Bulldog Index
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Bulldog
Tobacco, Tea and Playing Cards

Bulldogs are blessed with some of the nicest cards and stamps available for any breed.
To check out the Bulldog Stamps from Around the World, click here.

or the Art Prints and Posters, click here.

Player "Dogs - Scenic Background", 1925, This breed has been reared in Great Britain for several centuries, and was formerly associated with the sport of bull-baiting. The Bulldog, which has come to be regarded as the national breed, is thick-set, low in stature, broad-chested, with powerful forelegs set well outside the body, arched back, light hind quarters, big long head, broad projectig underjaw well turned up, ears small and thin set high on the head, and a short fine coat. Weight from 40 to 60 lbs. Height 12 to 14 ins. Colours brindle, red, fawn, white, or pied, with or without black muzzle.
Bulldog Card 1 (Players Scenic, 1925)... $7.95 each

Gallaher "Dogs 2nd Series", 1938, Bulldogs combine the fiercest appearance with the gentlest nature of almost any dog. This does not mean that they lack great courage in combat. They seize their antagonist with a tremendously strong grip, and the chaacteristic undershot jaw was developed for seizing the bull's nose as he lowered his head to toss the dog. This was in the old brutal days of bull-baiting. Bulldogs have altered a lot since then, but their reputation is as high as ever.
Bulldog Card 2 (Gallaher, 1938)... $9.95 each

Players "Dogs by Wardle - Full Length", 1931, The Bulldog, the national breed of Great Britain, has been reared here for several centuries, and was formerly used for the sport of bull-baiting until this was prohibited early in the 19th century. He is dogged, determined, courageous and tenacious and will fight to the death. At the same time he is one of the most docile of the canine race. In stature he is thick set and broad-chested, with powerful forelegs set wide apart, light hindquarters, big head with broad projecting underjaw, and short fine coat. He is almost any weight, but 50 lb. is the most desirable size. Height according to weight. Colours: brindle, red, fawn, white or pied.
Bulldog Card 3 (Players, 1931)... $6.95 each

Players "Dogs Heads by Biegel", issued in 1940. On the back of the card: "Like its German countrpart the Bullenbeisser (now extinct), the Bulldog was bred about 700 years ago for the purpose of bull-baiting. This cruel sport, in which the dog attempted to seize the bull by the nose, was abolished in England in 1835. Soon after the foundation of the British Bulldog Club in 1875, the breed found favour with Americn dog enthusiasts, and in the early years of this century three dogs were exported to the United States at a price of 1000 pounds each. Thickset, massive-jawed and tenacious, the Bulldog's reputation as a plucky fighter has led to its being regarded as a symbol of the British national character.
Bulldog Card 4 (Players, 1940)... $7.95 each

Wills "Dogs", 1937, enclosed in Wild Woodbine Cigarettes,A descendant of the bull-baiting dogs. Skull very large, square and covered with loose wrinkles of skin. Muzzle wide with projecting, turned-up lower jaw. Nose large and black with big nostrils. Eyes full but not prominent, dark and widely set. Ears small, set on high and carried with tips lying back. Neck short and powerful with double dewlaps. Chest very wide and deep. Forlegs heavily boned and muscled, and well out at shoulders; hind legs longer than forelegs and straight at hock. Back short with arched, tucked-up loin. Tail set on low, short and carried downwards. Coat short, fine and close. Colour: brindle, fawn, red, pied, white; black objectionable as is a light-coloured nose.
Bulldog Card 5 (Wills, 1937)... $5.95 each

Horniman Tea "Dogs", 1961,The national dog of Great Britain and one which is the father of so many other breeds. Used here for bull-baiting from the 13th century until that pastime was abolished 100 years ago, yet oddly enough only now formed in the style aimed at by earlier breeders. Has a massive pear-shaped body, higher at the back than front, with wide chest slung well between forelegs. Head the larger the better and jaw very powerful.
Bulldog Card 6 (Horniman Tea, 1961)... $5.95 each

Priory Tea issued the "I-Spy dogs", in 1957. This was a game played by collecting the cards and completing the form on the back of the card. After completing the set you would receive some reward from the company. Also the following was printed on the back: "The "John Bull" dog--fearless and staunch. I-SPY his under-shot jaw and wide-set legs.
Bulldog Card 7 (Priory Tea, 1957)... $5.95 each

