44-509: British Bulldog may refer to: British Bulldog, an alternative name for the Bulldog British Bulldog revolver , a type of revolver popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries British Bulldog (game) , a tag-based playground and sporting game The British Bulldogs , a professional wrestling tag-team of two British cousins (Davey Boy Smith and Dynamite Kid) Davey Boy Smith ,
88-450: A bear was baited , and likewise, a wild, fierce bull, before they were brought by vaqueros to an arena in a small amphitheatre in Monterey, California , to fight each other. He called the fight "a favorite, though barbarous sport." In this case, he said that the bear used its sharp claws against the nose of the bull, before catching its tongue, after being repeatedly gored by the bull. Then
132-402: A bull was tied to an iron stake so that it could move within a radius of about 30 feet. The object of the sport was for the dogs to immobilize the bull. Before the event started, the bull's nose was blown full of pepper to enrage it before the baiting. The bull was often placed in a hole in the ground. A variant of bull-baiting was "pinning the bull", where specially-trained dogs would set upon
176-418: A citywide roundup effort led by Governor Richard Nicolls . Because cornering and leading wild bulls was dangerous, Bulldogs were trained to seize a bull by its nose long enough for a rope to be secured around its neck. Bulldogs as pets were continually promoted by dog dealer Bill George . In 1864, a group of Bulldog breeders under R. S. Rockstro founded the first Bulldog Club. Three years after its opening
220-763: A coiled "corkscrew" into a tail pocket. In the United Kingdom, the breed standards are 55 lb (25 kg) for a male and 50 lb (23 kg) for a female. In the United States, the standard calls for a smaller dog — a typical mature male weighs 50 lb (23 kg), while mature females weigh about 40 lb (18 kg). According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), a Bulldog's disposition should be "equable and kind, resolute, and courageous (not vicious or aggressive), and demeanour should be pacifist and dignified. These attributes should be countenanced by
264-483: A local hostelry. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, THAT an exceeding good BULL will be baited on Wednesday the 27th day of December 1780, near the DOG and STAR at Alresford, Hants, when and where a dinner will be given gratis to every person that shall produce a good bull-dog; likewise a Silver Collar of twenty-four shillings value, to the owner of the dog that shall pin the bull oftenest and fairest, and seven shillings and sixpence to
308-642: A longstanding association with British culture ; the BBC wrote: "To many the Bulldog is a national icon, symbolising pluck and determination". During the Second World War , the Prime Minister Winston Churchill was likened to a Bulldog for his defiance of Nazi Germany . Bull-baiting Bull-baiting is a blood sport involving pitting a bull against dogs with the aim of attacking and subduing
352-676: A now-extinct breed used for bull-baiting , when the sport was outlawed in England under the Cruelty to Animals Act. The Bulldog Club (in England) was formed in 1878, and the Bulldog Club of America was formed in 1890. While often used as a symbol of ferocity and courage, modern Bulldogs are generally friendly, amiable dogs. Bulldogs are now commonly kept as pets; in 2013, the Bulldog was the 12th most frequently registered breed worldwide. The first reference to
396-474: A pronounced mandibular prognathism . There are generally thick folds of skin on the brow; round, black, wide-set eyes; a short muzzle with characteristic folds called a rope or nose roll above the nose; hanging skin under the neck; drooping lips and pointed teeth, and an underbite with an upturned jaw. The coat is short, flat, and sleek with colours of red, fawn, white, brindle , and piebald . They have short tails that can either hang down straight or be tucked in
440-587: A relatively flat face with a protruding lower jaw. The breed has significant health issues as a consequence of breeding for its distinctive appearance, including brachycephaly , hip dysplasia , heat sensitivity, and skin infections. Due to concerns about their quality of life, breeding Bulldogs is illegal in Norway and the Netherlands. The modern Bulldog was bred as a companion dog from the Old English Bulldog ,
484-562: A riot followed a bull-bait: soldiers fired on the crowd and four were killed. In Wexford , the activity arrived in 1621, brought by the Guild of Butchers. Bulls were baited twice a year and their hides presented to the Mayor. The area where bull-baiting took place is still called the Bullring. In Kilkenny it took place at the site called The Ring, first in 1609, and commonly on the feast-day of John
