204 THE BULLDOG 



in the press, and among the information given at 

 the time, it was mentioned that the dog was pur- 

 chased as a three weeks old puppy for 25. Since 

 that time several Bulldogs have gone to America 

 for 1,000 or more, and other large sums have 

 been paid in this country. " Rodney Stone," whose 

 portrait is given in these pages, was purchased 

 by Mr. Richard Croker's son for $5,000. The 

 sum seems enormous, but " Rodney Stone " was 

 a very exceptional animal, and I have rarely seen 

 a Bulldog that more filled the eye. He not only 

 possessed the desirable points to perfection, but he 

 was as active and playful as a kitten, in marked con- 

 trast to some famous show animals that would have 

 a difficulty in walking half a dozen miles. If I 

 may be allowed to offer a criticism, it is that suffi- 

 cient attention is not paid in the judging ring to 

 movement. While we can scarcely expect a heavily- 

 built dog of this description to show the agility of 

 a terrier, at any rate he should not be a cripple, 

 as many are. The great width of chest which is 

 so essential is frequently obtained by deformed 

 shoulders. When we consider, how many Bulldog 

 puppies are reared, it is not surprising that they 

 should grow up with a faulty formation in front. 

 Although these remarks do not apply to the majority 

 of owners, it is still a fact that there are breeders 

 who keep their stock in a dark cellar, scarcely ever 

 giving them the exercise which is necessary to pro- 

 duce a sound body and good constitution, while there 

 are other unfortunate creatures to be found in small 

 kennels so low that they are compelled to stoop 

 perpetually. We hear, too, of such things as heavy 

 lead collars being kept upon puppies, a practice 



