Old english bulldog

Welcome to our page dedicated to the breed of dog old english bulldog!

Here, you will find all the useful information about old english bulldog. This descriptive profile will allow you to discover the aspects of this breed. You can notably consult information about the average price, monthly and annual upkeep expenses, their health, name ideas, as well as their official recognition by competent authorities.

Explore this page to discover everything you need to know.

Overall description of the breed

The Old English Bulldog, also known as the Old English Bulldogge, is an extremely ancient English breed, as the name suggests, and is likely the ancestor of the English Bulldog we know today.

Directly descended from the Asian Mastiff, it is the origin of numerous Bull-type breeds such as the Boxer, Bull Terrier, or Bull Mastiff. It made its appearance in the early 16th century in the United Kingdom, where it was used as a guard, working, and even fighting dog. Indeed, the Old English Bulldog was widely recognized for its determination and combative spirit. Unlike the English Bulldog, the Old has few health problems. It is a sporty and athletic dog, while still maintaining an imposing build.

In the 18th century, this breed was relatively rare, but it regained popularity in the 1960s thanks to the American breeder David Leavitt. He undertook a rigorous selection to restore the Old English Bulldog's physical characteristics of yesteryear. Although not recognized by the International Canine Federation, several breed clubs acknowledge it in Europe and North America.

The Old English Bulldog is a medium-sized, massive, and voluminous dog, but without excess. It has a heavy and thick bone structure while retaining excellent responsiveness and a sporty temperament. Unlike its close cousin, the English Bulldog, it combines power and agility, giving it good endurance and excellent physical abilities.

It is rather tall on its legs, with a body length slightly greater than its height at the withers, giving it a rectangular appearance. Its head is imposing, with a well-rounded skull showing discreet folds and wrinkles. Its jaws are strong, its lips hang down, and its stop is extremely pronounced, a characteristic of bulldogs. Its skull is rounded and muscular, with two small ears placed high on the top of the skull, separated by a clearly visible central groove.

The chest of the Old English Bulldog should be deep and ample, with a wide chest and well-rounded ribs, resembling a barrel. Its coat is short, compact, and soft to the touch. All colors are accepted according to the breed standard, although a pink nose and eye contour are not desired.

The Old English Bulldog has a flexible and tender temperament towards its loved ones, making it an excellent companion for the whole family. It is expressive towards its close ones and expects a lot of attention in return. It does not handle being ignored well and needs regular contact with its owners.

Sportier than its cousin, the English Bulldog, it enjoys long walks in the countryside, sports activities, and playful games. Devoid of a hunting instinct, it generally gets along well with other animals. In terms of education, it can be stubborn, so strict training is necessary to establish boundaries for this little dog that will constantly seek to please you.

Versatile, it is calm indoors but becomes a remarkable guardian outdoors. Its protective instinct is highly developed, and it will not hesitate to defend its family. The Old English Bulldog adapts well, barks little, and can thrive in urban environments. Faithful, loyal, and slightly mischievous, it will bring joy and tenderness to your life.

Its weight will be around 27 kg (59.5 lbs) for males and 22 kg (48.5 lbs) for females. Its adult size will be approximately 43 cm (17 inches) for males and 40.5 cm (16 inches) for females.

Awareness of acquiring an animal

Each animal is a sensitive being, deserving love, attention and care.
When you choose to adopt an animal, you take on the responsibility of ensuring its health and well-being throughout its life.

To learn more about animal welfare, we invite you to consult our FAQ by clicking the button below:

Awareness of animal welfare

Origins

The Old English Bulldog is a dog breed created in the 1970s in the United States. The goal was to recreate the appearance and character of the old English bulldog from the 18th century, which had long since disappeared. This breed was born from crossing the English Bulldog, the Bullmastiff, the American Bulldog, and other similar breeds. Breeders sought to obtain a dog with the same robust and muscular appearance as its ancestors, but without the health and temperament issues often associated with modern Bulldogs.

History

The Old English Bulldog was developed to revive the characteristics of the original English Bulldog, which was once used for bullfighting. David Leavitt, an American breeder, initiated this project by crossing different breeds to obtain an athletic, balanced, and healthy dog. The rigorous selection efforts have resulted in the recognition of the breed by several clubs and associations, although this dog is not yet recognized by all official canine organizations.

Standard

The standard of the Old English Bulldog describes a medium-sized, powerful, and compact dog. Males measure between 43 and 51 cm at the withers, while females measure between 41 and 48 cm. Their weight ranges from 23 to 31 kg for females and from 27 to 36 kg for males. They have an athletic appearance, with well-developed musculature and a proud posture.

Physical characteristics

Old English Bulldogs have a short, smooth coat that can come in various colors such as white, fawn, brindle, or a combination of these shades. They have a wide head with a short but not excessively squashed muzzle, round and expressive eyes, and folded or semi-erect ears. They have a deep chest, muscular shoulders, and a compact, well-proportioned body.

