Reader Comments
Great web site and information. This is like finding the missing link. Somehow I always knew that the whole story was not there about the bull dogs we see today. Knowing there was a more practical animal originally and that there may even still be some in existence today gives one a glimmer of hope. Judy Morton
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Ray just wanted to thank you one more time for the pup, she is a real well behaved little thing and after my divorce my little boys world has been turned up side down and she is just his best little friend, he will turn down ice cream, swimming, the park, everything just to play with her a little bit longer and that relationship for me to get see it grow makes me feel awfully good there are very few things in life as precious and innocent as a little boys love of his dog.
I got just a little on the heavy side which to me is better I always find it easier to take it off than to put it on.
So thank you p.s. We named her boo because of the eye patches. Patrick
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I am really enjoying your page! It is nice to finally read a credible history for these wonderful dogs. Thanks!
Alan Pruett
Dallas, GA
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I got so preoccupied looking at the puppy and Athena pic I forgot to tell you how great Bo is doing. Bo loves the old lady to us and greets her in the morning by her fence and she bring her mini schnauzer to the fence to visit. Her dog is a yip yapper, very loud. Bo never barks or makes a noise. I know we don't live on a farm like ya'll do and the other kennels but we have had some weirdoes in our suburban neighborhood. Bo has shown his guarding ability and protectiveness of our family. Also, when he is on "duty" there is no distracting him. He will stand ready or sit and be fully aware and not move, you touch him he doesn't move when he is on. For a couple days our gate was being opened. Bo doesn't run away he sits by the door and greets us when we get home. But, the weird thing was he never gets out from behind the fence ever. We found a leash by the fence and think someone was trying to either take him or leash him and tie him up so they could do whatever they intended. One day after I took my kids to preschool I came home and the trash and recycling men were there and I waited for them to go. When I pulled in the driveway Bo was there! He was sitting on the driveway watching them. He didn't run up to them, move or make any noise. He has been so quiet and I know its a breed trait to be calm and not barking- I love that! He does like to sprawl out on the garage floor when my husband works on his motorcycle and hang out. He loves to hang outside. My daughter was in the front yard and we normally don't like the kids in the front yard just b/c the street is close by. Bo was watching her and nearby like a nanny dog. Anyway, my husband went for a jog and took Bo and Bo is fine with every other dog, there are German shepherds barking at him behind fences and he looks at them and walks on, but this one man had a shaved head and was wearing shorts and was acting funny according to my husband, like he was looking at houses (as potentially breaking in). Bo didn't like him and made noise when John ran by him. A couple days later my husband (who has a shaved head) went for a jog by himself in shorts, which Bo has never seen him in shorts.. When he came up the driveway running Bo pushed out of the gate and was guarding the house before he knew it was John. I came out to see what was going on and Bo was barking and encouraging John to get out of the driveway and away from the house. Once he realized it was John he was okay. Okay, I think I have recanted a lot for you that I wanted you to know. Thanks, Alexis Harper
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Really, I have to confess that I am very impressed, because I knew about the existence of the AB, but that you have told me, and all information that I have seen in your web is very exciting for a Spanish alano breeder, (I still am reading every day!) Somebody so far in time and distance have cared about the breed, and you have found the same nobility just like we and our ancestors... Congratulations! Excellent job and excellent website! I didn't know your breed, I always thought that the similar things between the other, the AB and our Alano were a cause of the common root, you know, the Spanish alano went to England and English people used the dog in his breed...Really, it is very strange the name of the dog... but, you have talking about exactly the same character of our Alanos, at least like the dog that some breeders think, because a apart year 2000, when people have begun to see our Alano in the shows, out of the natural place, the new breeders are changing the criterion to breed. The dog is different, and he need other train, every thing have to be very real, because they are not playing, like others races. About the poll that you have in the web, it's amazing the female Brack´s Trina, I would like to see her stand up and lateral, to see the type of dog, what's the weight? Very strong, Her look is very hard! In my breed, I look for maximum powerful, but maximum speed. I always say that there are dogs stronger than Spanish alano, and dogs faster than alano, but