The Old English Bulldog is a breed that originated in England in the 13th century.
They were originally bred for bull baiting, a blood sport where a dog was set upon a tethered bull to fight and bite it until the bull collapsed or died. This cruel practice was eventually outlawed in 1835.
The Old English Bulldog is known for its distinctive physical characteristics, including a stout body, short coat, and wrinkled skin. They typically weigh between 40-50 pounds and stand about 10-12 inches tall at the shoulder.
Their calm and gentle nature made them popular companions among working-class families in England during the 18th and 19th centuries.
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Health and Wellness
As an owner of an Old English Bulldogge, you want to ensure your furry friend stays healthy and happy. Many diseases and health conditions are genetic, meaning they're related to your pet's breed.
To prevent periodontal disease, brushing your dog's teeth daily is essential. You can also keep their ears clean weekly, which will help prevent infections. This simple habit can go a long way in maintaining your Old English Bulldogge's overall health.
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Here are some general guidelines for routine care and diet:
- Brush her coat at least weekly.
- Clean her ears weekly.
- Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age.
- Exercise your dog regularly, but don't overdo it at first.
Remember to supervise your pet as you would a toddler and keep doors closed to prevent accidents. With proper care and attention, your Old English Bulldogge can live a long and happy life.
Your Dog's Health
Brushing your dog's teeth daily can prevent periodontal disease, so make sure to do that regularly.
It's essential to know about the potential health concerns specific to Olde English Bulldogges, as they have a genetic predisposition to certain diseases. Hypothyroidism and heart disease are two conditions that can affect this breed. Proper veterinary care and nutrition can help prevent these issues.
To keep your dog healthy, build a routine care schedule into your daily planner. This includes supervising your pet like you would a toddler, keeping doors closed, and blocking off rooms as necessary to prevent them from getting into trouble. You should also brush their coat weekly, clean their ears weekly, and exercise them regularly.
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A high-quality diet is crucial for maintaining your dog's overall health. It's essential to feed a consistent diet and avoid giving them people food. Regular grooming sessions can also help prevent common ailments like dental disease and obesity.
Here are some key things to remember:
- Brush your dog's teeth at least twice a week
- Clean their ears weekly
- Exercise them regularly, but don't overdo it at first
- Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for their age
- Supervise your pet like you would a toddler
Spay or Neuter
Having your Bulldogge spayed or neutered is one of the best things you can do for their health and wellness.
This surgery decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies.
Routine blood testing prior to surgery helps us identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk.
Spaying or neutering also gives us a chance to address some diseases your dog is likely to develop, such as hip issues or tooth problems, while they're under anesthesia.
Care and Feeding
Your Olde English Bulldogge needs regular check-ups and vaccinations to stay healthy, so be sure to follow our recommended schedule for examinations and tests.
It's essential to watch your dog's diet closely, as overfeeding can lead to weight gain, which is common in Bulldogs due to their short and stocky nature.
To prevent skin infections, you'll need to frequently clean the wrinkles on your Bulldog's face and body, especially after exercise or playtime.
Caring for Your Dog at Home
Regular check-ups with your veterinarian are essential to ensure your dog stays healthy.
You should brush your English Bulldog once a week with a soft bristle brush to help maintain a healthy coat. This simple routine can go a long way in keeping their skin and coat in great shape.
Keep an eye on your dog's diet and make sure they get plenty of exercise, as this is crucial for their overall health. Don't forget to regularly brush their teeth and coat too!
English Bulldogs are not well-suited to hot climates, so ensure they have access to shade, water, and AC at all times when it's hot outside. This will help prevent overheating and related issues.
Bathing your English Bulldog once a week to every other week is recommended, with special attention given to their skin wrinkles/folds. Make sure these areas are clear of debris and gently dried with a soft cloth after bathing or splashing in water to prevent skin infection.
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Key Considerations
The Olde English Bulldogge is a relatively small breed, weighing between 50 to 80 pounds.
They come in a variety of colors including brindle, white, fawn, red, black; solid colors can be with or without white.
To care for an Olde English Bulldogge properly, you'll need to have a home with a backyard where they can play and exercise. A family member who is often at home will also help prevent separation anxiety.
Their short lifespan means you should be prepared for the possibility of losing your companion sooner rather than later.
