Old English Bulldog

The Old English Bulldog was an extinct breed known for its compact, muscular build, standing about 15 inches tall and weighing around 45 pounds. Originating in England, it was bred for bull-baiting, a bloodsport popular in specific locations like Westminster Pit. Its ancestry is linked to Mastiffs or Alaunts, though this remains unclear. Unlike larger Mastiffs, the Old English Bulldog was smaller and used for its agility in fighting.

Described as having a low stature, deep chest, broad head, short nose, and protruding under jaw, it had a fierce appearance. Known for ferocity rather than intelligence, it primarily served in combat, attacking bulls by targeting sensitive areas. Despite their tenacity, they lacked the brain size associated with higher intelligence.

The breed's decline began with the 1835 Cruelty to Animals Act, which outlawed bloodsports like bull-baiting and dog fighting. Breeders eventually crossed them with terriers, creating breeds such as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, accelerating their extinction. Notably, the English Bulldog, often confused with this breed, is known for its gentle nature rather than agility or speed. Thus, the Old English Bulldog's legacy remains tied to its historical role in bloodsports and its eventual decline with changing legal and social norms.