the stronger one is slower, and faster is not so strong, you know what I mean? The modern dog is Rumbo del Corrican, he is brother of another 3 white alanos, and he is father of another 5 white puppies: in the blood lines of this dog always are white color! I can send you the photo of his daughter (Brisa del Corrican) she is brindle, but I can recognize her in some of your dogs! Dardo del Corrican and the same with the other brother work excellent in cattle, guard, and defense. We never train them, they have natural instinct. I think you and I are looking for the same type, but always with character the most important point: they are working dogs, in Spain young breeders are looking like a dog show, and this offends me. Another point that's difficult to explain in English to me: the old look, atavism, (the tendency to revert to ancestral type), rusticity, (I don't know if these words exist in English...). The last two dogs in your photos, (Gus and Sarah), branding and white together in the cag: it's amazing, Heather I think that we are breeding the same race. Well Heather, it's a pleasure talking with you, believe me, and I hope be in contact with you a long time, you have a very big deal in your hands. Regards Joaquín
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Just thought I would drop ya a few lines on Audrey. She is growing pretty quick, getting tall and longer gained 10 pounds last month. She weighs 30 lbs on the vet scales. She has the sweetest disposition. Seen her first "threat display" last night. She was asleep beside me in the family room and my daughter and her boyfriend came in the house without making any noise till they got to the kitchen. She was going to see who was in the house in a hurry and wasn't a bit friendly about it. I said her name sharply and to be good and she sat down and waited till they came on through the house. This pup really minds good and picks up commands quicker than I've ever seen! I'll keep in touch. By the way thanks for sending me the e-mail with her brother in it. He looks like a real bruiser! Beautiful dog though. Ed
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My name is Terra.
I have a male from the Roscoe and Josie litter, his name is Brutus. He was at the vet yesterday and now weighs 50 lbs and in good health. He is very obedient and teaching him new commands is quite easy compared to my dogs in the past. It's almost like he knows them already and I'm just reminding him. He is always at my side and follows me everywhere and doesn't stray very far if he is loose. He is good with my cats and doesn't have interest in chasing the squirrels in the backyard which is a first he just stares at the until they leave the property. When we hike on the forest trail he is off leash and again never goes where he can't see me and is well behaved. He always finds deer in the bush that I don't see and now that I'm learning to read his body language better, I can tell he sees one because he freezes and stares and sure enough when I check there is a deer hidden where he is indicating. Again he never goes after them. He is very good in the cold weather, and we're out in freezing temperatures all the time with nothing more the a vest on him. He has a beautiful thick coat. Again he never goes after them. He is suspicious of strangers even when were in the truck but If I decide to talk to someone and he accepts that and is a gentlemen. He should develop into a great dog, and I don't think I have ever had such a good bond with a dog. I am lucky to have him and look forward to many years with my buddy. I am curious as too how your pup is doing and how she is developing mentally and physically. Send me some pictures if you can of yours. I would really like to get pictures and feedback from all those who have a Roscoe and Josie pup to see how this litter is developing. Take Care, Terra
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Excellent Job!! I love the pages you made about the WEB. I think you are right on about the SOLID type these dogs have against the Standard AB. Very good job. The more pictures you can find of these dogs the better off your page will look...LOL Everyone loves pictures. Julie Pengilley, Utah
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Your articles on WEBs is excellent and I can't wait until you have more. Your article answered a lot of questions about my WEB such as why his coat is somewhat longer and `coarse compared to ABs, and why he has no dog aggression whereas a lot of ABs do. David Nuxoll, Georgia
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Hi this is Kenneth I sent you some pictures yesterday. I think it is great that someone is finally trying to preserve the white English bulldog. I am 60 years old and have always had one of these dogs. sometimes it takes a long time to find one that has not been crossed with a pit somewhere in its line. I don't know why anyone that knows about the white English would ever breed to a pit. Just my thought of 60 years talking to people and searching on internet. Now about the dog i grew up with on the 198 ac farm in Marl Alabama that is between Geneva Ala and Samson Ala. My dog was named Bull. He was used as a pet and catch dog. He was extremely smart if i tried to fight with my neighbor boy he would get between us and not let us fight. if a car or truck