Valley Bulldog

Refimprove|date=May 2007

The Valley Bulldog is a mixed breed of dog found most commonly in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia, Canada. It is a common conception that Valley Bulldog originated in the Annapolis Valley, giving the designer breed the name "Valley Bulldog".

Characteristics

Appearance

The perfect Valley Bulldog should be of medium height and size with a large broad head, sturdy muscular body with a thick neck of short to medium length. The Valley Bulldog possesses a broad chest and shoulder area and a thick powerful rear end. Valley Bulldogs should have an excellent temperament and can be quite intelligent. The temperament is to be very stable and trustworthy. Their disposition should be outgoing, playful yet protective when needed.

Head: Large and broad, deeply sunken between the eyes (medial furrow). The circumference of the head should be equal to or greater than the dog's height at the shoulder. Fault: Head too small.

Muzzle: Broad, deep and of medium to short in length. The bite is undershot. Fault: Muzzle too long (more than 3 inches), scissor or even bite.

Eyes: Wide apart and of moderate size. Any color is acceptable. Fault: Completely white / pink rims.

Nose: From the stop to the end of the nose must be at least an inch. Fault: Completely pink nose (a small amount is acceptable).

Neck: Short to Medium in length. Should be thick and muscular.

Chest: Ribs should be well sprung (rounded) and the chest wide and deep.Fault: Too narrow in the chest.

Back: Medium length with a slight rise from the shoulders to the rump (level back is just as acceptable).

Legs: Forelegs should be stout and wide apart, neither bowing out or turning in. Fault: Bowing or turned out resulting in poor movement.

Feet: Round and the pasterns should be strong. Fault: Down in the pasterns or splayed feet.

Height: Males - 15 to 18 inches at the shoulder. Females - 14 to 18 inches at the shoulder. Weight: Between 45 to 70 lbs. No penalty for dogs above the standard weight as long as the dog is well proportioned.

Color: Various brindles with or without white, white (solid white not preferred), tan, fawn or red. The coat should be short and smooth.

Ears: Short either button or rose.

Tail: Down to hock naturally or screwed. May be docked, of no major importance.

Temperament

The Valley Bulldog is a loyal and intelligent companion. They desire to be close to their owner at all times and will enjoy intense playtime or rest and relaxation with their owners. Valleys are great companions for the entire family and take very well to small children. Occasionally, you may find a Valley Bulldog that has inherited the Boxer's tendency to be rough at play and may also be quite a jumper. This is a rare occurrence, but should be noted for those owners with small children.

Health

The incorporation of the Boxer with the Bulldog corrected most of the health problems associated with the Bulldog. However, they may suffer from minor breathing problems if their snubbed snout restricts air. In these cases, they should be monitored in hot weather to prevent heat stroke. Valley Bulldogs may be susceptible to minor skin irritations during adolescent stages of growth. The skin irritations are easily corrected and most often disappear once the dog has reached full maturity. They breed and whelp their own litters without any intervention.

History

The Valley Bulldog breed can be traced back to the mid 1900s, although it is possible that it may have existed much earlier. Research has shown that several of today's breeders have produced ten to fifteen generations of pure Valley Bulldogs in their breeding programs.

The genetic origin and foundation of the Valley Bulldog was established on and incorporated the Bulldog and the Boxer. These two breeds were used to incorporate the Boxer's athletic ability and exceptional temperament and the Bulldog's courageous and unwavering spirit. Over the years type has been set and the Valley Bulldog is now a pure bred in both form and type.

The Valley Bulldog was bred as a durable, athletic, working utility dog that was used primarily for farm and ranch work. Valley Bulldogs were used to work cattle and other unruly livestock as well as protect and guard the farm or ranch and its occupants from natural predators.

October 2003 Joel Forseth and his wife Melissa Forseth produced the first registed litter in California. This is one of the first valley bulldogs (boxer and bulldog) mixed out of Nova Scotia.

All of these needs and others have lent to the development of this courageous and durable breed. It should be remembered that the Valley Bulldog of today is truly a working breed. cite web |url=http://www.ioeba.net |title=International Olde English Bulldogge Association |accessdate=2007-01-21

Photo gallery

External links

* [http://www.ioeba.net International Olde English Bulldogge Association]
* [http://www.ucadogs.com United Canine Association]
* [http://www.valley-bulldogs.net Valley Bulldogs Information]

October 2006 Gustavo Mattza produced the first registed litter in Peru. This is one of the first valley bulldogs (boxer and bulldog) mixed out of the North Hemisphere (Canada or United States) repeating again in September 2007 in New York City.