Friday, November 2, 2007

Bull Dogs – The Breed That Lost Its Ferociousness

Believed to be among the most ferocious breeds of the world, the English bull dogs or British bull dogs, or simply the bull dogs have failed to earn the degree of admirations and acceptances as most of the other medium sized friendly breeds such as Cocker Spaniels, English Springer Spaniels, Basaenjis, Gordon Setters and etc have.

On the contrary the English bull dogs have got certain typical traits and uniquely distinguishable characteristics alike all the other molosser dog breeds that have set this breed of dog apart from any other dog breeds of the world. It is due to this reason that the bull dogs have been loved by many members of the canine fancier community around the globe. During the early period the bull dogs were really known for its aggressive temperament due to the fact that they have descended from the aggressive and mollossus dogs. But it is by the virtue of the selective and planned breeding, that our present day’s bull dogs have developed a placid and friendly temperament with a strong will power. The bull dog enthusiasts all over the world are all at one to say that our present bull dog is a breed which is incredibly affectionate and adorable and one of the perfect family dog.

The History Of The English Bull Dogs
The history and the origin of the English bull dogs or simply the bull dogs has always been a heated up topic of debate, subject to the controversies among the naturalists and canine experts. While the one contends that the bull dogs have been developed by the cross breeding of the pug dogs with the large mastiffs, the other group of people concludes that the mastiffs have been developed from the bull dogs. There also another school of thoughts, according to which the bull dogs, alike the mastiffs have descended from the Alaunts – severely powerful and aggressive ancient breed of dogs that had been used by the butchers to attack and bring the fierce oxen and keep them in their shops.

Although there are several ideas, thought and theories regarding the history and origin of the bull dogs, yet a point where almost all the breed historians agree upon is that the bull dogs was once used for guarding and controlling the baiting bulls prior to slaughtering. During those days the baiting of the bull was too commonly found because it was believed that the bull must be baited at the very outset so that the meat of the bull would be tender and nutritious.

It was not until the year 1802 that a bill was passed to cease the tradition of bull baiting, although it took 33 more years to get finally stopped. This had a tremendously ill effect on the bull dog breed. With the declination of the use of the breed, the breeding had been stopped resulting in the gradual declination of the pure breed bull dogs. It is due to the small community of the few numbers of dedicated breeders that we find the breed even today.

The first bulldog club was founded in the year 1864 by a man called R.S. Rockstro. Mr. Rockstro had taken certain very responsible steps and called for 30 Bull dog fanciers to formed the club, although the club failed to run for more than three years. During those three years they had already developed the first breed standard – known as “Philo Kuan Standard”

In the year 1875 the original bull dog club was established at the Blue Post Inn, in London, although it was not until the year 1894 that the bulldog club was incorporated. It was long after this that the UK Kennel Club was conceived.

General Appearance
In simple words the general appearance of the bull dogs suggests awesome stability, unparallel vigor and massive innate strength. The bully appearance is the true criterion of the beauty of the breed. The medium sized stocky breed with sturdy trunks, the saggy lump of skin in the facial region, short lobous muzzles is the breed’s unique feature. The most important point to noted is that the saggy skin in its face tends to create an appealing and attractive impact in the viewers’ mind.

With the average adult height of 12 to 14 inches at the wither, large head and the distinguishably well built muscular body, the bull dogs appear to be quite stout giving an impression of having mind blowing self assurance, innate power and great deal of courage.

Nature
Contrary to the common belief, the bull dogs have quite a placid temperament and quite friendly by nature. It is not at all a vicious breed of dog. they are very playful and also quite stubborn, which makes the breed comparatively hard to train. The bull dogs are by nature vhighly protective and loyal companions of the owners.

Although the breed is very adorable, yet these dogs have got certain traits that its has received from its fighter ancestors. The bull dogs normally do not warn a suspicious person or a stranger dog with growl. He would suddenly engage into a serious fight immediately after giving certain symptoms, such as slight stiffening of the body, intent eye to eye contact and repeated licking out of tongue. Once a bull dog gets involved into a fight it is really tough to release it by hitting as it usually feels no pain whin in a fight. Commands also will prove to be useless, as your yell do not reach its ears. The best advice is to avoid such unwanted situation.

Health Issue
Respiratory problem is one of the major problem that the breed uasually suffers from. Although a very sturdy breed the bull dogs cannot tollerate too much heat and may also suffer from the sudden heat styroke – especially during the summer days in the tropical regions. Some other isses of concern are allergies, hip problem, cherry eyes cataract and caesarean delivery.

Recognition
NZKC and AKC have placed the breed under the non sporting group. FCI has placed the breed under Group 2 Section 2 # 149, while ANKC has placed the breed under Group 7 and CKC under Group 6. KC (UK) has categorised the breed as a Utility breed and UKC as the Companion Breed.
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