Olde English Bulldogge Personality Traits and Breed Information

The Olde English Bulldogge is one of the most distinctive looking bully breeds in the canine world. Despite being famous for their iconic appearances, there are still misconceptions about this particular breed. In reality, the Olde English Bulldogge is a special breed with a unique history, physical attributes and bold personality.

From its origins to exercise needs, here is everything you need to know about the Olde English Bulldogge.

History of Olde English Bulldogge

The Olde English Bulldogge originated from England. Numerous bull breeds that are still in existence today are said to have descended from this breed. The ancestral bulldogs were originally bred for blood sports such as bull-baiting. When England outlawed animal blood sports, the breed was on the verge of going extinct. Furthermore, selective breeding severely compromised the health and lifespan of the breed at that time.

In the early 1970s, David Leavitt, a dog breeder from Pennsylvania, started a breeding program which aimed to recreate the ancestral bulldog in terms of appearance, athleticism and health. As a result, this breed, known as the Olde English Bulldogge, looks similar to the bulldogs used for blood sports back then. However, this modern breed has been bred to be a companion animal which made the breed’s temperament family-suited. The Olde English Bulldogge was recognized by the UKC in 2014.

Olde English Bulldogge Breed Information

The Olde English Bulldogge is a medium-sized breed with a large, short head, broad shoulders, a rectangular body, and a muscular physique. An Olde English Bulldogge might be white, fawn, red, black, brindle, or any combination of these colors. The breed has a medium-density, short coat. Mature males and females typically weigh around 70 and 60 pounds, respectively. The height of an Olde English Bulldogge is 16–20 inches.

Olde English Bulldogge Temperament and Personality

The Olde English Bulldogge is sociable, playful and loyal to their owners and family. It is often described as a lively breed with a friendly personality. This breed is also a good watchdog due to their protective nature towards the family.

Is the Olde English Bulldogge Good with Other Dogs?

The Olde English Bulldogge is generally friendly towards other dogs especially to dogs in the same household. However because they are expected to have a high prey drive, caution is recommended with smaller dogs and animals. Furthermore, the breed may also be territorial with larger dogs, especially those of the same sex. It is highly recommended to focus on early and consistent socialization to help them develop positive interactions with other animals.

Is the Olde English Bulldogge a Good Family Dog?

The Olde English Bulldogge is an excellent family dog because it is naturally docile, loyal and good with children. The breed is also courageous, happy to defend its home and family. As with all dog breeds, playtime supervision between an Olde English Bulldogge and children is important to make sure everyone is safe and happy. 

Is the Olde English Bulldogge Smart and Trainable?

The Olde English Bulldogge is an intelligent breed. Additionally, they are eager to please their owners which makes them easily trainable. On top of basic obedience training and commands, they can also be trained for service dog work, emotional support, and even as guard dogs.

Olde English Bulldogge Common Health Issues

BOAS

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, or BOAS, refers to a particular set of upper airway abnormalities including stenotic nares, elongated soft palate and hypoplastic trachea, all of which compromise breathing. Clinical signs and symptoms of BOAS include the following.

• Labored and noisy breathing 
• Open-mouth breathing
• Snoring
• Exercise intolerance
• Coughing
• Gagging and vomiting
• Episodes of fainting

Clinical symptoms and physical examination results are used to make a working diagnosis of this illness. By examining the respiratory system while under general anesthesia, this is further confirmed. Depending on the severity, medication and/or surgical therapy are used to treat BOAS.

Skin Fold Dermatitis

Skin fold dermatitis is an infection formed in a pocket between two folds of skin causing itching, pain and malodorous smell. The predisposal to this type of dermatitis is dependent on the amount of wrinkles on the face. The clinical signs and symptoms include the following.

• Reddish, itchy and smelly skin particularly on the folds 
• Offensive odor that doesn’t go away even after bathing
• Sticky and yellowish discharge along the skin folds

A veterinarian can easily diagnose this issue upon physical examination. Further testing, such as a skin cytology, may be done to determine the specific type of infection. This condition is treated with oral and topical medications.

Entropion

Entropion is a hereditary condition defined as the inward rolling of the eyelids. This results in continuous rubbing of the eyelashes on the cornea of the eye. Eye irritation, corneal ulcers and ocular hyperpigmentation may occur secondary to entropion. The clinical signs and symptoms of this condition include the following. 

• Squinting or holding their eyes shut
• Excessive formation of tears 
• Mucoid discharges from the eyes

A veterinarian will diagnose entropion through an eye examination. Typically, both eyes are affected. This abnormality is also usually diagnosed in puppies less than one year of age. The only treatment is surgery where a section of skin is removed from the affected eyelid to reverse its inward rolling.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is an umbrella term for various heart conditions which include, but are not limited to, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), mitral valve disease (MVD) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). PDA is the most common congenital heart disorder while MVD and DCM are the two most common acquired heart disorders in dogs. Early stages of acquired heart disease do not show signs in affected dogs, but a veterinarian may detect heart murmurs during physical examination. The common clinical signs of heart disease include the following. 

• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing
• Exercise intolerance
• Weakness
• Collapse
• Weight loss
• Lethargy
• Abdominal bloating
• Stunted growth

A veterinary cardiologist will diagnose a heart disease from physical examination, x-rays, echocardiography (ECG), and cardiac ultrasound. PDA is treated surgically. Acquired heart disorders are treated with oral medications to support heart function and treat abnormal heart rhythms. Dogs with heart disease will usually require regular recheck examinations, laboratory testing, and imaging.

Grooming and Nail Care

The Olde English Bulldogge is a low maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. The breed will typically only need baths once a month and coat brushing a few times a week. It is also important to ensure that the ears and skin folds are clean by checking them from time to time.

How Often Should You Cut Bulldogs Nails?

For an indoor Olde English Bulldogge, nail trimming is recommended to be done every two weeks. For dogs spending a significant amount of time walking and playing outside, the nails can be trimmed every four to six weeks.

Olde English Bulldogge Exercise Needs

The Olde English Bulldogge needs around an hour of exercise per day because they are a reasonably active breed. This breed likes to play in a yard and go on frequent walks. The Olde English Bulldogge also enjoys playing fetch and tug-of-war. It is important to limit exercise sessions to less than 30 minutes per session in order to avoid overexertion.

Olde English Bulldogge Size and Coat Color

The Olde English Bulldogge is a medium-sized breed. The average standard sizes for mature males and females are about 70 and 60 pounds, respectively. The Olde English Bulldogge stands at 16-20 inches.

The coat of an Olde English Bulldogge is short and of medium density. The range of solid coat colors include white, fawn, red and black. The patterns of its coat may include brindle, solid coat colors with white and pied.

Olde English Bulldogge Breed Organizations

Whether you are contemplating on having an Olde English Bulldogge or you already have one, it’s best to do your research. Here is a list for you to check out.

• The International Olde English Bulldogge Association (IOEBA)
• Olde English Bulldogge Kennel Club
• The National Bulldogge Association
• The European Bully Kennel Club

Conclusion

The Olde English Bulldogge is a sociable, playful and loyal breed, perfect as a family dog. This breed requires moderate physical activity and exercise, basic grooming and regular veterinary visits. With proper training, this intelligent breed will grow into a well-mannered and obedient pet.

Do you own an Olde English Bulldogge? Share your experience by leaving us a comment below.