England · Canada / USA (traditional schoolyard game, widely played in Canada; origins in the British Isles)
British Bulldog
Also known as Bullrush, Cat and Mouse, Bulldog, Bulldogs Charge
Bulldogs in the middle try to capture runners dashing from one end to the other.
6+ playersAges 7-14OutdoorsHigh energyBig spaceNo kit
The rules
How to play
1
One or two players are bulldogs and stand in the middle of the play area.
2
All other players line up at one end.
3
The bulldogs call 'British Bulldog!' and the runners try to cross to the other end without being caught.
4
To catch a runner, a bulldog must firmly hold them and call '1, 2, 3, British Bulldog!' before releasing.
5
Caught players become additional bulldogs.
6
Last runner free wins and becomes the bulldog.
Keep it fair
A bulldog must complete the full count '1, 2, 3, British Bulldog' before a capture counts, agree on this rule first, as partial catches cause most disputes.
Good for building
runningdodgingstrengthteamwork
What you need
Nothing at all, just the kids.
More to play
