"The heroes of a bull-fight, and the champions of a cock-fight, can
produce but few, if any, disciples brought up under their tuition,
who have done service to their country, but abundant are the
testimonies which have been registered at the gallows of her devoted
victims, trained up to the pursuits of bull-baiting."--DR. BARRY.
The bull-dog has been called the most courageous animal in the world.
He is low in stature, although remarkably deep-chested, strong, and
muscular. From the projection of his under jaw, which occasions his
teeth always to be seen, and from his eyes being distant from each
other, and somewhat prominent, he has an appearance which would
prevent a stranger from attempting any familiarity with him. He is,
however, a dog capable of strong attachment to his master, whom he is
at all times ready to defend. His strength is so great, that in
pinning a bull, one of this breed of dogs has been known, by giving a
strong muscular twist of his body, to bring the bull flat on his side.
In consequence also of his strength, high courage, and perseverance, a
bull-dog has gone a greater distance in swimming than any other dog
has been known to do.
It is universally known amongst the lovers of bull-dogs, that when
once exasperated by an opponent or encouraged by the owner, no pain or
punishment will induce him to swerve from his purpose, or in the least
relax the violence of his endeavours to subdue whatever may be the
object of his dislike or resentment. Amidst the many instances which
might be adduced in support of this assertion, we shall notice one
which is well-authenticated. Some years since, when bull-baiting was
more common than in the present improved state of civilization, a
juvenile amateur, at an entertainment of this kind in the north of
England, confident in the courage and purity of blood in his bull-dog,
laid a wager "that he would at four distinct intervals deprive the
animal of one of his feet by amputation, and that after every
individual deprivation he should still attack the bull with his
previous ferocity; and that, lastly, he should continue to do so upon
his stumps." Shocking as the recital must prove to the feelings of
every reader, the experiment was made, and the dog continued to seize
the bull with the same eagerness as before. In a match which was made
for the purpose, one of these animals fought and beat two powerful
Newfoundland dogs.
It must be a matter of congratulation to every humane person, that the
barbarous and cruel custom of bull-baiting no longer exists in this
country. That it tended to brutalize the working classes, whatever its
advocates may have stated to the contrary, cannot be doubted. In the
part of Staffordshire in which I formerly resided, and where the
custom was extremely prevalent, idleness, drunkenness and profligacy,
were conspicuous amongst those who kept bull-dogs. Even females might
be seen at a bull-baiting, in their working dresses as they came out
of a factory, their arms crossed and covered with their aprons,
standing to enjoy the sport, if such it could be called.
The breed of dogs kept by the persons referred to was said to be of
the purest kind, and large sums were frequently given for them. Lord
Camelford purchased one for eighty guineas; forty and fifty pounds was
no uncommon price for one. These dogs would appear to have a natural
antipathy to the bull, as puppies will attack them when only a few
months old, and if permitted to continue the combat, will suffer
themselves to be destroyed rather than relinquish the contest. A
well-bred dog always attacks the bull in front, and endeavours to
seize on the lip as the most sensitive part.
A nobleman had a favourite bull-dog, which was his constant companion
in his carriage to and from his seat in Scotland for many years. The
dog was strongly attached to his master, and was gentle and
inoffensive. As he grew old, it was determined to leave him in London.
The carriage came to the door, his master entered it, and drove
off, taking another dog for his companion. The packing--the
preparations--had all been witnessed by the faithful bull-dog, who was
evidently aware that he had been deserted by the only being he loved.
From that moment he became melancholy. He refused to eat, and
notwithstanding all the care taken of him, he pined and died.
A bull-dog, not many years since, saved a shipwrecked crew by towing a
rope from the vessel to the shore, after two fine Newfoundland dogs
had perished in the attempt. This success may be attributed to his
indomitable courage, which prevented him from giving up his exertions
while life remained.
I remember many years ago hearing of some robberies, which took place
by means of a bull-dog in the neighbourhood of London, one of which
was near my own residence. A gentleman in riding home one winter's
evening, had one of the hocks of his horse seized, as he was trotting
along the road, by a bull-dog, who kept his hold, and brought the
horse to the ground. A man then came up, and robbed the gentleman of
his purse.
It was common in Staffordshire, before young dogs were able to cope
with a bull, to practise them with a man, who stood proxy for the
bull. On one occasion of this sort, Mr. _Deputy_ Bull being properly
staked, began to perform his part by snorting and roaring lustily. The
dog ran at him, but was repulsed,--the courage of the animal, however,
increased with every struggle, and at last he seized his biped
antagonist by the cheek, who, with rueful countenance, endured it for
some time, till at length he was compelled to cry out to his companion
to take the dog off; but he, unwilling to damp the courage of his
_eleve_, vociferated, "_Woot_ spoil the pup, _mun_?--let 'em taste
_bloode_ first!"
Bull-dogs are now much less common than they were. A cross breed
between them and a good terrier is said to produce better fighters and
harder biters than the pure bull-dog. If one of these dogs is crossed
with a greyhound, the offspring is found to be too courageous, and
from this cause in attacking deer they have been frequently killed.
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