THE BULLDOG 389 



the bat shape, the other buttoned ; the nose is too long (or down- 

 faced), and the under-jaw weak and receding (froggy). The eyes 

 show too much of the white, and the face is tight-skinned and with- 

 out wrinkle. 



No dog is more deceptive than the Bulldog. His strong, muscular, 

 heavy-boned frame and sturdy appearance suggest a dog of almost 

 unlimited powers of endurance, and it is hard to realise that he is 

 one of the most delicate of all the canine creation. His poor 

 constitution is entirely due to the inbreeding that has been practised 

 for generations. The purpose of this has been to secure and 

 perpetuate certain desirable points, otherwise impossible to establish 

 permanently. And the points have been secured, but at the cost 

 of a delicate and degenerate constitution. 



There was nothing delicate about the old-fashioned fighting dog 



) 7*>a.t ec.r. 



FIG. 85. HEAD OF BULLDOG, SHOWING UNDESIRABLE POINTS. 



no one cared for his points so long as he was courageous and 

 full of fire and go. In those days the breeder's object was to mate 

 a fighting dog to a fighting bitch, and the result was a progeny 

 remarkable for toughness and hardiness. But nowadays the Bull- 

 dog must be almost as carefully guarded and protected from the 

 weather as the most delicate and pampered Toy. The tub and 

 wisp of straw is no home for him ; a Terrier can live and thrive 

 and bring up families in such a home, but not so the Bulldog. His 

 house must be carefully planned, well made, of stout material able 

 to resist the weather ; he must never be exposed to the dangers 

 arising from damp and insanitary conditions. He must have air 

 without draughts, and sunshine without heat, for heat is his worst 

 enemy, and more fatal to him even than cold and wet. 



Many kennels have been designed and placed on the market, 



