There is evidence that bulldogs were present in England as early as the 13th century.
Because of their robust build, they were often used in the cruel blood sport known as bullbaiting, which involves a pack of dogs fighting a bull that had been staked.
Beagles are descended from the smaller dogs that came before them.
English breeders favored a larger kind of beagle, whereas American breeders worked to develop a beagle that was slightly smaller.
The origins of the Yorkshire terrier may be traced back to the 1800s in the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire, both of which are located in England.
The first Yorkies were bred specifically for the purpose of eradicating rodents, particularly in textile mills and coal mines.
King Charles I and King Charles II, who ruled England in the 17th century, had a soft spot in their hearts for a particular variety of spaniel that had a black-and-tan coat.
This endeavour resulted in the creation of the Cavalier breed of dog.
Both "cocker" and "springer" spaniels, which are early versions of today's spaniel breeds, were capable of being born within the same litter in England for decades.
Larger dogs, known as "springers," were employed by hunters to "spring" birds and other game from their hiding places.
The first English cocker spaniels were born into the same litters as the larger springer spaniels when the breed was first developed.
American breeders developed an even more miniature variety of cocker spaniel with a more noticeably domed cranium and a smaller head than the original.