Olde English Bulldogge

Also called Leavitt Bulldog, OEB

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

Size	Medium
Weight	22.7 to 36.3 kg (50 to 80 lb)males 27.2 to 36.3 kg, females 22.7 to 31.8 kg1 2
Height	41 to 51 cm (16 to 20 in)males 43 to 51 cm, females 41 to 48 cm1 2
Coat	Short
Origin	United States; developed by David Leavitt in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, starting in 1971.2 1

Recognised breedShort profile

confident

friendly

alert and lively

1 2

Personality what they are like

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.1 2

Coat and looks how to spot one

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.1 2

Coloursbrindle (red, fawn or black)whitefawnredblackpied (any of these with white)1 2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

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

Daily activity how busy a day looks

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

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

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

Company who they like around

A friendly companion breed; shyness is treated as a fault in the standard, so well-adjusted dogs are sociable and confident.1 2

The story where it all began

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 2014.2 1

Fun facts for the dinner table

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
Its target look was the Regency-period bulldog of the 1700s and early 1800s.1
3
In 2004 David Leavitt renamed his own line the Leavitt Bulldog.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

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

Name ideas for your new friend

TankPippaGusMabelBrickOliveRoxyHankSadieChunkFernBodie

A day in the life told by an Olde English Bulldogge

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.

Recognised by the official bits

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

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

1 cooking pumpkin
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

1 egg
170g boiled chicken breast
100g cooked plain rice
60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

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

Owner questions the things everyone asks

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.1 2

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.