English Bulldogs Photos

English Bulldogs Photos - Introduction

Picture source: Dogomania © 1998 m4d net

English Bulldogs Photos - History

This scene pleased the Earl to such an extent that he agreed to give his patch of land for a common to the butchers of the town. The gift was on the condition that they should bring a mad bull in for a match 6 weeks before Christmas. This was the beginning of the history of bull-baiting contests, which was destined to live for centuries.

Bull baiting competitions were held on special arenas, surrounded with kennels and banisters, providing protection of the audience. Dogs were set upon a tethered bull and they were supposed to kill it. A Bulldog could seize the bull by the nose with its hard and firm jaws and bring it down to the ground. This could render the bull completely innocuous and exposed to attacks by other dogs. Also, Bulldogs were set upon other large animals, such as lions and bears. Bull-baiting was prohibited in 1835.

As the tradition developed, the dog's appearance and body changed too. Breeders reproduced the dog and made it less vulnerable to injuries and more ferocious and sturdy. Eventually the dog featured a distinctively broad head and clasping undershot jaws, which closed in a death grip and would not let go. Early English Bulldogs were larger than their modern descendants were.