Olde English Bulldogge
Breed Description

The Olde English Bulldogge is primarily known by this official designation, though some enthusiasts and breeders may simply refer to it as the OEB. Unlike many breeds with numerous historical names, this recreation breed has maintained consistent naming since its development in the 1970s. The breed should not be confused with the modern English Bulldog (also known simply as Bulldog), which is a distinctly different breed recognized by the American Kennel Club. Regional variations in spelling occasionally appear, with some using Old English Bulldogge without the final "e" in Olde, though this is less common.

The name Olde English Bulldogge was deliberately chosen by founder David Leavitt to distinguish this breed from the modern English Bulldog and to reflect its connection to the historic 18th century bulldog type. The archaic spelling "Olde" serves both as a historical reference and as a trademark distinction. Some breed enthusiasts may use the nickname Leavitt Bulldog in honor of the breed's creator, though this is informal and not an official registry name. The breed is sometimes grouped informally with other bulldog breeds in casual conversation, but maintains its own unique identity and breed standard.

The Olde English Bulldogge has achieved recognition from several reputable kennel clubs and breed organizations, though its status varies among major international registries. Here is the current recognition status:

American Kennel Club (AKC): Not recognized. The Olde English Bulldogge is not currently registered with the AKC, as it is considered a rare and developing breed that has not yet met AKC recognition requirements.

United Kennel Club (UKC): "Olde English Bulldogge" - The UKC formally recognized the breed on January 1, 2014, placing it in the Guardian Dog Group. This represents the breed's most significant major kennel club recognition. The UKC breed standard emphasizes the dog's athletic ability, functional structure, and sound temperament. Visit the UKC website at https://www.ukcdogs.com for complete breed standard information.

Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI): Not recognized. The FCI, which governs dog breeds across much of Europe and many other countries, does not currently recognize the Olde English Bulldogge as an independent breed.

The Kennel Club (UK): Not recognized. The United Kingdom's Kennel Club does not register the Olde English Bulldogge, though it does recognize the traditional English Bulldog.

Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Not recognized. The breed is not currently accepted for registration with the CKC.

Beyond major kennel clubs, the Olde English Bulldogge has garnered support from dedicated breed-specific organizations. The Olde English Bulldogge Association serves as the primary breed club, maintaining breed standards and providing resources for breeders and owners. The Leavitt Bulldog Association specifically represents dogs bred from David Leavitt's original bloodlines. These organizations work to preserve the breed's health, temperament, and physical characteristics while promoting responsible breeding practices.

The breed standard emphasizes a muscular, athletic build with a well-proportioned body capable of functional movement. Unlike the modern English Bulldog, the Olde English Bulldogge standard calls for less extreme features, including a longer muzzle for better breathing, straighter legs for improved mobility, and a more athletic overall structure. The breed should demonstrate stability, confidence, and a friendly disposition while maintaining the courage and determination characteristic of historic bulldogs.

Competition opportunities for the Olde English Bulldogge primarily exist within UKC events, where they can participate in conformation shows and various performance events. The breed is also eligible for participation in various rare breed shows and exhibitions. Many Olde English Bulldogges excel in weight pulling competitions, which showcase their strength and working ability. The breed's athletic build also makes them suitable for dock diving, agility, and other canine sports when properly trained and conditioned.

The Olde English Bulldogge presents a powerful, athletic appearance that distinguishes it from the modern English Bulldog while echoing the historic bulldog type of the 18th century. This medium to large breed exhibits impressive musculature combined with functional structure, creating a dog that is both formidable in appearance and capable of sustained physical activity. The overall silhouette should convey strength, determination, and athleticism without the exaggerations that compromise health and mobility in some bulldog breeds.

Males typically stand 17 to 20 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 60 and 80 pounds, while females measure 16 to 19 inches in height and weigh 50 to 70 pounds. The breed's proportions should be balanced, with the body length slightly exceeding the height at the withers. This creates a substantial but not overly compact build. The Olde English Bulldogge should appear powerful without being heavy or cumbersome, maintaining the agility to move freely and efficiently.

