Olde English Bulldogge

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50-70 lbs
16-19"
United States
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Old Bulldog, OEB
Often confused with the American Kennel Club-recognized breed with a similar name, the Olde English Bulldogge is actually a different breed than the standard English Bulldog entirely. They were purposely bred to have to the general look, health and overall athleticism of the bull-baiting dogs of centuries past, but with more well-rounded and less aggressive personalities. It took a highly-refined model of line breeding developed at Ohio State to create the new breed, but the results were accurate and the dogs quickly began breeding true, creating one of the most modern purebreds around. They are medium-sized with a muscular build and big broad heads with a good amount of facial wrinkles. Although they have a traditionally tough-looking exterior, Olde English Bulldogges are sweet, affectionate and even emotional dogs that are eager to please their owners. While they still maintain some of their predecessors' stubbornness in training, once they form the bond that aligns the owner as alpha of the pack, these dogs will bend over backwards to please them. They are friendly, surprisingly outgoing, and frequently do well with children and even strangers, unless around the home where they tend to be a bit more protective. Of course, to ensure these results, it's always best for owners to provide thorough training and socialization, but generally speaking, it is a breed that is quite adaptable to different situations and living conditions, making it a great choice for a wide variety of families. Their only restrictions are being averse to extreme heat and cold and those who are unable to deal with their high level of drool and slobber.
Purpose
Working, Watchdog, Guarding, Companion
Date of Origin
1971
Ancestry
English Bulldog, American Bulldog, American Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Mastiff

Olde English Bulldogge Health

Average Size
Male Olde English Bulldogge size stats
Height: 17-20 inches Weight: 60-80 lbs
Female Olde English Bulldogge size stats
Height: 16-19 inches Weight: 50-70 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Bloat
Minor Concerns
  • Hip Dysplasia
Occasional Diagnoses
  • None Known
Occasional Tests
  • X-Rays
  • Physical Examination

Olde English Bulldogge Breed History

Since the breed is fairly modern, its history has been well-documented. The Olde English Bulldogge was bred with direct purpose, the aim of David Leavitt of Coatesville, Pennsylvania. His goal was to create a dog with the look and overall athleticism of the storied bull-baiting dogs used centuries before, but with a much more approachable and less aggressive temperament. With the help of a line breeding technique developed for cattle by Dr. Fechheimer of Ohio State, Leavitt planned crosses consisting of English Bulldogs, American Bulldogs, American Pit Bull Terriers, and Bull Mastiffs over multiple generations until the resulting dogs began to breed their own true lineage. After his success, Leavitt formed the Olde English Bulldogge Association to maintain and register the line. Over the last few decades, numerous others have continued Leavitt's work with varying degrees of his involvement and the United Kennel Club recognized the breed in 2014. It is still unrecognized by the American Kennel Club.

Olde English Bulldogge Breed Appearance

The Olde English Bulldogge is a medium-sized dog with a stocky yet athletic build and readily apparent musculature throughout its neck, chest, and legs. Its head is broad and it has a wide, square, matching jaw, wrinkled face, furrowed brow, smaller, half-cocked or folded ears and a nose and muzzle that extends out a bit more than the standard English version. It has broad shoulders and a relatively squarish stance heavily muscled in the leg. Its coat is short, medium density and course, coming in a variety of colors from solid brown to fawn to red or grey with patches of white to brindle.
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Olde English Bulldogge eyes
Brown
amber Olde English Bulldogge eyes
Amber
Nose Color Possibilities
black Olde English Bulldogge nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
brindle Olde English Bulldogge coat
Brindle
gray Olde English Bulldogge coat
Gray
fawn Olde English Bulldogge coat
Fawn
red Olde English Bulldogge coat
Red
brown Olde English Bulldogge coat
Brown
Coat Length
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
Olde English Bulldogge straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Olde English Bulldogge Breed Maintenance

The Olde English Bulldogge is generally a low maintenance breed. It is only a moderate shedder and takes only a weekly brushing (or more during shedding season) with a rubber brush or slicker brush to keep the coat healthy and clean. They do tend to drool and slobber, which may take an occasional wiping to prevent from becoming excessive. Any folds in the skin should be kept clean and dry. Tooth care should happen on a regular basis and nails should be monitored like any other and trimmed to prevent cracking and breaking.
Brushes for Olde English Bulldogge
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
Olde English Bulldogge requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Olde English Bulldogge Temperament

Despite their sometimes intimidating looks, Olde English Bulldogges are friendly, outgoing, affectionate and eager to please dogs. They are known to be bold, going to great lengths to do what is asked of them and are generally easy-going with strangers outside of the home. Closer to home, however, they still have a protective instinct that keeps them a bit more on edge. They tend to be a bit stubborn but are not too difficult to train and once owners establish themselves as alphas, they are much more receptive to regular command and are loyal and determined in response. They are also a quite playful breed and appreciate attention, but also enjoy solo time to chew - a favorite past time. If not given enough attention and exercise, like many breeds, they can become frustrated and destructive, but since they require only a modest amount of exercise, don't often run into issues with the average owner. Providing them with plenty of things to chew on will generally keep them happy if left alone but should be restricted to chewies that aren't prone to shredding or breaking into pieces small enough to swallow. Any specific higher energy dogs that don't settle as easily can be given work or extra exercise to keep them happy.

