BULLDOG
COUNTRY: Great Britain
WEIGHT: 40-55 pounds
HEIGHT: 12-14 inches
COAT: Short, smooth
COLOR: Red brindle, other brindles, solid white, red-fawn or yellow, piebald (in descending order of preference); black undesirable
OTHER NAMES: English Bulldog
REGISTRY: FCI, AKC, TKC, CKC
GROUP: Mastiff
WEIGHT: 40-55 pounds
HEIGHT: 12-14 inches
COAT: Short, smooth
COLOR: Red brindle, other brindles, solid white, red-fawn or yellow, piebald (in descending order of preference); black undesirable
OTHER NAMES: English Bulldog
REGISTRY: FCI, AKC, TKC, CKC
GROUP: Mastiff
These dogs were first classified by cynologists as "bulldogs" in the 1630s, although mentioned earlier under "bandogge" or "butchers dogge." They probably shared a common ancestor with the Mastiff, through the Alaunt, which was described in Master of Game by Edward, second Duke of York, circa 1406: ". . . Alauntes are treacherous and evil ... it is the best hound to hold and to nyme [seize] all manner of beasts and hold them fast."
During the heinous days of bull-baiting, dogs caught the bulls by the ear. The early Bulldog, more agile than other fighters, went for the nose and was not as likely to be hooked by a horn. Certainly, the higher legged "bulldogge" of yesteryear could harass the bull into lowering its head for the dog to grab a piece of anatomy, whether the ear or the tender nose. Rules stated that the dog then had to pull the bull backward around the ring—or to throw and pin the beast. Bears, lions, monkeys and badgers were also found worthy to meet the Bulldog in combat. As Pierce Egan recites, the sight brought forth patriotic utterances, as:". . . What creature that, so fierce and bold, That springs and scorns to leave his hold?... It is the Bulldog, matchless, brave, Like Britons on the swelling Wave."
Following the demise of this grisly sport, the old-fashioned Bulldog then waded through the bloodbath of the dog-fight pits. This encouraged crosses to various terriers to increase speed, which resulted in the creation of other well-known modern breeds.
The Bulldog of today is not the same as that of the 1600s. After bull-baiting was outlawed in 1835, the original dog evolved into the shorter faced, squattier version we know today, while retaining its powerful undershot jaw.
Bulldogs attained legitimacy in 1860 by entering a different arena—though not quite so bloody—that of the show ring. The bloodthirsty personality of its early years has mellowed into its even demeanor of modern times, while maintaining its threatening appearance. This has earned it the description of "beautiful in its ugliness." Bulldogs are popular mascots, demonstrating the toughness of a team, and have become a symbol of tenacity throughout the world.
The breed has widespread shoulders and a distinctive, rolling gait, making it recognizable anywhere. The exaggerated characteristics have made the Bulldog difficult to mate and whelp, often requiring human assistance through artificial inseminations and Caesarean sections. Care must be taken during hot weather, since the brachycephalic characteristics of the nose and throat tend to restrict air flow.
Bulldog temperament is loving, quiet and gentle. Docile and phlegmatic, their favorite activities are following their masters around the house and taking long naps at their feet.
During the heinous days of bull-baiting, dogs caught the bulls by the ear. The early Bulldog, more agile than other fighters, went for the nose and was not as likely to be hooked by a horn. Certainly, the higher legged "bulldogge" of yesteryear could harass the bull into lowering its head for the dog to grab a piece of anatomy, whether the ear or the tender nose. Rules stated that the dog then had to pull the bull backward around the ring—or to throw and pin the beast. Bears, lions, monkeys and badgers were also found worthy to meet the Bulldog in combat. As Pierce Egan recites, the sight brought forth patriotic utterances, as:". . . What creature that, so fierce and bold, That springs and scorns to leave his hold?... It is the Bulldog, matchless, brave, Like Britons on the swelling Wave."
Following the demise of this grisly sport, the old-fashioned Bulldog then waded through the bloodbath of the dog-fight pits. This encouraged crosses to various terriers to increase speed, which resulted in the creation of other well-known modern breeds.
The Bulldog of today is not the same as that of the 1600s. After bull-baiting was outlawed in 1835, the original dog evolved into the shorter faced, squattier version we know today, while retaining its powerful undershot jaw.
Bulldogs attained legitimacy in 1860 by entering a different arena—though not quite so bloody—that of the show ring. The bloodthirsty personality of its early years has mellowed into its even demeanor of modern times, while maintaining its threatening appearance. This has earned it the description of "beautiful in its ugliness." Bulldogs are popular mascots, demonstrating the toughness of a team, and have become a symbol of tenacity throughout the world.
The breed has widespread shoulders and a distinctive, rolling gait, making it recognizable anywhere. The exaggerated characteristics have made the Bulldog difficult to mate and whelp, often requiring human assistance through artificial inseminations and Caesarean sections. Care must be taken during hot weather, since the brachycephalic characteristics of the nose and throat tend to restrict air flow.
Bulldog temperament is loving, quiet and gentle. Docile and phlegmatic, their favorite activities are following their masters around the house and taking long naps at their feet.
No comments:
Post a Comment