Often when someone asks what kind of dog I have, and I say, “an Olde English Bulldogge”, their typical response thereafter is, “Oh, it’s so big.” That’s because people think I’m referring to an English Bulldog. In layman’s terms the Olde English Bulldogge (OEB) was bred to perfect the health issues commonly associated with English Bulldogs such as respiratory and cardiac issues, hip issues, and difficult births. This is why OEB’s are taller and leaner than their English Bulldog (EB) counterparts. Today’s modern day OEB is a reconstruction of the original Bulldog from the early 1800s.
Back in the 17th and 18th centuries in England, Bulldogs were primarily bred for the blood sport of bull-baiting. For this reason the original Bulldog’s build was functional to provide the necessary physical stamina and endurance to participate in this sport.
Around 1835 bull-baiting was banned in England, and thus the original Bulldog no longer served a purpose, so the breed began to diminish. Eventually the breed was reconstructed by dog show fanciers seeking to create a particular look. Through years of breeding down to the Pug, it evolved into today’s modern day English Bulldog. Unfortunately today’s EB is comprised of many health disorders owing to its shortened muzzle and spine and overall compact structure.
In 1971 David Leavitt of Pennsylvania, credited as the creator of the Olde English Bulldogge, produced the breed by selectively cross-breeding English Bulldogs, American Bulldogs, Bull Mastiffs, and American Pit Bull Terriers. The result has been a genetically good-looking, healthier, and physically fit Bulldogge without the health issues that plague today’s EB.
The Olde English was named to differentiate from the modern day English. While the OEB is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), it is recognized by the Bully Breeder’s Association (BBA), International Olde English Bulldogge Association (IOEBA), National Bulldogge Association (NBA), and American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC).
Olde English Bulldogges are free breeders, free whelpers, and free of breathing issues.