The Olde English Bulldogge is a breed that has been around for centuries. This dog has a fascinating history that has been a subject of interest for many dog breed enthusiasts. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the Olde English Bulldogge’s background, physical characteristics, temperament, health, and lifespan. Continue reading to find out all you need to know about this fantastic breed.
History of the Olde English Bulldogge
The history of the Olde English Bulldogge is quite extensive and dates back to the 1700s. Bulldogs were initially bred in England to bait bulls, bears, and other large animals. These dogs were known for their strength, courage, and tenacity. In fact, some records suggest that bulldogs were used in bullfights, which were popular at the time.
Origins of the Breed
The Olde English Bulldogge’s exact origins are unclear. However, many believe that the breed was created by crossing the English Bulldog with other breeds such as the American Pit Bull Terrier, Bullmastiff, and American Bulldog. The primary goal of this crossbreeding was to create a dog that possessed the bulldog’s tenacity and strength but with fewer health issues.
It is important to note that the Olde English Bulldogge is not to be confused with the English Bulldog. While they share some similarities, the Olde English Bulldogge is a separate breed with its own unique characteristics.
The Role of Bulldogs in History
During the 18th and 19th centuries, bulldogs were used for blood sports such as bull-baiting. This barbaric practice involved setting a bulldog against a bull and betting on how long it would take for the dog to bring the bull down. The bulldog’s tenacity and strength made it a popular choice for this cruel sport.
Later, when these blood sports were banned, people began to breed bulldogs for dogfighting purposes. However, due to the breed’s popularity in England, bulldogs were soon recognized as companion dogs. In 1875, the Kennel Club of England officially recognized bulldogs as a breed.
The Revival of the Olde English Bulldogge
In the 1970s, David Leavitt started a breeding program to bring back the Olde English Bulldogge’s original characteristics. His goal was to create a dog that resembled the original bulldog but had fewer health problems. Leavitt used the English Bulldog, American Pit Bull Terrier, Bullmastiff, and American Bulldog to create the Olde English Bulldogge.
The Olde English Bulldogge is a muscular and athletic breed that is known for its loyalty and courage. They are great family pets and are excellent with children. Their tenacity and strength make them excellent guard dogs, but they are also known for their gentle and affectionate nature.
The breed is still relatively rare, but it is gaining popularity among dog lovers who appreciate its unique characteristics. The Olde English Bulldogge is a testament to the power of selective breeding and the importance of preserving the history and heritage of our beloved canine companions.
Physical Characteristics
The Olde English Bulldogge is a medium-sized dog with a massive, powerful head. They have a muscular, athletic build and well-defined muscles. The breed’s coat is short, glossy, and comes in a variety of colors, including brindle, fawn, white, and black.
Despite their muscular build, Olde English Bulldogges are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. They are great with children and make excellent family pets. They are also loyal and protective of their owners, making them great guard dogs.
Size and Weight
Olde English Bulldogges typically weigh between 50-80 pounds and stand at 16-20 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a wide stance, giving them a low center of gravity and making them very stable on their feet.
Due to their size and strength, Olde English Bulldogges require regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy. They enjoy walks, runs, and playing fetch with their favorite toys. They also love to swim, making them great companions for trips to the beach or the lake.
Coat and Colors
Olde English Bulldogges have short, smooth coats that require minimal grooming. They shed moderately year-round, so weekly brushing and the occasional bath are necessary to keep them looking healthy and clean. As for color, they can come in several variations, including white, brindle, fawn, and black.
Olde English Bulldogges are also known for their wrinkled faces, which require regular cleaning to prevent infections. Their wrinkles can be cute and endearing, but they can also trap dirt and bacteria, so it is important to keep them clean and dry.
Distinctive Features
The Olde English Bulldogge’s most distinctive features include their massive heads, broad chests, and an athletic build. They have a stocky, muscular build that gives them a powerful appearance. They also have an underbite, which is a characteristic trait of bulldogs that adds to their adorable and unique appearance.
In addition to their physical features, Olde English Bulldogges are also known for their intelligence and trainability. They are eager to please their owners and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods. They excel in obedience, agility, and other canine sports.
Overall, the Olde English Bulldogge is a wonderful breed with a lot of love to give. They are loyal, affectionate, and make great companions for families and individuals alike.
Personality and Temperament
The Olde English Bulldogge is a breed that is known for its loyalty, protectiveness, and affection. They are great for families and make excellent companions. However, like all breeds, they have their unique characteristics that require proper training and socialization.
When it comes to temperament, the Olde English Bulldogge is a breed that is full of personality. They are intelligent, stubborn, and require plenty of socialization, training, and exercise from a young age. They thrive on attention and love to please their owners.
Despite their tough exterior, Olde English Bulldogges are affectionate and loving towards their families. They form strong bonds with their owners and are always eager to please. They are protective of their loved ones and will go to great lengths to keep them safe.
General Disposition
The Olde English Bulldogge is a breed that is known for its loyalty and affection. They are devoted to their owners and love spending time with their families. They are playful and enjoy being the center of attention. They can be stubborn at times, but their affectionate nature makes up for it.
One thing to keep in mind is that Olde English Bulldogges can be territorial and protective. Proper training and socialization are necessary to avoid aggressive behavior towards other animals. They need to be introduced to new people and pets from a young age to ensure they grow into well-behaved and obedient dogs.
Interaction with Children and Other Pets
Olde English Bulldogges get along well with children and other pets if they are introduced to them at a young age. They love to play and can be rambunctious, so they require supervision when interacting with children. They are patient and gentle with kids, making them an ideal family pet.
When it comes to other pets, Olde English Bulldogges can be territorial. They need to be socialized with other animals from a young age to ensure they get along well. They are protective of their families, so they may exhibit aggressive behavior towards other animals if they feel threatened.
Training and Socialization
Olde English Bulldogges are intelligent, but they can be stubborn and difficult to train. They require plenty of socialization and training from a young age to ensure they grow into well-behaved and obedient dogs. Positive reinforcement techniques work best when training this breed.
Training should begin as soon as possible to ensure that the dog learns what is expected of them. Olde English Bulldogges respond well to positive reinforcement, so be sure to reward good behavior. Consistency is key when training this breed.
When it comes to socialization, Olde English Bulldogges need to be exposed to new people, animals, and environments from a young age. This will help them become well-adjusted and confident dogs. Socialization should be a lifelong process that continues throughout the dog’s life.
Health and Lifespan
Like any other breed, Olde English Bulldogges can be prone to certain health issues. However, proper preventative care and regular checkups can help minimize these risks.
Common Health Issues
Olde English Bulldogges are prone to certain health issues, including hip and elbow dysplasia, heart problems, allergies, and skin infections. They are also vulnerable to overheating due to their stocky build.
Preventative Care and Regular Checkups
To minimize the risk of health issues, Olde English Bulldogges require regular checkups, vaccinations, and preventive care. They also need a nutritious diet, plenty of exercise, and enough rest. Additionally, you should always keep your Olde English Bulldogge in a cool environment to prevent overheating.
Expected Lifespan
The life expectancy of an Olde English Bulldogge is between 9-14 years. Proper diet, exercise, and preventive care can significantly increase the dog’s lifespan.
Conclusion
Olde English Bulldogges are fascinating breeds with a rich history and unique characteristics. They are loyal, affectionate, protective, and make great pets for families. However, they require proper socialization, training, and preventive care to ensure they grow into well-behaved and healthy dogs. If you’re considering adding an Olde English Bulldogge to your family, make sure you’re up to the task of properly caring for them throughout their life.
