Friday's Feat.: The Bull Breed Coal. Reg.

When it comes to promoting bull breeds, few kennel clubs or registries have been as passionate as the Bull Breed Coalition Registry.  The BBCR exists to recognize working and companion breeds that all have one thing in common: an origin story involving the Old English Bulldog as a common ancestor.

Amy Krogman, who founded the BBCR in 2004, is the co-creator of the Shortybull breed.  The Shortybull, with its small, compact, muscular body and slight overbite, is just one of several breeds that are a part of the BBCR.  The registry also recognizes the English Bulldog, French Bulldog (including blue ones), American Bulldog, Olde English Bulldogge, Classic Bully and the American Bully.  While most people are aware of English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and American Bulldogs, the BBCR also acknowledges emerging bull breeds that are lesser known.

The Shortybull

Small but durable and great with children, the Shortybull is a miniaturized bull breed suitable as an indoor companion.  Shortybulls are mildly energetic and enjoy walks and playtime.  While their smooshed, round, broad faces may resemble a Pug with cropped ears, this breed was created selecting only bulldog type dogs while avoiding Boston Terriers and other smaller dogs.

The Olde English Bulldogge

There is a difference between the English Bulldog breed, the Old English Bulldog breed and the Olde English Bulldogge breed.  The first is highly recognizable as small to medium, plump, with a short, broad head and muzzle.  The second is the bulldog used in 18^th century England for the bloodsport of bull-baiting, which had a larger, more muscular frame relative to the modern English Bulldog.

The Olde English Bulldogge is a recreation of the extinct Old English Bulldog, using breeding stock from American Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, American Pit Bull Terriers, and Bull Mastiffs.  It is a larger breed that is muscular and energetic, with facial features reminiscent of the English Bulldog.

The American Bully (Pocket, Standard, XL, & Classic)

The American Bully rose to prominence in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s as the UKC American Pit Bull Terrier began to change in the show ring.  Bloodlines such as Razor’s Edge had been slowly breeding APBTs to have more compact bodies, heavier muscle mass, and larger heads with shorter muzzles.  Eventually, registries such as the BBCR began recognizing the breed as separate from the American Pit Bull Terrier.

Now, owners can register their American Bullies with the BBCR in one of four ways.  American Bullies can be Pocket (small), Standard size, or XL (large) with the designation relating only to size.  The fourth way for Bully registration is as a Classic Bully, which are American Bullies that more closely resemble their American Pit Bull Terrier ancestors.

Change a Pet’s Life Day

If you find yourself interested in a bull breed, make sure to take action today.  Change a Pet’s Life Day, which falls on the 24^th of January, is meant to boost awareness about dogs in shelters or uncomfortable living situations.  There are all kinds of breeds in SPCA shelters and advertised on Craigslist in the Community/Pets listing, including bull breeds.  A great way to be involved in the growing bull breed movement is to find a good bull breed dog that just needs a new home.