there are olde victorians and olde english, as well as a couple other sorts that are basically attempts to undo the trainwreck that is the modern english bulldog. different lines have used different dogs, american bulls are common, boxers, mastiffs, some do pitts, others wouldn't with a gun to their heads.
but the main idea is to breed a dog that fits the standard for the english bull that first became a pet dog after bull baiting was barred in england. at that time the dogs were scattered all over europe, and were shaped into boxers and others, including american bulls.
biff and doc share a dad, but have different moms. both look exactly like their moms. doc's mom still shows the mastiff that was added, although you could easily pass her off as a fawn boxer. about boxer size, although a little more round. biff's mom is a pretty bully bully.
they are bred for health and temperament above all, and a sweeter pair of dogs you would never find. my vet says that biff does not show any of the really serious defects of the english today, with the possible exception of being a snorer. they will look at his palette when he is fixed and can correct it if it is abnormal.
the dogs must also breed freely and give birth naturally. corkscrew tails are strongly discouraged, as there is usually other misalignments elsewhere in the spine. the standard is what they call a pump handle tail, which the boys both have. extreme pushed face is also not allowed. they must have a 1" stop on the muzzle.
tmi?
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