Olde English Bulldogge Personality Traits and Breed Information
The Olde English Bulldogge (often spelled Old English Bulldog) is a friendly, confident and loyal companion with more energy and athleticism than the English Bulldog. Most are affectionate with family, good with kids when raised with them, and protective of home, but they can be stubborn and are not always relaxed around unfamiliar dogs. Below is a full breakdown of the Olde English Bulldogge's temperament, size, lifespan, health, exercise and feeding needs.
Olde English Bulldogge at a glance
- Temperament: friendly, loyal, playful, confident and protective of family.
- Height: about 16 to 20 inches at the shoulder.
- Weight: most adults weigh about 50 to 80 pounds; males are usually heavier.
- Lifespan: commonly cited as about 9 to 14 years.
- Exercise: about an hour a day, split into shorter sessions.
- Recognized by: the United Kennel Club (UKC) since 2014. Not recognized by the AKC.
History of Olde English Bulldogge
The original Old English Bulldog was a working bulldog from England, used in blood sports such as bull-baiting. Many of today's bull breeds trace back to it. After England outlawed animal blood sports in 1835, that old type faded out, and selective breeding gradually pushed the bulldog toward the shorter, heavier, flatter-faced English Bulldog we know today.
In the early 1970s, David Leavitt, a breeder in Pennsylvania, started a breeding program to recreate the old working bulldog's look and athleticism with better health and easier breathing. The result is the Olde English Bulldogge, a modern breed that resembles the historic bulldogs but was bred from the start as a family companion. The UKC recognized the Olde English Bulldogge in 2014.
The Olde English Bulldogge is often confused with the English Bulldog. They are separate breeds. See our side-by-side guide to the English Bulldog vs Olde English Bulldogge for the full comparison, or read our English Bulldog breed guide.
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Olde English Bulldogge Breed Information
The Olde English Bulldogge is a medium-sized, muscular bully breed with a large head, broad shoulders, a deep chest and a slightly rectangular body. Compared with the English Bulldog, it has longer legs, a longer muzzle and fewer facial wrinkles, which helps with breathing and stamina.
The coat is short and of medium density. Common colors include white, fawn, red and black, plus brindle and pied patterns, alone or in combination.
Olde English Bulldogge Temperament and Personality
The Olde English Bulldogge is sociable, playful and loyal to its owners and family. It is usually described as a lively, friendly dog that loves to be close to its people. Its protective nature makes it an alert watchdog, but a well-bred, well-socialized Olde English Bulldogge should be confident and stable, not nervous or aggressive toward people.
Common Olde English Bulldogge traits owners notice:
- People-focused. Most want to be with their family and do not do well left alone for long stretches.
- Playful. They keep a puppyish love of tug and fetch well into adulthood.
- Protective. They tend to watch over home and family and may be reserved with strangers at first.
- Stubborn streak. They are smart, but can be strong-willed. Short, upbeat training sessions work best.
- Strong. Even a friendly 70-pound bulldogge needs good leash manners.
Is the Olde English Bulldogge Good with Other Dogs?
The Olde English Bulldogge is often friendly with other dogs, especially dogs it lives with. Some can have a strong prey drive, so take care around small pets. Some can also be territorial or dog-selective with larger dogs, especially those of the same sex. Early and consistent socialization and careful introductions are the best way to help them get along with other animals.
Is the Olde English Bulldogge a Good Family Dog?
For most families, yes. The breed is usually gentle, patient and affectionate with children it is raised with, and courageous about protecting its home. Because these are strong, sturdy dogs, always supervise playtime with young children so everyone stays safe and happy.
Is the Olde English Bulldogge Smart and Trainable?
The Olde English Bulldogge is an intelligent breed that is motivated by praise and food. Positive reinforcement training works well. Keep sessions short, reward often, and stay consistent, because their stubborn side shows up when training gets boring. Beyond basic obedience, many enjoy sports and advanced training.
