Olde English Bulldogge

The Modern OEB is a recreation of the Bulldogge that existed in the 17th and 18th centuries. The project was the responsibility of David Leavitt, in the 70s, with support from the University of Ohio. Leavitt focused on creating a breed with the phenotype, agility and health of that old Bulldogge, but with a less aggressive, COMPANY-oriented temperament. The result was a dog free of many of the ailments that affect modern breeds. Among other characteristics, the OEB breathes freely, is capable of natural mating and normal delivery.

The legitimate Olde English Bulldogge has been showing immense popularity all over the world, mainly in Europe, where cynophilia is quite traditional and evolved. There are genealogical records with over a hundred ancestors listed.

OFFICIAL BREED STANDARD

General Description: The typical Olde English Bulldogge is a loyal and courageous medium-sized dog with a large powerful head, solid body and well-developed musculature.

Olde English Bulldogges are athletic and fundamentally very healthy. Males breathe freely and females breed alone.

The Olde English Bulldogge is free of any respiratory problems and is capable of outdoor activities without problems except in extreme heat or cold.

The temperament is very balanced and reliable, making them a loyal companion, capable of protecting and integrating the family.

Olde English Bulldogges strive to please their owner and are very trainable.

Life expectancy is 10 to 14 years.

Head:  Large and high, moderately sunken between the eyes (Moderate wrinkles).

The circumference of the head must be equal to or greater than the height of the dog at the withers. A narrow head or one that is small in relation to the body constitutes a fault.

Ears:  Ears in pink and well set on the side of the head are preferred. Drop ears are accepted if small, not HOUND type. Pointed ears set high on the head are considered a serious fault.

Muzzle:  Broad, thick and short, with moderate wrinkles. The bite is markedly undershot. Lower canines should not be visible. Long (more than 7.5 cm), scissor bite or regular spike are disqualifying fouls. The spout must not be less than 3.8 cm. Jaw deviation is a disqualifying foul.

Eyes:  Set wide apart and of moderate size. Any color is accepted. However, different eyes, such as one dark and the other blue or light, should be avoided. Crooked or bulging eyes are a serious fault. Lack of pigmentation around the eyes is undesirable.

Squinting or non-symmetrical eyes are disqualifying faults.

Nose:  Wide with nostrils without any sign of breathing difficulties. The nose should be directed upwards between the eyes. From the stop to the end of the nose it should be at least 2.5 to 3.8 centimeters. The truffle must be solid in color. Failure in its pigmentation configures a serious fault. Totally depigmented nose is a disqualifying fault.

Neck:  Of moderate length, with well-developed musculature flowing down to the shoulders. It should not look like it ends at the shoulders.

Chest:  The ribs should be well sprung and the chest broad and deep.

The depth of the chest should be at least at the level of the elbows. A narrow or concave chest should be considered a serious fault.

Back:  Males should have a square and balanced appearance, females should look similar in shape with a little more body length. Short back, with a slight upward line from the shoulders and a slight downward slope to the croup is preferred. A level back is acceptable as long as the tail does not protrude from the upper back.

Shoulders:  Shoulders should be sloping at significant angles to allow for good movement. Straight shoulders represent a lack.

Limbs:  Forelegs should be straight and well apart, not arched or even turned inwards. Strongly boned, with the elbows relatively close to the body. Lack of bone or mass is highly undesirable. Loose or tucked elbows are disqualifying fouls. Past East/West are serious faults. Hindquarters should demonstrate good knee angulation allowing good movement. They must be well muscled. Straight hindquarters are a serious fault. Cow hocks are disqualifying fouls.

Gait:  Dogs should have a balanced trot, driven from the rear and providing good reach, allowing the dog to move with a powerful look. Dogs must walk in a row. Marching or walking sideways is a serious fault.

Feet:  Round and compact, both front and back, and the pasterns must be strong. Weak pasterns or open feet are disqualifying fouls.

Height:  Males 45.8 to 50.8 cm at the withers / Females 43.2 to 48.2 cm at the withers.

Weight:  Between 29.5 and 38.5 Kg for Males / Between 22.5 and 31.5 Kg for Females.

Although height and weight above standard are not recommended, there are no penalties if the dog is well proportioned, correct and balanced.

Colors:  All colors except merle are accepted without any preference between them. The fur is short. Wavy or long hair is a disqualifying fault.

There must be no signs of long coat on the feet or neck areas, which is also a disqualifying fault.

Tail:  A curved tail that naturally reaches the hock is preferred, short, crooked or docked tails are acceptable. The tail should be carried low and not over the dog's back.

Temperament:  Must be willing and happy. A natural guard can be performed at the residence. Assault on humans without provocation is a disqualifying foul.

Revised July 4, 2006.

Translation: Miguel Brugnoli

Unofficial character.