Description

The Victorian Bulldog is large headed and thick boned, only to the point that it does not impede vigor. It is broad muzzled and short faced, but not so excessive as to interfere with breathing. The hindquarters are somewhat higher and not as heavy as foreparts, but not so as to destroy the symmetry of a muscular athlete. The head should be large but not exaggerated out of proportion to the body. The cheeks are rounded and extended sideways beyond the eyes. The face is measured from the front of the cheek-bone to the tip of the nose, long enough for unhindered breathing. The muzzle is broad and turning up, undershot but not to excess. The nostrils are large and wide, black is preferred but dudley acceptable. The flews are broad and hanging over the lower jaw at the sides. The canine teeth are large and wide apart. The eyes from the front are set low and wide apart, never bulging or sunken and never with the haw be visible. The ears are either rose or button and are never erect or cropped. The neck is thick, strong and arched, with loose skin forming dewlap on each side. The shoulders are broad and deep. The Victorian Bulldog has rounded ribs with a wide chest narrowing towards the loins without exaggeration. The forelegs are muscular, straight and wide apart, not bandy or curved. The hindlegs are strong and muscular. The hocks are slightly bent. The feet are round and compact and either straight, turning down, or screwed. The coat is smooth and short. Colors include all brindles, solid white or pied, solid red, fawn or fallow. Black or black and tan is not acceptable.

Origin

In London in 1985 a breeding program began, led by Mr. Ken Mollett. Mr. Mollett was saddened to see so many unhealthy bulldogs and wanted to bring back the original, taller, healthier bulldog of the 1800's. With the passing of the years, Graham Woods and Ken Mollett's brother Derek, both early partners in the program, gave up or sought other goals, but Ken persisted. Using only bull-breeds registered with the Kennel Club of Great Britain and anchoring his program firmly on the modern Mollett selected carefully and every animal used was the best available. In the late 1980's the dog's being produced and bred by Derreck Mollett and Steve Barnett were utilized and used, by Ken Mollet as the direct foundation dogs to his Victorian Bulldogs. Working to old photographs, statues, written descriptions and engravings, he set out to remake the dog pictured in Victorian times. He called this dog the Victorian Bulldog. Today the type is fixed and the dogs are breeding regularly to that type. Ken Mollett insists, however, that since the health of his dogs is more important than their looks, the standard should not be viewed as a straight jacket. Similar to what happened in the USA to the Olde English Bulldogge of Mr. David Leavitt, where breeders of alternative strains bred Bulldog types together and wrongly used the name Olde English Bulldogge for its popularity, so can be seen with Mollets Victorian Bulldog. Mr. Mollett named his strains Victorian Bulldogs. As the Victorian Bulldog became popular, other breeders started to create their own strain of Bulldogs and called their dogs Victorian Bulldogs when the dogs were not related to Mollets strains at all. Some Bulldogs using the name Victorian Bulldogs are just first or second generation crosses. Only Victorian Bulldogs registered with the Victorian Bulldog Society (VBS) of Great Britain or the Victorian Bulldog Foundation (VBF) must be regarded as true Victorian Bulldogs, and if you buy a puppy from parents not registered at the VBS or VBF you will not get a true Victorian Bulldog. Dogs called Victorian Bulldogs which are not register with the VBS or VBF, are not necessarily "Bad" dogs, but they are simply not the true Victorian Bulldog of Mr. Mollett.

Temperament

Victorian Bulldogs are very loyal and absolutely reliable. Although its appearance can be somewhat intimidating, it is among the gentlest of dogs. Just the same it will see off any intruder. It is described as a very affectionate and dependable animal, gentle with children, but known for its courage and its excellent guarding abilities. Victorian Bulldogs are very much a peoples dog seeking out human attention and loving every bit it can get!! Human attention is required for the breed's happiness. They are nice to all people. This breed is good with family pets, but they can be scrappy with strange dogs. Some snore very loudly, and some have drool and slobber tendencies.

Height

Height: Dogs: 17-19 inches (43-48 cm.), Bitches: 16-19 inches (41-48

Weight

Weight: Dogs 70-75 pounds (32-34 kg.) Bitches 55-65 pounds (25-30 kg.)

Known Health Problems

The Victorian Bulldog has no inherited health defects.

Conditions for Living

The Victorian Bulldog is good for apartment life. They are inactive indoors and should at least have a small yard. This breed is an indoor dog. Victorian Bulldogs do best in temperate climates as the breed can chill easily in cold weather and have trouble cooling off in very hot weather.

Exercise Requirments

The Victorian Bulldog can walk for miles, in fact they demand good exercise and would love a good run. They need to be taken on a

Life Expectancy

-

Grooming

The smooth, fine, short-haired coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary. Wipe the face with a damp cloth every day to clean inside the wrinkles. This breed is an average shedder.

Group

Mastiff