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THE OLDE ENGLISH BULDOGGE Description The Olde English Bulldogge should be alert, with a symmetrical, well-proportioned body. The dog should be cobby, but have the appearance of an athlete. The head is large and square in proportion to the body. Deeply sunken between the eyes, extending up the forehead and moderately wrinkled. Its jaw muscles are large. The lower jaw turns up and is protruding. The bite is square, but undershot, with large tusks. The eyes are low and wide set. Its forehead is flat, while its muzzle is short and broad. The ears may be either rose or button and should be set high and wide. Dewlap will have two folds. Its neck should be short and nearly as wide as the head, while the shoulders are very broad and muscular. Its front legs may be slightly bowed or straight. The ribs should be well-rounded and the chest wide and deep, while the back is short, slightly arched and strong. Its belly should be well tucked up. The thighs are very muscular and the rear legs neither pigeon-toed nor cow-hocked. Tails must be straight. Its coat can be short and close or medium and fine, and comes in gray, black, brindle of red, brindle spots on white, fawn, red or black solid or with white. Pink noses and pink skin around the eyes are undesirable, but it is not a disqualification. The coat is short, close and medium fine. Colors include brindle of red, grey, or black. Brindle spots on white. Solid white. Fawn, red or black, solid or with white. Pink noses and pink skin around eyes are undesirable, but not a disqualification. Temperament Olde English Bulldogges are docile, but capable and protective, fearless and athletic, fierce-looking, determined and courageous, bold and friendly around its family and friends, but a fearless adversary to anyone who threatens his master or property. Unfriendliness to strangers is not a defect, although it’s unusual. This breed likes to chew and should be supplied with plenty of toys and bones. Nyla-bones and rubber "Kong" toys are highly recommended. Rawhides, soft rubber and stuffed toys are unsafe, for they are easily shredded or swallowed whole. Olde English Bulldogges are so eager to please that they may overexert themselves in an effort to do whatever is asked of them. Female Olde English Bulldogges are often more territorial, protective and possessive than male Bulldogges. This breed tends to drool and slobber. Height, Weight Height: Dogs 16 inches and up (41 cm. and up) Weight: 50 and up (23 kg. and up) Health Problems May be susceptible to "bloat" - a painful and often fatal condition that can be brought on by too large a quantity of food consumed at one time. Like in all large breeds, hip dysplasia sometimes occurs. Breeders are working hard to keep it out of the Olde English Bulldogge, therefore, no dog with bad hips is bred. Living Conditions Olde English Bulldogges will adapt to almost any lifestyle. They should be protected from the extreme cold and heat, although they are not as susceptible as the AKC Bulldog. Exercise This breed needs to be taken on a daily walk. When properly conditioned they can be active dogs, however, they are equally happy with moderate exercise. They can stay in relatively good shape with good muscle tone with only light exercise. These dogs are naturally slow, and because of their unique structure, they should not be encouraged to jump or engage in strenuous exercise as young pups. Life Expectancy About 11 years or more. Grooming Little is needed. This breed is an average shedder. Origin The Olde English Bulldogge is a very new and rare breed developed by David Leavitt through the crossing half English Bulldog, and the other half: Bullmastiff, Pit Bull, and American Bulldog. In 1971 he became disenchanted with English Bulldogs due to their breeding and breathing problems. He discovered that they didn’t look like their ancestors who were healthier and less extreme. David's goal was to produce a dog with the looks of the 18th century bulldog, with the temperament of today's English Bulldogs, yet healthy, without breathing problems, or all the other aliments today's English Bulldogs are prone to. This new breed can now breathe. They will never be like hounds, able to run for miles during the hottest weather of summer, but they’re three times better than the restricted modern Bulldog. Cesarean section births are not necessary. Artificial insemination, due to male ineptness and lack of drive, has been replaced by natural ties. Life span is over eleven years. All breeding stock have had hip x-rays. No dog with bad hips is bred. David says he is now achieving his goal of producing a Bulldog with the health and temperament to be able to serve people, instead of forcing people to serve him. |