Dorset Old Tyme Bulldogge

General: The shoulders are muscular and slightly sloping; forelegs straight, well boned and set well apart; elbows turned neither in or out; feet broad strong, toes tight, nails curved and strong, pads thick and tough. The body is compact, the chest wide and deep with ribs well sprung and well set down between the fore legs. The back is short, giving the impression of a well balanced dog. The neck is slightly arched, of moderate length, very muscular and almost equal to the circumference to the skull. The top line is solid with a broad and muscular back, withers well marked, broad loin, rather short and solid. The coat is of fine texture, smooth flat, short coat desired, similar to the glossy sheen of a English Stafford. The head is large, the upper region slightly convex from one side to the other; the forehead dominates the face. However it is still wider than high. The head is furrowed, with loose thick and wrinkled skin about the throat and side of head. Cheeks are prominent due to the strong development of the muscles. There is a broad, short, deep and strong muzzle with obvious folds, keeping it's length in comparison with that of the entire head. The nose is broad, with well open nostrils. The ears are set high and wide, rose preferred though button accepted. A straight or pump handle tail is preferred and most desired, but crank and cork screw are accepted.

Origin: England.

History: In the 1980's Steve Barnett 's goal was always "to produce a national bulldog; a dog you can stand alongside proudly, confident in the knowledge that he is an athlete; capable of non-stop energy, looking like a true gladiator; a bulldog both in appearance and temperament. Not a nuisance around animals and other dogs, but with an inbred fire if needed or called upon; a dog that would grace the arena of any show, in any country and be gazed upon with awe and respect." Steve found his desired bulldogs way back in history, being bred for the kings and queens of the Tudor period as bear and bull baiting dogs.

Temperament: Not a nuisance around animals and other dogs, but with a inbred fire if needed, or called upon. The Dorset makes a devoted family pet.

Size: 50-90 pounds.

Today's Uses: The Dorset is a family dog but makes a good competitor in weight pull if properly trained.

Dorset "Sir Alf" & "Rose"

Owned by Paul Higginson

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