Cofton Collections, "Dogs Second Series - Reprint of 1963", reissued in 1988.
Bulldog Card 8 (Cofton Collections reprint, 1988)... $5.95 each

Bassett Candy "Popular Dogs", 1967, with the following printed on the back of the card.
The Bulldog is supposed to represent our National Character, being dour, dependable, of great courage, strong and solid. He gives the appearance of being squarely built. His jaw is broad and square, the lower teeth projecting considerably in front of the upper.
Bulldog Card 9 (Basset Candy, 1967)... $5.95 each

Barbers Tea, "Dogs", 1961, The Bulldog was first used for bull-baiting in 1209 and the breed was described in 1631 and was the subject of a painting by Chardin in 1740. In 1875 the Bulldog Club (Inc.) was formed and the artificial mutilation of the faces of the dogs was thus eliminated. The colour can be any shade except black, or black and tan, and the coat is short and smooth. Weight is 50-52 lbs. and height 15-16 inches. The head of the dog is broad, with about 15 inches circumference.
Bulldog Card 10 (Barbers Tea, 1961)... $5.95 each

Service Line in Modena, Italy put out these delightful cards in 1993. I don't have any other information on them.
Bulldog Card 11 (Modena, Italy, 1993)... $4.95 each

Players issued these "Dogs Heads (Eire) originally in 1940. Then in 1993 the Imperial Publishing came out with an 'authorized reproduction'. The artist is John Wardle and the card is from a set of 50. The Bulldog is No. 7 in the series. The following is printed on the reverse: "This breed is an example of the results of specialized breeding for certain points. The bull-baiting dogs were considerably higher on the leg, longer in muzzle and generally less massive and more active. When bull-=baiting and dog-fighting became illegal, the Bulldog was taken up by show breeders and his natural characteristics were exaggerated until the grotesque animal of today was evolved. Deliberate breeding produced the flat face, with its abnormally turned-up underjaw, the shortened back and legs, and increased the size of skull and width of front. In temperament the Bulldog is placid and good-natured, but still retians the courage and determination.
Bulldog Card 12 Original (Players Dogs Heads Eire, 1940)... $24.95 each

ENGLISH BULLDOG
"The English Bulldog is a big bluffer. Not that he isn't a fighter. Bred to fight bulls, and each other, these dogs are possessed of courage such as no danger, pain, nor death itself, can daunt. No indeed, no bluffer is he when fight is in prospect. Those ferocious jaws and that stout bull-dog heart were made for fighting. But behind that ferocious appearance, and deep in that great heart, is a capacity for affection no other breed can surpass. None loves to be petted more, nor will persist longer in pleading for fondling by almost any friendly hand, than does the English Bulldog. Despite his forbidding appearance, no dog is more gentle and good-natured, and none more safe and dependable with children."
Bulldog Card 13... $6.95 each

CH. BASFORD REVIVAL REPLICA
Sire: Ch. Basford Revival
Dam: Patch o'Gray
Born: March 26th, 1935
Sinclair "Champion Dogs", 1938, a Series of Real Photos. On the reverse side of the card: "His photograph shows he is all a bulldog should be. Mahogany brindle in colour, he possesses a long, flat skull, well furrowed, wide well-turned underjaw, beautiful ears, well placed shoulders, heaps of bone, and a short back."
Owned by: Mr. Ernest Roddy, Newcastle, Staffs.
Bulldog Card 14 (Sinclair Champion Dogs, 1938)... $6.95 each

