Olde Tyme English Bulldog: Complete Breed Information

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Charming English Bulldog Strolling in Autumn
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The Olde Tyme English Bulldog is a breed that's steeped in history and tradition. They originated in England in the 13th century as a result of crossing the Old English Bulldog with the Pug.

Their distinctive appearance is a key part of their charm. With a sturdy build and wrinkled skin, they're a breed that's instantly recognizable.

One of the most notable features of the Olde Tyme English Bulldog is their short, easy-to-maintain coat. This makes them a great choice for busy owners who don't have a lot of time for grooming.

History and Origins

The Olde Tyme English Bulldog has a fascinating history that dates back to the 16th century. It was bred for kings and queens of the Tudor period and was known for its athletic build and pure bulldog temperament.

This breed was originally used for bull-baiting, a barbaric sport where the bulldog would flatten itself to the ground to bite the nose or head of the bull. Its role also extended to leading and cornering wild bulls away from the crowd in city-wide round-up efforts.

David Leavitt, a breeder from Pennsylvania, attempted to recreate a similar breed called the Olde English Bulldogge in the early 1970s, using the cattle line breeding scheme of Dr. Fechimer from Ohio State University.

Leavitt

Two Adult Tan-and-white English Bulldogs on Seashore
Credit: pexels.com, Two Adult Tan-and-white English Bulldogs on Seashore

David Leavitt was a pioneer in the development of the Olde English Bulldogge, and his contributions to the breed are still recognized today. In the early 1970s, he began his project to recreate the "Regency Period Bull Baiter" in his backyard in Coatesville, Pennsylvania.

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. He utilized the cattle line breeding scheme of Dr. Fechimer from Ohio State University to achieve this.

The foundation crosses for the Olde English Bulldogge consisted of one-half Bulldog, one-sixth American Bulldog, one-sixth Bullmastiff, and one-sixth of other breeds. Leavitt's hard work paid off, and the Olde English Bulldogge began to breed true after many planned crosses.

In 2004, David Leavitt named his line of Olde English Bulldogges "Leavitt Bulldogs" to distinguish them from other breeders. This move was a significant step in maintaining his original breeding aims.

The Leavitt Bulldog Association was founded the following year, and the UKC recognizes dogs registered with this association as Olde English Bulldogges.

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Overview

White And Brown English Bulldog
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The Olde English Bulldogge is a breed with a rich history, and its origins date back to the late 1980s when Steve Barnett started a breeding program in the British Isles.

Barnett's goal was to recreate a variety of bulldog based on old bulldog breeds, resulting in a dog with an athletic build, a graceful appearance, and a pure bulldog temperament.

The breed was originally bred for kings and queens of the Tudor period and participated in the sport of bull-baiting, a barbaric activity where the bulldog would flatten itself to the ground to bite the nose or head of the bull.

In contrast to its original purpose, the Olde English Bulldogge is now a popular breed in the UK, despite not being recognized by The Kennel Club.

This breed is known for its short, robust body and short lifespan, but it's worth noting that it was once an athletic breed created for bull-baiting.

Appearance and Grooming

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The Olde Tyme English Bulldog is a muscular, medium-sized dog with a sturdy build and a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming. They have a broad chest and strong undershot jaw, giving them a proud and confident appearance.

Their coats come in a variety of colors, including brindle, black, pied variations, blue, and slate grey, with white, red, and brindle being the most commonly seen.

To keep their coats looking their best, a weekly brush and wipe over with a chamois cloth is all that's needed, with more frequent grooming required during shedding seasons. Regular cleaning of the folds around their head and on their muzzle is also important to prevent skin problems.

Appearance

The Old Tyme Bulldog is a proud and noble dog with a distinctive appearance. They are a medium-sized breed with a muscular build, broad and compact, and a slightly lighter build than their English cousins.

Their large faces and heads are their defining physical traits, paired with a pronounced undershot jaw that adds to their endearing looks. They have folds and wrinkles on their muzzles and heads, and their snouts are slightly longer than that of the English Bulldog.

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Their eyes are set quite low and nicely wide apart, being medium in size and round. Ears are set wide and high on a dog's head and fall closely and neatly to the side of a dog's head when they are relaxed but slightly raised when alert or excited.

The Old Tyme Bulldog has a powerful muscular body with their hindquarters being slightly higher than a dog's forequarters. Chests are deep and wide, with dogs having broad and muscular shoulders.

Here's a summary of the Old Tyme Bulldog's size:

Their bellies are nicely tucked up, giving the Old Tyme Bulldog a more athletic appearance than their English cousins. Front legs are strong and powerful, giving the impression of being slightly bowed thanks to their broad chests.

