| Appearance: The Old English Bulldog was extremely compact, broad and muscular as reflected in the well-known depiction "Crib and Rosa." The average height was approximately 16 inches and they weighed about 45 pounds. A particular characteristic of the breed was the lower jaw that projected considerably in front of the upper jaw, which made possible a strong, vice-like grip. The nose was deeply set, which allowed the dog to get enough air as it gripped the bull.
History: The English blood sport of bull-baiting allowed for a specialized breed in the form of the Old English Bulldog. The main locations in London for these exhibitions were Westminster Pit, Bear Garden and Old Conduit Fields.
Breeding: Historians are fairly confident that the Old English Bulldog is derived from ancient war dogs, such as, the old Mastiff or Alaunt. Others believe that the true origin of the breed is not entirely clear. Depictions in old prints show that the variety was without doubt a small Mastiff, with a comparatively long head.
The word 'Mastiff' was eventually dropped when describing these smaller Mastiffs, as the Mastiff proper was found too slow for bull-baiting. Eventually, the Greyhound was crossed into the breed increasing the mastiff's speed, without losing the breed's ferocity. This step reduced the Old English Bulldog's size and weight, with the Greyhounds features seen in specimens of that time.
Description: Two other recognized members of the breed 'Crib and Rosa' can be seen in a painting of
that period, with Rosa being considered to represent perfection in the shape, make, and size of the ideal type of Old English Bulldog; however, being deficient in wrinkles about the head and neck and in substance of bone in the limbs.
Decline: In England, the passage of the Humane Act of 1835 caused a decline of bull-baiting and dog fighting leading to a lack of interest in perpetuating the Old English Bulldog. Three dogs from the Duke of Hamilton's strain of Old English Bulldog, 'Wasp, Child, and Billy,' were famously depicted in a painting and recognized as some of the last known members of the breed before they became extinct.
Despite the laws making dog fighting illegal the activity continued for many years. Breeders determined a cross between the Old English Bulldog and Terrier created a superior fighting dog with increased quickness and dexterity. This new breed of dog called the Bull and Terrier and precursor to the Bull Terrier and Pit Bull Terrier accelerated the extinction of the Old English Bulldog.
Reincarnations: Several breeders are attempting to recreate this extinct breed with some success. However, it should be noted that these recreations are not the Old English Bulldog, as the genetics from this breed are extinct.
Wilkinson Bulldog: Lolly Wilkinson of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, has been breeding a strain of Bulldog referred to as the Wilkinson Bulldog, for many years that is similar to the Old English Bulldog. Due to the small number of bulldogs and the potential for inbreeding it is of questionable quality; however, the Wilkinsons claim that it is a healthy breed and suffers few genetic diseases. In addition, the breed is not recognized by any major kennels. Whether this breed will gain worldwide popularity and more people accept that this is the real Bulldog, remains to be seen.
Olde English Bulldogge: The contemporary recreation of the breed is called the Olde English Bulldogge. A well-researched line-breeding program, with the aim of recreating the Old English Bulldog, was started in the 1970s. This modern day version with its similar physical abilities does not include the violent temperament of the Old English Bulldog. This recreation was done by inter breeding the healthiest bulldogs, Bullmastiffs and
Pitbulls.
Others: There are several other recreations but none have become popular, including but not limited too, Dorset Thyme Bulldog, Renaissance Bulldog, Victorian Bulldog and Winston Olde English
Bulldogge.
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