Carreras "Dogs & Friend" was issued in 1936. Lady Kitty Ritson describes the left photo on the back: "The Bull-dog puppies in this picture are nine weeks old. Children should be taught that puppies must not be carried about, as it is really very bad for the puppies and often results in internal injuries. Once children have had these things explained to them, they are generally very reasonable about them. Puppies need a lot of sleep and should be allowed to rest whenever they wish to; otherwise they will not grow well, and will also become tired, which tends to strain their muscles."
The card on the right is another Carreras "Dogs & Friend" issued in 1936. Lady Kitty Ritson also describes this one: "The Bull-dog looks ferocious and is, in reality, very good-natured, although a hundred years ago it was used for brutal sport such as bull-baiting, bear-baiting, etc. In those days they used to smash their faces with a wooden mallet so as to produce the typical face. We must be thankful those days are passed, and today the Bull-dog is a family pet. Unfortunately, they are very often allowed to lose the active ways, for there is no reason why a Bull-dog should not be kept in good condition."
Bulldog Card 15 (Carreras Dogs and Friend, 1936)left... $5.95 each

Bulldog Card 16 (Carreras Dogs and Friend, 1936)right... $5.95 each

BULLDOG PUPPIES
Pattreiouex issued these lovely photos "Dogs", in 1939, and enclosed them singly in Senior Service Cigarettes. There were 48 cards in the series and these beautiful puppies were No. 41. The back of the card is as follows: "The modern Bulldog is lacking in activity but has great courage, considerable brains, and is very faithful.

GENERAL HINTS
RETRIEVING: Make sitting part of the retrieving game. Tell him to sit, get a friend to hold him, and put out two dummies, then go back to the pup and point to one of the dummies. If he looks towards the other one, turn him round. Then make the overarm signal, say 'fetch' and run a few paces with him to ensure he follows the signal."
Bulldog Card 17 (Pattreiouex, 1939)... $5.95 each

The card on the left from Phillips "Our Dogs", was issued in 1939. Printed on the back: "It may not be generally known that the Bulldog was bred for the special purpose of bull-baiting. Hence the short nose, the open and wide nostrils and fleshy upper lips. The fore-quarters are heavier and more powerful than the hind".
The card on the right was also issued in 1939, but was for packs of 20 cigarettes rather than for the 10 cigarette packs like the one on the left. On the back it says, "Is still a great favourite. Very faithful and intelligent. It was originally bred for the purpose of bull-baiting".
Bulldog Card 18 (Phillips Our Dogs, 1939)left... $14.95 each

Bulldog Card 19 (Phillips Our Dogs, 1939)right... $19.95 each

Edwards Ringer & Bigg issued this very OLD card titled "Dog Series - Klondyke" in 1908 and enclosed them in Ringers cigarettes. The back of the card looks like it came from the Gold Rush era, very ornately drawn in a maroon color and has the following printed on it: SMOKE KLONDYKE CIGARETTES. "The English Bull-dog is well known to history in connection with the old-time sport of bull-baiting, long since discarded on the score of cruelty. The modern dog through breeding for exaggerted points, has become a useless and ungainly creature, altogether different from his active ancestor. He once had a bad character on account of his ferocious appearance, but is now known to be lovable, sociable, safe with children, and faithful. Weight, 40 to 60 lbs."
Bulldog Card 20 (Ringers Klondyke, 1908)... SOLD OUT

Weeties "Favourite Dogs - New Zealand, were issued in 1940, and were enclosed singly is Crispies and Vitabrits. This is a series of 32 cards. The bulldog is No. 4. The back of the card has the following: " Originally bred for the baiting of bulls, the British Bulldog has come to typify the national character of the British people. Though powerful in build and ferocious in expression, the Bulldog is gentle, faithful and indolent. However, when roused, he displays great courage and the proverbial bull-dog tenacity. Once this dog gets his teeth into an adversary he holds and does not let go.
*
DO train your dog to have good manners--a badly-behaved dog is a reflection on you. Patience is essential in the training of dogs.
Bulldog Card 21 (Favourite Dogs, New Zealand, 1940)... SOLD OUT

Gallaher issued this "Dogs A Series" in 1936. The following is printed on the reverse of the card: "The Bulldog is, of course, famous as the British national breed, and in most Continental countries cartoonists couple it with another well-known figure, "John Bull". The breed, however, does not take its name from this connection but from a favourite sport of our ancestors, Bull-baiting, for which a dog of rather similiar type, though about double the weight, was used. The present type retains the old characteristics, for it has pluck and endurance to the end. It is strange that so forbidding an expression should mask so lovable a disposition.
Bulldog Card 22 (Gallaher, 1936)... $9.95 each

