Were the original bulldogs actually bred as cattle-working dogs?

Yes!

According to this, they are descended from the Mastiffs, which were bred in Asia for bringing down aggressive prey. The bullys were bred to bait bulls – particularly, they needed a slanted nose so they could bite down on a bull’s nose, and still be able to breathe without letting go until the bull suffocated.

Yep all of the above, and along with dalmations etc. became members of the AKC Non Sporting Group composed of dogs who once had a job but have become redundant! Non in that group I would want for my own but many are very popular.

I have an Olde English Bulldogge, and he’s wonderful (if really, really slobbery).

I had a friend who raised bulldogs and yep there were sweet and slobbery. Just none there that strike my fancy, but look at me, I have a dingo who wears mardi gras masks sometimes and orange bows others, go figure!