Their tails are set quite low with dogs carrying them down when resting but higher when alert or moving. Their feet are large and wide with strong toe pads and nails.

The Old Tyme Bulldog boasts a short coat over their entire body, with the most commonly seen colours including white, red, brindle, and a combination of the above with white or pied markings.

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Grooming

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The Old Tyme Bulldog's grooming needs are relatively low maintenance, thanks to its short, smooth coat. They only require a weekly brush and wipe over with a chamois cloth to keep their coat looking its best.

Their coats are a great indicator of their health, so it's essential to check for bare spots, scabs, and other skin problems. Regular grooming can help prevent these issues from arising.

They shed steadily throughout the year, with more frequent grooming needed during Spring and Autumn to remove dead and shed hair. This is especially important to prevent matting and tangling.

The folds around their head and muzzle need regular cleaning to avoid dirt and debris buildup, which can lead to sores. It's also crucial to check their ears regularly and clean them when necessary to prevent painful infections.

Here are the essential grooming tools you'll need for an Old Tyme Bulldog:

  • A grooming glove
  • A slicker brush
  • A bristle brush
  • A chamois leather
  • Nail clippers
  • A pair of round ended scissors
  • Dog specific shampoo and conditioner
  • Dog specific toothpaste and tooth brush

By following these simple grooming tips and using the right tools, you can keep your Old Tyme Bulldog looking and feeling its best.

Health and Conditions

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The Olde Tyme English Bulldog is a generally healthy breed, but like any dog, it's not immune to certain health issues. They can live as long as 12 years with proper care.

Hip and elbow dysplasias are common issues in the breed, and breeders should have stud dogs scored for hip health. Elbow dysplasia is another concern, and breeders should also test stud dogs for this condition.

Proper veterinary care, nutrition, and regular grooming sessions can help prevent common ailments such as allergies, dental disease, and obesity. Regular exercise, about 30 to 40 minutes a day, combined with mental stimulation, is also essential for their overall health.

Here are some potential health issues to be aware of:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Patellar luxation
  • Breathing issues
  • Cherry Eye
  • Hyperuricosuria (HUU)
  • Underbite
  • Sleep Apnea
  • Interdigital Cysts
  • Tail Problems
  • Pulmonic Stenosis
  • Throat Problems

Health and Conditions

The Olde English Bulldogge is a generally healthy breed, but like any breed, it can be prone to certain health issues. Some of these issues include breathing problems, dental disease, hip and joint issues, and allergies.

Adorable English Bulldog Walking on Grass
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Proper veterinary care, nutrition, and regular grooming sessions can help prevent these common ailments. Regular exercise is also crucial to maintaining a healthy Olde English Bulldogge.

The breed is known to suffer from hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, and breathing issues. Some Olde English Bulldogges may also experience cherry eye, hyperuricosuria, underbite, sleep apnea, interdigital cysts, tail problems, and pulmonic stenosis.

To prevent obesity, it's essential to monitor your Olde English Bulldogge's calorie intake and ensure they get enough daily exercise. Obesity can lead to a range of health issues and shorten their lifespan.

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

  • Hip dysplasia - Breeders should have stud dogs hip scored
  • Elbow dysplasia - Breeders should have stud dogs tested
  • Patellar luxation
  • Breathing issues
  • Cherry Eye
  • Hyperuricosuria (HUU) - testing available
  • Underbite
  • Sleep Apnea
  • Interdigital Cysts
  • Tail Problems
  • Pulmonic Stenosis

If you suspect your Olde English Bulldogge is experiencing any of these health issues, it's essential to consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Excessive Barking

Excessive barking is not a common issue with Old Tyme Bulldogs, as they are not known to bark excessively. They have a distinct voice and tend to bark when they need to alert their owners to something important.

Their barking is generally not for the sake of it, which means you won't have to worry about excessive barking as a major concern.

Vaccinations

English Bulldog Inside Vehicle
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Getting vaccinated is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults get a flu shot every year to protect against the flu virus.

Influenza vaccination has been shown to reduce the risk of flu-related hospitalizations by 40-60% among adults.

Vaccination can also prevent serious health problems, such as pneumonia and bronchitis.

According to the CDC, vaccination has been responsible for the near eradication of diseases like smallpox and polio.

Vaccines have been proven to be safe, with serious side effects occurring in less than 1 in 1 million people.

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Temperament and Intelligence

The Olde Tyme English Bulldog is a wonderful breed that thrives on human interaction. They are extremely loyal and brave, forming strong bonds with their owners.

They are not the fastest learners, but they are intelligent dogs that respond well to positive reinforcement, especially when high-value rewards are involved. In fact, they do not answer well to harsh correction or heavy-handed training methods.

