Olde English BulldoggeCharacteristics, history, training and care
Olde English Bulldogge. · Don Pelon / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Cropped and resized.
The Olde English Bulldogge is an American breed created in the early 1970s by David Leavitt of Pennsylvania to recreate the athletic bulldog of the 18th century. Wikipedia says the result is an athletic dog that resembles the bulldogs of 1820, but with a friendly temperament, fewer health problems and a lifespan of over 13 years. It is not recognised by the FCI; the UKC has recognised it since 2014.
Quick facts
| Common name | Olde English Bulldogge |
| Scientific name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Official recognition | Not recognised by the FCI; recognised by the UKC since January 2014 |
| Lifespan | Over 13 years, according to Wikipedia |
| Size (males) | Medium-sized, very muscular |
| Size (females) | Slightly smaller |
| Coat type | Short |
| Common colours | Various |
| Energy level | Medium |
| Suited to an apartment? | Only with enough exercise |
| Temperament | Friendly, powerful, athletic |
| Tendency to aggression | Low |
| Good with children | Good, with supervision |
| Good with other animals | Moderate |
| Genetic predispositions | Fewer problems than the English Bulldog, according to Wikipedia |
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History and origin
Wikipedia says that, in the early 1970s, breeder David Leavitt of Coatesville, Pennsylvania, set out to “recreate a bulldog with the look, health and athleticism of the 18th-century bulldog”, originally bred for bull-baiting. He modelled his programme on a livestock breeding scheme by Professor Nathan Fechimer of Ohio State University.
The breed was recognised by the United Kennel Club in January 2014. Wikipedia says American researchers regard it as a “viable candidate” for crosses that could restore the health of the English Bulldog, which genetic studies show to be highly inbred.
How the breed developed
- Early 1970s – David Leavitt begins creating the breed.
- 2009 – It is registered by the CDHPR registry.
- January 2014 – It is recognised by the UKC.
Breed rating
| Feature | Stars |
|---|---|
| Training and intelligence | ★★★☆☆ |
| Easy to train | ★★★★☆ |
| Intelligence | ★★★☆☆ |
| Independence | ★★★☆☆ |
| Stubbornness | ★★★☆☆ |
| Behaviour and temperament | ★★★☆☆ |
| Affectionate with family | ★★★☆☆ |
| Friendly with children | ★★★☆☆ |
| Good with other dogs | ★★★★☆ |
| Good with cats and other animals | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Loyalty | ★★★☆☆ |
| Tendency to be aggressive | ★★★☆☆ |
| Tendency to bark | ★★★☆☆ |
| Needs and care | ★★★☆☆ |
| Shedding | ★★★☆☆ |
| Needs frequent grooming | ★★★☆☆ |
| Activity and lifestyle | ★★★☆☆ |
| Energy level | ★★★☆☆ |
| Daily exercise needs | ★★★☆☆ |
| Suited to apartment life | ★★★★☆ |
| Health and longevity | ★★★☆☆ |
| Life expectancy | ★★★☆☆ |
| Predisposition to genetic diseases | ★★★☆☆ |
| Working abilities and uses | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Good companion dog | ★★★☆☆ |
| Good companion dog | ★★★★☆ |
Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. The breed is not recognised by the FCI or the AKC, so the rating is based on its description on Wikipedia.
Physical characteristics
Wikipedia says it is a muscular, medium-sized, very powerful dog with fluid, agile movement, balanced and well proportioned, which must be able to work without breathing problems in heat or cold. The skull is large. Excessive wrinkling is a serious fault.
General appearance
The coat is short and can come in different colours.
| Feature | Olde English Bulldogge |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Coat | Short |
| Body | Muscular, athletic |
| Breathing | Unrestricted, according to the standard |
| Head | Large skull |
| Type | Bulldog |
Wikipedia says it can have various coat colours.
Training and socialisation
Wikipedia says the breed was created to have a friendly temperament. Like any powerful dog, it needs early socialisation and consistent, reward-based training.
The UKC places it in the guardian dog group.
Tips for effective training
- Socialise it early. It is powerful.
- Use rewards. It responds well.
- Be consistent. It has a strong personality.
- Keep it fit. It is an athletic dog.
Activity needs and lifestyle
As an athletic bulldog without major breathing problems, it needs daily walks and play.
| Activity | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Walks | daily | Fitness |
| Play | daily | Energy |
| Training | several times a week | Discipline |
Tips for a balanced life
- Keep it at the right weight.
- Even so, protect it from extreme heat.
- Socialise it a lot.
Care and health
Coat and skin care
The short coat is brushed once a week. Any skin folds it has should be checked regularly.
Common health problems
Wikipedia says the breed was created to have fewer health problems than the English Bulldog. Even so, it is worth watching for:
| Condition | Description | Common symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | The hip joint forms incorrectly and, over time, arthritis develops | Limping, difficulty getting up or jumping, hip pain |
| Elbow dysplasia | The elbow joint develops incorrectly and arthritis appears | Limping on the front legs, especially after exercise |
Other care
- Ask for the parents' hip tests.
- Keep it at the right weight.
- Go for yearly check-ups.
Diet and nutrition
A muscular dog needs good-quality food, without excess.
Tips for a healthy diet
The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.
| Dog's weight | Calories per day (neutered) | Calories per day (not neutered) | Dry food per day (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23 kg | 1,180 kcal | 1,320 kcal | 300–380 g |
| 30 kg | 1,440 kcal | 1,620 kcal | 360–460 g |
| 36 kg | 1,650 kcal | 1,850 kcal | 410–530 g |
- Split the food into two meals a day.
- Treats count towards the daily portion.
- A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.
Foods to avoid
Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.
Reproduction and development
Physical and emotional maturity
In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.
Mating and pregnancy
Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. Only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance should be used for breeding.
Caring for the puppies
In dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.
Interesting facts
- The bulldog of 1820. The breed recreates its look.
- It breathes freely. The standard requires it.
- A model from cattle. The programme copied a scheme used in cattle breeding.
- Hope for the Bulldog. It could help restore the English Bulldog.
- It lives a long time. Over 13 years, according to Wikipedia.
Frequently asked questions
Is it the same as the English Bulldog?
No; it is a new American breed and more athletic.
Is it recognised by the FCI?
No; the UKC has recognised it since 2014.
Does it have breathing problems?
The standard requires it to breathe without restriction.
How long does it live?
Over 13 years, according to Wikipedia.
