The Old English Bulldog was a breed of dog.
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 show fancy crossed in Pug creating the modern
deep set nose type of bulldog. 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, Beargarden and Old Conduit Fields. One of the breeders who spanned the transition
period between the Old English Bulldog and the modern Bulldog was famous dog dealer Bill
George. 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 Greyhound's features seen in specimens of that time.
Description Two other recognized members of the breed
can be seen in the 1817 painting Crib and Rosa, with Rosa exemplifying the form and
size of the ideal type of Old English Bulldog, albeit deficient in wrinkles about the head
and neck and in substance of bone in the limbs. They are faster than regular bulldogs and
have an average speed of seven miles per hour. 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 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, was a precursor to the
Bull Terrier and Pit Bull Terrier and accelerated the extinction of the Old English Bulldog.
Reincarnations Several breeders are attempting to recreate
this extinct breed with some success. However, these recreations are not the Old English
Bulldog, as the genetics from this breed are extinct.
One contemporary recreation of the breed started in the 1970s, using a breeding program developed
for cattle at The Ohio State University. The lineage has since split into two, known as
the Olde English Bulldogge and the Leavitt Bulldog, the Leavitt Bulldog being a lighter,
more athletic dog. These modern day versions, though possessing similar physical abilities,
do not have the violent temperament of the Old English Bulldog. The line-breeding was
done with a foundation of half Bulldog, and the other half bullmastiff, American Pit Bull
Terrier, and American Bulldog. Others
There are several other recreations, including but not limited to:
Able Bulldog Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogge
Renascence Bulldogge Continental bulldog
Victorian Bulldog Aylestone Bulldog
Wilkinson Bulldog Spanish Bulldog.
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. See also
List of dog fighting breeds Bulldog breeds
References
Further reading Fleig, D.. History of Fighting Dogs. Neptune,
NJ: TFH Publications. ISBN 0-7938-0498-1 Homan, M.. A Complete History of Fighting
Dogs. Howell Book House Inc. ISBN 1-58245-128-1 Jenkins, R.. The Story of the Real Bulldog.
Neptune, NJ: TFH Publications. ISBN 0-7938-0491-4 McDonald, J.. The Book of the Bulldog. Neptune,
NJ: TFH Publications. ISBN 0-86622-027-5 External links
A Brief History of the Bulldog