THE BULLDOG 25 



being carried between and not on the fore-legs. He should 

 stand over a great deal of ground, and have the appearance 

 of immense power. The height of the fore-leg should not ex- 

 ceed the distance from the elbow to the centre of the back, 

 between the shoulder blades. 



Considerable importance is attached to the freedom and 

 activity displayed by the animal in its movements. De- 

 formed joints, or weakness, are very objectionable. The 

 head should be strikingly massive and carried low, the face 

 short, the muzzle very broad, blunt, and inclined upwards. 

 The body should be short and well-knit, the limbs, stout and 

 muscular. The hind-quarters should be very high and strong, 

 but rather lightly made in comparison with the heavily- 

 made fore-parts. 



It must be acknowledged that there are many strains of 

 this breed which are constitutionally unsound. For this 

 reason it is important that the novice should give very careful 

 consideration to his first purchase of a Bulldog. He should 

 ascertain beyond all doubt, not only that his proposed pur- 

 chase is itself sound in wind and limb, but that its sire and 

 dam are, and have been, in similarly healthy condition. The 

 dog to be chosen should be physically strong and show pro- 

 nounced muscular development. If these requirements are 

 present and the dog is in no sense a contradiction of the good 

 qualities of its progenitors, but a justification of its pedigree, 

 care and good treatment will do the rest. It is to be re- 

 membered, however, that a Bulldog may be improved by 

 judicious exercise. When at exercise, or taking a walk with 

 his owner, the young dog should always be held by a leash. 

 He will invariably pull vigorously against this restraint, but 

 such action is beneficial, as it tends to develop the muscles 

 of the shoulders and front of the body. 



When taking up the Bulldog fancy, nine out of every ten 

 novices choose to purchase a male. The contrary course should 

 be adopted. The female is an equally good companion in the 

 house or on the road ; she is not less affectionate and faithful ; 



