The Olde English Bulldogge
The "Bulldog" has been around for centuries, in one form or another. Perhaps the earliest mention of the sport of bullbaiting dates to the year 1209. At that time bullbaiting was stage as part of a Christmas celebration! Accounts of bull and bear baiting are common enough from that date on, with descriptions of the type of dog used varying with times and local custom. By the late 18th century, a bulldog type had begun to develop, based on selective breeding for ability in the pit alone. No significance was attached to a physical standard. Form simply followed function. The sport of bull baiting was so loved by the masses that depictions of pit matches and portraits of famous baiting bogs were popular subjects for period artist wood cuts, oil paintings and tapestries have survived to this day, giving modern enthusiasts insight into the early bulldogs' type and structure.
With the decline of the baiting sports popularity in the mid-1800's, bulldog fanciers began the transformation of the bulldog from ferocious gladiator to family companion.Pugs and terriers were said to have been breed into the popular fighting lines in an effort to refine the bulldog and create a more "suitable" form and temperament. These bulldogs began to exhibit the extreme characteristics of today's AKC, CKC and KC bulldog and ranged in size from under 20 pounds ( these mini bulldogs became popular with the lase workers and were said to have been the foundation dogs for what is now known as the French bulldog) up to 50 pounds and more. An early British Bulldog Standard was published in 1879 and makes no mention of size, working ability or temperament. Interestingly, the AKC Bulldog is classified as a "Non- Sporting" dog.
Bulldogs are known to have arrived in America as early as 1774 and by 1877 the breed was well established and represented by 10 entries at the First Annual New York Bench Show(later known as Westminster). The Bulldog has been a popular pet and show dog in this country ever since
The head is large and square, with an expression of deep intelligence and fearlessness. The jaw, although undershot, is sound and should be capable of a solid grip and nearly indefinite hold. Rose ears are most desirable although button and tulip ears are also acceptable.
The overall impression conveyed by the OEB's is of a solid, balanced, powerful dog. They should have strong medium to heavy bone structure and a naturally square, balanced stance. They should not appear to be over weight or extreme in any aspect but should convey a sense of strength and mass, combined with speed and agility.
The coat is short, close and medium fine acceptable colors range frome pure white to the deepest, nearly solid black brindle. In between these, there is a wide range of tan,fawn red mahogany and various brindle and pied coats, all of which are equally desirable. Dark eyes and dark pigmentation surrounding the eyes is desirable, solid dark nose leather is required for the show ring.
Mr Leavitt, in his Olde English Bulldogge Association Breeding Stock Selection Requirements lists the following as disqualifying traits: general non-conformance to the breed standard, screw tails, crocked tails or stub and or docked tails with or without crooks, poor movement, cow hocks, feet turning either in or out, down in pastern, and poor temperament in the form of either excessive timidity or excessive aggression.
The Olde English Bulldogge, like many breeds may be afflicted with varying degrees of hip dysplasia. Knee injuries are uncommon but do occur and there is some incidence of elbow and occasional eye problems including entropion, ectropion and cherry eye. Also rare individuals may be allergy prone.
Just as the Morgan Horse, Doberman Pinscher, Argentine Dogo, Jack
Russel
Terrier and many other animal breeds owe their
existence to one persons dream, so it is with the Olde English Bulldogge. The
dog know as the OEB is the creation of a far-sighted and well defined breeding
program launched in 1971 by Mr. David Leavitt of Spring Grove, Pennsylvania. A
great fan of the bulldog, Mr. Leavitt was deeply troubled by the breed's
physical limitations. Loving the bulldog nature and armed with a considerable
knowledge of breed history and canine genetics, David embarked on an ambitious
breeding program aimed at recreating the old bulldog.
After many carefully planned outcrossings of AKC Bulldog stock to Bullmastiffs, American Pit Bulls and American Bulldogs David achieved his goal as the Olde English Bulldogge emerged and began to breed true. By 1988, Mr. Leavitt had developed two true lines and realized his personal dream of a sound, stable bulldog perfectly suited to modern life.
Althought the Olde English Bulldogge is strongly rooted in "Gladiator Dog" stock and the early bullbaiters were said to be notoriously bloodthirsty and aggressive animals, the OEB is not considered to possess the instinct and animal aggression of its fighting ancestors. In Mr. Leavitts own words, " I do not want the temperament of the original bulldog. My dogs must be loving. They must have courage and determination without being overly aggressive."
Mr. Leavitt has succeeded admirably with the Olde English Bulldogge. The OEB is a loving family companion and a dauntless guardian of loved ones and home.