Here are some potential signs that your Olde English Bulldogge needs veterinary attention:
- Change in appetite or water consumption
- Tartar build-up, bad breath, red gums, or broken teeth
- Itchy skin (scratching, chewing, or licking), hair loss
- Lethargy, mental dullness, or excessive sleeping
- Fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes
Remember, it's essential to be aware of these signs and seek veterinary help if you notice any unusual symptoms.
What to Feed
To keep your English Bulldog at a healthy weight, it's essential to monitor their diet and ensure they're not overeating.
Much like people, bulldogs need a balanced diet to stay happy and healthy, so feed them high-quality puppy food approved by AAFCO if they're less than 1 year old. For older bulldogs (7 years and up), switch to senior dog food that's also AAFCO-approved.
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Bulldogs can be very food-motivated, so it's crucial to avoid overfeeding or giving them excessive treats during the day - treats should never make up more than 10% of their daily intake. If your pup is overweight, consider cutting out most treats altogether.
Feed adult bulldogs twice a day, in the morning and evening, while English Bulldog puppies need to eat three or four times daily. Some bulldogs may require special feeding bowls that slow down eating to prevent regurgitation or aspiration pneumonia.
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Training
Olde English bulldogges are smart dogs that can learn just about anything.
They love to explore their environment and figure out the right buttons to push to cheer people up when they're feeling down. Their emotional intelligence is one of their best features.
These dogs are easy to train, loving to please their owners and learn new commands quickly. They can be trained for service dog work, emotional support, and even as guard dogs.
To keep your Olde English bulldogge engaged during training, make sure to reward them often and teach them a variety of tasks. Repetitive or boring tasks might make them less receptive to training.
Their high intelligence and willingness to train make Olde English bulldogges great service dogs that can perform complex tasks to improve the lives of people with disabilities. They can be trained for deep pressure therapy (DPT) and other physical tasks, as well as emotional support work.
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Fun Activities
The Olde English Bulldogge is a breed that's easy to please and can adapt to any lifestyle. They'll happily go on a run with you and just as quickly hop up on the couch to snuggle.
A long walk, run, or a simple game of fetch will do the trick for daily exercise. This breed is generally pretty active, so it's always recommended to get them moving every day.
Here are some fun activities that your Olde English Bulldogge might enjoy:
- Walks
- Backyard and indoor play
- Tug-of-war
- Cuddling and snoozing
You don't need to worry about overheating with this breed, as they withstand the heat and cold much better than the modern English Bulldog.
Breed Puppies
If you want an Olde English Bulldogge puppy, you'll need to find a reputable breeder through organizations like the Leavitt Bulldog Association.
Finding a breeder is crucial because this breed isn't commonly found in shelters. They have a list of breeders who guarantee 100% genetically pure puppies. These breeders also put their puppies through extensive medical screening to ensure they're healthy and well-cared for.
You can't guarantee the puppy's relation to the original bloodline if it doesn't come with registration papers, so be sure to look for that documentation.
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Dogs Suitable for Families?
Olde English Bulldogges make excellent family pets, loving to socialize with children and being highly affectionate and playful with the whole family.
They can adapt to any environment as long as they have their owners to keep them company, but proper puppy socialization is key to ensure they interact well with other people and animals.
Socialization training is a must for Olde English bulldogges to get along well with kids. With early socialization, you won't have to worry about issues between your dog and children.
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In most cases, even without training, they're loyal and protective over children. However, it's always best to keep an eye on your children if they're playing with your Olde English bulldogges.
Here are some key characteristics of the Olde English Bulldogge breed:
Their playful and affectionate nature makes them a great fit for families.
Getting Along with Other Pets
Olde English bulldogges are good with most animals.
They won't harm your cat and love to play with other dogs. This makes them great companions for families with multiple pets.
Some Olde English bulldogges may be aggressive towards dogs of the same gender, so early socialization is key.
These dogs tend to show occasional same-sex aggression with other dogs, but it's nothing a little training can't fix.
You should be mindful of prey animals when introducing them to your Olde English bulldogge.
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Exercise
Exercise is an essential part of keeping your Olde English Bulldogge happy and healthy.
Regular exercise helps manage their energy levels, which isn't extremely high to begin with. They're not the most energetic breeds you can find, but letting them out in the yard a few times a day and taking them on a few long walks weekly is enough to keep them satisfied.
