Old English Bulldog: A Loyal and Courageous Companion
I’ve always had a soft spot for dog breeds with a distinctive look, and the Old English Bulldog immediately caught my eye. Their stocky build, wrinkled face, and gentle eyes intrigued me. After careful research and preparation, I welcomed an Old English Bulldog into my home and quickly learned that these dogs are so much more than their tough exterior suggests.
What is an Old English Bulldog?
The Old English Bulldog (OEB) is a medium-sized breed descended from the bulldogs of ancient England, once used for the cruel sport of bull-baiting. Thankfully, dedicated breeders have transformed the Old English Bulldog into a gentle, affectionate, and loyal companion, while retaining their courageous spirit. Today, they are recognized as a separate breed from the more modern English Bulldog.
Is an Old English Bulldog the Right Dog for Me?
Before adding an Old English Bulldog to your life, consider the following:
- Special Care and Expense: Due to their physical structure and potential health issues, they may require specialized care and can be more expensive from a healthcare standpoint throughout their life.
- Limited Exercise Tolerance: OEBs overheat easily and are prone to breathing difficulties, making them unsuited for extreme activity or hot climates.
- Strong Willed Personality: While loving, they can sometimes be stubborn, requiring consistent training.
- Adaptability: Old English Bulldogs can adapt to various living situations as long as their exercise and temperature needs are carefully managed.
Old English Bulldog Temperament: A Gentle Heart in a Tough Package
My experience with my Old English Bulldog, Tank, has shown me they are a mix of gentle affection and playful stubbornness. While they possess a courageous spirit, they primarily want to cuddle with their loved ones. Early socialization is important, as they can be wary of strangers due to their protective instincts.
Living with an Old English Bulldog
- Unique Needs: Understanding their specialized care requirements for skin folds, breathing, and exercise is key.
- A Touch of Mischief: Their stubborn streak can be frustrating, but also makes them amusing characters.
- Affectionate Companions: OEBs form strong bonds with their families and crave attention.
- Potential Health Concerns: It’s crucial to find a breeder who focuses on health and be prepared for potential health issues.
My Experience with an Old English Bulldog
Adopting my OEB has been an incredibly rewarding experience. His wrinkled face and goofy antics always make me smile. I’ve learned the importance of managing his environment to avoid overheating, keeping his skin folds clean, and being patient with his “selective hearing”. His affectionate nature and brave spirit make him a cherished family member.
Finding an Old English Bulldog
- Responsible Breeders: Look for breeders who prioritize health and responsible breeding practices to ensure a healthy OEB.
- Breed Specific Rescues: Many great Old English Bulldogs end up in shelters and rescues through no fault of their own.
- Adoption Considerations: Consider the specific needs of an older dog and their potential existing health conditions.
Caring for an Old English Bulldog
Responsible Old English Bulldog ownership involves:
- Specialized Diet: High-quality food formulated for their breed and activity level is important.
- Wrinkle Care: Daily cleaning of facial folds and wrinkles to prevent infections.
- Breathing Support: Understanding signs of respiratory distress and keeping them cool.
- Health Monitoring: Regular vet checkups are crucial to catch and manage potential breed-specific conditions.
- Moderate Exercise: Short walks and play sessions with close monitoring to avoid overheating.
Training an Old English Bulldog: Finding the Right Approach
Old English Bulldogs are intelligent but can possess a stubborn streak that requires a patient and consistent trainer. Here’s what I’ve found helpful with training my OEB:
- Positive Reinforcement: OEBs respond well to praise, treats, and positive motivation.
- Managing Stubbornness: Break tasks into smaller steps, keep training sessions short and upbeat
- Consistency is Key: They need clear rules and boundaries.
- Early Start is Best: Beginning training and socialization as a puppy helps form good habits.
- Harnessing their Love of People: OEBs crave attention, so incorporating that drive into training can be beneficial
Tank, my OEB, can certainly be stubborn at times, but patience, repetition, and rewarding his successes have brought great progress. He enjoys learning new tricks, especially when treats are involved!
Potential Challenges with Old English Bulldogs
While loving companions, it’s important to be aware of some potential challenges with the Old English Bulldog:
- Breathing Difficulties: Their short face (brachycephalic) means careful management of exercise and heat to prevent breathing problems.
- Stubborn Streak: Training requires patience and a willingness to work around their strong-willed moments.
- Skin Fold Issues: Diligent cleaning and care are vital to prevent infections in their wrinkles.
