Two Bulldogs With a Shared History, But Not the Same Purpose

Where They Come From

 

The Bulldog has a long history in England. Early Bulldogs were working dogs associated with cattle work and bull-baiting. After bull-baiting was outlawed in 1835, the original working purpose of the Bulldog disappeared. Over time, breeders began developing the Bulldog in different directions. The dogs that eventually became the modern English Bulldog were selectively bred toward a shorter, more compact and more exaggerated appearance.

The Olde English Bulldogge developed much later as an attempt to recreate a more functional, athletic Bulldog type. According to the current IOEBA history, modern Olde English Bulldogge programs were developed using carefully selected combinations of Bulldog-type breeds, with English Bulldogs, American Bulldogs, APBT-type dogs and Mastiffs contributing to various foundation lines. The intention was to produce a Bulldog that retained recognizable Bulldog type while placing greater emphasis on athletic ability, health and function.

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The English Bulldog

The modern English Bulldog is a compact, low-slung, thick-set breed with a large, short-faced head, broad shoulders and powerful limbs. The breed is immediately recognizable for its distinctive facial expression, short muzzle, heavy body and characteristic Bulldog appearance. The AKC describes the English Bulldog as affectionate, courageous and calm, with an average adult weight of approximately 40 pounds for females and 50 pounds for males. English Bulldogs can make wonderful companions and are often affectionate, humorous and deeply devoted to their families. However, their physical structure requires particular consideration. Their very short facial structure can make breathing and heat management more challenging, and owners need to be especially careful about overheating and strenuous activity in hot or humid conditions.

 

The Olde English Bulldogge

The Olde English Bulldogge was developed with a different goal. The current IOEBA standard describes the ideal OEB as a medium-sized, loyal and courageous dog with a large powerful head and stout, muscular body. Unlike the modern English Bulldog, the OEB standard places strong emphasis on athleticism, free breathing, movement and the ability to participate in outdoor activity except in extreme heat or cold. The current IOEBA standard lists: Males: 18–20 inches, 65–85 pounds and Females: 17–19 inches, 50–70 pounds. Dogs may be outside those ranges without automatic penalty when they remain proportionate, correct and balanced. This means an OEB will generally be taller and more athletic in appearance than the typical modern English Bulldog.

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Appearance: What Is Different?

While both breeds should immediately look like Bulldogs, there are some common differences.

Olde English Bulldogge Typically: Taller and more athletic, longer legged, more moderate facial structure, Larger overall frame, Strong, muscular body, more functional movement, Broad, open nostrils, greater emphasis on athletic ability, greater emphasis on free breathing

English Bulldog Typically: Shorter and lower to the ground, more compact, Heavier, thicker-set appearance, very large, short-faced head, more pronounced facial features, shorter muzzle, Characteristic rolling gait, greater concern for heat and respiratory management

These are general tendencies rather than guarantees. Individual dogs vary considerably, and responsible breeders within either breed should be selecting for health, temperament and correct structure.

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The Muzzle and Breathing

One of the most significant differences is facial structure. The modern English Bulldog has an extremely shortened muzzle as part of its traditional breed type. That appearance is one of the characteristics people immediately associate with the breed. The OEB was developed with the intention of moving away from extreme facial shortening.

The current IOEBA standard specifically calls for a broad nose with open nostrils and no sign of air restriction. It also requires a minimum distance from the stop to the end of the nose. This does not mean that every OEB will have perfect breathing.

No breed label can guarantee that an individual dog will never experience a respiratory or other health problem. Instead, it means that functional breathing is an important part of the desired direction of the breed.

 

Body and Movement

The English Bulldog is intentionally compact and low-slung.

The OEB is intended to retain Bulldog substance while allowing more athletic movement.

The IOEBA standard calls for balanced movement driven from the rear and complemented by reach, with the ability to cover ground with power. Pacing and crabbing are considered serious faults.

This is one of the biggest philosophical differences between the two types. The OEB should not simply look like an athletic Bulldog. It should be capable of functioning like one.

 

Exercise

English Bulldogs can enjoy walks and moderate activity, but heat and humidity can present significant challenges because of their facial structure. The AKC specifically advises careful heat management for the breed.

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The OEB is intended to have greater athletic ability and should generally be capable of more physical activity. That does not mean an OEB is a high-energy working dog. They can still be perfectly happy spending much of the day lounging with their family. The difference is that a sound OEB should have the physical ability to get up and participate when the opportunity arises.

 

Size

Size is another obvious difference. The current IOEBA OEB standard calls for males around 18–20 inches and females around 17–19 inches, with males generally 65–85 pounds and females 50–70 pounds.

The AKC English Bulldog standard is considerably smaller, with mature males around 50 pounds and females around 40 pounds.

Of course, individual dogs can fall outside averages. Size should never be the primary goal of breeding. Proportion, balance and function matter more than simply producing a bigger dog.

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Temperament

Both breeds are known for being affectionate companion dogs.

English Bulldogs are generally described as friendly, courageous and calm.

The IOEBA describes the OEB as outgoing, happy, loyal and courageous, with a stable and trustworthy temperament. Human aggression without provocation is a disqualifying fault under the standard.

Individual personality will always depend on genetics, socialization, training and environment. A breed description should never be treated as a guarantee of an individual dog's temperament.

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Reproduction and Function

One of the goals behind the Olde English Bulldogge was to move toward a more naturally functioning Bulldog. The current IOEBA standard specifically describes the ideal OEB as a free breeder and free birther.

This is an important distinction in the philosophy behind the breed.

Natural reproductive ability is part of function. It does not mean every OEB will reproduce or whelp without veterinary assistance, nor does it mean complications can never occur.

It means that the breed standard places value on maintaining dogs whose structure allows natural reproduction whenever possible.

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So Which One Is Right?

That depends entirely on what you are looking for.

If you love the very compact, low-slung appearance and personality of the traditional modern lazy English Bulldog, that breed may be exactly what you are looking for.

If you love the Bulldog appearance but want a taller, more athletic dog with greater emphasis on movement and functional structure, an Olde English Bulldogge may be worth learning more about.

Neither should be chosen based solely on appearance.

Research the bred. Talk to breeders. Ask about health. Ask about temperament. Ask how their dogs live. And most importantly, understand what you are bringing home before you make the commitment. The right Bulldog is not simply the one you find most beautiful.

It is the one whose needs, abilities and temperament fit the life you are prepared to provide.