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The Olde English Bulldogge is a recreation of the bulldog that originated in England between 1600 and 1700. The original English Bulldog was bred primarily for use in the sport of bull-baiting. For this reason, English Bulldogs of the 16th and 17th century exhibited a functional build that contributed to the necessary physical stamina and endurance which allowed them to participate in such sports. The Old Bulldog was a courageous and loyal dog that could breath freely and move with agility. The sport of bull-baiting was popular throughout the mid 1800s in England and the bulldog lived and thrived during a time where its purpose was clearly defined by the people who participated in the sport.
In the middle of the 18th century laws were passed in England banning the gruesome sport of bull-baiting and, as a result, the Bulldog lost its purpose and the bulldog breed began to diminish drastically. Dog show fanciers took an interest in resurrecting the breed, but they were in pursuit of a more aesthetically pleasing and less aggressive bulldog for the show ring. As a result, the original bulldog was bred down to the Pug and after years of breeding, the modern day English Bulldog evolved. Unfortunately, the modern day English Bulldog is wrought with genetic health problems. The shortened muzzle & spine combined with the overall more compact structure of the English Bulldog contributes to the many health disorders that are prevalent within the modern English Bulldog breed.
While the English Bulldog was created to obtain a particular look desired by show fanciers, the Olde English Bulldogge was created for the purpose of obtaining health, ability and temperament. The Olde English Bulldogge is a comparable representation of the Old Bulldog that existed in England between the 16th and 17th century. The Olde English Bulldogge should mirror the athleticism and the physical functionality of the Old Bulldog and should exhibit a stable temperament. The Olde English Bulldogge is free breeding, free whelping and free breathing. Various genetic crosses were used by breeders to obtain desired traits that exist in the Olde English Bulldogge. Some of the breeds used as a foundation in the creation of the Olde English Bulldogge are the English Bulldog, American Bulldog, Mastiff and APBT.
In the middle of the 18th century laws were passed in England banning the gruesome sport of bull-baiting and, as a result, the Bulldog lost its purpose and the bulldog breed began to diminish drastically. Dog show fanciers took an interest in resurrecting the breed, but they were in pursuit of a more aesthetically pleasing and less aggressive bulldog for the show ring. As a result, the original bulldog was bred down to the Pug and after years of breeding, the modern day English Bulldog evolved. Unfortunately, the modern day English Bulldog is wrought with genetic health problems. The shortened muzzle & spine combined with the overall more compact structure of the English Bulldog contributes to the many health disorders that are prevalent within the modern English Bulldog breed.
While the English Bulldog was created to obtain a particular look desired by show fanciers, the Olde English Bulldogge was created for the purpose of obtaining health, ability and temperament. The Olde English Bulldogge is a comparable representation of the Old Bulldog that existed in England between the 16th and 17th century. The Olde English Bulldogge should mirror the athleticism and the physical functionality of the Old Bulldog and should exhibit a stable temperament. The Olde English Bulldogge is free breeding, free whelping and free breathing. Various genetic crosses were used by breeders to obtain desired traits that exist in the Olde English Bulldogge. Some of the breeds used as a foundation in the creation of the Olde English Bulldogge are the English Bulldog, American Bulldog, Mastiff and APBT.
-The original Bulldogge compared to modern English Bulldog-
This picture demonstrates the transition of the skull of the bulldog as breeders began to breed down Old Bulldogs with pugs. Notice the comparatively shorter skull in 1935 in relation to the skull of an 18th century bulldog. This shorter skull is a direct reflection of some of the health disorders that plague the modern AKC English Bulldog breed. English Bulldogs are prone to genetic health disorders such as Brachycephalic Syndrome and Cleft Lip/Palate.
-IOEBA Olde English Bulldogge Breed Standard-
The IOEBA's official Olde English Bulldogge breed standard is a detailed written description of the perfect "type" or "flawless" Olde English Bulldogge.
A well written, detailed breed standard is a very effective tool that can be used to assists Olde English Bulldogge breeders in the selection process and evaluation of Olde English Bulldogges that are being considered for a structured breeding program or as a possible conformation show participant.
The IOEBA's Olde English Bulldogge breed standard should always be used as a written guide and reference to current and future Olde English Bulldogge breeders. It is important that Olde English Bulldogge breeders understand and use the IOEBA's Olde English Bulldogge breed standard, as the offspring they produce will have an impact on the Olde English Bulldogge breed in the future for many generations.
The goal of all reputable Olde English Bulldogge breeders is to achieve perfection as far as correct breed type, health and temperament.
