History of the Bulldog
The best way to understand a breed, how it came into existance and why it carries the characteristics and looks it has, is to know and understand its history.
Note: Graphic Nature Entailed, due to Subject Matter.
Many types of bulldogs Originated in the Isles and lands of Europe during the era of the 1600 to late 1800's.
Various Bull breeds also known as a wide group of ancient Molossers, Alaunts, Bullenbiesers, Mastiffs, Pugnances, and Bandogs of olden day were used for a variety of uses.
These dogs were used as powerful watch dogs, as estate gaurdians, sentries for plantations, draft dogs for hauling and protecting precious cargo on long hauls through rugged country. They were used as war dogs and catch dogs againts poachers and the ill-intentioned.
They also excelled at catching and holding agressive prey such as wild boars and unruly bovine.
Their tenacity and unwavering mentality along with a strong loyalty towards its master
was found favorable and very useful to man in a variety of trades.These bull type breeds were recognized as a fearless worker in the feilds, bringing in wild cattle for market; it soon caught interest to make sport of it.
With Bulls It was customary to have meat baited before going to butcher, and was said to enhance the flavor and tenderize the meat, making it more desirbale to the customers.
The breed evolved in design to become more pronounced for the physical combat entertainment spectator sport of Bull & Bear baiting, though these were the primary beasts used, other animals such as wild boars, lions, monkeys and badgers were also used.
~The Reason Behind the Design of the Bulldog~ The design of the bulldog was selective and deliberate in order to obtain the ultimate canine athlete.
The bulldogs jaw was specifically designed to have an undershot bite to
get a good grip and hold, as well as pocess powerful shredding abilites.
The jaw itself had prominently developed cheek muscles giving the mouth strength like a vice grip, to be able to
withstand harsh rebutle while latched onto its prey.
Wrinkles worked to form channels for blood to run through and away from
the dogs eyes and nostrils, this enabled the dog to be more efficient
in his onslaught without
obstruction.
The nose was set back into the skull to enable the dog to breathe while latched onto a thick piece of hide.
Jowels, flews and loose skin around the mouth, throat and neck helped
to protect sensitive areas on the dog, It also aided to block the
airway of the beast should the dog latch onto the beasts nose.The smaller narrower rear end was designed to withstand harsh punishment from being whipped and thrown around without getting spinal injuries.
Short thick legs with well knuckled feet allowed for fast quick strikes from a crouched position, enabling the dog to manuever in stealth like positions to be able to creep up to attack.
A large barrel body and girth in rib with a thickly muscled neck and shoulder protected the dog from when being thrown down and stomped upon by an infuriated bull or bear.
The dogs temperment and character was tenascious, unwavering courageousness, fearless and vicious yet loyal to his master who he served steadfastly for.
In the sport of BullBaiting, one or more dogs were set upon a staked bull, the purpose to "worry" the beast and to grab hold of the beast weakening its resistance until it faltered, rendering it baited.
A bulldog bred well would naturally make for the bovines nose and latch without letting go, this was termed "pinning the hull".
Bear Baiting
In the sport of Bear Baiting one or more bulldogs were set upon a staked bear.
Though this sport was mainly based on entertainment purposes, some bulldogs were used for hunting bear as well as protecting man.
Bulldogs used for Hunting & Protection
Bulldogs were also used for hunting wild boar as this was one of the main staples of food during the ages.
Bulldogs were also used for protection against other carnivorous wild animals.
Bulldogs Use IN War
Dogs used in battle is as old as war itself.
"Let slip the dogs of War" was an age old army command in which troops would let loose their war dogs to set upon their enemies.
Some would be enmored with spikes, blades and light chain body armor, then sent charging into the fray of opposing squadrons, disrupting and throwing enemy ranks to rout.
These rugged hard war dogs were of mastiff molossian decent. They were large in bone mass and weight, being able to topple a full sized man dressed in armor.
Warriors would learn through battling hordes of enemy war dogs the benefits of using the beasts to wreak havoc and confusion, throwing mounted troops into disarray.
Dogs would dash into the feild into horses legs and barreling into foot soldiers, slashing, gouging and biting anything commanded of them.
A Change IN Design
After the banning of the bloodsports in 1835, bulldog numbers
drastically fell and it was threatened to be endangered, however a few
devoted fanciers would preserve the breed and retailor its looks and
demeanor to make a more companionable breed.Body type was manipulated to enhance its reknowned bully looks into the now modern day english bulldog. The Bulldog now stands a historical artifact of its hardy forebearers.
Along with change came health problems associated with the extreme glamortization and exageration in body type.
The dog of Olde was soon changed as it's original
purpose was no longer acceptable, it had pug blood infused to make a less energetic, docile specimine.
This amplification would dramatically alter skull and skeletal shape. The face would be dramatically pushed in severly inhibiting breathing along with excessive wrinkles and large nose "ropes". The whole body would be barreled out with extreme weight on an altered skeletal frame.
purpose was no longer acceptable, it had pug blood infused to make a less energetic, docile specimine. This amplification would dramatically alter skull and skeletal shape. The face would be dramatically pushed in severly inhibiting breathing along with excessive wrinkles and large nose "ropes". The whole body would be barreled out with extreme weight on an altered skeletal frame.
The Re Creation
The purpose of recreating the dog of olde is to resurect a truly healthy virile working bulldog.
A breed recognized as an athlete and warrior in its day & was recognized by its power and courageousness.
A breed exhibiting stamina, grace and enduring loyalty.
The historical pictures within have been generously shared for educational purposes by several antique print companies. We thank them for their support in the preservation of these exquisite pieces of history.
Homestead BullHunde 2009