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#1732844614640528-468: Is also predisposed to atopic dermatitis . A study by the Royal Veterinary College found that Bulldogs are a much less healthy breed than average, with over twice the odds of being diagnosed with at least one of the common dog disorders investigated in the study. Over 80% of Bulldog litters are delivered by Caesarean section because their characteristically large heads can become lodged in
572-461: Is different from Wikidata All article disambiguation pages All disambiguation pages Bulldog The Bulldog is a British breed of dog of mastiff type. It may also be known as the English Bulldog or British Bulldog . It is a medium-sized, muscular dog of around 40–55 lb (18–25 kg). They have large heads with thick folds of skin around the face and shoulders and
616-491: Is the oldest mono-breed dog kennel club in the world. The Bulldog was officially recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1886. In 1894, the two top Bulldogs, King Orry and Dock Leaf, competed in a contest to see which dog could walk 20 miles (32 km). King Orry was reminiscent of the original Bulldogs, lighter-boned and very athletic. Dock Leaf was a smaller and heavier set, more like modern Bulldogs. King Orry
660-596: Is to be let three Times at the first Bull, four Times at the second, and only one Dog run at a Time. The Owner of each Dog that runs, pays One Shilling for Entrance. Proper Judges will be appointed before running to determine who may be the Winner, A good Ordinary at the King's Inn, between the Times of Baiting the Bulls. Bull baiting advertised in 1780 appears to indicate that it was organized by
704-534: The Dutch Kennel Club implemented some breeding rules to improve the health of the Bulldog. Among these is a fitness test where the dog has to walk 1 km (0.62 miles) in 12 minutes. Its temperature and heart rate have to recover after 15 minutes. In 2014, the Dutch government forbade the breeding of dogs with a snout shorter than a third of the skull, including Bulldogs, a law that it began enforcing in 2019. In 2022,
748-496: The Oslo District Court made a ruling that banned the breeding of Bulldogs in Norway due to their propensity for developing health problems. In its verdict the court judged that no dog of this breed could be considered healthy, therefore using them for breeding would be a violation of Norway's Animal Welfare Act. Bulldogs are often associated with determination, strength, and courage due to their historical occupation, though
792-645: The BBC documentary Pedigree Dogs Exposed , The Kennel Club introduced revised breed standards for the British Bulldog, along with 209 other breeds, to address health concerns. Opposed by the British Bulldog Breed Council, it was speculated by the press that the changes would lead to a smaller head, fewer skin folds, a longer muzzle, and a taller thinner posture, to combat problems with respiration and breeding due to head size and width of shoulders. In 2019
836-564: The Baptist (December 27). The last recorded bull-bait was in 1837, after they had become illegal under an 1835 Act. Bull-baiting also took place in Waterford , Naas , Drogheda , Tuam , Carrickfergus , Belfast and Athlone . In the 19th century, and during Spanish Colonial Rule , bulls used to be pitted against bears in California and Mexico. Kingsley (1920) said that the bulls that fought
880-638: The Club ceased to exist, not having organized a single show. The main achievement of the Rockstro Bulldog Club was a detailed description of the Bulldog, known as the Philo-Kuan Standard. Samuel Wickens, treasurer of the club, published this description in 1865 under the pseudonym Philo-Kuan. On 4 April 1873, The Kennel Club was founded, the first dog breeding club dealing with the registration of purebred dogs and dog breeds. Bulldogs were included in
924-479: The baiting caused a public nuisance and because of new concerns about animal cruelty. The Bull Baiting at Wokingham was advertised in the newspaper in 1774. BULL BAITING. On Wednesday next, being St. Thomas's Day, Two Bulls will be baited in the Market-Place, Wokingham, which will be run for, a very handsome MOROCCO COLLAR, stitched with Silver, and a Silver Plate for a Label, of a Guinea and Half Value. Each Dog
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#1732844614640968-407: The bear to death with its horns, or toss the bear into the air. Bull-baiting dogs, including Old English Bulldogs , Bullenbeissers , Spanish Bulldogs , Ca de Bous and bull and terriers , were bred to bait animals, mainly bulls and bears. During bull-baiting, the dog would attempt to flatten itself to the ground, creeping as close to the bull as possible, then darting out and attempting to bite