Olde English Bulldogge Activity Requirements

While not low energy dogs, Olde English Bulldogges don't need a ton of exercise either and are usually most satisfied with moderate daily walks over lots of leashed running. They do appreciate occasional open space to run and burn off some energy, so bigger yards are helpful, but they are quite adaptive and don't have a strict set of requirements to stay happy as long as they are given a decent amount of attention and regular exercise. Certain dogs have been known to have high energy levels though, which is no surprise given their amount of muscle, but are happy to take on tasks that keep them active and busy, and can be easily satisfied with a little extra playtime if they begin to get restless. When they tire, they also appreciate something to chew on as it burns a little extra energy and keeps them happily distracted.
Activity Level
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
14 miles
Minutes of Activity Per Day
45 minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to Olde English Bulldogge

Similarly Sized Breeds to Olde English Bulldogge

Olde English Bulldogge Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3 cups
Daily Cost
$1.50 - $2.00
Monthly Cost
$45.00 - $60.00

Olde English Bulldogge Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Olde English Bulldogge size stats at six months
Height: 13 inches Weight: 49 lbs
Female Olde English Bulldogge size stats at six months
Height: 11 inches Weight: 43 lbs
12 Months
Male Olde English Bulldogge size stats at 12 months
Height: 16 inches Weight: 59 lbs
Female Olde English Bulldogge size stats at 12 months
Height: 14 inches Weight: 51 lbs
18 Months
Male Olde English Bulldogge size stats at 18 months
Height: 18 inches Weight: 70 lbs
Female Olde English Bulldogge size stats at 18 months
Height: 17 inches Weight: 60 lbs

Olde English Bulldogge Owner Experiences

Duke
18 Months
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing,
Cuddl
Tug-of-war
Car ride
sleep
Walk
At first I was Leary because they would be more than I could afford but they’re personality and lovingness is well worth having him as a pet owner!!
2 months, 2 weeks ago
Bruno
3 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
First one I have had Bruno is a little too over protective at times and very very stubborn but I would not change him for the world
6 months ago
Sabrè
8 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walks
Car rides
Cuddling
Bath time
Tricks & Trai
Nap
Tug-of-war
Camping
Sabrè is the first OEB that I’ve ever owned, but definitely not my last! He is 8 yo brindle who has the markings like a Sabrè tooth tiger, the temperament of a sloth/child lol and the desire to learn new tricks & please. PERSONALITY: He’s a 100lb sweetheart who loves to cuddle and wants to be pet constantly! I always say, he’s a “lover not a fighter” type of personality (although he is also stubborn at times too). He is great with kids and absolutely LOVES to PLAY in WATER! HEALTH: Sabrè had a surgery at the age of 2 to have one of his saliva glands removed due to overproduction & it leaking outside of the gland. Aside from that, no medical issues. He needs 1-2x’s weekly brushing/grooming to keep his hair off absolutely everything lol, not too much slobbering, grain free food, special shampoo for bathing and due to his very powerful jaws.... he needs toys that are labeled “indestructible”.
10 months, 1 week ago
Hugo
9 Months
2 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Such a fantastic breed. So much personality and eager to please now that he understands the alphas in the house. Trainable minus his barking but a citronella collar helped with that, we dont even turn it on anymore. Had some issues as a puppy getting fluid in his lungs. Now that he's learnt to cough hes fine. He's the sweetest and more outgoing boy though. Friendly and gentle with kids. Protector of our balcony. Playful yet submissive, especially with smaller dogs. And the sweetest 100lb cuddle monster. Getting this breed is incredibly rewarding as long as you're ready to put the time and consistency into their training.
11 months, 3 weeks ago
Fiona
2 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
First one ever. Always had boxers and this little girl was found as a strain our neighborhood and was 20lbs underweight. She had been on the run for 2 months. She is now the love of my life and I will probably always have an Old English forever more.
1 year, 1 month ago
Precious waters
3 Years
5 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing with kids
Had several and also raised lots of other bull dog breeds
1 year, 10 months ago
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