The head is large and impressive but not disproportionate to the body. The skull is broad and square when viewed from any angle, with pronounced muscling in the temporal region. Unlike the extreme brachycephalic structure of modern English Bulldogs, the Olde English Bulldogge has a moderate stop and a muzzle that is noticeably longer, typically one-third to one-quarter of the total head length. This allows for better respiratory function and heat regulation. The jaw is strong and wide, with an undershot bite preferred, though not to the extreme degree that would interfere with eating or breathing.

The eyes are medium-sized, set wide apart and low in the skull, positioned well away from the ears. They should be round or almond-shaped, conveying an alert, intelligent expression. Dark eyes are preferred regardless of coat color. The expression should be confident and friendly rather than menacing. The ears are small to medium in size and may be rose-shaped or button-shaped, set high on the skull and well apart. Cropped ears are not acceptable, and natural ear carriage is preferred.

The neck is thick, muscular, and slightly arched, providing a powerful connection between the head and body. It should be of medium length with loose skin forming a slight dewlap, though excessive throatiness is considered a fault. The neck should blend smoothly into well-laid-back shoulders. The chest is wide and deep, reaching to the elbows, providing ample room for heart and lung capacity. The ribcage is well-sprung, creating a barrel chest appearance that contributes to the breed's powerful build.

The topline rises slightly from the withers to the loin, then drops slightly to the tail. This gentle arch in the loin area contributes to the breed's working ability. The back is broad and muscular, shorter than that of many breeds but not so short as to limit flexibility. The loin is thick and muscular, providing the power necessary for the breed's historically demanding work. The underline shows moderate tuck-up, creating an athletic appearance without excessive waist.

The forelegs are straight, strong, and well-boned, set wide apart with elbows positioned neither too close to the body nor turned out excessively. The pasterns are short and nearly vertical, providing stability without restricting movement. The feet are medium-sized, round, and compact with well-arched toes. The hindquarters are broad, heavily muscled, and well-angulated, providing the drive necessary for athletic movement. The hocks are parallel when viewed from behind and well let down. Rear dewclaws are typically removed.

The tail is set low and tapers from a thick base to a fine point. It may be straight, pump handle-shaped, or slightly curved, but never carried over the back. The tail should reach approximately to the hock joint. Screw tails or extremely short tails are considered faults as they may indicate spinal abnormalities. The tail serves as an important balance mechanism and indicator of the dog's mood and intentions.

The coat is short, close-fitting, and glossy, lying flat against the body. The texture is neither too coarse nor too fine. Acceptable colors include brindle (with or without white), solid colors (fawn, red, black) with or without white, and various patterns combining these colors. White may appear on the chest, feet, and face. The ideal amount of white is less than one-third of the total coat, though more extensive white markings are acceptable. Merle, blue, or tri-color patterns are not recognized in the breed standard.

Movement should be powerful, fluid, and unrestricted. The Olde English Bulldogge moves with a rolling gait due to its wide chest and shoulders, but should not waddle or appear labored. The rear legs should drive powerfully while the front legs reach forward with purpose. At a trot, the dog should cover ground efficiently with balanced front and rear action. Any indication of breathing difficulties, overheating, or mobility restrictions is considered a serious fault.

Sexual dimorphism is apparent in the breed, with males displaying more massive heads, heavier bone structure, and greater overall substance. Females are distinctly more refined while maintaining the breed's characteristic strength and athleticism. Both sexes should exhibit the confidence, stability, and friendly demeanor called for in the breed standard. Temperament is considered as important as physical structure in evaluating breed quality.

The Olde English Bulldogge represents a deliberate effort to recreate the historic bulldog of 18th century England, a breed vastly different from the modern English Bulldog. This recreation project began in 1971 in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, when David Leavitt became concerned about the health problems plaguing contemporary English Bulldogs. Leavitt envisioned a bulldog that maintained the breed's traditional appearance and working ability while eliminating the structural exaggerations that had led to widespread health issues.