came down the dirt road i lived on he would push me in the ditch until they passed us standing in front of me and the road. When i was about 6 years old my dad let a livestock yard borrow him which they did from time to time to catch half wild bulls that would come in from Florida and get out of the holding pins. Bull would catch them by the nose and hold them until a rope could be put on them. He was set on a bull that ran across the paved toad and he was killed by a truck i was told by my dad almost a year after it happened; Because I was always asking when they were going to bring bull home. So my dad knew how much I loved bull and that is why he waited so long to tell me. So in my life i have always had one of these wonderful dogs. The smartest dog on the planet as far as i am concerned. I have never had one that when setting or laying next to you that didn't always touch you or lean on you all the time like they have to make physical contact with the one they love male or female it don't matter. Kenneth Wilson, Georgia
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I've never heard of a more perfect representation of a true Bulldog than the White English. Ray, Heather and those involved are to be congratulated on their ongoing work with this breed. Simon Larman, Australia
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One thing I am finding to be a pleasure is the quality of people in your network , or your friends I should say...everyone is honest , likeable , knowledgeable and respectful !! Quite a change and very refreshing to say the least !!! Ray.....he has been very helpful and giving and I am very glad to call him and yourself FRIENDS !!! I think we will all be a very good piece of the big picture or puzzle !!!Thanks again for the invite to be apart of your program and its easy to see in a few years the benefits of a group , will have a profound effect on all our goals !!!! Marc Godinez, Nebraska
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I love the progress of your website. Great articles from Mr. Ray Lane. A lot of pictures too. Can you add the dogs' names as well as the owner's names for reference?
Keep up the good work.
Dixie greetings. Marco Angelo, Canada
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Hello, I would like say that I was very glad to find your site this evening and wanted to share a little about the White English bulldogs that I have owned in the past in hopes of helping in your cause. I grew up in Clyattville Georgia ( south of Valdosta and 3 miles north of the Florida line) and had two white English bulldogs at various times. The first was bought for me and my two sisters by my father. it must have been around 1982 or 83. I am not sure where he came from but he was a great dog, solid white and strong as an ox. His name was Smoke and he was smart as a whip, very gentle and patient with us kids but fiercely protective. Heck he even made friends with our calico cat. We lived in the country and he ran loose back then. My father told me a story about him ( i was to young to remember this particular incident). My father had made a home made bow and arrow for me out of an oak limb and some twine. We would make arrows out of dried dog fennel. It was just a toy and he was out playing with me one day and we were shooting this bow and arrow. Daddy shot an arrow into the black berry bushes at the edge of the yard and I ran to get it. Smoke got between me and the bushes and started snarling, snapping and barking right in my face. Daddy was scared and said he thought Smoke had turned on me and told mamma to go get his pistol. In the mean time Daddy slowly approached and got between me and Smoke. Smoke immediately turned to the bushes and started growling and darting in and out of the bushes snapping. As it turned out there was a big rattler in the bushes and Smoke was protecting me. He was a good dog. Daddy talked about how lucky we all were that he realized what was going on before mamma brought the gun. I have owned one other White English that I got at the age of 14 after Smoke died. His name was Sebo and he filled Smoke's shoes. Sebo could jump six feet in the air. We had a hard time finding him. we looked for a year and answered lots of ads about white English pups only to find that they were mixed with pit or were actually American bulldogs. I suspect that Sebo may have had some small amount of boxer in him but he had the look and the temperament of the the white English and was a wonderful dog. I am sorry for being long winded but I have looked for some confirmation that others know about and appreciate these dogs. Now a days not many people know what a white English bulldog is. I hope these stories help in some way and i will be glad to send pictures of both dogs if you think it would be helpful. Keep up the good work and I look forward to seeing more information on your site. Thanks, Brian Coody, Georgia
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I now know my dog is "Bonafide" Urban loved the site. I always wondered why he keeps up with his pet cat the way he does. The pics from the past are amazing to view, like a family album. Great site! Bill Bunting, Georgia
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I was told by a friend last week about your site. I live in the green swamp just below Clermont Fl.
