The Olde English Bulldogge, despite the name, is actually a very new breed of dog. This rough and ready looking sweetheart of a dog has only really been around since the 1970’s, but has quickly gained popularity in recent years. They possess a unique set of qualities that set them apart from other Bulldog breeds, so the question is are Olde English Bulldogges good family dogs?
Are Olde English Bulldogges Good Family Dogs? As a whole the Olde English Bulldogge is a great family pet. They are loving, loyal, protective and all around good family dogs, full of personality. The breed is an excellent companion dog that are always eager to please their human family members. Olde English Bulldogges are easy to maintain, and provide endless entertainment.
If you have always thought about getting a Bulldog, but were concerned with some of the health problems, or other behaviour issues, the Olde English Bulldogge could be the alternative.
Though related to the English Bulldog, this new breed has had some modifications made in their selective breeding to make them a much healthier and happier dog. Let’s explore further as to why Olde English Bulldogges make such good family pets.
Are Olde English Bulldogges Good Family Dogs?
A quick history lesson is needed first to explain where the Olde English Bulldogges originated, and why they make such good family dogs. In the early 1970’s a man by the name of David Leavitt wanted to create a Bulldog that went back to the original looking Bull-Baiting Bulldog of the 1800’s but with a better temperament and far less aggression. The aim was to have an athletic and courageous dog, that was a loving, gentle family pet.
The English Bulldog as we know it today is a far reach from what they originally looked like, and because of the amount of selective breeding over the centuries, the English Bulldog has suffered main health problems. Leavitt took the English Bulldog and began breeding them American Bulldogs, Mastiffs and American Pit Bull Terriers to achieve the appearance he desired.
And VOILA the Olde English Bulldogge was created. A larger bulldog with far less health conditions, the look of the original Bulldogs, with none of the bull-baiting aggression. Though they might look a little intimidating, they are a sweet, gentle and loyal breed that is always looking to please and protect the family.
Olde English Bulldogges Are Great With Children
They are great companions and playmates for children, get along fairly well with other pets in the household, so long as they were raised together. Love spending time with the family on walks, in the yard, or just lounging on the couch.
They can also make great guards when they sense something is a little off, or as just a general deterrent to would-be intruders or bad guys.
If you don’t mind a little drool, or sharing the couch with a big sleepy lump in the evenings, then the Olde English Bulldogge is a great choice for a family dog. Let’s go into a little more detail when it comes to the overall care-giving and living with an Olde English Bulldogge.
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Are Olde English Bulldogges High Maintenance?
The Olde English Bulldogge is a pretty low maintenance dog when it comes to grooming, bathing, training and exercise needs. They require love and care of course, but they won’t break the bank on trips to the groomers or pet food store.
They won’t have you running marathons every morning and night to keep burning off their energy, and training can be fairly straightforward with the right consistency and patience.
The Olde English Bulldogge still does have those Bulldog jowls and is prone to drooling. For some people that is totally fine, and a little clean up is worth the effort.
They can get a little gassy from time to time because of the slightly pushed in face that will have them swallowing a little more air than some other breeds. But so long as it is not excessive, which could indicate a bigger problem, you can learn to live with the toots. After all they have to live with yours.
The Olde English Bulldogge may have some food sensitivities, as a lot of Bully breed dogs can, so it is important to make sure you are providing them with a high quality premium brand dog food that is appropriate for their age and lifestyle.
Below are a few I would highly recommend, but don’t hesitate to discuss with your vet as well about proper nutritional needs.
Resources & Review – The Best Premium Dog Foods For Bully Breeds
How Much Exercise Does An Olde English Bulldogge Need?
Olde English Bulldogges tend to need around 45-60 minutes of exercise everyday. The activities can range from low to medium intensity so long as they are staying active and getting some good mental stimulation as well. The Olde English Bulldogge is a very people oriented breed so they are happy to do most any activity so long as it’s with you.
Not getting enough exercise or mental stimulation can lead to a bored Olde English Bulldog, and a bored OEB can get into all sorts of mischief if left ignored or unattended. Behavioural issues and destructive behaviour can happen with these dogs if you are not meeting their exercise needs each day.
