Pet Wiki

Olde English Bulldogge

Also called Leavitt Bulldog, OEB

Checked 2026-09-30 · 2 sources

A self-assured, outgoing bulldog that stays watchful but welcoming.

Key facts
SizeMedium
Weight22.7 to 36.3 kg (50 to 80 lb)males 27.2 to 36.3 kg, females 22.7 to 31.8 kg12
Height41 to 51 cm (16 to 20 in)males 43 to 51 cm, females 41 to 48 cm12
CoatShort
OriginUnited States; developed by David Leavitt in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, starting in 1971.21
confident
friendly
alert and lively
12

what they are likeOlde English Bulldogge temperament

A self-assured, outgoing bulldog that stays watchful but welcoming. It is expressive and animated, and far gentler in nature than the old bull-baiting dogs it was modelled on.12

how to spot oneOlde English Bulldogge coat and colours

short

A short, close and glossy coat on a muscular, athletic, medium-sized frame built to move freely and breathe easily in both hot and cold weather.12

Coloursbrindle (red, fawn or black)whitefawnredblackpied (any of these with white)12

a typical week and yearThe care rhythm

A typical home-care rhythm for an Olde English Bulldogge. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkevery 2 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

how busy a day looksOlde English Bulldogge exercise needs

Built as an athletic, agile bulldog; the UKC standard describes it as able to work in heat or cold, so it suits owners who can offer regular walks and play.1

the hands-on bitsOlde English Bulldogge grooming and care

Low-maintenance short coat that only needs an occasional brush to stay shiny.1

who they like aroundOlde English Bulldogge with people and other pets

A friendly companion breed; shyness is treated as a fault in the standard, so well-adjusted dogs are sociable and confident.12

where it all beganOlde English Bulldogge history

In 1971 David Leavitt set out to rebuild a bulldog with the look and athleticism of the Regency-era dogs of 18th-century England. He used a line-breeding scheme based on roughly half Bulldog, with the rest split between American Bulldog, Bullmastiff and other breeds. The UKC accepted the breed in 2014.21

for the dinner tableFun facts

  1. 1

    The breed was designed from a written plan: about one half Bulldog, one sixth American Bulldog, one sixth Bullmastiff and one sixth other breeds.2

  2. 2

    Its target look was the Regency-period bulldog of the 1700s and early 1800s.1

  3. 3

    In 2004 David Leavitt renamed his own line the Leavitt Bulldog.2

the story behind itWhere the name comes from

The breed was named the Olde English Bulldogge to clearly differentiate the new breed from the modern English Bulldog, as it was created to return the bulldog to the appearance of the Regency-Period bulldog.1

for your new friendName ideas

TankPippaGusMabelBrickOliveRoxyHankSadieChunkFernBodie

told by an Olde English BulldoggeA day in the life

I wake with a yawn that shows my underbite. My human scratches my ears, and I grumble a happy hello. I patrol the backyard, sniffing every blade of grass and grumbling at the fence. A squirrel chatters, and I give a low, dignified woof. Inside, I claim my spot on the rug, watching the world with soft, knowing eyes. When the kids come home, I wag my whole rear end. At night, I snore like a tiny engine, dreaming of sunbeams and belly rubs. Life is good and slow.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

the official bitsRecognised by

UKC
Guardian Dog Group; recognised 1 January 2014.1
Olde English Bulldogge Kennel Club
Parent club recognised by the UKC; the breed is also registered with the Leavitt Bulldog Association and Olde Bulldogge Club Europe. Not recognised by the FCI.2

homemade and simpleTreats they will love

All treat recipes for dogs

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

the things everyone asksOwner questions

How often should I feed my Olde English Bulldogge, and at what times?

Feed adult Olde English Bulldogges at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests feeding at consistent times each day, and always follow the food label and your vet for exact amounts.3 Pet Wiki plan

What should an Olde English Bulldogge eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and size. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, as these are especially harmful to dogs.4

How often should I bathe an Olde English Bulldogge?

Bathe your Olde English Bulldogge at least once every three months, or more often if they get very dirty or have skin issues. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days.5 Pet Wiki plan

How often does an Olde English Bulldogge need brushing?

Brush your Olde English Bulldogge's short coat weekly to keep it shiny and healthy. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing every 7 days.5 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim an Olde English Bulldogge's nails, and how often?

Trim nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every 28 days according to Pet Wiki's starting plan. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain.5 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does an Olde English Bulldogge need?

This breed is athletic and agile, so daily walks and play are important. Pet Wiki's starting plan recommends daily exercise to keep them happy and healthy.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after an Olde English Bulldogge's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears every two weeks without pushing anything into the ear canal. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests daily brushing for teeth.5 Pet Wiki plan

How long does an Olde English Bulldogge live?

Lifespan varies, so ask your vet for guidance based on your dog's health. Senior years usually start around age 8. Pet Wiki plan

Is an Olde English Bulldogge good with children and other pets?

Yes, this breed is described as a friendly, sociable companion that is gentle and confident. Well-adjusted dogs are welcoming and good with children and other pets.12

Can an Olde English Bulldogge be left alone?

This breed is sociable and confident, but how long they can be left alone varies by individual. Ask a good breeder or your vet for advice tailored to your dog.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Sources (2)

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Olde English Bulldogge - United Kennel Club ukcdogs.comused for recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament, history
  2. Olde English Bulldogge - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, breeding scheme, clubs, fun facts
  3. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.