Olde English Bulldogge

The Olde English Bulldogge is a modern American recreation — an attempt to rebuild the athletic bulldog of the eighteenth century without the health burden of the show Bulldog.

History

It was created in the United States from the 1970s by crossing Bulldogs with Bullmastiffs, American Bulldogs and Pit Bull Terriers, aiming for a dog that looked like the old prints and could breathe, run and whelp naturally. It is a reconstruction rather than a survival, and registries differ on recognising it.

Temperament

The breed is known for being confident, friendly and steady, less stubborn than the English Bulldog and more athletic, with a protective streak towards its household.

Care and training

It needs moderate daily exercise — more than a Bulldog and less than a working breed — and consistent training. The short coat is easy; any facial folds need cleaning, and heat still deserves caution even in a longer-muzzled dog.

Health

Bred to reduce the Bulldog's problems rather than to eliminate them: hip and elbow dysplasia and some breathing sensitivity remain among the known tendencies. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.