Credit: youtube.com, Olde English Bulldogge Vs English Bulldog - Comparison Between Two Bull Dogs

Their training must start early and be consistent throughout their life, with patience and understanding being key. They can be a bit stubborn at times, but this is not the same as being wilful. A good rule of thumb is to keep training sessions short and make them fun.

Here are the essential commands to teach your Olde Tyme Bulldog puppy:

  • Come
  • Sit
  • Stay
  • Quiet
  • Leave it
  • Down
  • Bed

These commands will help establish a strong foundation for their training and socialization. With time, patience, and positive reinforcement, your Olde Tyme Bulldog will become a well-behaved and loving companion.

Once an Athletic

In the past, Bulldogs were bred for athletic purposes, specifically for the English sport of bull baiting. This sport was practiced from 1100 to 1835.

The Olde English Bulldogge is a breed that resembles the original Bulldogs of that time, being taller and more physically agile. Bulldogs were capable of performing in bull baiting due to their athletic build.

As puppies, the Old Tyme Bulldog is boisterous and playful, and they remain rambunctious as they mature. They enjoy playing interactive games with their loved ones.

However, care should be taken not to overexert Bulldogs, especially during hotter weather, as they are susceptible to overheating.

Temperament & Intelligence

From above of yellow ceramic statuette of bulldog with ball against yellow background
Credit: pexels.com, From above of yellow ceramic statuette of bulldog with ball against yellow background

The Olde English Bulldogge and the Old Tyme Bulldog are both wonderful breeds, but they do have some differences in temperament and intelligence. They love to play and are high-spirited, but an overly shy Olde English Bulldogge is considered a breeding fault.

These dogs are highly affectionate and playful, but they can be a bit stubborn at times. They thrive in any environment and are excellent companion dogs, but they need early socialization and consistent training.

Old Tyme Bulldogs are sweet and eager-to-please, but they can be a little challenging to train due to their stubborn streak. They need short training sessions and positive reinforcement, such as high-value rewards.

Here are some essential commands to teach your Old Tyme Bulldog puppy:

  • Come
  • Sit
  • Stay
  • Quiet
  • Leave it
  • Down
  • Bed

Old Tyme Bulldogs are highly adaptable and can thrive in any living situation, but they do need plenty of mental stimulation and daily exercise. They are also prone to separation anxiety, so it's best to have one person stay at home when everyone else is out.

In short, these breeds are loyal, laid-back, and affectionate, but they do require patience, time, and consistent training.

Prey Drive

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Prey Drive is a key aspect of a dog's temperament and can greatly impact their behavior around other animals. Bulldogs, specifically the Olde English Bulldogge, tend to have a low prey drive, which means they are not easily triggered to chase small animals.

This is a relief for many pet owners, as it reduces the risk of them getting into altercations with other pets. However, it's essential to remember that every dog is unique, and proper training and socialization are still crucial to ensure their behavior around other animals is well-behaved.

In fact, the Olde English Bulldogge's low prey drive makes them a great companion for families with small pets. They are generally gentle and laid-back, but it's always a good idea to supervise interactions between dogs and small animals to ensure everyone's safety.

If you're considering bringing an Olde English Bulldogge into your family, be prepared for a loving and laid-back companion that will bring joy and companionship to your life.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Old Tyme and Old English bulldogs?

There is no difference between Old Tyme and Old English Bulldogs, as they are actually the same breed. They share a rich history and breed characteristics, including strength, agility, and tenacity.

What breeds make an old Tyme English Bulldog?

An Old Tyme English Bulldog is a breed created from a mix of Bulldog, American Bulldog, Bullmastiff, and other breeds, aiming to combine their physical characteristics with a milder temperament. This unique blend of breeds resulted in a distinct dog type.

How much is an old Tyme English Bulldog puppy?

The cost of a well-bred Old Tyme English Bulldog puppy is £500 or more. Prices may vary depending on factors such as breeder reputation and bloodline.

Is an olde tyme bulldog an XL bully?

An Olde Tyme Bulldog is not an XL Bully, as it is a distinct breed developed from the Old English Bulldog, whereas the XL Bully is a cross-breed of the American Bulldog, English Bulldog, and Olde English Bulldogge

Maxine Hermann

Senior Writer

Maxine Hermann is a seasoned writer with a passion for sharing knowledge and expertise with readers worldwide. With a keen interest in canine breeds, Maxine has established herself as a go-to authority on Hungarian dog breeds and their characteristics. Her articles offer a unique blend of informative content and engaging storytelling, making complex topics accessible to readers of all levels.

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