English Bulldogs - Pictures

English Bulldogs - Pictures - History

Picture source: Baby the Bulldog © 1998-2004 Dan Atcheson, Baby the Bulldog

Later bull-baiting became a very popular entertainment.An acceptance is that in 1209, William Warren, the Lord of the town of Stamford, initiated this tradition. One day he was standing on the wall of his castle and watching a bull-fight, which was taking place on the meadow in front of the castle. Suddenly a bunch of butcher dogs appeared, and one of the bulls ran across the town, trying to run away from the raging dogs. The scene fascinated the Earl to such an extent that he gave the lawn as a common to local butchers, so that they could hold this show on a regular basis.

These shows took place in specially prepared arenas. Usually a bull was tethered to a stake in the middle of the arena, and Bulldogs were set on it. This was a very cruel scene. Dogs could seize a bull by its fleshy nose with their powerful clasping jaws and pin it to the ground. In this condition, a bull became helpless and exposed to attacks by the rest of the dogs. Many dogs were killed or mutilated in such shows.

In 1835, bull-baiting was outlawed, and the breed lost its original purpose. The dog fell into disinterest and neglect, and was on the brink of disappearance. Fortunately, a group of devoted dog-fanciers came upon the earth to save the breed from utter degeneration. They worked towards preserving the dog's appearance and exterminating viciousness and excessive aggression. Modern English Bulldogs are the products of their long-term work and unswerving love and devotion to their mission.