Moustafa issued these cards with paintings by Leo Chambers, titled "Leo Chambers Dogs Heads" (a series of 40 cards) in 1924. The printing on the back of the card is as follows: "Our national dog is not one-tenth so awesome as he looks. He is, in fact, one of the most gentle o'dogs, affectionate with children, and invariably good tempered. His physical characteristics are world-famous. He must be massive, with powerful forelegs set outside the body, light hind quarters, broad bottom jaw well turned up, big ribs, and sour expression. His coat is short and fine.
Feed on Spratt's Weetmeet, with "Rodnim" as a change.
Bulldog Card 23 (Moustafa, 1924)... SOLD OUT

Typhoo Tea issued these dogs as part of their packaging in 1955. The title of the series of 20 cards is "Some Popular Breeds of Dogs". it was necessary to cut the card out of the package of the tea for saving, therefore there is no printing on the back of the card.
Bulldog Card 24 (Typhoo Tea, 1955)... $8.95 each

Hignett series titled "Dogs" was issued in 1936 and enclosed singly in their packages of cigarettes. Printed on the back of the card: "The Bulldog is probably descended from the old English Mastiff, and was formerly used for the cruel pastimes of bull-and bear-baiting. Prominent features of this immensely strong and active old breed were its upturned underjaw (which enabled the dog to breathe while holding firmly to tethered quarry) and its powerful low front and light hindquarters. After the abolition of bull-and-bear-baiting the Bulldog was used for dog fighting, and was one of the breeds that helped to produce the Bull Terrier."
Bulldog Card 25 (Hignett, 1936)... $19.95 each

"Champion Mountain Lassie"
Bulldog card from England

BULLDOG
Owned by: Mr. W. J. Edwards
These beautiful cards were issued by Ardath Cork and State Express Cigarettes in 1934. The series was titled "Champion Dogs". Instead of a brief description on the back of the card, a total description of each feature of the dog is outlined and explained. All of it the courtesy of the The Bulldog Club (Inc).
(as shown to the right)
Bulldog Card 26 (Ardath, 1934)... $9.95 each

Epol,Capetown, South Africa "Dog Pictures", were issued in 1974. There are 30 cards in the series and the Bulldog is No. 26. The printing on the back of the card is as follows: "Although it has a massive head and scowling expression, it has a gentle and affectionate nature. Weight 23-25 kg."
Bulldog Card 27 (EPOL Dog Food, South Africa, 1974)... $12.95 each

Quaker Oats issued these "Challenge of the Yukon" cards in 1938. The back of the card has a stamped signature of Sergeant Preston and a nice description of the Bulldog as follows: "ENGLISH BULLDOG is one of the gentlest of all dogs. Originally bred for bull-baiting, he is short legged, has powerful chest and great endurance. Weighs between 40 and 50 pounds and has short, dense, uniformly-colored coat. Is easy-going and dignified, but well able to take care of himself. A great companion for children. Name of English Bulldog pictured here is Picapenny's Glory "B""
Bulldog Card 28 (Quaker Oats, 1938)... $14.95 each

Australian Champion "Lochaber Wintersnight Reflection"
Owner - Mr. J. Heatley, Vic.
Golden Fleece Australia issued these "Pedigree Dogs" in 1972. Appearing on the back of the card: "Although at one time a vicious fighting dog, the British Bulldog has today become a friendly and lovable animal. He was used over 300 years ago for bull and bear baiting and for the popular English sport of dog-fighting.
Of medium size, the British Bulldog has a smooth coat, with heavy, thick set, low swung body. He has a large short-faced head, wide shoulders and sturdy limbs"
Bulldog Card 29 (Golden Fleece, Australia, 1972)... $7.95 each

Players' "Dogs by Wardle - 2nd Series," were issued in 1928. The cards were enclosed singly in Players Cigarettes (large packages of 20 cigarettes) The back has the following: "This breed has been reared in Great Britain for several centuries, and was in former years associated with the popular sport of bull-baiting. The Bulldog, which has come to be regarded as the national breed, is thick-set, low in stature and broad-chested, with powerful forelegs set well outside the body, arched back, light hind quarters, big long head, broad projecting underjaw well turned up, ears small and thin set high on the head and a short fine coat. Weight from 40 to 60 lbs. Height 12 to 14 in. Colours brindle, red, fawn, white, or pied, with or without black muzzle".
Bulldog Card 30 (Players 2nd series, 1928)... $19.95 each

