Brindle Bulldogs of the South
The Brindle Bulldog is not a Terrier nor of Terrier origin, rather, it descends from the war dogs brought by the Spanish Conquistadores into the Americas. The dogs most closely related to the BB is the once common Cuban Bloodhound. Though the WE and the Brindle Bull are virtually the same breed, (but of the pursuit or chase type), most people consider the WE and Brindle Bulldog as separate and are rarely crossed. The crossing of the two results in a pursuit type, (presa), dog which many an old timer considers a top catch dog for the hunt.The Brindle Bulldog is a bulldog that is primarily found in the southeast, just as is the WE. However, the Brindle Bulldog is much harder to find than is the WE, though the WE is not very common either. Brindle Bulldogs are typically found in central to southern Georgia, South Carolina, northern to central Florida, and southern Alabama, Mississippi, and into Louisiana. Take notice that these are virtually the same locations that the WE is found, and follows the route of De Soto's trail.
"The two types down here are not Johnson or Scott, they are White English and Brindle Bulls. Some still earn their keep in the woods even after pulling shifts babysitting and performing guard duty." John Conner
"If you can remember those old Brindle Bulldogs; They didn't have no Terrier in em', they was the old bulldog, the real thing." Jeff Clark
"If you can remember those old Brindle Bulldogs; They didn't have no Terrier in em', they was the old bulldog, the real thing." Jeff Clark
The Brindle Bulldog, like the White English, is a breed that is truly American. They are no crossbred bandog, no mongrel cur or pit dog, but a very old pursuit type dog developed in the American southeast. Left over from the Cuban Bloodhounds of the American south, the BB, by selective breeding, has been toned down from their notorious predecessors. Though still extremely loyal and protective, they are perfect candidates for hunting large game such as boar and for Schutzhund or Personal Protection training. They are highly driven, high energy, motivated dogs that require a firm hand and experience as they can be animal aggressive and if not socialized, very man aggressive.
Throughout the south, they are typically found, (if they can be found), kept by those wishing to be left alone, hermits per se. Those that live away from people and want to be alerted to and protection from intrusion. They are usually kept chained in a yard as an only dog and as such are not social dogs in such circumstances. Unlike many modern bull or mastiff breeds or modern bandogs, they not only alert to intrusion or a threat but will take action without the command of their master. Traditionally, they were kept as fierce guardians of the pioneer's homesteads that were far removed from civilization. Laura Ingalls Wilder's well known dog "Jack" was in fact a Brindle Bulldog that she wrote of as such. "Jack took his role as protector very seriously, which sometimes was more of a hindrance than a help, particularly in Indian Territory. Pa had to keep Jack tied up to prevent him from biting the Indians who sometimes visited the Ingalls home and causing trouble for the settlers. ... Her father's gun hung over the door and good old Jack, the Brindle Bulldog, lay on guard before it. Her father would say: 'Go to sleep Laura, Jack won't let the wolves in'." Little House in the Big Woods
Below is an 1840 description of the Cuban Bloodhound. There is no better way to describe the Brindle Bulldog. 'This singular race was characterized as one of rare aggressiveness. It was a dog of great desire in its job, of much tenacity and of fearless courage. Men feared facing it as it was common that the dogs succeeded to kill without difficulty. It's bite was particularly strong. It was distinguished from the other dogs also for its resistance and its churlishness. (Rudeness of manners or temper; lack of kindness or courtesy). They were '24 inches high and 36 inches long (or thereabouts), with a head, breast, fore-legs and shoulders like a light-made mastiff, and stout somewhat enlongated, ears erect like a grey-hound (mostly cropped where they bend), and loins, croup, haunches, and tails like a greyhound, only thicker set. This combination, you may conceive, produces an animal of great nerve, strength, and agility, and such to all appearances, are these bloodhounds.' St. Augustine Herald - 2/6/1840
Below is an 1840 description of the Cuban Bloodhound. There is no better way to describe the Brindle Bulldog. 'This singular race was characterized as one of rare aggressiveness. It was a dog of great desire in its job, of much tenacity and of fearless courage. Men feared facing it as it was common that the dogs succeeded to kill without difficulty. It's bite was particularly strong. It was distinguished from the other dogs also for its resistance and its churlishness. (Rudeness of manners or temper; lack of kindness or courtesy). They were '24 inches high and 36 inches long (or thereabouts), with a head, breast, fore-legs and shoulders like a light-made mastiff, and stout somewhat enlongated, ears erect like a grey-hound (mostly cropped where they bend), and loins, croup, haunches, and tails like a greyhound, only thicker set. This combination, you may conceive, produces an animal of great nerve, strength, and agility, and such to all appearances, are these bloodhounds.' St. Augustine Herald - 2/6/1840