Old English Bulldog and English Bulldog: Everything You Need to Know

The Old English Bulldog and English Bulldog are two distinct breeds that often get confused with each other. The key difference lies in their origins, with the Old English Bulldog being an extinct breed and the English Bulldog a more modern breed.

The Old English Bulldog was a large and powerful dog that was bred for bull baiting, a blood sport that was popular in England during the 13th to 19th centuries. They were known for their strength and tenacity.

In contrast, the English Bulldog was developed in the 19th century as a companion animal, bred to be a gentle and affectionate pet.

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The Old English Bulldog has a rich history that dates back to the early 1970s when David Leavitt from Pennsylvania began his project to recreate the "Regency Period Bull Baiter". He aimed to create a dog with the look, health, and athleticism of the original bull-baiting dogs, but with a much less aggressive temperament.

The foundation crosses consisted of one-half Bulldog, one-sixth American Bulldog, one-sixth Bullmastiff, and one-sixth of other breeds. This careful breeding resulted in the Olde English Bulldogge emerging and breeding true.

In the 18th century, the English sport of bull-baiting was a popular pastime, and the Old English Bulldog was a specialized breed developed for this purpose. Bull-baiting exhibitions took place in London at locations like the Westminster Pit, Beargarden, and Old Conduit Fields.

The Olde English Bulldogge resembles the original Bulldogs of the Regency Period, which were taller and more physically agile dogs capable of performing in bull-baiting. Historians believe that the Old English Bulldog may be derived from ancient war dogs, such as the old Mastiff or the extinct Alaunt dog.

The Olde English Bulldogge has a rich history that dates back to the early 1970s when David Leavitt, a breeder from Pennsylvania, started working on recreating the "Regency Period Bull Baiter". This breed was developed using a cattle line breeding scheme from Ohio State University.

David Leavitt's goal was to create a dog with the look, health, and athleticism of the original bull-baiting dogs, but with a much less aggressive temperament. The foundation crosses consisted of one-half Bulldog, one-sixth American Bulldog, one-sixth Bullmastiff, and one-sixth of other breeds.

After many planned crosses, the Olde English Bulldogge emerged and began to breed true. Leavitt formed the Olde English Bulldogge Association (OEBA) to maintain the breed's stud book and issue registration papers to future offspring.

The breed was further developed in the 1980s by Ben and Karen Campetti from Massachusetts, who worked closely with Leavitt in breeding the Olde English Bulldogge.

Here's a brief timeline of the breed's development:

The Olde English Bulldogge was officially recognized as a purebred breed by the UKC in 2014, with the OEBKC serving as the recognized Parent Club for the breed.

The passage of the Cruelty to Animals Act 1835 led to a decline in bull-baiting and dog fighting in England.

This decline caused a lack of interest in perpetuating the Old English Bulldog, which ultimately led to its extinction.

Three dogs from the Duke of Hamilton's strain of Old English Bulldog, Wasp, Child, and Billy, were recognized as some of the last known members of the breed before it became extinct.

Despite the laws making dog fighting illegal, it continued for many years.

Breeders determined that a cross between the Old English Bulldog and Old English Terrier created a superior fighting dog with increased quickness and dexterity.

This new breed of dog, called the bull and terrier, was a precursor to the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, and American Pit Bull Terrier.

The Old English Bulldog was compact, broad and muscular, as reflected in the painting Crib and Rosa.

Their average height was approximately 15 inches (380 mm), and they weighed about 45 pounds (20 kg).

The Olde English Bulldogge has a muscular, medium-sized body with great strength, and possesses fluid, agile movement.

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Their well-balanced and proportioned body allows them to perform without any breathing restrictions in either heat or in cold.

The skull is large and well-proportioned to the dog's muscular body and prominent shoulders.

Nostrils are wide, with a line running vertically between nostrils from the tip of nose down to the bottom of the upper lip.

The nose is large and broad in relationship to the width of the muzzle, and the nose color is black.

Eyes are medium in size and almond shaped, dark to light brown, with black pigmented eye rims.

The neck is medium length, wide, and slightly arched, while the body is sturdy, powerful and slightly rectangular when viewed from the side.

Males should be 60 to 80 pounds (27 to 36 kg), and 17 to 20 inches (43 to 51 cm) at the withers, while females should be 50 to 70 pounds (23 to 32 kg), and 16 to 19 inches (41 to 48 cm) at the withers.

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English Bulldogs and Olde English Bulldogges have unique health needs due to their brachycephalic (short-nosed) breed. This can lead to breathing difficulties, especially in hot climates, so it's essential to keep them in shaded areas with access to water and AC at all times.

