From Bull baiting to Companionship
Image: Pixabay
The English Bulldog we know and love
Ever wonder where your sweet bulldog, curled up on your couch, blissfully letting loose those (in)famous bulldog farts, originated from? Ever wonder why they have their wrinkles in the first place?
Looking at the English Bulldog today, the answer may surprise you a little. The Olde English Bulldogge originated in England, as their name suggests, between the 1600’s and 1700’s. These were the early ancestors of many of the bull breeds we know today, including the English bulldog and the American Bulldog. However, their purpose back then was very different from their purpose today.
Back then these breeds were bred for blood sport like Bull baiting which became quite popular in the 18th century, though it’s unknown exactly how bull baiting started, the first reported bull baiting event took place in 1209 at Stamford during the reign of King John. This so-called sport primarily consisted of tying a bull to an iron stake so that it could move only within a radius of about 30 feet. Before the event started the bull’s nose would be blown full of pepper to enrage it. Then the dogs would attack the bull, fastening their teeth strongly on the bull’s snout.
These dogs required great agility and courage. Their wrinkles would serve as a form of protection against the horns of the bull. While the skin would be pierced it would protect the important veins in the neck.
These events could last for quite some time as the dogs relentlessly fought to bring down the bull, who would put up the fight of his life. The baiting was bloody and cruel.
Image: Pixabay
In 1835 laws were passed in England that prohibited bull baiting due to animal cruelty, and the sport slowly started dying out, and with it the main purpose of existence for the Olde English Bulldogge vanished. Within a decade the number of Bulldogs declined drastically. Fanciers of the breed then decided to “reconstruct” the breed, toning down the aggressive temperament of the original.
Olde English Bulldogge by breeding them with other dog breeds, over time resulting in the modern English Bulldog we know today.
Unfortunately, our beloved modern bulldog is now plagued by a number of genetic and aesthetic health problems.
But how much have they actually changed?
The breed has become much stockier. Their noses are much flatter, their chests are wider, they have a lot more rolls and loose skin, their legs are shorter – all in all, they have become compact. And while this is the very reason so many of us go “awe”, it is also the very reason they struggle so much with their health.
Image: Pixabay
Today they are a far cry from their athletic, aggressive ancestors and while there are breeders who are trying to move back to the Olde English Bulldog look and build to better the health of our beloved breed, there are also those who aim to make them even smaller and more compact. They are a man-made breed – one we have failed, one that is our responsibility to improve.
Their suffering isn’t worth the public’s aesthetic preference. They too deserve to breathe the way every long snouted dog breathes – freely.
Source: English & French Bulldog Rescue SA
——————————————————————————————
Disclaimer: The information produced by Infurmation is provided for general and educational purposes only and does not constitute any legal, medical or other professional advice on any subject matter. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always seek the advice of your vet or other qualified health care provider prior to starting any new diet or treatment and with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you suspect that your pet has a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider.
