The .44 Bulldog cartridge is a centerfire revolver round introduced in 1868. Originally designed for the British Bulldog revolver, it offered a compact, easily concealed firearm with respectable stopping power for its time. Typical loadings propelled a roughly 200-grain lead bullet at velocities lower than modern handgun cartridges.
This cartridge gained popularity as a personal defense round in the late 19th century due to the concealability of the revolvers chambered for it. Though significantly less powerful than larger calibers available at the time, it offered a balance of size and effectiveness. Its historical significance lies in its widespread adoption and influence on subsequent compact revolver designs. While largely obsolete today, it represents a notable step in the development of handgun ammunition.