Old English Bulldog
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| Old English Bulldog | |||||||
 Crib and Rosa |
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| Country of origin | Britain | ||||||
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The Old English Bulldog is, for all intents and purposes, an extinct breed of dog.
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[edit] Appearance
The Old English Bulldog was compact, broad and muscular as reflected in the well-known depiction Crib and Rosa. The average height was approximately 15 inches and they weighed about 45 pounds. A particular characteristic of the breed was the lower jaw that projected considerably in front of the upper jaw, which made possible a strong, vice-like grip. The nose was deeply set in the face, which allowed the dog to get enough air as it gripped the bull.
[edit] History
The English blood sport of bull-baiting allowed for a specialized breed in the form of the Old English Bulldog. The main locations in London for these exhibitions were Westminster Pit, Bear Garden and Old Conduit Fields.
[edit] Breeding
Historians are fairly confident that the Old English Bulldog is derived from ancient war dogs, such as, the old Mastiff or Alaunt. Others believe that the true origin of the breed is not entirely clear. Depictions in old prints show that the variety was without doubt a small Mastiff, with a comparatively long head. The word 'Mastiff' was eventually dropped when describing these smaller Mastiffs, as the Mastiff proper was found too slow for bull-baiting. Eventually, the Greyhound was crossed into the breed increasing the mastiff's speed, without losing the breed's ferocity. This step reduced the Old English Bulldog's size and weight, with the Greyhounds features seen in specimens of that time.
[edit] Description
Two other recognized members of the breed 'Crib and Rosa' can be seen in a painting of that period, with Rosa being considered to represent perfection in the shape, make, and size of the ideal type of Old English Bulldog; however, being deficient in wrinkles about the head and neck and in substance of bone in the limbs.
[edit] Decline
In England, the passage of the Cruelty to Animals Act 1835 caused a decline of bull-baiting and dog fighting leading to a lack of interest in perpetuating the Old English Bulldog. Three dogs from the Duke of Hamilton's strain of Old English Bulldog, 'Wasp, Child, and Billy,' were famously depicted in a painting and recognized as some of the last known members of the breed before they became extinct.
Despite the laws making dog fighting illegal, the activity continued for many years. Breeders determined a cross between the Old English Bulldog and Old English Terrier created a superior fighting dog with increased quickness and dexterity. This new breed of dog called the Bull and Terrier and precursor to the Bull Terrier and Pit Bull Terrier accelerated the extinction of the Old English Bulldog.
[edit] Reincarnations
Several breeders are attempting to recreate this extinct breed with some success. However, it should be noted that these recreations are not the Old English Bulldog, as the genetics from this breed are extinct.
[edit] Olde English Bulldogge
One contemporary recreation of the breed is called the Olde English Bulldogge. Starting in the 1970's, a breeding program developed for cattle at Ohio State University was used, with the aim of recreating the Old English Bulldog. This modern day version with its similar physical abilities does not include the violent temperament of the Old English Bulldog. This recreation was done by line-breeding starting with a half Bulldog, and the other half Bullmastiff, a Pit Bull, and an American Bulldog. [1]
[edit] Others
There are several other recreations but none have become popular, including but not limited to, the Able Bulldog, Dorset Tyme Bulldog, Renaissance Bulldog, Renascence Bulldogge, Victorian Bulldog, Aylestone Bulldog, Wilkinson Bulldog.
[edit] Bulldog
Often confused with the Old English Bulldog, the Bulldog is noted for its sweet disposition, however it has maintained little of the speed and agility that were the definitive characteristics of the Old English Bulldog.
[edit] References
[edit] Further reading
- Fleig, D. (1996). History of Fighting Dogs. Neptune, NJ: TFH Publications. ISBN 0-7938-0498-1
- Homan, M. (2000). A Complete History of Fighting Dogs. Howell Book House Inc. ISBN 1-58245-128-1
- Jenkins, R. (1997). The Story of the Real Bulldog. Neptune, NJ: TFH Publications. ISBN 0-7938-0491-4
- McDonald, J. (1985). The Book of the Bulldog. Neptune, NJ: TFH Publications. ISBN 0-86622-027-5