- Special Dietary Needs: Food allergies can be common, and their weight should be carefully monitored.
- Health Considerations: OEBs are prone to certain health issues like hip dysplasia, eye problems, and heart conditions.
With proactive care, these challenges can be managed. Partnering with my veterinarian has been essential to stay on top of Tank’s health and keep his weight in check.
The Rewards of Owning an Old English Bulldog
While Old English Bulldogs require dedicated owners due to their specific needs, the rewards are plentiful:
- Loyal Guardians: They have a protective instinct and will fiercely defend their loved ones.
- Unwavering Affection: If you want a dog that loves to cuddle, the OEB is a perfect fit!
- Uniquely Amusing: Their stubborn antics and playful personalities are endlessly entertaining.
- Adorable Appearance: Their wrinkly faces, big eyes, and stocky build turn heads and melt hearts.
My Life with an Old English Bulldog
Adding an OEB to my life has been full of love, laughter, and some challenges I diligently manage. My OEB, Tank, snores his way through our Netflix cuddle sessions and stubbornly resists getting off the couch sometimes. I’ve learned the signs that mean he’s getting too warm on our walks, and celebrate every success we have in training. He brings joy to my every day.
Should You Consider an Old English Bulldog?
If you’re looking for a devoted companion with a brave heart and goofy personality, the Old English Bulldog could be a great choice. The key? Be prepared for their specific care needs and committed to ensuring a happy, healthy life for this lovable breed. Understanding their needs and limitations is essential before bringing one home.
FAQs
How old do english bulldogs live?
Sadly, Old English Bulldogs, like many bull breeds, have a shorter lifespan than some other breeds. Typically, they live around 8 to 10 years. This is something I considered carefully before adding my OEB to my life. I’m committed to giving my dog the best possible care to maximize his health and happiness for as long as possible.
How big do olde english bulldogs get?
While Old English Bulldogs are considered medium-sized, they’re substantial dogs! My OEB is on the taller side, standing about 18 inches at the shoulder and weighing a solid 70 pounds. They are very muscular and strong despite their compact build.
When did the old english bulldog go extinct?
The original Old English Bulldog, as it existed during the time of bull-baiting, went extinct in the mid-1800s when the cruel sport was banned. However, the breed was revived and reshaped by dedicated breeders into the Old English Bulldogs we know and love today.
Are old english bulldogs hard to train?
Old English Bulldogs can have a stubborn streak, making training require a healthy dose of patience and consistency. I’ve found that using positive training methods, lots of treats, and keeping sessions fun and engaging yields the best results with my OEB. He is a smart dog, but he definitely has a “what’s in it for me?” attitude sometimes!
Compare
Old english bulldog vs english bulldog
Modern English Bulldogs are smaller, have a significantly more pronounced undershot jaw, and typically experience more extreme health issues related to their exaggerated features. Old English Bulldogs were bred to be healthier and have a more athletic build while retaining the classic bulldog look.
Old english bulldog vs american bulldog
American Bulldogs are taller, leaner, and have a longer muzzle giving them less respiratory problems. American Bulldogs are also generally more active, requiring more intense exercise than Old English Bulldogs. Both can be loyal and protective, but Old English Bulldogs generally have a softer temperament.
Old english bulldog vs american bully
American Bullies come in various sizes and are bred as companions with an emphasis on muscle tone and a blocky build. Old English Bulldogs share a common ancestry but have a less emphasized, more functionally built body type. American Bullies are typically more people-friendly and less wary of strangers.
Old english bulldog vs victorian bulldog
Victorian Bulldogs are a newer recreation aiming to bring back the healthier, more athletic build of the Regency-era Bulldog. They are very similar to Old English Bulldogs, with perhaps even slightly less exaggeration in their features.
Old english bulldog vs boxer
Boxers are larger, more athletic dogs known for their playful and energetic personalities. While both breeds can be affectionate, Boxers typically have much higher exercise needs and a bouncier energy level compared to the more laid-back Old English Bulldog.
Old english bulldog vs french bulldog
French Bulldogs are much smaller, have unique “bat ears,” and share the Old English Bulldog’s predisposition to breathing issues. Both breeds are loving and playful, but Old English Bulldogs might be a bit less stubborn and intense.
Raising Awareness about the Old English Bulldog
It’s important to educate people about the Old English Bulldog and dispel misconceptions associated with their historical role. I believe in promoting responsible ownership to ensure these dogs receive the specialized care they need. Many OEBs end up in shelters due to people underestimating their care requirements and potential health problems.