The first Bulldog registered by England’s Kennel Club was “Adam,” while “Bob” was the AKC’s first registered Bulldog. The first Bulldog entered in conformation at a dog show was “Donald,” this occurring in 1880. Eight years later, the breed would have its first champion, “Robinson Crusoe.” All these down-to-earth names belie a breed into which much consideration went when it came to function determining form.

One can choose to ignore the unsavory bit of history behind the Bulldog, namely, its stint as a bull-baitor, but the breed’s physical evolution was shaped by butchers and “sportsmen.” They needed a dog that could breathe while hanging on to a bull’s nose, and this called for a very different shape of head in which an undershot jaw, short face, and laid back muzzle were advantages. Powerful, wide shoulders gave Bulldogs the strength to lunge, as well as a unique center-of-gravity that made the dogs tough to knock over. A tapered rear shifted the bulk of a Bulldog’s weight to its front which made it possible for the dog to swing and sway easily if a Bulldog shook him. An unusual topline prevented injuries to the back, while shorter front legs than the rear put the dog in a couching position that help him attack a bull from the front, but below a bull’s horns. A loose “jacket” protected important organs and veins from punctures, and blood flowing from a bloody bull nose was channeled away from the Bulldog’s nose and eyes via rolls and wrinkles over the dog’s face.

It was an absolutely horrible era that couldn’t end soon enough, but the breed’s courage, determination, devotion, and amiable demeanor was, rightfully so, thought to be worth preserving when a national ban on blood sports of all kinds passed in 1835.

Bulldog by Dottie Dracos
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