All IOEBA conformation judges use the IOEBA's official Olde English Bulldogge breed standard as a guide to give themselves a mental picture of breed perfection by which they select future IOEBA conformation champions.
General Description : The ideal Olde English Bulldogge is a loyal, courageous dog of medium size with a large powerful head and stout muscular body.
Olde English Bulldogges are athletic and most importantly of very good health, males are free breeders and females are free whelpers.
The Olde English Bulldogge is devoid of all breathing issues and is capable of enjoying outdoor activity without concern except in extreme heat or cold. The temperament is very stable and trustworthy making them a loyal companion, capable protector and the ultimate family member.
Olde English Bulldogges thrive on pleasing their owners and are very trainable.
Their lifespan is between 10 and 14 years.
Head : Large and high, moderately sunken between the eyes (medial furrow).
The circumference of the head should be equal to or greater than the dog's height at the shoulder. A narrow head or one that appears too small for the body is a fault.
Ears : Rose ears set well on the sides of the head are preferred. Dropped ears are acceptable as long they are small, not “hound like”. Full pricked ears that stand up on top of the head should be considered a serious fault.
Muzzle : Broad, deep and short with moderate wrinkling. The bite is undershot with the bottom jaw turning up noticeably. Lower canines should not protrude. Muzzle too long (more than 3 inches), scissor bite or even bite are disqualifying faults. Muzzle should be no shorter than 1 ½”. Wry jaw is a disqualifying fault.
Eyes : Wide apart and of moderate size. Any color is acceptable. However, odd eyes (one dark, one blue or light) should be considered non preferred. Misshapen or bugged eyes are a serious fault. Lacking pigment around the eyes is undesirable. Crossed eyes or non-symmetrically shaped eyes are a disqualifying fault.
Nose : Broad with open nostrils (nares) with no sign of air restriction. The nose should not be pushed up between the eyes. From the stop to the end of the nose must be at least one and one half inches. The nose should be a solid color. Lacking pigment is a serious fault. A nose lacking all pigment is a disqualifying fault.
Neck : Short to medium in length and very muscular flowing into the shoulders and should not be set on the dog so it appears to stop at the shoulders.
Chest : Ribs should be well sprung (rounded) and the chest wide and deep.
Depth of chest should be at least to the elbows.
A hollow or narrow chest (slab sided) should be considered a serious fault.
Back : Males should appear square and balanced. Females should appear similar with consideration given for body length. Short with a very slight rise from the shoulders to a slight drop in the croup is preferred. A level back is acceptable as long as the tail does not come straight off the top of the back.
Shoulders : Shoulders should be well laid back with significant angulations to allow for good movement. Straight shoulders are a fault.
Legs : Forelegs should be straight and wide apart, neither bowing out nor turning in. There should be significant bone substance. Elbows should be relatively close to the body. Lacking bone and substance is very undesirable. Elbows that are loose or “fiddle fronts” are a disqualifying fault. “East / West” forelegs are a serious fault.
Rear legs should exhibit significant bend of stifle so to allow for good movement.
They should be well muscled. Straight or “posty” rear legs are a serious fault.
Cow hocks are a disqualifying fault.
Movement : Dogs should have a balanced gait that drives off the rear and is complimented by reach allowing the dog to cover ground with a sense of power.
Dogs should single track. Pacing or crabbing is a serious fault.
Feet : Round, tight both front and rear, and the pasterns should be strong.
Weak pasterns and/or splayed feet are disqualifying faults.
Height : Males - 18 to 20 inches at the shoulder. Females - 17 to 19 inches at the shoulder.
Weight : Between 50 to 70 lbs. for females and 65 to 85 lbs. for males. Although height and weight above the standard is to be discouraged, there is no penalty as
long as the dog is well proportioned, otherwise correct and balanced.
Color : Any color, except merle, is acceptable with no preference for one over another. The coat is short. A wavy coat or a long coat is a disqualifying fault. There should be no signs of feathering on the legs or neck area, also a disqualifying fault.
Tail : A pump handle tail that naturally reaches the hock is preferred, screwed short
or a docked tails are acceptable. The pump handle tail should be carried low and not over the back of the dog.
Temperament : Disposition should be outgoing and happy. While a watchful nature may be expected at home, human aggression without provocation is a disqualifying fault.
A well written, detailed breed standard is a very effective tool that can be used to assists Olde English Bulldogge breeders in the selection process and evaluation of Olde English Bulldogges that are being considered for a structured breeding program or as a possible conformation show participant.
