When BulldogPoker.org was first released as an online gaming site, their marketing strategy relied heavily on the concept of dogs playing poker. For branding, they utilized the image of a Bulldog, and the site grew quickly to become a fan favorite.

Where did this concept of dogs playing poker originate ?

In modern culture, the concept took root in the series of paintings by Mr Coolidge. You may have seen the various portraits of dogs by Coolidge under Google Images, or even T-shirts of his most famous drawing of a dog’s poker night out. Concerning his portfolio, you can find his various works referenced under Wikipedia. As it turns out, these drawings were commissioned for marketing purposes to promote various cigar brands.

Reception in Modern America

There has arguably been an impact of Coolidge’s paitings in modern culture. The dog playing poker has often been portrayed as the working class American, and some of the themes brought forward in Coolidge’s pieces are very apparent in modern culture. In the poker world, the paintings didn’t go unoticed of course, and jokes abound about poker players because of it. From the paintings, it would seem that dogs bring a more civil attitude to the game, a more compassionate side, that we seldom see from top players these days.

The Bull Dogs and the Pit bulls of Online Poker

Online poker operators are smart about marketing. What better idea than to incorporate Man’s best friend as the center point of a balanced advertising strategy. Bulldogpoker.org and Pitbullpoker.com both cropped up to offer online holdem post the Chris Moneymaker era. Unfotunately for both of then, they were both forced to shut down operations and statements were issued on their websites.

What Are Your Best Bets Following the Bulldogpoker Era ?

BullDog Poker was an excellent and authoritative site, no doubt about it. But since it shut down, what alternatives are left to the aspiring online poker player ? Well, look no further than Full Tilt. It currently endorses Phil Ivey which is the most successful player the game of poker has ever seen. He routinely swings millions of dollars at the highest stakes games. You can join for free and start playing now, by clicking on the banner to your right. Another fantastic site is Ultimate Bet which endorses Phil Hellmuth. Get started now and get your free bonus code at ub.com poker