HISTORY OF THE BULLDOG
During any extended period of time, it is quite common to see a breed of dog evolve into a totally different specimen than what it may have been hundreds or even thousands of years ago. It would be considered very unusual for a breed to remain fairly consistent in type and temperament throughout its development. This is certainly true when studying the history and growth of the Bulldog.
The Bulldog, better known as the English Bulldog, has changed tremendously since its inception. Although there are some old attributes that can still be found in the breed today, specimens that existed in the 13th century looked and behaved nothing like the “type” of dog we see represented in today’s homes and show ring. Historians are fairly confident that the breed derived from ancient war dogs, or other types of old Mastiff-like breeds. These war dogs were used by the British in times of battle and were excellent protectors of their master’s property and flock. Still others believe that the true origin of the breed is not entirely clear, and are quick to point out the many loopholes that exist in some of the more favorably recognized theories.
Circa 1920, Eng. Ch. Basford Revivue, Mr. Roddy’s famous Bulldog, is remembered for an exquisite head which was not exaggerated like many of the modern-day Bulldogs.
A famous engraving by John Scott of Bulldogs Crib and Rosa, circa 1817.
HISTORICAL WEIGHT
The Bulldog was slightly smaller in ancient times, and the average dog weighed approximately 40 pounds. Today, they are a bit more robust. Males usually weigh 55 to 60 pounds and bitches 50 to 55 pounds.
In 1914, the leading British dog painter, R. Ward Binks, illustrated six of the best known Bulldog champions in Britain. These dogs earned their championships at the end of the 19th century.
Eng. Ch. Dame’s Double was an outstanding pillar of the Bulldog breed at the turn of the century. He was owned by Mrs. A. G. Sturgeon and was a winner of 24 Challenge Certificates, a great accomplishment for any dog in Britain.
Advertising a dog fight in 1819 at the Westminster Pit. Bulldog fighting was, after the days of the bull-baiting, the pastime of the sporting fancy in England. Bulldogs were desired to be as low to the ground as possible so that the underside of the body was not vulnerable.
Blossom Westall, the pet Bulldog of Miss Dorothy Pearson. Miss Pearson was the world’s leading lady golfer and had just won the English Ladies’ Golf Championship. Photo circa 1913.
HOW THE “BULL” CAME TO BE IN THE BULLDOG
One safe theory is that the Bulldog was first developed in the British Isles, and was originally bred for the sole purpose of bull-baiting, an extremely barbaric pastime that became very popular in England. Its popularity was so great that it became the national sport of England from around the 13th to the 18th century.
Bull-baiting was an event that was usually held in conjunction with a series of boxing matches, and took place behind rope enclosures in an indoor arena. To keep the fight on more equal terms, the bull was helplessly tied to a rope that was attached to a large hook in the ground. The sport involved the use of one dog, or a group of dogs, which were set loose to pin and hold a bull by the ears and nose in front of thousands of screaming spectators. The nose was considered to be the bull’s most delicate body part and where it was most vulnerable to injury. The dogs were specifically trained to attack this area. Despite its popularity, the event was a horrifying spectacle to watch. It was not uncommon for a group of dogs to be viciously kille
