Bulldogs

Bulldogs are a species of non-magical, or Muggle, dog. In the Harry Potter series, they are exclusively associated with Marjorie Dursley, who breeds them. Characterized by their fierce loyalty to their owner and an aggressive temperament towards others, their primary role in the story is to act as an extension of Marge's antagonistic nature during her visit to Number Four, Privet Drive in 1993.

Bulldogs are bred by Marjorie Dursley, who owns twelve of them at her home in the country. She is exceedingly fond of them, preferring their company to that of humans. When she travels, she often leaves her pack in the care of her neighbour, Colonel Fubster. In the summer of 1993, Marge brought her favourite bulldog, an elderly and ill-tempered male named Ripper, with her for a week-long visit to the Dursleys. Throughout the visit, Marge doted on Ripper, allowing him to drink tea from her saucer. The bulldog displayed immediate aggression towards Harry Potter, at one point cornering him in the garden and refusing to release his leg until Marge commanded it. During Marge's final evening at the Dursleys' home, Harry lost control of his magic after being repeatedly insulted and caused Marge to inflate. In the ensuing chaos, Ripper barked ferociously and bit Vernon Dursley on the leg.

The primary example of the species seen in the books, Ripper, is described as a “vast and ugly bulldog.” He is old and noted to have a foul smell. The bulldogs reflect the personality of their owner, Marge. They are ill-tempered and vicious towards those Marge dislikes, such as Harry Potter, but are slavishly devoted to Marge herself. Ripper is shown to be protective and possessive, growling at anyone who might upset his owner.

As Muggle animals, bulldogs possess no known magical abilities or skills. Their aggression and physical strength are their primary attributes.

• Marjorie Dursley: The bulldogs, and Ripper in particular, are extremely loyal and affectionate towards their owner. Marge treats Ripper as a surrogate child, calling him her “poor little poppet” and lavishing attention on him.
• Harry Potter: Ripper displayed immediate hostility towards Harry, growling at him on sight and later trapping him. This animosity directly mirrors Marge's own unfounded dislike of the boy.
• Vernon Dursley: Although not the primary target of his aggression, Ripper bit Vernon's leg in the panic that followed Marge's inflation, showing a general agitation towards anyone in the chaotic scene.

• In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Ripper is portrayed by a bulldog named Buster. He is shown sleeping on Marge's lap at the dinner table and later attempts to attack the inflated Marge as she floats out of the house, seemingly trying to pull her down. (film)