The original bulldogs of England served a specific and demanding purpose: bull baiting, a sport where dogs were set upon a tethered bull. This activity, though cruel by modern standards, required dogs of exceptional courage, strength, and athletic ability. These historic bulldogs bore little resemblance to the short-faced, heavy-bodied English Bulldogs of today. They possessed longer muzzles for better breathing during exertion, straighter legs for improved mobility, and more moderate proportions overall. When bull baiting was outlawed in 1835, the bulldog's working role largely disappeared.

Following the ban on bull baiting, bulldog fanciers began breeding for show and companionship rather than function. Over the next century and a half, selective breeding increasingly emphasized certain physical characteristics: shorter faces, wider chests, heavier bone structure, and more compact bodies. While these changes created the distinctive appearance that many people associate with bulldogs today, they also introduced serious health problems. Modern English Bulldogs commonly suffer from breathing difficulties, hip dysplasia, skin problems, and reproductive challenges. Many cannot breed or give birth naturally due to their exaggerated body structure.

David Leavitt studied the historical accounts and artwork depicting 18th century bulldogs, using this research to guide his breeding program. He carefully selected foundation stock from several breeds, choosing individual dogs based on their health, temperament, and structure rather than breed purity. His breeding program incorporated English Bulldog, American Bulldog, American Pit Bull Terrier, and Bullmastiff. Each breed contributed specific traits: the English Bulldog provided the classic bulldog appearance and temperament, the American Bulldog contributed athleticism and working ability, the American Pit Bull Terrier added agility and determination, and the Bullmastiff contributed size and protective instincts.

Leavitt approached this breeding project with scientific rigor, using a system called the Leavitt Breeding Program. He carefully documented all breedings and maintained detailed records of offspring characteristics. By tracking genetic contributions from each foundation breed across multiple generations, Leavitt aimed to create a consistent type that reliably produced healthy, athletic bulldogs with stable temperaments. The breeding program utilized line-breeding and occasional outcrossing to achieve desired traits while maintaining genetic diversity sufficient to support long-term breed health.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Leavitt refined his breeding program, gradually establishing a recognizable type. The dogs he produced demonstrated the appearance of historic bulldogs: muscular but not overly bulky, with functional structure that allowed for sustained physical activity. Most importantly, these dogs could breathe easily, move freely, and reproduce naturally. Leavitt's bulldogs began attracting attention from others concerned about English Bulldog health, and the breeding program slowly expanded beyond his own kennels.

In 1993, Leavitt and a group of supporters established the Olde English Bulldogge Association to maintain breed standards and register dogs meeting the criteria established by the breeding program. The organization distinguished between dogs directly descended from Leavitt's documented breeding program (Leavitt Bulldogs) and those that met the breed standard but lacked documented Leavitt lineage (Olde English Bulldogges). This distinction helped maintain the integrity of Leavitt's carefully planned genetic program while allowing the broader breed to develop.

Recognition by established kennel clubs proved challenging, as major registries typically require breeds to demonstrate considerable history, population size, and breeding consistency. The United Kennel Club became the first major registry to recognize the Olde English Bulldogge, granting full recognition on January 1, 2014, and placing the breed in the Guardian Dog Group. This recognition represented a significant milestone, providing the breed with legitimacy and access to UKC conformation shows and performance events. The American Kennel Club has not recognized the breed, and international recognition remains limited.

Today, the Olde English Bulldogge population continues to grow, with breeders throughout the United States and in several other countries. The breed has achieved its primary goal of creating a healthier alternative to the modern English Bulldog while preserving the historic bulldog type. Olde English Bulldogges can typically breathe easily, breed naturally, and maintain active lifestyles. They have found roles as family companions, working dogs, and show dogs, demonstrating versatility that was largely lost in modern English Bulldogs.

The success of the Olde English Bulldogge has inspired similar recreation and preservation efforts for other breeds. It demonstrates that selective breeding can reverse problematic trends and restore health and functionality to breeds compromised by excessive focus on appearance. The breed's development represents an important case study in canine genetics, breed standards, and the relationship between form and function. As awareness of breed health issues continues to grow, the Olde English Bulldogge stands as an example of what dedicated breeders can accomplish when they prioritize health and working ability alongside appearance and temperament.

