* These are NOT English Bulldogs *
The Difference between English Bulldog and Olde English Bulldogge
The Bulldog Originated in England between 1600 and 1700. These were the early ancestors to many Bull breeds that exist today including the English Bulldog and the American Bulldog. They were bred to participate in blood sports like bull baiting. This so called sport became quite popular in England through out the middle of the 18th Century. Bull baiting primarily consisted of staking out a bull and allowing several Bulldogges to attack it. A dog of great courage and agility was needed for bull baiting. This dog was of medium size. Larger dogs were considered to be the result of Mastiff crosses.
Around 1835, laws were passed in England prohibiting bull baiting and the Bulldogs main purpose of existence Vanish. Within a decade the numbers of Bulldogs declined drastically almost to extinction. Dog show fanciers eventually decided to reconstruct the breed. They wanted to tone down the aggressive temperament of the original Olde English Bulldogge. They crossed the remnants of the existing stock with the pug and over the years that followed they developed the modern English Bulldog. Unfortunately though, this modern dog is wrought with all kinds of health problems such as Luxating Patella's, Hip Dysphasia, breathing difficulties, Elongated Palates and being prone to heat stroke (even in 71 degree weather). Another major problem that plagues the breed is that females cannot deliver their puppies naturally (due to the blunt, broad heads of the pups) and frequently need cesareans.
The Modern Olde English Bulldogge is a reconstruction of the Bulldog of the 17th and 18th century which was a bigger, healthier, more athletic and physically able dog. They had lengthier muzzles, legs, and neck and were able to move around with great elegant and strong ease. Various genetic crosses have been used in carefully and thoughtfully planned breeding programs to obtain this goal. The Foundation of most of today's Olde English Bulldogges (OEB's) can be traced to English Bulldog, American Bulldog, and Mastiff. These dogs were used very selectively in various combinations to obtain the desired physical traits of the original Bulldog without any aggressive traits. The result has been a good looking Bulldogge of great athletic ability that is much healthier, physically fit, and mentally stable with out most or all of the problems that plague today's modern English Bulldogs. The goal of the Olde English Bulldogge breeders is to produce genetically healthier Bulldogges that are free breathers, free breeders, and free whelpers.
General Description: The Olde English Bulldogge is a loyal, courageous dog, with a very stable temperament. They are medium height with large size, large strong head, and stout muscular body. Olde English Bulldogges are athletic and most importantly of very good health. The Olde English Bulldogge is devoid of all breathing issues and is capable of enjoying outdoor activity with their family...a wonderful companion, protector, and family member. They are very trainable, thrive on pleasing their owners, and do well inside or out. Life span averages 10 to 14 yrs.
Height – 16-20 inches
Weight --50- 85 pounds
Color - Any Color including Brindle, Fawn, Red, Black, Merle, White, Etc.
Tail - Unlike the English Bulldog they can have a Docked, Screw, or Long tail.
The most common health problems reported with some lines of Olde English Bulldogges today are skin disorders, bloat and eye entropian. Bloat, which can be a potentially fatal condition, occurs when a dog consumes a very large quantity of food at one feeding. Eye Entropian is a rolling-in of the eyelid. This causes the hair on the surface of the eyelid to rub on the eyeball, which is painful to the dog and often causes corneal ulcers or erosions. While Hip Dysphasia is a common problem for many large breed dogs, it has significantly been reduced in the Olde English Bulldogge breed due to selective breeding by responsible breeders.
There are slight differences in the build and personalities in the Olde English Bulldogge. Some tend to be more driven while others are more laid back. Usually the ones with short bowlegs have a more laid back personality. This type is commonly referred to as "bully" type. The Olde's with the longer, straighter legs tend to be more driven and active. They are commonly referred to as "athletic" type. Both make amazingly great pets and are devoted and loyal. They adjust very well to all lifestyles ranging from a single-person apartment to a large family on a big farm. They need moderate exercise and normally scheduled vet visits. They are average shedders and the more bully ones tend to drool a bit. All in all, they are a great pet and excellent and devoted friend.
For a complete history on bulldogs before and after the pug blood was added click here:
Below are some pictures of Olde English Bulldogges from different bloodlines - to show the different looks in this breed. (These dogs ARE NOT for adoption these pictures are for reference only.)
