Olde English Bulldogge Dog Breed Information Guide

The Olde English Bulldogge is a modern dog breed with “Olde English” roots. This unique bulldog breed is the modern recreation of old Regency Period bull-baiting dogs, offering the health, athletic ability, and appearance of the original, while reducing the tendency towards aggression that the early breed needed to perform the barbaric tasks set before it.

The modern Olde English Bulldogge is a unique, healthy and lively bulldog breed with a loving and friendly disposition that makes it a great choice for active families.

Olde English Bulldogge History

Despite the name, the Olde English Bulldogge has only been in existence since 1971. This breed is a recreation of a very old dog breed, the Regency Period Bull Baiter, a popular player in the horrific blood sports of the British Regency period (1811 through 1820). During this time, the sport of “Bull Baiting” was a popular pastime amongst bored Brits, and entailed using athletic, muscular bull dogs to taunt and torture bulls.

David Leavitt of Coatsville, Pennsylvania is credited with resurrecting this original bull-baiting dog; his goal was to recreate the appearance, health and athletic ability of the original bull-baiting dogs, but improve on the breed’s tendency towards aggression. In an effort to achieve this, Leavitt carefully crossed the English Bulldog, Bullmastiff, American Pit Bull Terrier and American Bulldog – ultimately producing a breed that is the fore bearer to true Olde English Bulldogges of today. Leavitt is the founding member of the Olde English Bulldogge Association (OAEBA), which maintains the breed’s stud book and issues registration papers to future puppies.

Today’s Olde English Bulldogge retains the health, temperament, athletic ability and appearance of the old bull-baiting dogs after which they were fashioned. This purebred breed of dog is not currently recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club).

The Olde English Bulldogge Kennel Club is recognized as the parent breed club for the Olde English Bulldogge by both the Canine Developmental Health & Performance Registry (CDHPR) of the United Kennel Club, and the American Rare Breed Association. These organizations work to protect and maintain the bloodlines that make the Olde English Bulldogge a purebred dog breed.

Olde English Bulldogge Appearance

Possessing great strength, muscle, agility and fortitude, the Olde English Bulldogge is a force to be reckoned with. This medium sized dog was originally bred to take on an angry bull, and to this day retains that rugged athleticism and strong physique that gave him the ability to work as a bull-baiting dog. This gruesome task entailed “playing low” in front of a charging bull, then launching himself at the bull’s nose with the intention of latching on with his teeth – a feat not easily managed. Thankfully, bull-baiting is no longer legal in civilized parts of the world, however Olde English Bulldogge breeders endeavor to retain the original appearance of the breed through selective breeding programs.

Show & Breeding Disqualifications

Eyes: Any eye color other than brown. Wall eyes or crossed eyes.
Nose: Any color nose other than black.
Bite: Wry jaw or Overbite.
Tail: Kinked, docked, bobbed or screw tail.
Color: Blue/gray (Neapolitan Mastiff color), black & rust/mahogany (Rottweiler color)
Also: Males lacking two fully descended normal testicles.

Olde English Bulldogge Temperament

Despite the “tough guy” appearance, the Olde English Bulldogge is actually a sweetheart. These dogs are exceptionally loving and friendly, while at the same time being alert, with confidence and courage to spare. Olde English Bulldogges are incredibly strong, making them great candidates for dog sports such as weight pulling and sledding.

Generally, the Olde English Bulldogge is good with other pets and dogs, but some individuals have been known to exhibit same-sex aggression. For this reason, early socialization and consistent obedience training from an early age are essential in laying the foundation for a well mannered Olde English Bulldogge who gets along well with other dogs in the home – and away from home.

Some Olde English Bulldogges have energy to spare. With these dogs, it’s best to ensure that they have plenty of opportunity to romp and play – otherwise there’s a chance they’ll use their powers for evil, rather than good. But isn’t this true of almost any lively dog breed?

Olde English Bulldogge Exercise Info

Olde English Bulldogges enjoy exercise and some have higher exercise requirements than others. These dogs are not content to be couch potatoes – expect to spend a moderate amount of time outdoors engaging your Olde English Bulldogge in some kind of challenging activity if you are thinking about adding one of these guys to your home.

Olde English Bulldogge Grooming Info

With it’s short, smooth coat, the Olde English Bulldogge requires minimal grooming. A good weekly brushing will keep your dogs coat shiny and rid him of any dead hairs. Ears should be checked for mites and cleaned periodically with an acidifying ear cleanser.

Olde English Bulldogge Training Info

The Olde English Bulldogge can tend to be aggressive towards same sex dogs, although conscientious breeders attempt to thwart this trait through selective breeding programs.

With this in mind, it’s generally a good decision to enroll your puppy in early obedience classes, and practice what you have learned on a consistent basis.

This is an intelligent dog breed that is eager to please it’s owners, so training is generally accomplished with relative ease. As with training any breed of dog, it’s important that all members of the family be aware of and in agreement about the training methods, and apply these methods consistently.

With early and consistent obedience training, the Olde English Bulldogge is a great choice.

Olde English Bulldogge Health Info

Healthier than his modern Bulldog breed compatriots, the Olde English Bulldogge is generally free of the health issues that plague breeds such as the modern English Bulldog.

Olde English Bulldogges generally do not suffer from breathing problems, and do not have stringent requirements for a cool environment like other Bulldogs. Additionally, unlike the English Bulldog, labor and delivery can usually be accomplished without the need for a Caesarian Section.

If you are looking for a healthy Bulldog that should live a long and happy life, then the Olde English Bulldogge may be what you are looking for.

As with all purebred breeds of dog, finding a highly responsible breeder from whom to purchase a puppy is paramount. A responsible breeder will be diligent in breeding selectively to constantly improve the health, temperament and conformation of their Olde English Bulldogge puppies. In addition to being highly knowledgeable about genetic diseases that can affect their breed, responsible Olde English Bulldog Breeders should have breeding dogs genetically tested to ensure that these dogs do not have disorders that can be passed on to the puppies. Finally, a reputable breeder should offer a reasonable health guarantee when placing a puppy with you.

Olde English Bulldogge Right Breed Info

If you are an active family with the time and energy to devote to this lively canine companion, the Olde English Bulldogge makes a wonderful choice. Great with children and very affectionate and loving, the Olde English Bulldogge is one of the best family dogs you can find.

If this breed interests you, take your time to find a highly reputable breeder from which to purchase a puppy. Selective breeding, genetic testing, recognized parent breed club membership and registration, early socialization and overall knowledge and a commitment to producing temperamentally sound, exceptionally healthy and conformationally correct Olde English Bulldogge puppies are things you should be looking for in a breeder.

More Information about the Olde English Bulldogge Dog Breed