Character

The Old English Bulldog's character is balanced and friendly. They are known for their loyalty to their family and protective nature. These dogs are generally sociable and get along well with children and other pets. Although they are vigilant and brave, they are not aggressive without reason. Their stable temperament and affectionate nature make them excellent family companions.

Life expectancy

The average life expectancy of the Old English Bulldog is between 10 and 12 years. As with all breeds, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and appropriate veterinary care can contribute to a longer and healthier life. Responsible breeders also work to minimize genetic health problems to prolong the lifespan of these dogs.

Exercise and activity needs

The Old English Bulldog is an active dog that requires regular exercise to maintain its health and well-being. They enjoy daily walks, interactive games, and stimulating activities. One to two hours of exercise per day is recommended to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. Agility, obedience, and other canine sports can also be beneficial for these dogs.

Recommended diet

The Old English Bulldog needs a balanced diet, rich in proteins and essential nutrients. It is recommended to choose high-quality kibble or a raw diet adapted to their needs. The monthly cost of feeding an Old English Bulldog is usually between 50 and 80 euros, depending on the quality of the products and the size of the animal. It is important to monitor their weight to prevent obesity.

Training and obedience

The Old English Bulldog's training should be positive and consistent. These dogs respond well to positive reinforcement methods, such as rewards and praise. They are intelligent and eager to please, which makes training easier. Start training at a young age and socialize them with various people and situations to develop a balanced and confident behavior.

Behavior with children

The Old English Bulldog is generally very good with children. Their protective nature and tolerance make them excellent companions for families. They are patient and affectionate, which allows them to get along well with children of all ages. However, it is important to supervise interactions between dogs and young children to avoid unintentional accidents and to teach children how to respect dogs.

Compatibility with Other Animals

The Old English Bulldog is generally sociable and gets along well with other pets if they are properly socialized from a young age. They can live with other dogs and even cats, especially if introduced gradually and in positive conditions. Their balanced temperament and non-aggressive nature contribute to a good integration into a multi-pet household.

Grooming needs

Grooming an Old English Bulldog is relatively simple due to their short and smooth coat. Weekly brushing is enough to remove dead hair and keep their coat in good condition. It is also important to regularly clean their ears, trim their nails, and check for parasites. Occasional baths are sufficient to maintain their hygiene, unless they are dirty or smelly.

Health

The Old English Bulldog is generally healthier than its cousin the English Bulldog, but it can still be prone to certain health problems, including hip dysplasia, skin allergies, and respiratory issues. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and regular veterinary visits are essential to maintain their health. Responsible breeders conduct health tests to minimize genetic risks.

Average price

The price of an Old English Bulldog varies depending on the reputation of the breeder, lineage, and location. Generally, the cost of a puppy ranges between 1,500 and 3,000 euros. It is essential to choose a reputable breeder who conducts health tests and raises dogs in good conditions to ensure a healthy and well-socialized puppy.

Expenses

Monthly expenses for an Old English Bulldog can vary depending on several factors, such as food, veterinary care, toys, and grooming products. On average, these costs can range from 100 to 200 euros per month. It is important to budget for unexpected expenses, such as emergency vet visits or specific care.

Name ideas

Choosing a name for your Old English Bulldog can be a fun task. You can be inspired by their physical characteristics or their personality. Here are some name suggestions: Max, Bella, Rocky, Daisy, Duke, Luna, Bruno, Molly, Zeus, Rosie. These names reflect the strong and affectionate nature of this breed, and can be suitable for both males and females.

Legislation and regulation

In France, the Old English Bulldog is not classified as a dangerous dog and does not require a specific permit. However, it is important to respect local laws regarding dog ownership, especially concerning vaccines, registrations, and owner responsibility. Check with your town hall or veterinarian to find out the specific regulations in your area.

Official recognition

The Old English Bulldog is recognized by several canine organizations, although not yet by all. In the United States, it is recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC). In Europe, some clubs and associations also recognize this breed. In France, official recognition may vary, but breeders' efforts to obtain broader recognition continue.

Pedigrees

The pedigrees of Old English Bulldogs are available from various recognized breed clubs. In the United States, the Olde English Bulldogge Association (OEBA) and the United Kennel Club (UKC) are references. In France, the Club du Bulldog Anglais (CBEI) can provide information and pedigrees for this breed. Other clubs in Europe include the Olde English Bulldogge Kennel Club (OEBKC) in the UK and the European Bully Kennel Club (EBKC).

Destination and usage

The Old English Bulldog is mainly intended to be a companion dog, appreciated for its loyalty and balanced temperament. Thanks to their protective and vigilant nature, they can also serve as guard dogs. Their athleticism and intelligence make them suitable for various canine activities, such as agility, obedience, and even animal therapy.

Prohibitions

There are no specific restrictions regarding owning an Old English Bulldog in France, as long as general regulations on dog ownership are respected. However, it is always recommended to check local laws and regulations specific to your area. Some insurances may also have restrictions or specific requirements for this breed.

Breeders ofold english bulldog

No ofold english bulldog breeders are currently registered on Preeders.
If you’re a breeder, sign up for free now and be the first to appear on this page.