Olde English Bulldogge

Olde English Bulldogge

Working Group · Purebred · A healthier, athletic re-creation of the old bulldog

50–80 lbsWeight
16–20 inHeight
9–14 yrsLifespan
MediumEnergy

📸 Photo Gallery

Real Olde English Bulldogge dogs — verified photos from Wikimedia Commons.

🐾 Overview

The Olde English Bulldogge is a modern American breed created by David Leavitt in the 1970s, who set out to re-create the athletic, healthy bulldog of the early 1800s — before generations of show breeding gave the English Bulldog its many health problems. By blending English Bulldog, American Bulldog, Bullmastiff, and American Pit Bull Terrier, Leavitt produced a dog with the classic bulldog look but far better health and mobility.

The result is a muscular, confident, and capable dog that can breathe, run, and reproduce naturally — things the modern English Bulldog often struggles with. Olde English Bulldogges are friendly, courageous, and devoted family companions with a calm temperament and a protective streak. They need moderate exercise and benefit from early socialization and consistent training.

😊 Temperament & Personality

Olde English Bulldogges are confident, friendly, and courageous, combining a calm family-dog temperament with natural protectiveness. They are devoted to their people and gentler than their imposing build suggests.

  • Healthier, more athletic than the modern English Bulldog
  • Confident and courageous — a capable guardian
  • Friendly and devoted to family, good with children
  • Calm indoors but enjoys moderate daily exercise
  • Benefits from early socialization and firm, kind training
  • Better breathing and mobility than show bulldogs

🏃 Exercise & Activity Needs

The Olde English Bulldogge is a moderately active breed that needs regular daily exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy. Match activity to the dog's age and fitness, and remember that mental work is as important as physical exertion.

  • Daily exercise: 45–75 minutes of activity, split across the day
  • Provide enrichment — puzzle feeders, scent games, and training — to prevent boredom
  • Secure, fenced space is ideal for safe off-leash running
  • Build up gradually and avoid overexertion in young puppies to protect developing joints

✂️ Grooming & Coat Care

The Olde English Bulldogge has a short, smooth coat with moderate shedding. A consistent, simple grooming routine keeps the coat healthy and your home cleaner.

  • Brush weekly; increase during seasonal shedding
  • Bathe every 6–8 weeks or as needed — avoid overbathing
  • Check and clean ears weekly to prevent infection
  • Trim nails every 3–4 weeks and brush teeth regularly

🎓 Training

The Olde English Bulldogge responds best to consistent, reward-based training started early. Patience and clear, fair boundaries bring out the best in this breed.

  • Begin socialization and training as early as possible
  • Use positive reinforcement — treats, praise, and play
  • Keep sessions short, varied, and consistent across the household
  • Exercise before training — a settled dog focuses better

🏥 Health & Common Issues

The Olde English Bulldogge is generally a hardy breed, but responsible breeders screen for the conditions below. Buying from health-tested parents significantly reduces risk.

Hip/elbow dysplasia Some brachycephalic risk (reduced) Skin fold issues Bloat ACL injuries
Average Lifespan
9–14 yrs
Size Category
Large — 50–80 lbs
Vet Visits
Annual wellness exams + vaccinations
Pet Insurance
Strongly recommended for all breeds

🏠 Is a Olde English Bulldogge Right for You?

The Olde English Bulldogge suits owners who can meet its exercise, training, and companionship needs. Consider your living space, schedule, and experience level before bringing one home.

👶With Kids★★★★★
🐕With Dogs★★★☆☆
🐈With Cats★★★☆☆
🏠Apartment★★★☆☆
🔰First-Time Owner★★★☆☆
🌡️Hot Climates★★☆☆☆

📷 Photo: Ss 051 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

🍽️ How Much to Feed a Olde English Bulldogge

Olde English Bulldogges need consistent, well-portioned meals matched to their life stage. Overfeeding is a major health risk — use these guidelines and adjust to your dog's activity and body condition.

Puppy (8–12 weeks)
3 meals (puppy)
Puppy (3–6 months)
3 meals per day
Adult (1+ year)
2 meals per day
Senior (7+ years)
2 smaller meals per day

📏 Daily Portion Guide

General guidelines for a large breed. Always follow your food brand's instructions and adjust for activity level.

Inactive
2–2½ cups/day
Average
2½–3 cups/day
Active / Working
3–4 cups/day
Treats
≤10% of daily calories

🚫 Foods That Are Dangerous

These common human foods can be toxic — even life-threatening — for dogs. Keep them safely out of reach.

ChocolateGrapes & RaisinsOnions & GarlicXylitolMacadamia NutsAlcoholAvocado

💡 Tip: Boarding your Olde English Bulldogge?

Always bring your dog's regular food when boarding — sudden food changes cause digestive upset. Share your exact feeding schedule and portions with the facility.

💰 How Much Does a Olde English Bulldogge Cost?

The upfront cost is just the beginning. Here's a realistic breakdown of what to expect to acquire and own one.

Reputable Breeder
$800–$2,500
Rare / Champion Lines
$2,500–$5,000
Rescue / Adoption
$75–$450
Monthly Ownership
$130–$280

📅 Monthly Cost of Ownership

Beyond purchase price, expect ongoing monthly costs across these categories:

Food
Quality kibble for a large dog
Vet (annual)
$400–$900/year
Pet insurance
$30–$70/month
Supplies & toys
$15–$40/month

💡 Money-saving tip

Buy pet insurance before your dog turns 1 for the best rates and fewest exclusions. Compare 2–3 providers before committing.

🎉 Amazing Facts About the Olde English Bulldogge

  • 🛠️ The breed was created in the 1970s by David Leavitt specifically to fix the health problems of the modern English Bulldog.
  • 📜 Leavitt aimed to recreate the leaner, athletic "Regency" bulldog of around 1820.
  • 🫁 Unlike many show bulldogs, Olde English Bulldogges can typically breathe, run, and give birth naturally.
  • 🧬 Its foundation includes English Bulldog, American Bulldog, Bullmastiff, and American Pit Bull Terrier.
  • 🏛️ Several registries now maintain the breed, including the IOEBA and the Leavitt Bulldog Association.

📋 Olde English Bulldogge At a Glance

Origin
United States
Recognition
Breed registries (Leavitt / IOEBA)
Group
Working / Guardian
Coat
Short, smooth