The Olde English Bulldogge exhibits a temperament that combines the affectionate, loyal nature of companion bulldogs with the confidence and stability of working breeds. These dogs form exceptionally strong bonds with their families, displaying devotion that borders on protective. Despite their formidable appearance, properly bred and socialized Olde English Bulldogges are friendly, approachable, and even gentle with those they trust. They demonstrate the courage and determination characteristic of their bulldog heritage while maintaining the even temperament necessary for family life.

Intelligence is a hallmark of the breed, with Olde English Bulldogges showing excellent problem-solving abilities and awareness of their environment. They observe situations carefully before reacting, displaying a thoughtfulness not always associated with bulldog breeds. This intelligence makes them trainable when approached with consistency and patience, though their occasional stubborn streak means they require confident handlers who can establish clear leadership. They learn quickly but may choose to think independently about following commands, particularly if they perceive no immediate reason for compliance.

With family members, especially children, Olde English Bulldogges display remarkable patience and gentleness. They seem to understand their own strength and naturally moderate their behavior around smaller family members. Many develop particularly close bonds with children, becoming protective guardians while engaging in play with appropriate care. Their tolerance for the unpredictable movements and noise of children makes them excellent family dogs, though supervision during interactions between any large dog and young children remains important.

The breed's protective instincts are well-developed but not excessive. Olde English Bulldogges are naturally watchful of their home and family, alerting to unusual occurrences without becoming nuisance barkers. They distinguish between genuine threats and everyday events, responding appropriately to different situations. When meeting strangers, they typically adopt a watchful but not aggressive stance, warming up to new people once they determine there is no threat. Proper socialization during puppyhood helps ensure they develop appropriate stranger tolerance while maintaining their natural guarding instincts.

Interactions with other dogs require some consideration, as the breed can display dominant tendencies, particularly among males. Early and ongoing socialization with other dogs helps ensure appropriate behavior, though some adult Olde English Bulldogges may prefer being the only dog in the household. They generally get along well with dogs they grow up with but may need careful introduction to new canine companions. Dog parks and off-leash situations require assessment of the individual dog's social skills and comfort level.

Energy levels in the Olde English Bulldogge are moderate to moderately high, significantly exceeding those of modern English Bulldogs. They enjoy physical activity and can sustain exercise for extended periods without the respiratory distress common in more exaggerated bulldog breeds. However, they are not hyperactive dogs requiring constant stimulation. They adapt well to their family's activity level, being content with moderate daily exercise while also enjoying more vigorous activities when given the opportunity.

The breed demonstrates lower separation anxiety than some companion breeds, able to tolerate reasonable periods alone without excessive distress. However, they thrive on human companionship and should not be relegated to outdoor or isolated living. They prefer to be near their families, often following household members from room to room. This desire for proximity stems from affection rather than neediness, and they typically settle quietly nearby rather than demanding constant attention.

Playfulness remains strong throughout much of the breed's life, with adults often retaining puppy-like enthusiasm for games and activities. They particularly enjoy interactive play with their humans, from fetch and tug-of-war to more complex games that engage their problem-solving abilities. Their play style tends to be enthusiastic and physical, so teaching appropriate play manners during puppyhood helps prevent overly rough interactions as they mature into powerful adults.

Individual variation within the breed means that not every Olde English Bulldogge will conform exactly to these general temperament descriptions. Factors including genetics, early socialization, training, and individual experiences all shape personality. Responsible breeders carefully select breeding stock based on temperament as well as physical traits, helping to maintain the stable, friendly disposition that characterizes well-bred representatives of the breed. Prospective owners should meet parent dogs when possible and discuss temperament expectations with breeders to find a dog that matches their lifestyle and preferences.

The Olde English Bulldogge adapts well to various family structures, from singles and couples to families with children. Their moderate size, affectionate nature, and adaptable energy levels make them suitable for different lifestyles, though potential owners should carefully consider their living situation and ability to meet the breed's needs. These dogs thrive in environments where they receive adequate attention, exercise, and mental stimulation while being included as valued family members rather than outdoor pets.

