Origin and Development

The Olde English Bulldogge is an American breed that originated in the early 1970s, developed by David Leavitt of Coatesville, Pennsylvania. Leavitt aimed to recreate the healthier, more athletic Regency-era English Bulldog, free from the exaggerated features and health issues of the modern Bulldog. He utilized a livestock line breeding scheme developed by Nathan Fechimer, a professor at Ohio State University, to achieve this goal.

Leavitt's breeding program involved crosses of one-half Bulldog, one-sixth American Bulldog, one-sixth Bullmastiff, and one-sixth of other breeds. This resulted in a dog that resembles the 18th-century Bulldog but with a friendly temperament and fewer health issues, with some individuals living into their teens. The first litter of Olde English Bulldogges was born on July 5, 1971.

The breed was registered by the Canine Developmental, Health and Performance Registry (CDHPR) in 2008 and recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 2014. The Olde English Bulldogge Association (OEBA) was formed to maintain the breed's stud book and issue registration papers, and the Olde English Bulldogge Kennel Club (OEBKC) was established in 2001 to further the breed's development. The OEBA has been instrumental in setting and maintaining breed standards, ensuring the breed's integrity.

Breed Standard and Appearance

The Olde English Bulldogge is a muscular, medium-sized dog with a strong, agile build. They are well-balanced and proportioned, capable of performing without breathing restrictions in various weather conditions. The breed has a large, well-proportioned skull, a square, wide, and deep muzzle, and a bite that is undershot or reverse scissors. The breed's head shape is known as a "muzzle face," which contributes to the breed's distinctive appearance.

The nose is large and broad, with wide nostrils and a black color. The eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped, and dark to light brown, with black pigmented eye rims. Ears are small and can be rose, button, or tulip, with rose being the preferred type. The neck is medium-length, wide, and slightly arched, and the body is sturdy, powerful, and slightly rectangular when viewed from the side. The breed's coat is short and dense, available in colors such as brindle, red, fawn, and piebald.

The hind legs are well-muscled and appear slightly longer than the forelegs, with straight, parallel, and well-set apart legs. Accepted color patterns include brindle and solid colors, with or without white. Males typically weigh between 27 and 36 kg and stand 43 to 51 cm at the withers, while females weigh between 23 and 32 kg and stand 41 to 48 cm at the withers. The breed's physical attributes are designed to allow for easier breathing and movement compared to the modern Bulldog.

Temperament and Personality

The Olde English Bulldogge is known for its confident, courageous, alert, friendly, and loyal temperament. They are generally good with children and other dogs, making them a suitable family pet. The breed's friendly nature and stable temperament make them adaptable to various living situations, including apartments and homes with yards.

Despite their muscular build, Olde English Bulldogs are not overly energetic, which makes them suitable for owners with a moderate level of activity. The breed's intelligence and trainability are moderate, requiring consistent and patient training. Their docile nature makes them ideal for families looking for a family-oriented dog.

Health Considerations

While the Olde English Bulldogge may be a healthier breed than many modern Bulldogs, they can still be affected by certain disorders. Proponents of the breed claim that they do not suffer from the same health issues as purebred Bulldogs, such as brachycephaly, a condition where the head is too short and flat.

A 2016 study published in the journal Canine Genetics and Epidemiology suggested that the Olde English Bulldogge could be an outcross candidate to introduce new genetics and correct some of the problems associated with inbreeding in other Bulldog breeds. Swiss dog breeders have begun outcrossing Bulldogs with the Olde English Bulldogge to improve the health of the Bulldog breed. Common health issues in the breed include hip dysplasia, a condition affecting the hip joint, and elbow dysplasia, affecting the elbow joint.

Breeding and Registration

The Olde English Bulldogge is bred under the Foundation Stock Service, ensuring the breed's genetic integrity. The breed is recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) and is listed in the UKC Guardian Dog Group. The Olde English Bulldogge Association (OEBA) and the Olde English Bulldogge Kennel Club (OEBKC) maintain the breed's stud books and issue registration papers to future offspring.

David Leavitt, the breed's founder, named his line of dogs Leavitt Bulldogs and founded the Leavitt Bulldog Association in 2004 to distinguish his line from others. The UKC recognizes dogs registered with the Leavitt Bulldog Association as Olde English Bulldogs, along with those registered with the OEBKC and the Olde Bulldogge Club Europe. The OEBA has a membership of over 1,000, reflecting the breed's growing popularity and community.

Buying an Olde English Bulldogge

Look for breeders who are members of the OEBA or OEBKC and have a history of producing healthy, well-tempered dogs. Reputable breeders will be transparent about the breed's health and genetic history.

The breed's moderate energy level and grooming needs should be taken into account when considering the time and resources required to care for this breed.

Ensure that the Olde English Bulldogge is a good fit for your lifestyle and living situation. Potential owners should consider the breed's history, physical and temperament traits, and potential health concerns when making their decision.