Victorian Bulldogs are larger and more athletic than modern English Bulldogs and are usually white, red, brindle or fawn.
The Victorian Bulldog is the result of dedicated “recreational breeding” in which a breeder “resurrects” a lost breed by selecting modern breeds that represent the majority of the original. In London in 1985, breeder Ken Mollett took on the challenge of recreating a breed that was similar to, but different from, the more modern English Bulldog. He carefully selected specimens of English Bulldogs, Bull Terriers, Bullmastiffs, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers to try to create a dog that would evoke an earlier breed that had a more athletic build, longer muzzle and legs, and smaller heads than dogs he had seen. in the photos. and portraits from the early 19th century.
The English Bulldog contributes to the recreational breeding of the Victorian Bulldog.
Using old photographs, prints, and artwork, Mollett slowly recreated the Victorian Bulldog to incorporate the traits he wanted. She only used dogs registered with the Great Britain Kennel Club to keep the lines as pure as possible. What she eventually produced became a much-loved, if rare, line of dogs that many bulldog owners prefer for their athletic build.
The Victorian Bulldog is larger than the modern English Bulldog and is more athletic. Males measure 17 to 19 inches (43 to 48 cm) and weigh 65 to 75 pounds (30 to 34 kg). Females are typically 16 to 19 inches (41 to 48 cm) long and weigh 55 to 65 pounds (25 to 30 kg). This breed does not normally have the congenital problems associated with many other pure bloodlines. He still has the muscular build, short legs and face, broad muzzle, large head, broad chest, and short, soft coat typically associated with bulldogs.
These bulldogs typically have an all-white, red, brindle, fawn, or droopy coat. His coat sheds a medium amount and is easy to comb. Temperamentally, the dogs are calm and great with families. True to their breed, they also make excellent watchdogs. Because they are more athletic than their cousins, they will need regular exercise, although a small garden will suffice. They tend to do best in moderate climates, as they get cold easily and have a hard time staying cool in hot weather.
A Victorian Bulldog should never be confused with the “Olde English Bulldogge”, a breed that was bred in the United States and is not associated with the Mollett lineage of dogs. As a breed, Victorians are quite rare, and if a person is interested in owning one, they should research the dog’s paperwork to see if it is certified.