Because this breed works so well for rewards, consistent treats go a long way during training. High-protein treats made with real beef help keep your bulldogge focused and working with you.
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Olde English Bulldogge Size and Coat Color
How big do Olde English Bulldogs get? Most adults stand about 16 to 20 inches at the shoulder and weigh about 50 to 80 pounds, with males usually larger and heavier than females. Weight should stay in proportion to height and frame. A lean, well-muscled bulldogge is healthier than a heavy one.
Most Olde English Bulldogges reach their full height by about 12 to 18 months, then continue to fill out in the chest and shoulders until around 2 years old. Use our guide to your dog's ideal weight to check body condition as your dog matures.
The coat of an Olde English Bulldogge is short and of medium density. Solid colors include white, fawn, red and black. Patterns include brindle, solid colors with white, and pied.
Olde English Bulldogge Lifespan
How long do Old English Bulldogs live? The Olde English Bulldogge's lifespan is commonly cited as about 9 to 14 years. That is generally longer than the English Bulldog's, partly because the breed was developed for better breathing and athleticism. Individual dogs vary. Keeping your dog lean, active and up to date on vet checkups is the best way to give them a long life.
Olde English Bulldogge Common Health Issues
The Olde English Bulldogge was bred to be healthier than the English Bulldog, and most have fewer breathing and skin-fold problems. It is still a bulldog, so these are the issues owners should know about. If you notice any of the signs below, see your veterinarian.
BOAS
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, or BOAS, is a set of upper airway problems, such as narrow nostrils and an elongated soft palate, that make breathing harder. It is less common in the Olde English Bulldogge than in flatter-faced bulldogs, but dogs with shorter muzzles can still be affected. Signs include:
- Labored and noisy breathing
- Open-mouth breathing
- Snoring
- Exercise intolerance
- Coughing
- Gagging and vomiting
- Episodes of fainting
A vet diagnoses BOAS from the signs, a physical exam and, when needed, an exam of the airway under anesthesia. Depending on severity, it is managed medically, surgically or both. Dogs with any breathing trouble are at higher risk of overheating, so keep exercise short and cool in hot weather.
Skin Fold Dermatitis
Skin fold dermatitis is an infection that forms in the pocket between two folds of skin, causing itching, pain and odor. Dogs with more wrinkles are more likely to get it. Signs include:
- Red, itchy and smelly skin, particularly in the folds
- An odor that does not go away after bathing
- Sticky, yellowish discharge in the skin folds
A vet can usually diagnose it on exam, sometimes with a skin cytology test. Keeping folds clean and dry helps reduce the risk.
Entropion
Entropion is an inherited condition where the eyelid rolls inward, so the lashes rub on the eye. This can cause irritation and corneal ulcers. Signs include:
- Squinting or holding the eyes shut
- Excessive tearing
- Mucus discharge from the eyes
It is often found in dogs under one year old and is diagnosed with an eye exam. Surgery is the usual treatment.
Hip Dysplasia
Like many medium and large muscular breeds, Olde English Bulldogges can develop hip dysplasia, an abnormal hip joint that can lead to arthritis. Signs include stiffness, a "bunny hopping" gait, trouble with stairs and reluctance to exercise. Ask breeders about hip screening in the parents, and keep your dog lean to reduce stress on the joints.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is an umbrella term for several conditions, including patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), mitral valve disease (MVD) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Early heart disease often shows no signs, but a vet may hear a murmur during a routine exam. Common signs include:
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Exercise intolerance
- Weakness or collapse
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- A swollen belly
Vets diagnose heart disease with a physical exam, chest x-rays, an electrocardiogram (ECG) and an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound). Treatment depends on the condition and is directed by your veterinarian.
Grooming and Nail Care
The Olde English Bulldogge is low maintenance to groom. A bath about once a month and brushing a few times a week is usually enough. Check and wipe the ears and any facial folds regularly, and keep them dry.