"BILL"
(Bulldog)
Wills "Puppies by Dawson" - Reprint of 1940, were issued in 1990. These cards are an authorized reproduction put out by Imperial Tobacco. Lucy Dawson is the artist and also wrote the narrative on BILL. "'Bill' appeared so fat and round that I wondered where to begin; he certainly looked most solid and serious after so many of the small terrier types of puppies. "Bill" just waddled about and fell over everything, himself and me included. He will be a most fearsome gentleman when full grown, I suspect, and probably a champion."
Bulldog Card 34 (Wills, Puppies by Dawson,reprint 1990)... $5.95 each

These Premier Trading Cards were made for use in vending machines manufacturred exclusively by the Oak Mfg. Co. Oak Mfg. issued these "Dogs" in 1950. Printed on the reverse: "The Bulldog, which had its origin in the British Isles, is the Emblem of Britain.
The name Bull originally applied to this breed of dog because of its use in connection with the then popular English sport of "Bull-baiting". The extraordinary courage of the early dogs is hardly believable. He had such ferocity and courage as to seem almost insensible to pain.
In 1835 when dog fighting in England became illegal, superb breeding methods eliminated the undesirable characteristics of the Bulldog and preserved the finer qualities.
Today, despite his fierce appearance, the Bulldog is gentle, good tempered and affectionate, but very courageous.
Bulldog Card 37 (Oak Mfg Co., 1950)... $14.95 each

"Champion Keysoe Golden Sovereign"
Bulldog card from England

"Dogs" by Gallaher were issued in 1934. The following nice description appears on the back of the card: "Earlier types of this breed of dog were used for bull-baiting, but the present type of show Bulldog is entirely different. The New Bulldog Club, inaugurated in 1874, helped to popularise the type as it is known to-day. The dog illustrated is owned by Mr. J. Barnard, and is a typical example. This dog has won three challenge certificates and hundreds of prizes on the show bench.
Bulldog Card 38 (Gallaher, 1934)... $14.95 each

Wills "Dogs A Series" was issued in 1914 and Wills "Dogs A Series-Reprint of 1914", was issued in 1987. There are 25 cards in the sets and the Bulldog is No. 19. The following appears on the back of the card: "To the Bulldog belongs the honour of being considered the national dog of Great Britain, his characteristics of indomitable pluck and endurance endearing him to the hearts of Englishmen. Although he has a name for ferocity, he is in reality easy-going and good tempered. To his master he is amiable, faithful and obedient but is slow at making new friends; and, when roused to action by any cruelty, his courage and tenacity make him a most formidable antagonist. He is a comparatively small dog, very heavy for his size, with great squareness of head. The Bulldog is certainly ugly in appearance, but he is stamped as the possessor of a combination of strength and activity not to be found in any other dog. The usual weight is from 40-50 lbs., and the favourite colours are white, brindle and white, and brindle.
Bulldog Card 39 (Wills Dogs A series Original, 1914)... $24.95 each

Bulldog Card 39 (Wills Dogs A series Reprint, 1987)... $5.95 each

Sanders "Dogs" issued in 1926, were apparently enclosed in both Sanders' Crystal Jelly and Sanders' Custard Deluxe. The back of the card has the following: " Points. Head large, heaps of wrinkles and very well defined "stop" which should extend up the centre of head, wide between the eyes (which should not show the whites and be as dark as possible), good length from eye to ear, which should be very small and carried "Rose" "Tulip" or "Button". Under jaw strong, square and well "up" not showing teeth, however, good Dew-lap, the chest should be very deep and low and vey wide with legs straight, back short and well arched at loins ("Roachee.") Tail put on low and never carried above the line of back. A bull dog should resemble a pear when looked down upon, i.e., broader in front than behind. Weight not more than 60 lbs. or not less than 20 lbs.
Bulldog Card 41 (Sanders, 1926)... $29.95 each

Bulldog Playing Cards

Sorry, we don't have any complete sets of playing cards. These were from collections of antique cards and there is no way of knowing how old they are or where one might find more of them. They are certainly a part of Bulldog history.

