Olde English Bulldog: An Overview of the Breed

The Olde English Bulldog is a backbreeding from the English Bulldog. This dog breed is susceptible to many diseases in its present form. OEB is a back-breeding of the English Bulldog. This breed was developed by the US-American David Leavitt who used different breeds to improve the health of the breed. You can find out more information about Olde Bulls here.

Due to its flat nose, short muzzle, and skin folds, the English Bulldog has significant physical limitations. There are many backbreeding programmes to restore the English Bulldog to its original and healthier appearance.

Vintage English Bulldogs are only allowed to be bred if they have the same appearance as the original English Bulldogs. This variety is similar to the Old German Pug. Olde English Bulldog was created through crossbreeding, like the Retro Pug.

Olde English Bulldog history

Bulldogs were once bred to be used in the popular sport of “bull rushing” that was prevalent in the early days of England. Bull rushing was outlawed in 1835, and the breed of dog lost its purpose. The English Bulldog breed declined gradually until 1860, when breeders discovered them again as a show dog. It was not longer the strength, health, or condition of the dog that mattered. Now, it was appearance. The dogs’ muzzles got shorter and shorter. Their noses got flatter and flatter. Their legs became shorter and crooked. And their skin wrinkled. The eyes on this “modern” English Bulldog are prominent and they have a strong lower jaw.

David Leavitt, an American citizen from the United States of America, could not stand by any longer and decided to re-breed the English Bulldog to its original form in 1971. The goal was to create a strong, healthy and active bulldog breed without problems with breathing, eyes, bites, skin, or joints. He crossed English Bulldogs with dogs that were a third Bullmastiff and a third American Bulldog and a terrier and bred them to eliminate the health-limiting traits.

The FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale), and the AKC, do not recognize the Olde English Bulldog as a separate dog breed. UKC, the umbrella organization of dog breeders and dog sports with roots in the USA, considers “retroversions” of Bulldogs as a separate breed. In the meantime, Olde English Bulldogs have been bred that do not conform to Leavitt’s conceptions. The “originals” of the breed are now also known as Leavitt Bulldogs or Leavitt Olde English Bulldogs.

Characteristics of the Olde English bulldog

Olde English Bulldogs are very intelligent and have a good sense of perception. Like the English Bulldog it can be stubborn and likes to solve issues on its own. It is still considered a peaceful and friendly dog, especially to their caregivers and the other animals in their family. These dogs are also playful and friendly with children, if they’ve been properly trained. Olde Bulls are a good family dog, but only if the children have grown up and become stronger. The muscular medium-sized dogs can accidentally hurt small children when playing.

OEBs are protective of their pack and can be reserved at first. They may also show aggression towards conspecifics. Overall, they are friendly and non-aggressive. For it to stay that way, early socialization, loving, consistent training, and lots of positive reinforcement are important.

Olde English Bulldogs: Tips for good care and management

Due to their intelligence and strength, Olde Bulls need mental and physical activity in order to prevent them from getting bored and developing unwanted behavioral problems. OEBs are more athletic than English Bulldogs and excel in dog sports like agility or obedience. The short coat of the OEB is low-maintenance, but they can freeze in cold temperatures and require a coat.

They are less susceptible to eye infections than modern dog breeds because their eyes don’t protrude so much. The skin folds are also less problematic because they’re not as deep. Olde English Bulldogs are rarely affected by jaw and tooth misalignment.