Olde English Bulldogges

In spite of the breed’s name, the Olde English Bulldogges appeared not long ago. The breeding program aimed at creating a Bulldog that would be close to the English Bulldog of the 19th century started in the 1970s. The purpose of David Leavitt, the founder of the new breed, was not to recreate the extinct breed, but to create an original breed with a similar appearance and working abilities. He did not intend to get a dog with a fierce temperament, which was valued in early English Bulldogs. 

To create a new breed, several breeds were used. Olde English Bulldogges are actually only 50% English Bulldogs; they also have a blood of the Bullmastiff, the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Bulldog. The foundation stock consisted of two unrelated males and one female. The puppies from the first litter were bred to their uncles to fix the basic characteristics of the breed. Outcrossing with the Bullmastiff and the American Pit Bull Terrier was made at a later stage of the breed’s development. After 9 generations of the new breed, the Olde English Bulldog was no longer crossed to other breeds. In 1995, the new breed was stable and with its own typical characteristics.

Besides David Leavitt, several breeders tried to recreate the original English Bulldog of the 19th century. The most consistent breeders created the Wilkinson bulldog, the Ken Mollett's Victorian bulldog, Steve Barnett's Dorset olde tyme bulldogges, and others. None of those bloodlines got recognition and popularity like the Olde English Bulldogges. This breed is recognized by the CKC and NKC. There is also a breed association (OEBKC or the Olde English Bulldogge Kennel Club) that registers purebred Olde English Bulldogges. The original breed registry, the OEBA, founded by the first breeder, was merged with the OEBKC.

The Olde English Bulldog is more agile and generally healthier than the English Bulldog with its too exaggerated appearance. The Olde English Bulldog is not prone to breathing disorders and joint problems. Artificial insemination is not needed, and females don’t necessarily need cesarean section to give birth. The typical lifespan of Olde English Bulldogges is over 11 years, while English Bulldogs normally live 8-10 years.