Dickerson Bulldog

1. Auflage 2011
ISBN: 978-1-59378-844-5
Verlag: CompanionHouse Books
Format: EPUB
Kopierschutz: Adobe DRM (»Systemvoraussetzungen)

E-Book, Englisch, 160 Seiten

Reihe: Comprehensive Owner's Guide

One of the world's most recognizable mugs graces the face of the Bulldog! Although the Bulldog's ancestors were fierce and formidable fighting bullies, today's breed is a docile, mild-mannered companion dog categorized in the AKC's Non-Sporting Group. Author Michael Dickerson traces the evolution of today's Bulldog, from the bloody baiting arenas of the nineteenth century to the show rings and living rooms of the twenty-first. The chapter devoted to the characteristics of the breed gives potential owners an excellent summary of the breed's qualities to help them determine whether this unique purebred dog is right for their home and lifestyle.New owners will welcome the well-prepared chapter on finding a reputable breeder and selecting a healthy, sound puppy. Chapters on puppy-proofing the home and yard, purchasing the right supplies for the puppy as well as house-training, feeding, and grooming are illustrated with photographs of handsome adults and puppies. In all, there are over 135 full-color photographs in this useful and reliable volume. The author's advice on obedience training will help the reader better mold and train into the most well-mannered dog in the neighborhood. The extensive and lavishly illustrated chapter on healthcare provides up-to-date detailed information on selecting a qualified veterinarian, vaccinations, preventing and dealing with parasites, infectious diseases, and more. Sidebars throughout the text offer helpful hints, covering topics as diverse as historical dogs, breeders, or kennels, toxic plants, first aid, crate training, carsickness, fussy eaters, and parasite control. Fully indexed.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Dickerson, Michael

Leseproben

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 killed or severely injured during a fight. Spectators often wagered on this tasteless event.

The early Bulldog was bred to be a fierce and aggressive animal with enormous strength and courage. Beauty and conformation were of little importance to the Bulldog breeders of this early era. The breed’s temperament of yesteryear was a far cry from the loving, loyal companion that’s now cherished by fanciers worldwide.

BULL-BAITING

Despite its savage characteristics, bull-baiting was a widely accepted social activity in England during the 18th and 19th centuries. The sport required the breed to be much more mobile and agile than a majority of the dogs seen today. The sport dictated form and function of the dogs, and that has ultimately helped it to develop into what it is at the present time.

An etching by E. C. Ash illustrating bull-baiting, a “sport” wherein dogs were used to hold a charging bull by its nose. Bulldogs, with short faces and undershot jaws, were the best suited to perform in this sport.

A LEGENDARY, DIVERSIFIED FIGHTING DOG

It wasn’t until 1778 that an outcry against the barbaric nature of bull-baiting was finally acknowledged and acted upon by the Duke of Devonshire in Staffordshire, who officially abolished the harrowing sport. Unfortunately, this was not the end of the Bulldog’s use as a fighting machine. Although bulls were no longer used, the fighting continued with rats, lions, monkeys, bears, other Bulldogs and any other animal the English people could get their hands on. It wasn’t long before dog-fighting and bear-baiting had taken the place of bull-baiting. In fact, these “sports” became just as popular—if not more so. Bear-baiting quickly developed into one of the most widespread baiting sports. Eventually, because of the high cost associated with importing bears, the sport gradually came to a halt in the 18th century.

Eng. Ch. Hefty Master Grumpy, owned by Mr. George Creswell, and considered to be the ideal dog of the day (circa 1915), was unfortunately suffocated in his kennel owing to mail bags being inadvertently thrown over him. His death was considered a great loss to the fancy.

After bull-baiting and bear-baiting came to an end, many believed that the breed as a whole would disappear. Fortunately, there were many individuals who were still interested in keeping the breed alive and were concerned with transforming it into a worthy pure-bred dog. These dedicated breeders set their sights on developing a breed that would be suitable for the family environment, as opposed to one that was a combative fighting dog. It wasn’t too long before breeders switched from breeding for fighting and combat to breeding for showing and exhibiting.

Born in 1893, these two great Bulldogs, Boomerang and Katerfelto, belonged to Mrs. L. Crabtree. Their sire was King Orry, and they represented a famous strain noted for their size, long skulls, good turn up of underjaw and excellent layback. This lovely painting was made especially for the wonderful Hutchinson’s Popular and Illustrated Dog Encyclopaedia by F. T. Daws.

BULL -RUNNING

It wasn’t long before bull-running became almost as popular as bullbaiting. The scenario included a bull being set loose, and a pack of ravaging Bulldogs that would follow and chase. The sport developed in the town of Stamford, and it attracted large enthusiastic crowds that gathered to watch and wager on the event. Its popularity increased throughout England and spread to several other towns including Tutbury and Tetbury.

By the late 18th and early 19th centuries, early breed specimens were of poor quality compared to today’s standards. Many fighting-dog qualities were still evident in their physical appearance. They had small skulls, long noses and no wrinkle covering their head. They were extremely crippled, and for the most part considered very unhealthy.

Don Brae and Smasher (1876). Don Brae was considered to be the best Bulldog under 40 pounds and was the property of Capt. Holdworth. Smasher was 20 inches round the neck and weighed 43 pounds.

FROM FIGHTING DOG TO SHOW DOG AND FAMILY COMPANION

It wasn’t until the official Bulldog Club was formed in England that these poor physical qualities began to be worked out by concerned breeders and fanciers. Long before the English Kennel Club was founded, the Bulldog Club was the first group to attempt to standardize the breed, and the first to hold a conformation show for them in 1859. Jacob the show ring had splayed feet and bowed legs. To make matters worse, show judging was equally poor and did not in any way help with the breed’s physical development. Even today, the Bulldog is considered a very difficult dog to judge correctly in the show ring, and years of dedicated experience are required to do it properly. Lamphier is credited with drawing up the first “official” standard of Bulldogs in 1864, but it wasn’t until 1879 that it made it to print. The first real standard was the Philo Kuon, which was adopted in 1865 in London. Many of the first dogs that appeared in

The famed magazine Punch published this caricature in 1846. The caption read “Mr. Punch visits a very remarkable place. Mr. Punch’s visit to Bill George at Canine Castle.”

From the mid-1930s, these four Bulldogs were all prize winners. Top left is Mr. George Roscoe’s My Lord Bill, top right is Mrs. Edward’s bitch Eng. Ch. Mountain Queen, lower left is Mr. Barnard’s Eng. Ch. Keysoe Golden Sovereign and lower right is Sir Tristram.

From the 1930s, Lady Vansittart, wife of Sir Robert Vansittart, KCB, CMG, MVO, a great lover of animals, seen here at Denham Place, Bucks, with her Bulldog.

Eng. Ch. Novo Nivo, one of...