Families with children often find Olde English Bulldogges to be exceptional companions. The breed's patience, protectiveness, and playful nature complement family life beautifully. They tolerate the activity and occasional chaos of households with children, often positioning themselves where they can observe and participate in family activities. Their substantial size and strength mean supervision remains important during play, but properly socialized Olde English Bulldogges naturally moderate their behavior around smaller children, displaying gentleness that belies their powerful build.

Multi-pet households require thoughtful consideration. While many Olde English Bulldogges coexist peacefully with other pets, particularly those they grow up with, their moderate prey drive and potential for dog-to-dog dominance mean careful introduction and ongoing management may be necessary. Cats and small pets should be introduced during puppyhood when possible, teaching appropriate behavior through consistent supervision and training. Some individuals may never be completely trustworthy with small pets, making assessment of the specific dog's temperament essential.

Living space requirements are moderate, with the breed adapting successfully to various housing situations. While their muscular build and moderate energy levels make a house with a yard ideal, Olde English Bulldogges can adapt to apartment living if provided with adequate daily exercise. Urban, suburban, and rural environments all can work, though rural settings offering space for off-leash exercise may be particularly enjoyable for these athletic dogs. Regardless of living situation, they should live primarily indoors with their families rather than being outdoor-only dogs.

Yard requirements include secure fencing, as Olde English Bulldogges possess the strength and determination to escape inadequately secured areas. A fence at least five feet tall is recommended, as some individuals may attempt to climb or jump lower barriers. The fence should also be secure at ground level, as some dogs may dig. Many Olde English Bulldogges enjoy spending time outdoors but should not be left outside for extended periods, particularly in extreme weather. They are companion dogs that need regular interaction with their families.

Climate tolerance in the Olde English Bulldogge is better than in modern English Bulldogs, thanks to their longer muzzles and more athletic build. However, they remain a brachycephalic breed with some heat sensitivity. Hot, humid weather requires precautions including limiting exercise during peak heat hours, providing shade and water, and monitoring for signs of overheating. They handle cold weather reasonably well given their muscular build but should not be left outdoors in freezing conditions for extended periods. Indoor living with climate control is important for their health and comfort.

Time alone should be limited, as these are companion dogs that form strong family bonds. While they can tolerate several hours alone better than some breeds, they should not routinely spend entire days isolated. Puppies and young dogs particularly need more frequent human interaction, housetraining trips, and supervision. Adult dogs can typically handle a standard workday alone but will be happier and better behaved with midday breaks when possible. Destructive behavior, excessive barking, or other problems may develop if the dog spends too much time alone.

Noise levels are generally moderate, with most Olde English Bulldogges being alert barkers rather than chronic nuisance barkers. They vocalize to announce visitors, alert to unusual occurrences, or request attention, but typically cease barking once the situation is addressed. Some individuals may be more vocal than others, making early training about appropriate barking important. Their moderate barking tendency makes them suitable for various housing situations, though apartment dwellers should ensure their dog learns to alert quietly.

Daily routines should include regular feeding times, exercise periods, and opportunities for interaction with family members. Olde English Bulldogges appreciate predictable schedules, which help with housetraining and behavior management. Exercise needs typically include at least one substantial walk or play session daily, with additional shorter outings for elimination and mental stimulation. They enjoy participating in family activities, from car rides to outdoor adventures, and benefit from inclusion in daily life rather than being left at home during family outings when practical.

Mental stimulation is as important as physical exercise for this intelligent breed. Interactive toys, training sessions, puzzle feeders, and new experiences help prevent boredom and associated behavioral problems. They enjoy having jobs or tasks to perform, even if those jobs are simple household activities like retrieving the newspaper or carrying items. Including them in family activities provides both mental stimulation and the companionship they crave, contributing to a well-adjusted, happy dog that enriches family life through their loyal, affectionate presence.

Training an Olde English Bulldogge requires a balanced approach that acknowledges both their intelligence and their occasional stubborn streak. These dogs are highly capable learners who understand commands quickly but may question the necessity of compliance if they see no immediate benefit or if their handler lacks consistency. Success comes through establishing yourself as a calm, confident leader who provides clear expectations reinforced through positive methods. Harsh corrections are counterproductive with this breed, potentially damaging the trust that makes training effective.

