The Bulldog and Bull Baiting- The Objective behind this Ancient Sport
The Bulldog’s main objective during the bait was the “pinning and holding” of the bull. For this purpose the dogs used were trained to approach their advisary head on, while keeping as near to the ground as possible, thus lessening the chance of being tossed by the bull’s horns.
When within range, the Bulldog would spring in an attempt to secure a hold on the fleshly part of the bull’s nose, thereby pinning his adversary to the ground. Ofcourse it was unusual for a minor error in judgement to result in the Bulldog falling victim to the menacing horns and being tossed thirty or forty fet into the air!