1012-402: The bears, at least while California was part of the United States, were not domesticated Hereford bulls, but Spanish Fighting Bulls , whose weight, agility, speed, sharp horns, and hot temper were said to be dangerous to both bears and humans, and Wistar (1937) said that those bulls were fearless. In a case of the bull winning, victory could come early, when the bull used its strength to gore
1056-473: The breed and its best representatives and developed a new standard for the English Bulldog, which was published on 27 May 1875, the same year they held the first breed show. Since 1878, exhibitions of the club were held annually, except during the Second World War . On 17 May 1894, the Bulldog Club was granted the status of a corporation and since then has carried the official name "The Bulldog Club, Inc.". It
1100-502: The breed, as well as a ferocious and savage temperament. Bull-baiting was made illegal in England by the Cruelty to Animals Act 1835 . Therefore, the Old English Bulldog had outlived its usefulness in England as a sporting animal and its "working" days were numbered. However, emigrants did have a use for such dogs in the New World. In mid-17th century New York, Bulldogs were used as a part of
1144-592: The bull by biting and holding onto its nose or neck, which often resulted in the death of the bull. Crowds in London during the Royal Entry of James VI and I in March 1604 were entertained by bull-baiting. During the time of Queen Anne , bull-baiting was practiced in London at Hockley-in-the-Hole , twice a week – and was also reasonably common in provincial towns, for instance at Birmingham 's Bull Ring . At Tutbury ,
1188-462: The bull in the nose or head area. The bull would often be tethered by a collar and rope, which were staked into the ground. As the dog darted at the bull, the bull would attempt to catch the dog with his head and horns, and throw the dog into the air. In 1835, the Cruelty to Animals Act was passed in Parliament that outlawed "Blood Sport" in the United Kingdom. The bulldog's work was suddenly over and
1232-421: The bull one at a time, a successful attack resulting in the dog fastening his teeth strongly in the bull's snout . The extinct Old English Bulldog was specially bred for this sport. Bull-baiting was not only practiced as a form of recreation; there was a long-held belief that baiting improved the meat quality and tenderness when consumed. By the early nineteenth century, the sport began to die out, both because
1276-456: The bulldog rapidly started dying out. Around 1865, dog fanciers began developing dog clubs which eventually culminated into conformation shows . Many fanciers utilized various remnants of the dog utilized for "Blood Sport" to resurrect the "Bull" dog and ultimately developed today's modern English bulldog. Washington Irving , in his 1837 book, The Adventures of Captain Bonneville , wrote that
1320-460: The expression and behaviour". Bulldogs are known for getting along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. A 2022 study in the UK of veterinary data found a life expectancy of 7.39 years, the second lowest of all breeds in the study. A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 9.8 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds . A 2004 UK survey found
1364-663: The first volume of the Kennel Club Stud Book, which was presented at the Birmingham Show on 1 December 1874. The first English Bulldog entered into the register was a male dog named Adam, born in 1864. In March 1875, the third Bulldog Club was founded, which still exists today. Members of this club met frequently at the Blue Post pub on Oxford Street in London . The founders of the club collected all available information about
British Bulldog - Misplaced Pages Continue
1408-546: The highest amongst all breeds. Similarly, the breed has the worst score in the British Veterinary Association/Kennel Club Hip Dysplasia scoring scheme, although only 22 Bulldogs were tested in the scheme. A study in England found the Bulldog to have a nearly three times greater risk of patellar luxation , with 2.9% of all Bulldogs having the condition. In a 1963 UK study, 17% of Bulldogs surveyed had skin fold dermatitis . The breed
1452-482: The latter caused due to an inability to effectively reduce body temperature via panting. Many airlines ban the breed from flying in the cargo hold due to a high rate of deaths from air pressure interacting poorly with their breathing problems. Statistics from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals indicate that of the 467 Bulldogs tested between 1979 and 2009 (30 years), 73.9% were affected by hip dysplasia ,
