"Who Let the Dogs Out?!"

[fredvegas]

Okay, so educate the noob. Which trait is it that makes a bulldog a bulldog? Is it the diamond shaped shank (I saw a couple in there with round ones)? Is it the beveled bowl?

 

[bytor]

The answer to that question is debatable.
Most agree that the basic shape of a bulldog/rhodesian is defined by the beveled edge at the mouth of the bowl (the cross section resembles two cones put together and the points cut off). The bowl typically (not always) has a one or more grooves cut in it near the kick of the bevel.
There are generally two schools of thought as to the what differentiates the two shapes.
1. A bulldog has a straight diamond shank and all others are rhodesians.

2. Bulldogs have diamond shanks (straight or bent), while rhodesians have round shanks (straight or bent).
I subscribe to the second.

 

[fredvegas]

Well alright, then. Good to know. Thanks!

 

[collin]

Greg has a great article, (that goes without saying), on the Bulldog shape. :D
http://glpease.com/Pipes/Shapes/Bulldogs.php

 

[hauntedmyst]

From talking to some carvers, its one of the more difficult classic shapes to make right. The transition for straight to the curve is especially difficult.

 

[unclearthur]

It's a PITA to get right!

 

[lordofthepiperings]

I thought it was more the shape of the bowl that differentiated a bulldog from a a rhodesian. I was under the impression that rhodesians kind of flare out a little more at the top of the bowl. But then again I've only been piping seriously for around a year now and I'm still getting used to the different shape names.

 

[pstlpkr]

Bulldogs vs. Rhodesians

Lord your observations on the shape of the bowl seem to be correct...

However; my Bulldog leans toward the Rhodesian shape as described by you.

But, IMHO the difference is really in the type of stem used that differentiates one from the other.
Here is my understanding of the differences:

Bulldog: has a tapered stem

Bent bulldog: has a fishtail type stem with and is bent

HOWEVER:

Rhodesian: is has a fishtail type stem

Bent Rhodesian: has a tapered stem and is bent.

So... in summation: a Bent Bulldog has a "bent" Rhodesian stem, and a Bent Rhodesian has a "straight" Bulldog stem. Go figure..

AGentlemanKnows.com

 

[lordofthepiperings]

Thanks for the chart Lawrence. Maybe I'll print it out and look over it a while. Kind of get used to the shapes and their names. I see what you mean about the stems and shanks being different.

 

[pstlpkr]

No problem Lord.

However; one must bear in mind that even these charts (and they are numerous) have differences.

But, I think that is a whole "nuther" topic for discussion.

 

[bytor]

Figured I'd add my dogs to the pack:
My Pack

Albatross (pretty certain this is a Savinelli Second - it even has a shape stamp of 514KS)

Castello

GBD

Kirsten (sorta Bulldog-ish)

London Crown (bent Rhodesian)

Sasieni 4-dot

Stanwell

Viprati

 

[romeowood]

Here's a couple pics before I send them off to jason to get attacked with rustificationization:

BBB Classic De Luxe Bent Bulldog

Medico VFQ--looks like hell but it's a fantastic smoker

And this is one of my more recent acquisitions, dedicated to English Latakia blends (NOT to be jason-ized)

A circa 1980 Dunhill Cumberland Twin-bore 42683 Bent Rhodesian

 

[hauntedmyst]

Gentlemen,
I am hesitant to post this because I want to bid on it (other than it looks poorly cared for) but as aficionados of the bulldog, this one is worth the look just for its uniqueness. I have to admit, I've been looking at it for a few minutes now and it's bizarre...not so much the pipe but how your eye sees it like its some sort of Escher print. In my head I keep wanting to correct the shank to the diamond position rather than square!
Ashton Square Shank Bull Dog

 

[pstlpkr]

Very nice Haunted.

A good cleaning will correct a multitude of sins.

I fear that a knife has nicked the rim, but not badly.

I particularly like the birds eyes above the lines.

 

[mikemacrdlnds]

Wrong Forum, sorry.

 

[adam12]

Yeah but you bumped a really good thread! I'll have to take some photos of my dogs...

 

[baronsamedi]

Here's a Longchamp Bulldog Jasongone rusticated for me.

 

[briarbird]

Good thread! here is the begining progress to one that I am making for Tokerpipes. it will be bent when all is finished. Oh, and there will be way less briar as well... :lol:

 

[rogers]

Nice thread. Now I hafta buy another bulldog. lol

 

[crpntr1]

First I've got a longchamp

my other one is a stanwell vario 191