dont like bent bulldogs with saddle stem.

[riff raff]

Are the groves on the exterior of the bowl a requirement for a pipe to be considered a bulldog? Do they have a purpose, or just cosmetic?

Traditionally, the rings are part of the bulldog shape. But there are so many variations now.
They are purely stylistic and serve to catch wax and other debris....

 

[monbla256]

Are the groves on the exterior of the bowl a requirement for a pipe to be considered a bulldog? Do they have a purpose, or just cosmetic?

Traditionaly most Bulldogs, bent and straight, had rings but many don't as well. It is the overal shape and except for Dunhill and a few others, a Bulldog has a diamond shaped shank. Dunhill and a few others call the Bulldog shape a Rhodesian but traditionaly, Rhodesians have a bulldog shaped bowl, w/wo rings and a ROUND shank. Aaaah the wonderful world of pipes !! :twisted: :twisted:

 

[Illini Libertarian]

Thanks brothers. My next question was going to be about Rhodesian vs Bulldog, but monbla was all over it. Cheers!