The Bulldog. 229 



the body of the dog, it will be found relatively above the average . . . 

 the mental qualities of the bulldog may be highly cultivated, and in 

 brute courage and unyielding tenacity of purpose he stands unrivalled 

 amongst quadrupeds. . . . From confinement to their kennels they are 

 often deficient in intelligence . . . but when differently treated the bull- 

 dog is a very different animal, the brutal nature which he often displays 

 being mainly attributable to the savage human beings with whom he 

 associates. . . . Yet I contend that this is not natural to him any more 

 than stupidity or want of affection which may readily be proved to be 

 the reverse of his character if anyone will take the trouble to treat him 

 in a proper manner. . . . The bulldog has been described as stupidly 

 ferocious, &c., but this is untrue, he being an excellent watch and as a 

 guard unequalled . . . far from quarrelsome. ... If once the pure 

 breed is allowed to drop, the best means of infusing fresh courage into 

 degenerate breeds will be finally lost ... for I believe that every kind 

 of dog possessed of very high courage owes it to a cross with the bull- 

 dog. ... I am sure my brother sportsmen will see the bad taste of 

 running down a dog which with all its faults is not only the most 

 courageous dog, but the most courageous animal in the world." I 

 think this alone is sufficient testimony in the bulldog's favour, and 

 fully endorse the words of the poet Smart : 



Well ! of all dogs, it stands confessed, 

 Your English bulldogs are the best ! 

 I say it and will set my hand to it ; 

 Cambden records it, and I'll stand to it. 



The outline of Rosa, in the well-known print of " Crib and Rosa," is 

 considered to represent perfection in the shape, make, and size of the 

 ideal type of the bulldog. The only exception that has ever been taken 

 is, that it has been alleged to be deficient in wrinkles about the head 

 and neck, and also in substance of bone in the limbs. This, however, 

 does not alter the fact of its being a correct representation of the true 

 type of the old-fashioned bulldog. Some allowance should be made for 

 her sex never as grand and well developed as dogs and her position in 

 the drawing. 



We are indebted to Mr. T. W. Wood for the faithful portrait of Capt, 

 Holdsworth's Sir Anthony, one of the best bulldogs of his day. He 

 took first prize in the open class at the Crystal Palace, 1874. He was by 

 Crib eat Meg, Crib by Duke II. ex Rush, by King George ex Blossom ; 