Socialization begins ideally during the critical period between three and fourteen weeks of age, though it should continue throughout the dog's life. Exposing young Olde English Bulldogges to various people, animals, environments, sounds, and experiences builds confidence and teaches appropriate responses to different situations. Well-socialized dogs are more adaptable, less reactive to novel situations, and generally easier to manage throughout their lives. Puppy kindergarten classes provide excellent socialization opportunities while beginning basic training in a structured environment.

Basic obedience training should start as soon as a puppy joins the household. Commands like sit, down, stay, come, and loose-leash walking form the foundation for a well-mannered adult dog. Olde English Bulldogges respond well to reward-based training using treats, toys, or praise as motivation. Training sessions should be kept relatively short and engaging, as these dogs may lose interest in repetitive drills. Ending sessions on a positive note maintains their enthusiasm for future training.

House training typically proceeds smoothly if approached with consistency and patience. Establishing a regular schedule for meals, water, and outdoor trips helps puppies learn appropriate elimination habits. Crate training facilitates housetraining by utilizing the dog's natural reluctance to soil their sleeping area. Most Olde English Bulldogge puppies can be reliably housetrained by six months of age with consistent effort, though some individuals may take longer to achieve complete reliability.

Exercise requirements are moderate to moderately high, with adult dogs needing at least one hour of activity daily, divided among walks, play sessions, and other physical activities. Unlike modern English Bulldogs with severe exercise limitations due to breathing problems, Olde English Bulldogges can sustain physical activity for extended periods. They enjoy brisk walks, hiking, swimming, fetch, and various canine sports. However, they should not be exercised to exhaustion, particularly in warm weather, as their brachycephalic structure still creates some respiratory compromise compared to longer-muzzled breeds.

Mental stimulation prevents boredom-related behavior problems and keeps these intelligent dogs engaged. Puzzle toys, training new commands or tricks, nose work activities, and interactive games challenge their minds while strengthening the human-dog bond. Many Olde English Bulldogges excel at activities like weight pulling, which showcases their strength while providing both physical and mental challenges. They also can participate in obedience trials, rally, and other performance events.

Leash training deserves particular attention, as adult Olde English Bulldogges are strong dogs capable of pulling handlers off-balance. Teaching loose-leash walking during puppyhood, before the dog develops full strength, makes walks more enjoyable for everyone. Using front-clip harnesses can provide better control than traditional collars while the dog learns appropriate leash manners. Some individuals may be reactive to other dogs or animals while on leash, making training and management important for pleasant walks.

Recall training is essential for safety but can be challenging given the breed's occasional independent streak. Starting recall training early in a low-distraction environment and gradually increasing difficulty helps build reliable response. Many owners choose to keep their Olde English Bulldogges on leash or in securely fenced areas rather than relying on off-leash recall in uncontrolled situations. The risk of dog-to-dog conflicts or prey drive engagement makes secure containment the safer choice in most circumstances. Professional training assistance can help owners establish consistent, effective training programs tailored to their specific dog's personality and learning style.

The Olde English Bulldogge was specifically developed to address the severe health problems afflicting modern English Bulldogs, and breeders have succeeded in creating a generally healthier breed with fewer extreme structural issues. These dogs typically enjoy better respiratory function, greater mobility, and more natural reproductive capabilities than their English Bulldog cousins. Average life expectancy ranges from 9 to 14 years, with many individuals living active, comfortable lives into their early teens. However, like all breeds, Olde English Bulldogges remain susceptible to certain health conditions that prospective owners should understand.

Selecting a puppy from health-tested parents significantly reduces the risk of inherited conditions. Responsible breeders readily provide documentation of health clearances and discuss both strengths and potential health concerns in their bloodlines. They stand behind their puppies with health guarantees and remain available as resources throughout the dog's life. Pet insurance helps manage unexpected veterinary costs, though policies typically exclude pre-existing conditions and hereditary problems may have coverage limitations. With appropriate care, most Olde English Bulldogges enjoy healthy, active lives as beloved family members for a decade or longer, representing successful improvement over the health challenges facing modern English Bulldogs.

