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THE BRITISH BULLDOG
The one animal which has been accepted as a symbol, and the character of a nation, is the Bulldog of Britain. He is recognised throughout the world as something peculiarly British.
Originally bred down from the Mastiff, the Bulldog was produced for the so-called "sport" of bull baiting, which was a regular scene in Britain prior to 1835, when thankfully, it became illegal.
Today's Bulldog is a different dog, both in nature and appearance.
"The general appearance of the Bulldog is that of a smooth coated, thick-set dog, rather low in stature, but broad, powerful and compact. The head strikingly massive and large in proportion to the dog's size. The face extremely short. The muzzle very broad, blunt, and inclined upwards. The body short and well-knit; the limbs stout and muscular. The hindquarters high and strong but rather lightly made in comparison with its heavily made fore parts. The dog should convey an impression of determination, strength, and activity, similar to that suggested by the appearance of a thickset Ayrshire Bull."
So states part of the General Appearance in the official standard by which the British Bulldog should be judged.
As a watchdog his highest practical value lies in the menace of his repellent, personal appearance, and the traditional, but very erroneous, idea of his ferocity. Marauders fight shy of a place where a bulldog is on guard.
As a matter of fact, he is as gentle as a lamb, and most difficult to irritate into anger; there is not a more trusty and affectionate companion for children or adults, than a bulldog.
He is, however, not for everyone. Being a true connoisseur's dog, he needs more consideration and attention during the hot weather our country provides, than the longer nosed breeds of dogs. A combination of heat and undue agitation may often prove fatal. Therefore, he should only be accepted as a member of the family of those prepared to accommodate special comforts for him during hot weather
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Links - Australia/NZ
British Bulldog Club of NSW Inc
Secretary Mrs Jean Turton
29a Phyllis St
Mt Pritchard, NSW 2170
Ph: 02-9642-7142
Botanicale
Karslemaine
Domahim British Bulldogs,QLD
Apmor
Fullbren Kennels
Biltoft British |
Links-International |
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