Duke of Hamilton
1756 - 1799
Douglas Hamilton, 8th Duke of Hamilton and 5th Duke of Brandon, 1756 - 1799 with Dr. John Moore and his son Sir John Moore. Artist Gavin Hamilton. Scottish National Portrait Gallery. Created 1775-1777.
The Duke of Hamilton was known to have been an enthusiast of Bulldogs and is said to have kept one of the oldest strains.
In this historical painting the Duke is seen with a red/fawn Bulldog or Bull and Terrier, looking at him admiringly.
The painting, by artist Gavin Hamilton is seen as a masterpiece by art experts and the curator’s and is displayed in its distinguished position in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.
I think it is quite remarkable how closely this dog resembles a Staffordshire Bull Terrier! The picture, painted 250 years ago approximately shows the very typical head type and expression of a Staffordshire; further proof that the Stafford is a direct descendant of the working Bulldogs of that time with the same or very close genetic background.
Examining the painting closely, it can be seen that the dog has the identical head and looks of an early Stafford. With rose ears and the furrow down the middle of the head, reminiscent of the muscular development seen in the head/skull of a typical Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
The Duke of Hamilton was known to have been an enthusiast of Bulldogs and is said to have kept one of the oldest strains.
In this historical painting the Duke is seen with a red/fawn Bulldog or Bull and Terrier, looking at him admiringly.
The painting, by artist Gavin Hamilton is seen as a masterpiece by art experts and the curator’s and is displayed in its distinguished position in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.
I think it is quite remarkable how closely this dog resembles a Staffordshire Bull Terrier! The picture, painted 250 years ago approximately shows the very typical head type and expression of a Staffordshire; further proof that the Stafford is a direct descendant of the working Bulldogs of that time with the same or very close genetic background.
Examining the painting closely, it can be seen that the dog has the identical head and looks of an early Stafford. With rose ears and the furrow down the middle of the head, reminiscent of the muscular development seen in the head/skull of a typical Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
“Wasp, Child and Billy,” by Ward, after Chalon, 1809. W. Johns, Esq.
From the left ‘Wasp,’’Child’ and ‘Billy,’ which were said to have been the last of the Duke of Hamilton’s strain from 1809.
