# Olde English Bulldogge: A Complete Breed Guide
Overview
The Olde English Bulldogge represents a remarkable effort to recreate the original English Bulldog of the 18th century, combining the classic bulldog appearance with improved health and athleticism. Developed in the 1970s by David Leavitt, this breed was created through careful selective breeding to produce a dog that maintained the traditional bulldog look while addressing the breathing and mobility issues that plague modern English Bulldogs.
Standing 16-20 inches tall and weighing 50-80 pounds, the Olde English Bulldogge is a medium-sized, muscular dog with a distinctive pushed-in face that's less extreme than its English Bulldog cousin. This breed offers the loyal, courageous temperament bulldog enthusiasts love, packaged in a more athletic and healthier body structure.
History & Origin
The Olde English Bulldogge's story begins in 1971 when David Leavitt of Coatesville, Pennsylvania, embarked on an ambitious breeding program. Leavitt was concerned about the health problems plaguing modern English Bulldogs and sought to recreate the original working bulldogs of 18th-century England, which were more athletic and had fewer breathing difficulties.
Using a foundation of English Bulldogs, American Bulldogs, Bull Mastiffs, and American Pit Bull Terriers, Leavitt developed a breeding program based on the Leavitt Bulldog breeding system. His goal was to create a dog that was 50% English Bulldog, 1/6 American Bulldog, 1/6 Bull Mastiff, and 1/6 American Pit Bull Terrier in genetic makeup.
The breed gained recognition from the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 2014, though it remains relatively rare compared to other bulldog breeds. The Leavitt Bulldog Association continues to maintain breeding standards and registry for dogs that meet the original breeding criteria.
Physical Characteristics
The Olde English Bulldogge presents a powerful, athletic appearance that clearly shows its bulldog heritage while demonstrating improved functionality. The breed features a large, square head with a well-defined stop and a shorter muzzle than many breeds, though not as extremely shortened as the modern English Bulldog.
Their body is compact and muscular, with a broad chest and well-sprung ribs. The breed typically displays a slight underbite, and their ears can be either rose or button style. The tail is usually straight or slightly curved, never docked.
The coat is short, close, and comes in various colors including brindle, solid colors, and piebald patterns. Common colors include red, fawn, black, and various brindle combinations, often with white markings on the chest, face, and feet.
Males typically weigh 65-80 pounds and stand 17-20 inches tall, while females are generally smaller at 50-70 pounds and 16-19 inches in height. The breed should appear well-balanced and athletic, capable of movement and endurance that would have been necessary for their historical working roles.
Temperament & Personality
The Olde English Bulldogge exhibits the classic bulldog temperament: confident, loyal, and courageous, yet gentle and friendly with family members. These dogs are known for their stable, even-tempered nature and strong desire to please their owners.
They typically display excellent protective instincts without being overly aggressive, making them effective watchdogs who will alert their families to potential threats. With proper socialization, they generally get along well with children and can coexist peacefully with other pets, though their strong prey drive may require careful introduction to smaller animals.
The breed tends to be somewhat reserved with strangers initially but warms up quickly once properly introduced. They're not typically excessive barkers, though they will vocalize when necessary. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them relatively trainable, though they can display the typical bulldog stubbornness at times.
Olde English Bulldogges are generally calm indoors but enjoy outdoor activities and playtime. They're adaptable to various living situations but thrive best when they have regular interaction with their human families and adequate physical and mental stimulation.
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Despite their muscular build, Olde English Bulldogges have moderate exercise requirements. Daily walks totaling 30-60 minutes, combined with playtime, typically meet their needs. They enjoy activities like fetch, tug-of-war, and supervised swimming, which is excellent low-impact exercise for the breed.
Care should be taken during hot weather, as their shortened muzzle can make them prone to overheating. Exercise should be scheduled during cooler parts of the day, and fresh water should always be available.
Grooming Requirements
The breed's short coat requires minimal grooming. Weekly brushing with a firm bristle brush helps remove loose hair and distribute natural oils. During shedding seasons, more frequent brushing may be necessary.
Regular attention should be paid to facial wrinkles, which should be cleaned daily with a damp cloth and dried thoroughly to prevent bacterial growth. Nails should be trimmed regularly, and ears should be checked and cleaned weekly to prevent infections.
Dietary Needs
Olde English Bulldogges typically do well on high-quality commercial dog food appropriate for their age and activity level. Due to their muscular build, they may benefit from foods with higher protein content, particularly during their growth phase.
Portion control is important, as the breed can be prone to weight gain, which can exacerbate breathing difficulties and joint problems. Feeding should be divided into two meals per day rather than one large meal to aid digestion and prevent bloat.
Health & Common Issues
The Olde English Bulldogge was specifically developed to address many health issues common in English Bulldogs, and generally enjoys better overall health. However, potential owners should be aware of certain conditions that can affect the breed.
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) can still occur, though typically to a lesser degree than in English Bulldogs. Signs include excessive panting, snoring, and difficulty breathing during exercise or in hot weather.
Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia can affect the breed, making health testing of breeding dogs important. Reputable breeders should provide hip and elbow clearances for both parents.
Other potential health concerns include cherry eye, entropion (inward rolling of the eyelid), and various heart conditions. Regular veterinary checkups and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent or manage many of these issues.
The breed's improved breathing ability compared to English Bulldogs means most females can whelp naturally, though cesarean sections may still sometimes be necessary.
Training Tips
Olde English Bulldogges respond well to positive reinforcement training methods. Their intelligence and desire to please make them relatively trainable, though patience may be required when they display typical bulldog stubbornness.
Early socialization is crucial for developing a well-rounded adult dog. Exposure to various people, animals, sounds, and environments during puppyhood helps ensure the dog grows up to be confident and well-adjusted.
Basic obedience training should begin early, focusing on essential commands like sit, stay, come, and down. Consistency in training methods and expectations from all family members is important for success.
House training may take patience, as bulldogs can be somewhat slower to housetrain than some breeds. Crate training can be helpful, though care should be taken to ensure adequate ventilation and comfortable temperatures.
Is This Breed Right For You?
The Olde English Bulldogge can make an excellent companion for the right family. They're well-suited to families with children and can adapt to various living situations, including apartments, provided their exercise needs are met.
Ideal owners are those who appreciate the bulldog temperament but want a healthier, more athletic version of the breed. They should be prepared for the grooming requirements, particularly the daily cleaning of facial wrinkles, and understand the potential health concerns associated with brachycephalic breeds.
The breed is not ideal for those seeking a highly active jogging or hiking companion, nor for those who cannot provide adequate climate control during hot weather. They're also not the best choice for first-time dog owners who may not understand the specific needs of bulldog-type breeds.
Prospective owners should research breeders carefully, ensuring they health test their breeding dogs and follow responsible breeding practices. The breed's relative rarity means finding a reputable breeder may require patience and possibly travel.