My name is Charles Justice I was born on Sand Mountain and that's where my family is from, we moved to Florida in 1960, I never had seen a white bulldog on the mountain that I can remember, and have asked others that grew up there had they before 1960 and they told me no. The first white bulldog I ever saw was in Florida after we moved here, saw them everywhere we went in the state, mostly around Polk County, i.e., Lake Wales area and Winter Haven and Lakeland. I always wanted one. And got my first, a male in 1991, what I brought was a Florida White English Bulldog. I had never heard of an American Bulldog. At that time I lived in Orlando, one night in a book store waiting on my wife, I got to looking thru the dog books, saw a book Called Fighting Dogs, saw a picture of JDJs Sandman the great. looked just like my dog. Brought the book read it and learn that some people were calling them American bulldogs. Later another time in a bookstore, again waiting on my wife to get thru, got to looking at dog Mags, saw a dog world mag, and flipped thru it saw the ads in the back, darn there was the American Bulldog thing again in the ads for breeders. Brought it, called a few of the breeders close to me, and then got on the Internet, and looked at some web sites. Found out about JDJ and Allen Scott and that the dogs so called American Bulldogs were so to speak made famous by these 2 men and a few others from the Sand Mountain area.
I did a lot of research on white English and American bulldogs over the years up to 1997, got me a female as a gift from my wife, and later that year started a kennel on Sand Mountain with my brother, called Sand Mountain kennels he raised beagles and I fronted the money to set up a nice kennel if he would raise American bulldogs for me, and we would split the bulldogs if we sold any, I wanted to show them and breed them and so it got started. I would buy dogs in Florida and take them to ALA, and brought some off the mountain too. To make a long story short, it didn't work out with him so I brought them to Florida in DEC of 98 and now we are called Sand Mountain American Bulldogs. Today we have 26 American Bulldogs, and yes I know oh so well what is called an American Bulldog today is not what I saw in the 60s,70s and early 80s in Florida, as known then as a Florida White English.
I will write more as I get time, I am very interested in what you all are trying to do and will help anyway I can, and would love to talk to you all one day and swap stories. Charles Justice, Florida
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This has to be the finest site I have come upon. I knew somewhere there had to exist a breed of dog that isn't animal aggressive or vicious by nature. Where I live in rural southeast Ohio the farmers, nor I will put up with an animal that harries the livestock. Keep up the good work on what you are doing. It is people like your group that have finally give me confidence to think a bulldog would be a good choice for a guard dog that will not harass my, or my neighbors animals. Ed Ison, Ohio
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Ray / Heather, I have studied and admire two distinct breeds of dogs for a long time now, that is the very rare true Spanish Alano and The White English Bulldog. I have done a lot of research on the White English, as a matter of fact two month’s ago my family and I took a vacation to high Springs Florida and we saw a few specimens of the White English bulldogs that look identical to yours, except some of them had blue eyes I will try to email you a few pics when I get a chance. After doing some research I did find out that very close to where I saw those white English, this area, at one point was one of the first Spanish Mission sites in Florida; So is true about what I read about most of these dogs being related to the Spanish Alano. Another thing that I want you to know is that the Alanos from Spain, just like the White English, release their hold on command and they hunt together in groups with no aggression between them. I’ve also read some articles on how they protect livestock from the European wolf which is a very formidable animal. I’ve read about an Alano bulldog from Spain that fought a pact of European Wolfs and ended up killing the alpha male and a few members of the pack, but almost lost his life on the process. Also look at the old painting of the Alanos catching a bull in Spain and notice how they work together to catch and hold the bull and notice the similarities between the white Alano holding the bull by the ear and the White English. I'm currently keeping in touch