1496-635: The leading cause of death of Bulldogs to be cardiac-related (20%), cancer (18%), and old age (9%). The shortened snout and pushed in face of the Bulldog is known as brachycephaly . Brachycephaly results in deformation of the upper airway tract and leads to obstruction of breathing. Effects of brachycephaly are stridor , stertorous breathing, emesis , skin fold dermatitis , brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome , exophthalmos , pharyngeal gag reflex , cyanosis , and laryngeal collapse. Other issues arising from brachycephaly are risk of complications whilst under anaesthesia, and hyperthermia — with
1540-588: The modern-day dog is bred for appearance and friendliness and not suited for significant physical exertion. They are often used as mascots by universities, sports teams, and other organizations. Some of the better-known Bulldog mascots include Georgetown's Jack , Butler's Blue IV , Yale's Handsome Dan , the University of Georgia's Uga , Mississippi State's Bully , and the United States Marine Corps' Chesty . The Bulldog originated in England and has
1584-459: The mother's birth canal and to avoid potential breathing problems for the mother during labour. A British study found demodicosis to be more prevalent in the Bulldog than other breeds. The overall prevalence was 1.5% in the breed compared to the 0.17% rate for all dogs. For dogs aged under 2 years, the prevalence was 3.6% compared to 0.48%. The Bulldog is one of the two most commonly affected breeds for hiatal hernia . In January 2009, after
1628-453: The owner of the second best dog. But if none shall pin him, seven and sixpence will be given to the owner of the best, and five shillings to the owner of the second dog. N.B. No dog will be allowed to run unless produced at the place before ten o'clock in the forenoon. A Bill for the suppression of the practice was introduced into the House of Commons in 1800 by Sir William Pulteney . The Bill
1672-413: The professional wrestler known in singles competition as "The British Bulldog" Davey Boy Smith Jr. , professional wrestler and son of Davey Boy Smith, also performs under "The British Bulldog" moniker The Great Britain men's national Australian rules football team , nicknamed the "British Bulldogs" See also [ edit ] Old English Bulldog , an extinct breed Topics referred to by
1716-427: The same term [REDACTED] This disambiguation page lists articles associated with the title British Bulldog . If an internal link led you here, you may wish to change the link to point directly to the intended article. Retrieved from " https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=British_Bulldog&oldid=1160307150 " Category : Disambiguation pages Hidden categories: Short description
1760-448: The sport of bull-baiting . This entailed the setting of dogs (after placing wagers on each dog) onto a tethered bull. The dog that grabbed the bull by the nose and pinned it to the ground would be the victor. It was common for a bull to maim or kill several dogs at such an event, either by goring, tossing, or trampling over them. Over the centuries, dogs used for bull-baiting developed the stocky bodies and massive heads and jaws that typify
1804-404: The word "Bulldog" is dated 1631 or 1632 in a letter by a man named Preswick Eaton where he writes: "procuer mee two good Bulldogs, and let them be sent by ye first shipp". In 1666, English scientist Christopher Merret applied: "Canis pugnax, a Butchers Bull or Bear Dog ", as an entry in his Pinax Rerum Naturalium Britannicarum . The designation "bull" was applied because of the dog's use in
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1848-408: Was declared the winner that year, finishing the 20-mile (32 km) walk while Dock Leaf collapsed and expired. Though today Bulldogs look tough, they cannot perform the job they were originally bred for, as they cannot withstand the rigours of running after and being thrown by a bull, and also cannot grip with such a short muzzle. Bulldogs have characteristically wide heads and shoulders along with
1892-456: Was defeated by a one-vote margin. A second Bill was introduced in 1802 by John Dent , but was defeated by thirteen votes. Bull baiting was still taking place, a newspaper reported in 1818 that a bull being taken from the stake to a stable had killed a man at Bilston Wake. Bulls were excluded from the protections afforded to other cattle in the Cruel Treatment of Cattle Act 1822 . Bull-baiting
1936-573: Was not finally outlawed until parliament passed the Cruelty to Animals Act of 1835 , which forbade the keeping of any house, pit, or other places for baiting or fighting any bull, bear, dog, or other animals. Bull-baiting ( Irish : tarbh-ghríosú ) was widespread in Ireland in the 17th–19th centuries. In Dublin , bull-baiting took place near the Cornmarket and in Smithfield . On St Stephen's Day 1789,
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