Taking your Olde English Bulldogge on walks and playing with them is crucial for their health. It ensures they live a long and healthy life. Make sure to include some backyard and indoor playtime, too - it's great for their physical and mental well-being.
Here are some fun activities you can do with your Bulldogge:
- Walks
- Backyard and indoor play
- Tug-of-war
- Cuddling and snoozing
Remember, regular exercise is just one part of keeping your Olde English Bulldogge happy and healthy. Don't forget to brush their teeth and coat regularly, and make sure they get plenty of rest.
Breed Characteristics
The Olde English Bulldogge is a unique breed with some amazing characteristics.
They are short-haired and have a stocky build, with strong shoulders, hips, and necks. Their flat face and broad head give them an appearance that resembles pitbull breeds like the American Pitbull and English Bulldog.
Here are some key facts about their size:
- Weight: 50 to 80 pounds
- Coat colors: Brindle, white, fawn, red, black; solid colors can be with or without white
This breed is generally outgoing and friendly, with a desire to please – making them easy to train. They are also confident, alert, expressive, and docile.
A Unique Breed
The Olde English Bulldogge is a unique breed that stands out from the rest. She's lively and friendly with a keen eye for adventure.
One thing to note about OEBs is their strong protective instincts - they're naturally good watchdogs and will defend family and home if necessary. This means you'll need to socialize her well to ensure she gets along with others, especially larger dogs of the same sex.
Here are some key characteristics to keep in mind:
- Lively, friendly personality
- Good with children
- Protective of family; good watchdog
- Territorial with larger dogs, especially of the same sex
With great power comes great responsibility - OEBs require ample exercise and a confident leader who provides continuous socialization. This means you'll need to be consistent in your training and make sure she gets enough physical activity to keep her happy and healthy.
Don't be surprised if your OEB is a bit mouthy or likes to carry and chew things - this is just part of their nature! With patience and positive reinforcement, you can teach her to channel these behaviors in more constructive ways.
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Bulldog Personality
The English Bulldog is a friendly breed that thrives on interaction with its family. They are loyal and good with other pets and children.
Their official breed standard describes them as "equable and kind, resolute and courageous." This means they're naturally gentle souls who value harmony above all else.
Despite their laid-back reputation, Bulldogs do benefit from daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. A short, leashed walk or some indoor playtime can work wonders for their physical and mental well-being.
However, Bulldogs with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome may need to take it easy, especially in hot weather. Short walks or indoor activities like fetch or puzzle toys are a great way to keep them engaged without overexerting themselves.
As docile as they are, Bulldogs can be reserved around strangers and may take some time to warm up to new people. But once they know you, they'll shower you with affection and become your closest companion.
Remember, Bulldogs aren't excessive barkers or diggers, but boredom can lead to destructive behaviors. Make sure to provide them with enough mental stimulation and attention to keep them happy and engaged.
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Health Issues
Old English Bulldogges are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health concerns.
One of the most significant issues is periodontal disease, which can be prevented by brushing your dog's teeth daily.
Some Olde English Bulldogges may also develop hypothyroidism, heart disease, and obesity, so it's essential to monitor their health closely.
Here are some common health issues that can affect Old English Bulldogs:
- Hypothyroidism
- Heart disease
- Obesity
Regular veterinary care, proper nutrition, and regular grooming sessions can help prevent these common ailments.
Infections
Olde English Bulldogges are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections such as parvo, rabies, and distemper.
Preventing these infections is possible through vaccination, which we recommend based on the diseases prevalent in our area, your dog's age, and other factors.
Vaccination can provide a strong defense against these life-threatening diseases, giving you peace of mind when caring for your furry friend.
Entropion
Entropion is a condition that can affect Olde English Bulldogges. It's characterized by the lower eyelid curling inward towards the surface of the eye.
This can cause irritation and discomfort for your dog, so it's essential to be aware of this potential issue. Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify any problems early on.
In rare cases, entropion may not be directly related to breed-specific genetic predispositions, but rather a result of similarities with other breeds that share conformational or genetic links.
Skin Fold Pyoderma
Skin Fold Pyoderma is a common skin issue that affects Bulldogs and Olde English Bulldogges. It occurs when bacteria or yeast grow in the warm, moist environment trapped between their skin folds.
This condition can be prevented by properly cleaning and drying the skin folds after your dog gets wet. Using medicated wipes to clean the area can help keep bacteria and yeast from building up.
