Discover the Leavitt Bulldog Dog Breed and Its Origins

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Posted Sep 29, 2024

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A Person Playing with a French Bulldog on a Beach
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The Leavitt Bulldog is a rare breed with a mysterious past. It originated in the United States in the 19th century.

The breed is believed to have been developed by a man named William Leavitt, who bred bulldogs with other breeds to create a unique dog. This is based on historical records that mention Leavitt's involvement in the breed's development.

Leavitt bulldogs are known for their distinctive physical characteristics, including a sturdy build and a wrinkled face. Their short coats come in a variety of colors, including brindle and fawn.

For more insights, see: Johnson Breed Bulldog

History and Origins

The Leavitt Bulldog has a fascinating history. It's a re-creation of the now extinct Old English Bulldog, which existed around the 19th century Regency era, about 1820.

The Leavitt Bulldog was developed by breeder David Leavitt to overcome the genetic problems in the English Bulldog breed. He originally named the breed the Olde English Bulldogge, but later changed the name to Leavitt Bulldog due to concerns about the quality of some litters.

See what others are reading: Full Breed American Bulldog

Credit: youtube.com, History of Medieval Old English Bulldogs

David Leavitt's "Leavitt Bulldogs" were purebred from the earlier Olde English Bulldogge stock. This breed was designed to be a healthier alternative to the English Bulldog.

The Leavitt Bulldog has a placid temperament, which is different from the working ability of the original Old English Bulldog. This breed is one of several developed to overcome the genetic problems in the English Bulldog breed.

Portions of the Olde English Bulldogge breeding circles renamed their dogs in 2005 to distance themselves from the OEB name. This was due to some breeders using the name to refer to unrelated and non-purebred dogs.

Breed developer David Leavitt wanted to change the breed name to make it clear that the Leavitt Bulldog is a distinct breed. He couldn't force other breeders to change, so he changed the name to Leavitt Bulldog.

Physical Characteristics

The Leavitt Bulldog's physical characteristics are quite impressive. Its large head has a circumference that's at least equal to its height at the withers.

The Leavitt Bulldog's powerful jaw muscles are a notable feature, with the lower jaw extending forward. This gives the breed a distinctive appearance.

The back and chest of the Leavitt Bulldog are wide and muscular, making it a sturdy dog.

Appearance

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The Leavitt Bulldog's appearance is truly impressive. The breed standard states that the circumference of the head is at least equal to the dog's height at the withers.

This means that the Leavitt Bulldog has a large head with powerful jaw muscles. The lower jaw extends forward, giving the dog a distinctive look.

The back and chest are wide and muscular, which is a testament to the breed's athletic ability. This muscular build allows the Leavitt Bulldog to move with ease and agility.

The tail is straight and reaches the hocks, adding to the breed's overall balance and proportion.

Consider reading: Old American Bull Dog

Characteristics

The Leavitt Bulldog is a strong breed, which means socialization and obedience training are crucial for their development.

Their temperament is stable, friendly, and loving, making them perfect as family companions. Some Leavitt Bulldogs have even qualified as therapy dogs, showing their capacity for compassion and care.

They are easy to train, which is a huge advantage for their owners. With consistent training, Leavitt Bulldogs can excel in various sports and activities.

Their disposition should be confident, courageous, and alert, but not overly protective. This balance is essential for their well-being and their ability to interact with others.

Leavitt Bulldogs enjoy a variety of activities, from physical games to those that challenge their intellect, such as tracking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Bulldog went extinct?

The Old English Bulldog is the extinct breed that the modern Bulldog was bred from. This breed was used for bull-baiting before being outlawed in England.

Eileen Kessler

Junior Writer

Eileen Kessler is a rising star in the world of pet-focused writing. With a passion for canine companions, she has established herself as a go-to authority on all things dog-related. Her writing career has taken off, with a portfolio that showcases her expertise in crafting engaging and informative content.