This unique card was produced in Germany in the 1980's. On the back it says:
Character:
It despite its somewhat ferocious appearance, has a docile temperament and generally adores children. It is quick to learn and will enjoy taking part in games. However, its build precludes any fast running, and it must never, be allowed to rush about in hot weather, as its nose does not equip it for rapid breathing. It should never be shut in a car or other confined space unless plenty of fresh air is availbale.
Coat:
The coat can be any color except black, black & white or black and tan.
Size:
25Kg (55lb)
Country Origin:
Great Britain
Bulldog Playing Card 1... $9.95 each

This playing card was issued in 1996 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. It was printed in Belgium and the lovely illustrations were done by Tomas Markevicius as part of the "Dogs of the World" Card Collection. The Bulldog is appropriately the ace of hearts. To the right is a copy of the back of the cards from this set.
Bulldog Playing Card 2... $5.95 each

These are also taken from decks that had a variety of breeds for the different card values.
Bulldog Playing Card 3(top left)... $5.95 each

Bulldog Playing Card 4(top right)... $5.95 each

Bulldog Playing Card 5(bottom)... $5.95 each

This deck of cards was produced in Japan several years ago. There are several breeds in the deck and each breed is sold as a single card separately. The Bulldog in it is the Joker.
Bulldog Playing Card 6(Japan)... $9.95 each

This pair was originally from two decks that were produced to make a complete picture. As you can see, the Bulldog has four Aces, while the one across the table has a straight flush!
Bulldog Playing Cards 8 and 9... $7.95 each pair

These are other samples of the theme of dogs playing cards on the back of playing cards.
Bulldog Playing Card 11... $2.95 each

Bulldog Playing Card 12... $2.95 each

There is nothing cuter than Bulldog puppies.
Bulldog Playing Card 14(top left)... $4.95 each

Bulldog Playing Card 15(top right)... SOLD OUT
Bulldog Playing Card 16(bottom)... SOLD OUT

Bulldog Playing Cards 19 and 20 ... SOLD OUT

This is a very unique card from a set that had each royal card a different breed, like Afghan, Airedale and this outstanding Bulldog King of Diamonds.
Bulldog Playing Card 21... $19.95 each

I am not sure if this is really a playing card. It comes from Germany and is much larger than it appears in relation to the others. It is actually about 6 inches by 8 inches and made of heavy, slick cardboard. I was able to get only a few of the royal cards and one was this super Bulldog. I have never seen another copy.
Bulldog Playing Card 22... SOLD OUT

Bulldog Phone Cards

Phone cards, such as this one, come rarely, one of a kind. No minutes on this card but a definite collectors item.
Bulldog Phone Card... $5.95 each

Bulldog Post Cards

This is a postcard that was mailed from Budapest Hungary December 27, 1917. To the right is a scan of the back including the stamp from Magyar Posta (the Hungarian Post Office.) It is in reasonably good shape considering its age, but you can see the slight wear on the corners. Still, it is a remarkable find.
Bulldog Post Card 2... SOLD OUT

Bulldog Post Card 4... $9.95 each

Bulldog Post Card 5... $9.95 each

English Bulldog Match Box Covers

This beautiful Match Box Cover was produced by The Cornish Match Co., Ltd.
Bulldog Match Box Cover 1... $9.95 each

Bulldog Match Box Cover 2... $9.95 each

To check out the Bulldog Stamps from Around the World, click here.

or the Art Prints and Posters, click here.

* We can take visa/mc/disc or paypal, but they are first come first served, so let me know if you are interested.

* Truly one of the cheapest unique treats for yourself or a friend (great for club trophies as well!)

* I don't always count on getting more in the near future. I get them when I can find them and the stock is not always constant.

* Top of Page * Index of Breeds with Stamps and Cards *
* Bulldog Stamps from Around the World * Bulldog Index
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Bulldog Tobacco, Tea and Playing Cards

Bulldog
Tobacco, Tea and Playing Cards