STEVE Barnett, a British bulldog breeder with a sense of pride and the good sense to put the health of the dogs he breeds at the top of his list of goals, has for many years been breeding the British bulldog back to health. Such has been his success that he has received an achievement award from the National Kennel Club. The Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogge Club has provided the following report:

With a breeding programme going back to the late 1980s, Steve Barnett set out to re-create his ideal bulldog of old, utilising his earlier experiences of the various bulldog crosses he was involved in, some of which went into the foundation stock of the late Ken Mollett's Victorian Bulldog.

Steve's goal was always "to produce a national bulldog; a dog you can stand alongside proudly, confident in the knowledge that he is an athlete; capable of non-stop energy, looking like a true gladiator; a bulldog both in appearance and temperament. Not a nuisance around animals and other dogs, but with an inbred fire if needed or called upon; a dog that would grace the arena of any show, in any country and be gazed upon with awe and respect."

Parade day at the Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogge Club.

This pair of old-style bulldogs is enough to make any breeder proud.

This fellow doesn't know it but he is busy carving a new path for the British bulldog.

Steve Barnett's goal has been to reproduce the healthy, short-muzzled dog of old, while retaining the character we have all come to love. In doing this he has revived the English bulldog, our national breed.

In February 2003, Steve received the United National Kennel Club's Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his work with bulldogs and other breeds.

The Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogge is a medium size dog that stands proud, fearless and confident. It is alert, yet docile and possesses great strength. A real powerhouse, its strong and athletic physique attracts admiring glances and comments wherever it goes. Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogges are good around other animals, especially when raised with them from puppyhood.

The Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogge will fit into any life style. Happy to lie at your feet or walk by your side, this excellent companion is very affectionate.

Standard:
Height: 19-24 inches (48-61 cm). Weight: 60-90 pounds (27-41 kg). Possessing a stocky, strong muscled physique - height and weight should be in keeping with a symmetrical, well-proportioned body, keeping the appearance of strong traditional bulldogge looks.

The shoulders are muscular and slightly sloping; forelegs straight, well boned and set well apart; elbows turned neither in or out; feet broad strong, toes tight, nails curved and strong, pads thick and tough.

The hindquarters are broad and muscular, with well-developed second thigh denoting power, but not cumbersome; moderate angulations at hocks. The gait is powerful, heavy, with good drive from the hindquarters.

A straight or pump-handle tail is preferred and most desired, but crank and cork screw are accepted.

The head is large, the upper region slightly convex from one side to the other; the forehead dominates the face. However it is still wider than high. The head is furrowed, with loose thick and wrinkled skin about the throat and side of head. Cheeks are prominent due to the strong development of the muscles. There is a broad, short, deep and strong muzzle with obvious folds, keeping its length in comparison with that of the entire head. The nose is broad, with well-open nostrils. The ears are set high and wide. Rose preferred though button accepted.

The body is compact, the chest wide and deep with ribs well sprung and well set down between the forelegs. The back is short, giving the impression of a well-balanced dog. The neck is slightly arched, of moderate length, very muscular and almost equal to the circumference to the skull. The top line is solid with a broad and muscular back, withers well-marked, broad loin, rather short and solid. The coat is of fine texture; smooth, flat, short coat desired, similar to the glossy sheen of the Stafford.

Dorsets are bred in variations of white, brindle, also black and slate grey-blue.

For further information contact the Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogge Club or call Steve Barnett on 07715 790214; email: mastini@btinternet.com. Or visit the website at: www.mastini.com