Olde Staff Bulldogge

The Olde Staff Bulldogge is a relatively new hybrid, though the two breeds that make the hybrid have long histories. Prior to the 19^th century, the Bulldog and an unknown Terrier (possibly Fox or English) mixed to create the ancestor of the modern day American Staffordshire Terrier. At first, these dogs were bred to bait bulls for the butcher as well as to participate in blood sports. As a result of their strength and spirit, the breed was brought to America where they continued to be put in fights and began to be called Pit Bull and Yankee Terrier. As Americans preferred dogs that were slightly larger than those from England, breeders selected for this when breeding. In 1936 the breed was accepted by the American Kennel Club and in 1972 its name was changed to the American Staffordshire Terrier to note the distinction between the breed and the smaller Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Between 1600 and 1700 the Olde English Bulldogge first originated in England, becoming the ancestor of many of the Bull breeds we now see. Like the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Olde English Bulldogge was bred for bull baiting, participating in the sport until it became banned. Once the sport was no longer allowed, the breed’s numbers decreased sharply. As breeders decided to rebuild the breed, the decision was made to try and minimize its aggression. Those dogs that were still in existence were crossed with the Pug, resulting in the This led to a significant decrease in the breed until it was decided to rebuild the breed, toning down the aggression of the original Olde English Bulldogge. Dogs of the breed that remained were crossed with the Pug, among other dogs, resulting in today’s Olde English Bulldogges.