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Victorian Bulldog

History

This breed is a British attemt to re-create the Bulldog of old, and it is not related to the lines of the American created Olde English Bulldogge, or any other American bred Olde line. The work for bringing back a healtier Bulldog, that was looking more like the type of yesteryear, were started by Ken Mollett and others in the early 1980's. The foundation breeds used was choosen among the British breeds who is close related to the Bulldog of old; the modern English Bulldog, the Staffordshire Bullterrier, the Bullterrier and the Bullmastiff. Like the British pioneer in the breeding of alternative Bulldogs, Mr. Clifford Derwent, Mr. Ken Mollett and the other breeders of the Victorian Bulldog had to withstand much critique from breeders and fanciers of the modern English Bulldog, as well as other persons involved in dogs and dogclubs. This critique still continues, but as alternative Bulldog breeders already know, the work for bringing the world healtier Bulldogs are not so easily stopped, especially not by supporters of the short lived, unhealty version of the breed. The breeds used in the re-creation of the Bulldog of old was chosen carefully. The Bullmastiff, made of 40 % old time Bulldog, had the mass and longer legs needed. The Staffie, containing about 50 % old time Bulldog blood, was used for its fitness.
The goal of Mr. Mollett was to produce an agile and healtier Bulldog, looking like the Bulldog of the Victorian era. Only the healthiest dogs, and those of sound temperament, was used in the breeding. After many years the goal was achieved and a sound Bulldog that bred true to type was produced.

General appearance A medium size, smooth-coated dog with a solid but active countenance.
Large headed and thick boned, only to the point that it does not impede vigor.
Broad muzzled and short faced, but not so excessive as to interfere with breathing.
Hindquarters somewhat higher and not as heavy as foreparts, but not so as to destroy the symmetry of a muscular athlete.

Temperament Although fierce and formidable in appearence, the dog must possess a steady, loyal and dependable nature, being bold without aggression, with a proud air of 'nothing to prove'.

Head The head should be large but not exaggerated out of proportion to the body.
Cheeks rounded and extended sideways beyond the eyes. Face measured from front of cheek-bone to tip of nose, long enough for unhindered breathing.
Muzzle broad and turning up. Undershot but not to excess. Nostrils large and wide, black preferred but dudley acceptable.
Flews broad and hanging over lower jaw at sides.
Teeth canines large and wide apart, with ideally six smaller teeth between a square bite (not wry).
Eyes from the front, set low and wide apart. Neither bulging or sunken and on no account should the haw be visable.
Ears no prefference to rose or button. On no account erect or cropped.

Body Shoulders broad and deep.
Rounded ribs with a wide chest narrowing towards the loins without exaggeration.
The belly should be well tucked up and on no account rotund.
A roach back is desired as long as it is not carried to excess or makes the dog look deformed.
Forelegs muscular, straight and wide apart, not bandy or curved.
Elbows away from ribs.
Pasterns straight and strong. Hindlegs strong and muscular. Hocks slightly bent. Feet round and compact.

Neck Thick, strong and arched, with loose skin forming dewlap on each side.

Tail * Either straight, turning down, or screwed. Not carried above back or docked.

Coat * Short.

Colour * In order of preference: Red brindle. All other brindles. Solid white or pied. Solid red. Fawn or fallow. On no account black or black and tan.

**Size Males *17-19 inches (43,1-48,2 cm.), 65-75 pounds (29,5-34 kg.)**

**Females * 16-19 inches (40,6-48,2 cm.), 55-65 pounds (24,9-29,5 kg.)**

Faults Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

Note Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.