and face. Its short, fine coat is tan, white, reddish brown, brindle, or piebald. It stands 13–15 in. (34–38 cm) high and weighs 40–50 lbs (18–23 kg).

Learn more about bulldog with a free trial on Britannica.com.

River, western North Carolina, U.S. Rising in the Blue Ridge and flowing 210 mi (340 km) north through the Great Smoky Mountains into Tennessee, it then turns west to join the Holston River near Knoxville, forming the Tennessee River. Douglas Dam, part of the Tennessee Valley Authority, is on the river near the junction.

Learn more about French Broad River with a free trial on Britannica.com.