The IOEBA's Olde English Bulldogge breed standard should always be used as a written guide and reference to current and future Olde English Bulldogge breeders. It is important that Olde English Bulldogge breeders understand and use the IOEBA's Olde English Bulldogge breed standard, as the offspring they produce will have an impact on the Olde English Bulldogge breed in the future for many generations.
The goal of all reputable Olde English Bulldogge breeders is to achieve perfection as far as correct breed type, health and temperament.
All IOEBA conformation judges use the IOEBA's official Olde English Bulldogge breed standard as a guide to give themselves a mental picture of breed perfection by which they select future IOEBA conformation champions.
General Description : The ideal Olde English Bulldogge is a loyal, courageous dog of medium size with a large powerful head and stout muscular body.
Olde English Bulldogges are athletic and most importantly of very good health, males are free breeders and females are free whelpers.
The Olde English Bulldogge is devoid of all breathing issues and is capable of enjoying outdoor activity without concern except in extreme heat or cold. The temperament is very stable and trustworthy making them a loyal companion, capable protector and the ultimate family member.
Olde English Bulldogges thrive on pleasing their owners and are very trainable.
Their lifespan is between 10 and 14 years.
Head : Large and high, moderately sunken between the eyes (medial furrow).
The circumference of the head should be equal to or greater than the dog's height at the shoulder. A narrow head or one that appears too small for the body is a fault.
Ears : Rose ears set well on the sides of the head are preferred. Dropped ears are acceptable as long they are small, not “hound like”. Full pricked ears that stand up on top of the head should be considered a serious fault.
Muzzle : Broad, deep and short with moderate wrinkling. The bite is undershot with the bottom jaw turning up noticeably. Lower canines should not protrude. Muzzle too long (more than 3 inches), scissor bite or even bite are disqualifying faults. Muzzle should be no shorter than 1 ½”. Wry jaw is a disqualifying fault.
Eyes : Wide apart and of moderate size. Any color is acceptable. However, odd eyes (one dark, one blue or light) should be considered non preferred. Misshapen or bugged eyes are a serious fault. Lacking pigment around the eyes is undesirable. Crossed eyes or non-symmetrically shaped eyes are a disqualifying fault.
Nose : Broad with open nostrils (nares) with no sign of air restriction. The nose should not be pushed up between the eyes. From the stop to the end of the nose must be at least one and one half inches. The nose should be a solid color. Lacking pigment is a serious fault. A nose lacking all pigment is a disqualifying fault.
Neck : Short to medium in length and very muscular flowing into the shoulders and should not be set on the dog so it appears to stop at the shoulders.
Chest : Ribs should be well sprung (rounded) and the chest wide and deep.
Depth of chest should be at least to the elbows.
A hollow or narrow chest (slab sided) should be considered a serious fault.
Back : Males should appear square and balanced. Females should appear similar with consideration given for body length. Short with a very slight rise from the shoulders to a slight drop in the croup is preferred. A level back is acceptable as long as the tail does not come straight off the top of the back.
Shoulders : Shoulders should be well laid back with significant angulations to allow for good movement. Straight shoulders are a fault.
Legs : Forelegs should be straight and wide apart, neither bowing out nor turning in. There should be significant bone substance. Elbows should be relatively close to the body. Lacking bone and substance is very undesirable. Elbows that are loose or “fiddle fronts” are a disqualifying fault. “East / West” forelegs are a serious fault.
Rear legs should exhibit significant bend of stifle so to allow for good movement.
They should be well muscled. Straight or “posty” rear legs are a serious fault.
Cow hocks are a disqualifying fault.
Movement : Dogs should have a balanced gait that drives off the rear and is complimented by reach allowing the dog to cover ground with a sense of power.
Dogs should single track. Pacing or crabbing is a serious fault.
Feet : Round, tight both front and rear, and the pasterns should be strong.
Weak pasterns and/or splayed feet are disqualifying faults.
Height : Males - 18 to 20 inches at the shoulder. Females - 17 to 19 inches at the shoulder.
Weight : Between 50 to 70 lbs. for females and 65 to 85 lbs. for males. Although height and weight above the standard is to be discouraged, there is no penalty as
long as the dog is well proportioned, otherwise correct and balanced.
Color : Any color, except merle, is acceptable with no preference for one over another. The coat is short. A wavy coat or a long coat is a disqualifying fault. There should be no signs of feathering on the legs or neck area, also a disqualifying fault.
Tail : A pump handle tail that naturally reaches the hock is preferred, screwed short
or a docked tails are acceptable. The pump handle tail should be carried low and not over the back of the dog.
Temperament : Disposition should be outgoing and happy. While a watchful nature may be expected at home, human aggression without provocation is a disqualifying fault.