with an Alano breeder in Spain that has one of the best Alanos in Spain catching bulls, he told me he would let me know when he makes a breeding next year with this particular male that I like and one of his favorite females. One more thing; the Spanish introduced their Spanish bulldogs in the conquest of the Americas. Throughout central and South America you can see the influence that the Spanish dogs had. Breeds like the (Dogo Guatemalteco), other breeds influenced by the Alanos are the (Cao de fila de sao Miguel), (Villano de las Encartaciones) (Dogo Argentino)(ca de bou) (Cao de Fila da Terceira) (Cuban Bulldog) (Presa Canario) (Cordoba Figting Bulldog). My personal take on this subject is that is that the Old English Bulldog, Alano, and Bullenbeisers from Europe are basically the same breed shaped by selective breeding, you have to keep in mind that the Spaniards won’t tolerate aggressive dogs that fight among each other. They have selectively breed for this for hundreds of years. The English probably bred for different qualities, that’s why you see dog’s like Dick the Bruiser and other types of bulldogs that need to be kept chained up.
I’ve also attached a few links to the Spanish Alano in Spain , they are very similar to the White English in Temperament, and they use them over there for hunting and to control unruly bulls. These are also the same dogs that my Great Grandparents brought to Cuba from Spain to help on the farm and my uncle told me they were mostly white because back in those days they had a lot of white dogs, My two favorites forums are the white English and Alano forum from Spain .
This gentleman I met in High Springs Florida very close to the Ichetucknee Springs State Park that was once the site of a Spanish Mission told me he was going to call me when he had puppies, but if I don’t hear from him, I wonder if I could buy a puppy when you breed Gus and Sarah some time in the future.
PS: The reason you don't see too many white dogs now on the Alano is because on the recuperation process in Spain they had very few white dogs left, so they had to start with what they had. That's what I read on the Alano Forum and also on two books that I've ordered from Spain.
Its great everything you guys are doing to preserve this rare and wonderful breed. I understand that every little bit helps to preserve this often imitated but never duplicated breed. Regards, Michael Riveron, Florida, a true fan of the White English.
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Dear WEBPS, I called yesterday to thank you for what you are doing. I hope I articulated that, although bulldogs have many great qualities, you're breeding for the quality that I feel makes them (as you say) "a breed apart"... their incredible temperament! Some people have unfortunately tried to breed bulldogs for their other qualities and in the effort to get the "hardest hitter" or "strongest weight-puller" etc. they have lost the most important quality that makes them so special. The bulldogs ability to know when to be gentle and when to be physical (originating from their true work on the farm, having to reciprocate) is amazing, and makes them so strong yet so stable. The characteristics that are considered common in them, are considered outstanding in other dogs, and people for that matter. Bulldogs have the qualities of people we would consider HEROS... a soft heart, but a huge heart! Needless to say, Petey (see attached photo) is a hero in our hearts! I don't know what her bloodlines are, but I know that she possess the qualities that you celebrate on your website. Again, thank you for the work that you are doing! In these crazy times it is a beautiful thing to see people with their priorities straight, and doing things for the right reasons. Keep preserving the best qualities of an incredible breed! Sincerely, Andy Strand, Wisconsin
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Dear Sir / madam, I was searching the Internet for more information about the original English bulldog. Came across you’re website. It’s a very good site with lot of useable info. However I kept looking for other Website and found none that give information about this breed as yours. There is a lot Websites that do inform of Southern White Bulldogs, Alabama Bulldogs and American Bulldog’s Johnson type’s etc. but not of this breed.
Are you the only breeder conserving this breed? I live in Europe right now and would like to know more about this magnificent breed. Do you know other breeders or websites where I can find more information?
Hope to here from you soon. Keep on doing the good work! Raymond Sling