Let can also be BIG chewers. If you are looking to save those new shoes and the arms of your couch it would be a good idea to get them something to chew on. These are some of the best chew toys for your Olde English Bulldogge:
Resources & Reviews – The Best 15 Dog Toys & Chews for Aggressive Chewers
10 Activities You Can Do To Exercise Your Olde English Bulldogge
Walking
Spending time out for a nice stroll with you dog each day is a great way to not only get in some exercise, but to bond with your Olde English Bulldogge. Practicing some leash manners, and other mental challenges are also a great way to remain consistent in training and establishing yourself as the leader.
Hiking
Fresh air and all sorts of great smells, a hike with your Olde English Bulldogge is a great opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. If they are allowed off-leash and have great recall skills, this can be a joy for your pet to explore with you.
Dog Park
A well socialized Olde English Bulldogge can have a blast at the local dog park, and burn off all sorts of extra energy running, bouncing, chasing and meeting other dogs. This is a great option if you have a balanced and friendly dog.
Fetch
The Olde English Bulldogge still has some of that prey drive left in them, so some will enjoy playing a good old fashion game of fetch in the yard, or off-leash area.
Tug-of-War
Olde English Bulldogges love to play, and most of all love to play with the family, so a good tug-of-war game is sure to be a hit. Be sure you practice and have the “release” command down pat when playing this game to be sure you are always in control.
Jolly Balls
Jolly Balls are great interactive toys that your dog can play with. The best part is they are cheap and nearly indestructible. You can pick one up on Amazon for a few bucks and have it within a week.
Agility
Some Olde English Bulldogges could really enjoy some agility work. The are strong, athletic dogs that are eager to please, and agility could be some great physical exercise as well as mental challenge for them.
There are many options to keep your Olde English Bulldogge well exercise, stimulated, and overall happy and healthy. They are sensitive to extreme temperatures so make sure you don’t exercise them too much in the heat, as they will have a hard time tolerating that.
Are Olde English Bulldogges Easy To Train?
The nature of the Olde English Bulldogge is very people oriented, and they are very eager to please the family. Part of the reason they are such a good family dog.
Starting training from as early as possible is the best way to ensure your success with a well behaved, stable, happy dog. The Olde English Bulldogge responds very well to a strong, consistent pack leader, and positive reinforcement training.
It is important you establish yourself as the leader. The Olde English Bulldogge is known to have a bit of a stubborn streak, and can be a little rude if they are spoiled, so it is important they know who is in charge.
How Often Should I Bathe My Olde English Bulldogge?
Grooming and bathing for an Olde English Bulldogge is pretty straightforward and is going to save you a ton of money from not having to visit the groomers.
They have short smooth coats that generally only need a good brushing once a week to keep the hair off the floors, and leaving them looking healthy and shiny.
Bathing is something that can be done as much as a couple times a month, or every 2-3 months depending on your dog and how dirty they might get. Always be aware of the oils in your dog’s skin and that you are not over bathing them and stripping these away, leaving a dry and itchy pup.
Regular nail trimming when needed. If you are not confident doing this yourself, a quick trip to the groomers is pretty cheap. I find with my dog I don’t need to trim her nails hardly ever because they tend to wear down from our daily walks.
Resources & Review – The 15 Best Dog Grooming & Bathing Products
Do Olde English Bulldogges Have Health Problems?
Unfortunately like all dogs, Olde English Bulldogges do still come with their own set of health problems. Even though they are considered far healthier than the English Bulldog they were bred away from there are ailments that they are prone to.
It is always a good idea to keep an eye on things, and regularly visit your vet to have them checked out.
Some of the common issues can include:
- Dental and palate malformations
- Skin infections
- Hip Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Laryngeal Paralysis
- Thyroid issues
- Entropion
If you and your family have been considering getting a dog and trying to decide whether an Olde English Bulldogge is a good family dog, I hope this post was able to shed some light on all the amazing qualities this truly unique breed can offer.
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