Their short snouts also mean they're not quiet dogs, with lots of panting, snorting, and snoring. Their wrinkly skin requires frequent maintenance to prevent skin infections, which can be caused by bacteria and yeast growth in skin folds.

Proper care and regular veterinary check-ups can help prevent common health issues such as eye problems, skin fold pyoderma, and allergies. Regular grooming sessions and a balanced diet can also help prevent obesity, which can exacerbate other health concerns.

To help prevent skin fold pyoderma, always clean with a medicated wipe and properly dry the skin folds. This keeps bacteria and yeast from building up and prevents moisture from becoming trapped.

Here are some common health issues that can affect English Bulldogs and Olde English Bulldogges:

English Bulldogs are prone to various health issues due to their unique physical characteristics. Their short face, sensitivity to temperature extremes, and excessive skin folds make them predisposed to medical concerns.

Bulldogs commonly suffer from brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), caused by a combination of anatomical abnormalities such as narrowed nose openings, elongated soft palate, swelling in the larynx, and compressed/distorted nasal passages.

Skin issues are also common in Bulldogs, particularly skin fold pyoderma, which occurs when bacteria and/or yeast grow in the warm, moist environment of their skin folds. Regular cleaning and drying of these areas can help prevent this condition.

English Bulldogs are also prone to allergies, which can lead to skin infections and pyoderma. Environmental allergies, food allergies, and flea and insect allergies can all cause skin issues, and may require special diets, medications, or medicated shampoos to manage.

To help prevent obesity in Bulldogs, it's essential to monitor their food intake and ensure they get regular exercise. However, exercise can be difficult for Bulldogs due to their sensitivity to heat and breathing difficulties.

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Here are some common health issues that can affect English Bulldogs:

Regular veterinary care, proper nutrition, and regular grooming sessions can help prevent or manage these common ailments. By being aware of these potential health issues, you can provide the best possible care for your English Bulldog.

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English Bulldogs can be prone to eye issues or allergies that cause eye discharge.

You'll need to clean around their eyes routinely using pet-safe wipes. Make sure to fully dry the skin after cleaning.

Talk to your vet if you notice any changes in your dog's eyes.

English Bulldogs require a special diet due to their unique health considerations. They need a high-quality dog food rich in protein, fatty acids, and probiotics.

To maintain their overall health, English Bulldogs may benefit from supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, joint supplements with glucosamine, probiotics, and immune-boosting supplements. It's essential to consult with a veterinarian to determine the best supplements for your dog.

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Feeding English Bulldogs requires attention to their specific needs. They should be fed high-quality puppy food approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) until they're at least one year old. After that, they can transition to senior dog food.

Bulldogs can be prone to overeating, so it's crucial to monitor their food intake and avoid overfeeding. Treats should not make up more than 10% of their daily diet, and if your pup is overweight, cutting back on treats is recommended.

A slow feeder bowl or puzzle toys can be helpful in preventing Bulldogs from eating too quickly, which can lead to regurgitation or aspiration pneumonia.

To determine the right amount of food for your Bulldog, consult the AAFCO-approved dog food packaging for feeding guidelines. Your veterinarian can also help tailor recommended portion sizes based on your dog's age, lifestyle, and health.

Here's a general feeding schedule for English Bulldogs:

Old English Bulldogges have more wrinkles than others and will need more time spent cleaning those wrinkles, requiring weekly cleanings in addition to ear cleanings and nail trims.

Their medium-short coats require no special care, but it’s fine to wash them once a month or whenever they get dirty with a pet-safe shampoo. English Bulldogs should be bathed once a week to every other week, with special attention given to their skin wrinkles/folds.

Their wrinkly skin requires frequent and time-consuming grooming, and pet parents need to be diligent and thorough about their skin and coat care. To prevent skin infections, it’s essential to fully dry wrinkles after cleaning and bathing.

Use a soft, dry cloth or dog-friendly wipe to gently wipe out debris from the skin wrinkles and folds around a Bulldog’s face, neck, and tail. Brushing your English Bulldog once a week with a soft bristle brush is recommended to help maintain a healthy coat.

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After every bath, clean your Bulldog’s ears with a veterinary-recommended cleaner to prevent ear infections. Regular ear cleanings can help prevent infections and keep your Bulldog’s ears healthy.

English Bulldogs should have their skin wrinkles evaluated and cleaned daily, and their skin should be fully dried after cleaning to prevent the growth of bacteria in trapped moisture. Regular skin care can help prevent skin infections and keep your Bulldog healthy.

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