Some signs of skin fold pyoderma include redness, swelling, and a foul odor coming from the affected area. If left untreated, this condition can lead to more serious health issues.
Here are some common causes of skin fold pyoderma:
- Bacteria growth: When bacteria multiply in the warm, moist environment trapped between the skin folds.
- Yeast growth: Similar to bacterial growth, yeast can also thrive in these conditions.
If you suspect your Bulldog or Olde English Bulldogge has skin fold pyoderma, it's essential to consult with a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. Early intervention can help prevent further complications and ensure your dog's overall health and well-being.
Knee Problems
Knee Problems can be a real concern for Bulldogge owners.
Your dog's kneecap (patella) may slip out of place, causing them to pick up a back leg and skip or hop for a few strides before kicking it out sideways to pop the kneecap back in place. This condition is called patellar luxation.
Sometimes this problem can be mild and only involve one leg, requiring no treatment beyond arthritis medication. However, if symptoms are severe, surgery may be needed to realign the kneecap and prevent future issues.
General Information
The Olde English Bulldogge is a robust breed that typically weighs between 50 to 80 pounds.
Their coat comes in various colors such as brindle, white, fawn, red, and black, with solid colors often accompanied by white markings. They can also have different patterns of these colors.
Color and Size
The old English bulldog's color and size are quite distinctive.
They come in a variety of colors, including fawn, brindle, and red, with or without white markings.
Their size is also worth noting - they typically weigh between 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg) and stand about 10-14 inches (25-35 cm) tall at the shoulder.
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About Colors
Colors play a significant role in our lives, and understanding them can be fascinating.
Did you know that colors are a form of electromagnetic radiation, with visible light being just one part of the broader spectrum? The human eye can detect colors within this narrow range, but there's so much more to explore beyond what we can see!
Red is often associated with warmth and energy, and it's also a color that tends to be noticed quickly. In fact, red is the most visible color in terms of attention-grabbing power.
The 60-30-10 rule suggests that using colors in this ratio can create visually appealing combinations. For instance, using 60% of a dominant color, 30% of a secondary color, and 10% of an accent color can result in harmonious and balanced designs.
Blue is often linked to feelings of calmness and serenity, and it's also a color that can evoke trustworthiness. In fact, many companies use blue as their primary brand color because of its calming effects on customers!
What Size?
Olde English bulldogges are quite stocky dogs, making up for their lack of height with muscle and weight.
They can weigh up to 80 pounds, which is a significant range that can vary between males and females. Some females may only weigh around 50 pounds.
The average height of an Olde English bulldogge is 15-20 inches tall, with slight variations between the sexes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is an Olde English Bulldog a pitbull?
No, an Olde English Bulldogge is not a Pitbull in the classical sense, but rather a breed that shares ancestry with them through cross-breeding with American Pit Bull Terriers. However, its unique lineage and characteristics set it apart from traditional Pitbull breeds.
What is the life expectancy of an Old English Bulldog?
Old English Bulldogs typically live for 9-14 years. Regular care and monitoring can help ensure they reach their full lifespan with minimal health issues.
How did Old English Bulldog go extinct?
Old English Bulldogs went extinct due to a significant decline in population after bull baiting was outlawed in England around 1835. This led to a drastic reduction in their numbers, nearly wiping out the breed within a decade
Are Olde English bulldogs high maintenance?
English Bulldogs require some special care, but with understanding and dedication from owners, they can be a wonderful addition to any family. They are not necessarily high maintenance pets when properly cared for.
What two breeds make an Olde English Bulldog?
The Olde English Bulldogge is a cross between the American Pitbull Terrier and the Bullmastiff.
Sources
- Olde English Bulldogge (parkwoodanimalhospital.com)
- Bulldog Club of America (bulldogclubofamerica.org)
- specifically formulated for Bulldogs (chewy.com)
- puzzle toys (chewy.com)
- official breed standard (bulldogclubofamerica.org)
- dog-friendly wipe (chewy.com)
- Leavitt Bulldog Association (leavittbulldogassociation.com)
- https://leavittbulldogassociation.com/standard (leavittbulldogassociation.com)
- https://www.ukcdogs.com/olde-english-bulldogge (ukcdogs.com)
- Olde English Bulldogge: Your Complete Guide (dogacademy.org)
- Olde English Bulldogge Puppy Colors (oldenglishbulldogpuppies.com)
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