How Often Should You Cut Bulldogs Nails?
For an Olde English Bulldogge that spends most of its time indoors, nail trimming about every two weeks is a good target. Dogs that walk and play on rough outdoor surfaces may only need a trim every four to six weeks.
Olde English Bulldogge Exercise Needs
The Olde English Bulldogge needs around an hour of exercise per day. Split it into two or three sessions of under 30 minutes each to avoid overexertion, especially in warm weather. Walks, yard play, fetch and tug-of-war are all good options. Puppies should get shorter, gentler play sessions while their joints are still growing.
What to Feed an Olde English Bulldogge
A muscular, active breed like the Olde English Bulldogge does best on a complete diet built around animal protein. A few practical rules:
- Keep them lean. Extra weight adds stress to the hips and makes breathing harder. You should be able to feel the ribs easily.
- Measure meals. Start with the feeding guide on the bag or our dog food calculator, then adjust by body condition.
- Match calories to activity. Active, athletic dogs usually do well on a higher-protein, higher-calorie food. Less active dogs may need smaller portions.
- Feed puppies a growth formula. Use measured meals rather than free-feeding, and switch at the right time with our guide on when to switch to adult dog food.
Olde English Bulldogges gain weight easily, so protein per calorie matters more than bag size. Our best dog food for Bulldogs guide covers English and American bulldog types, including the chicken-free 25/11 formula.
For an active adult bulldogge, a meat-based, high-protein food helps fuel daily walks and play sessions and supports lean muscle.
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Feeding your bully breed
Our breed-by-breed buyer guides compare protein, calories per cup and portions, so you can feed your dog for its size and activity. Less active or easy to over-feed? A lower-fat recipe makes portions easier to manage.
- English Bulldog feeding guide
- Best dog food for American Bullies
- Best dog food for pit bulls
- Best dog food for Staffies
- Best puppy food for bully breeds
- Best food for French Bulldogs
- Best dog food for Cane Corsos
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Olde English Bulldogge Breed Organizations
Whether you are thinking about getting an Olde English Bulldogge or you already have one, it pays to do your research. These organizations are a good place to start:
- The International Olde English Bulldogge Association (IOEBA)
- Olde English Bulldogge Kennel Club
- The National Bulldogge Association
- The European Bully Kennel Club
FAQ
What is the Olde English Bulldogge temperament like?
Friendly, loyal, playful and protective. Most are affectionate with family and good with children they are raised with. They can be stubborn and some are selective with unfamiliar dogs, so early socialization and consistent training matter.
How big do Olde English Bulldogs get?
Most adults stand about 16 to 20 inches at the shoulder and weigh about 50 to 80 pounds, with males usually larger than females.
How long do Olde English Bulldogges live?
Their lifespan is commonly cited as about 9 to 14 years, generally longer than the English Bulldog's.
Is an Olde English Bulldogge the same as an English Bulldog?
No. The Olde English Bulldogge is a separate, modern breed developed in the 1970s. It is taller and more athletic, with a longer muzzle and fewer breathing problems than the English Bulldog.
Are Olde English Bulldogges good for first-time owners?
They can be, if the owner is ready to commit to socialization, consistent training and daily exercise. Their strength and stubborn streak mean they need clear, patient guidance from day one.
Conclusion
The Olde English Bulldogge is a sociable, playful and loyal breed that makes a great family dog for the right home. It needs moderate daily exercise, basic grooming, regular vet visits and a diet that keeps it lean and strong. Bringing home a new puppy? Start them on a growth formula made for strong, growing dogs.
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Do you own an Olde English Bulldogge? Share your experience by leaving us a comment below.
1 comment
I have had a female oebg for a few absolutely great years.. I love her soo much . Her name is Bailey. I’ve taught her to sit ,lie down, shake, play dead.. honestly best breed ever she can read my tension and go instantly into protect mode if my anxiety raises . Again I can’t say enough about this breed fantastic for md