The Olde English Bulldogge's short, close-lying coat requires relatively minimal grooming compared to long-haired breeds, though several aspects of their care demand regular attention. Weekly brushing with a rubber curry brush or grooming mitt removes loose hair and distributes natural oils throughout the coat, maintaining the characteristic glossy appearance. Shedding occurs year-round at moderate levels, with seasonal increases during spring and fall transitions. More frequent brushing during these periods helps manage loose hair and keeps it from accumulating throughout the home.

Bathing frequency depends on individual dogs' activities and skin health, though most Olde English Bulldogges need baths every four to eight weeks. More frequent bathing may dry the skin, while less frequent cleaning allows dirt and oils to accumulate. Using gentle, dog-specific shampoos protects the skin's natural pH balance. Dogs with skin allergies may benefit from medicated shampoos recommended by veterinarians. Thorough rinsing removes all soap residue, which can irritate skin if left behind. Many owners find bathing easier outdoors during warm weather or in bathtubs equipped with handheld shower attachments.

Facial wrinkles require daily cleaning to prevent bacterial and fungal infections. Moisture, food particles, and natural oils accumulate in skin folds, creating ideal conditions for microorganism growth. Gently wiping wrinkles with slightly damp, soft cloths removes debris, followed by thorough drying to eliminate moisture. Some owners apply small amounts of petroleum jelly or wrinkle paste to create a moisture barrier. Signs of wrinkle infection include redness, bad odor, discharge, or the dog rubbing their face on furniture. Veterinary attention is necessary if infections develop.

Nail trimming should occur every two to four weeks, as nails that grow too long can split, catch on objects, or affect the dog's gait. Many Olde English Bulldogges object to nail trimming, making gradual desensitization during puppyhood important. Grinding nails with a rotary tool offers an alternative to clipping, though some dogs find the noise and vibration equally objectionable. Taking care to avoid cutting the quick prevents pain and bleeding. Dogs with darker nails make identifying the quick more difficult, so trimming small amounts frequently reduces the risk of cutting too short.

Ear cleaning prevents infections, particularly in dogs with button ears that may trap moisture. Weekly examination and cleaning with veterinarian-approved ear cleaning solution removes wax and debris. Signs of ear problems include odor, discharge, redness, head shaking, or ear rubbing. Dogs developing recurrent ear infections may have underlying allergies requiring veterinary investigation. Never insert anything into the ear canal beyond the visible portion to avoid damaging delicate structures.

Dental care through regular brushing, dental chews, and professional cleanings maintains oral health and prevents periodontal disease. Daily tooth brushing using dog-safe toothpaste is ideal, though many owners struggle to maintain this frequency. Even brushing several times weekly provides significant benefit. Dental chews help mechanically remove plaque but do not replace brushing. Professional dental cleanings under anesthesia become necessary when tartar accumulates despite home care efforts. Good dental health contributes to overall health and longevity.

Eye care involves checking eyes regularly for redness, discharge, or squinting that might indicate problems. The breed's prominent eyes can be vulnerable to injury and irritation. Gentle cleaning around the eyes with damp cloths removes tear stains and discharge. Any signs of eye problems warrant prompt veterinary attention, as conditions like corneal ulcers require immediate treatment to prevent permanent damage. Some individuals develop excessive tearing that requires daily cleaning to prevent staining and skin irritation.

Grooming costs for this breed remain relatively low compared to breeds requiring professional grooming services. Most owners can manage all grooming tasks at home with basic supplies including brushes, nail clippers or grinders, dog-safe shampoo, ear cleaner, and toothbrushes. However, owners uncomfortable with certain tasks like nail trimming can have these performed at grooming salons or veterinary clinics for reasonable fees. Professional groomers can also perform more thorough baths and basic grooming maintenance. Establishing a regular grooming routine during puppyhood makes the process easier throughout the dog's life while providing opportunities to check for lumps, skin problems, or other health concerns that might require veterinary attention.

If you're looking to adopt an Olde English Bulldogge, consider contacting these breed-specific rescue organizations:

"Don't Shop... Please Adopt" - There are many wonderful Olde English Bulldogges waiting for their forever homes.