Bullenbeißer

Originally from Asia, the Bullenbeißer was believed to be imported to Europe from the 5th century by the Alans, a nomadic cavalry people, during the time of the barbarian invasions. The Alans, like the Huns, another nomadic cavalry people, used this type of mastiff, better for combat than for guarding, during their military campaigns. The selected physique of these Bulldogs was intended to allow them to seize bulls by the nose to bring them down. Its major characteristics are a powerful body, a broad chest, a large wrinkled head, cauliflower ears, a short nose. The turned-up muzzle and the undershot jaw allowing lasting holds without suffocating. The ideal Bullenbeißer was stocky, medium-sized, stable, and of enormous power in the neck and jaw region. The dog breeds descending from the Bullenbeißer are the English Bulldog, the Old English Bulldog, the Ca de Bou and the Boxer. After the prohibition of bull-baiting in 1835, the breeding of Bullenbeißer was continued but the aggression and combativeness they displayed were nevertheless largely lost.