English Bulldog 1700s: Origins and Evolution

The English Bulldog of the 1700s was a far cry from the lovable, laid-back breed we know today. They were originally bred for bull-baiting, a gruesome blood sport where a bull was tied to a stake and a dog was set loose to bite its nose.

These early bulldogs were known for their tenacity and strength, but also for their aggressive behavior. They were often used in dog-fighting and were prized for their ability to hold onto a bull's nose.

As you can imagine, this brutal history has left its mark on the breed. The English Bulldog of the 1700s was a tough, rugged animal, not the sweet companion we know today.

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The English Bulldog breed has a rich history that dates back to the 1600s in England.

The ancestors of the Olde English Bulldogge originated in England between 1600 and 1700, and these early Bulldogges were also the ancestors to many of the bull breeds that exist today including the English Bulldog and the American Bulldog.

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Bull baiting was a popular blood sport in England throughout the middle of the 18th Century, which required a dog of great courage and agility. This dog was of medium size, and larger dogs were considered to be the result of various mastiff crosses.

The original Bulldogges were bred for bull baiting, but when laws were passed in England prohibiting the sport in 1835, the Bulldogges' main purpose vanished. Within a decade, the numbers of Bulldogges declined drastically almost to the point of extinction.

The Olde English Bulldogge is a reconstruction of the original Bulldogge of the 17th and 18th century, achieved through carefully planned breeding programs using various genetic crosses. The foundation of most of today’s Olde English Bulldogges can be traced back to English Bulldogs, American Bulldogs, APBTs, and Mastiffs.

Today's Olde English Bulldogge is a good-looking Bulldogge of great athletic ability that is much healthier and physically fit without most or all of the problems that plague many of today's modern English Bulldogs.

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The Old English Bulldog was a compact, broad, and muscular breed, as reflected in the painting Crib and Rosa. They were known to be around 15 inches tall and weighed about 45 pounds.

Their build was short and stocky, with strong shoulders, hips, and necks. This physical characteristic makes them resemble breeds like the American Pitbull and English Bulldog.

Their coat was usually a solid color, but sometimes had patches in other colors like brown, tan, red, and white. White patches were often found on their chest or face.

The Olde English bulldogge's coat was short and tight, with a rough texture that could feel hard to the touch.

The Breed Standard for the Olde English Bulldogge is a set of guidelines that breeders should follow to maintain the high standards of the breed.

The International Olde English Bulldogge Association's Breed Standard is recommended to be used by Olde English Bulldogge breeders to ensure consistency and quality in the breed.

The Breed Standard aims to preserve the physical traits of the original Bulldogge from the 17th and 18th centuries, which were characterized by a medium size and great athletic ability.

The original Bulldogges were bred to participate in blood sports like bull baiting, which required a dog of great courage and agility.

Today's Olde English Bulldogge is a reconstruction of the original breed, developed through carefully planned breeding programs that have used various genetic crosses to obtain the desired physical traits.

The goal of Olde English Bulldogge breeders is to produce genetically healthier dogs that are free breathers, free breeders, and free whelpers.

To achieve this goal, breeders should strive to maintain the athletic ability and physical fitness of the original breed, while minimizing the genetic health problems that plague many modern English Bulldogs.

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Grooming your English Bulldog is a crucial part of their care, and it's not as daunting as you might think.

The Olde English Bulldogge is generally a low-maintenance breed, but it still requires regular brushing to keep the coat healthy and clean. A weekly brushing with a rubber brush or slicker brush is all it needs.

Face folds and ears should be cleaned a few times a week to prevent irritation and bacterial growth. This is especially important for Older English bulldogges who require more frequent ear checks for signs of infection.

Monthly baths are a must for Older English bulldogges, and brushing their coat a few times per week will keep them looking and feeling their best. Trimming their nails monthly is also essential to prevent breaking.

Dental health is crucial for English Bulldogs, so be sure to give them plenty of treats that clean their teeth or brush them manually on a regular basis.

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The Olde English Bulldogge is a breed that's known for its unique characteristics, but like any living being, it's not immune to health issues. All breeds of dogs have their own propensities towards particular inherited diseases, and the Olde English Bulldogge is no exception.

Inbreeding can increase the risk of inherited diseases, which is why responsible breeders like those of the Olde English Bulldogge avoid it. Instead, they use genetic testing to ensure the health of their puppies.

Brachycephalic Syndrome is a common problem in flat-face dog breeds like the Olde English Bulldogge, which can lead to breathing difficulties. Regular trips to the vet and a healthy diet with an exercise routine can help prevent or manage this condition.

Some Olde English Bulldogges may experience allergies, which can be triggered by pollen, mold, and dust, among other things. Allergies can be similar to human allergies, and symptoms may vary from one dog to another.

Hip Dysplasia is another health issue that can affect the Olde English Bulldogge, causing walking problems and inflammation. Regular veterinary check-ups can help detect this condition early on.

As Olde English Bulldogges age, they may experience heart problems, including irregular heartbeat and hypertension. A healthy lifestyle and regular veterinary care can help mitigate these risks.

Here are some common health issues to be aware of in Olde English Bulldogges:

English bulldogs from the 1700s were known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They were social animals that got along well with other animals and small kids, as long as they were socialized and trained early.

Their good temperament made them trustworthy and loyal companions, always eager to please their owners. They thrived on praise and attention, which made them relatively easy to train.

One of the most distinctive characteristics of English bulldogs from the 1700s was their affectionate nature. They loved to spend time with their owners and could form deep bonds with entire families.

Here are some key traits of English bulldogs from the 1700s:

Their bravery and courage also made them great watchdogs, alert and ready to protect their families from danger. With a loud and deep bark, they could scare off most intruders.

To keep your English bulldog healthy and happy, you need to feed them a diet that's high in protein, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.

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Choose a well-known food brand, rather than a store brand, to ensure your dog gets the right nutrients.

Feed your English bulldog medium-sized dog food, whether it's dry or wet.

Give them plenty of tasty treats like nibble sticks, bones, and other healthy snacks to supplement their diet.

Just be careful not to overdo it with the treats, as too much can lead to illness.

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The Olde English bulldogge is a sturdy breed, but not the tallest. They're only 15-20 inches tall.

Their stocky build makes up for their lack of height, and they can weigh up to 80 pounds. Males and females have slight variations in weight, but not much in height.

Some females may weigh as little as 50 pounds, showing that weight can vary within the breed.

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The Olde English bulldogge is a sturdy breed, and its size is no exception. They're not the tallest dogs, with an average height of 15-20 inches.

Their stocky build makes up for their lack of height, and they can weigh up to 80 pounds. Males tend to be heavier than females, but the difference in height is relatively minimal.

Some females may weigh as little as 50 pounds, making them a great option for those who want a smaller bulldogge.

The decline of the Old English Bulldog was a direct result of the Cruelty to Animals Act 1835 in England, which made bull-baiting and dog fighting illegal.

This led to a lack of interest in perpetuating the breed, as seen in the painting of three dogs from the Duke of Hamilton's strain, Wasp, Child, and Billy, which were recognized as some of the last known members of the breed.

Despite the laws, dog fighting continued for many years, and breeders sought to create a new breed by crossing the Old English Bulldog with the Old English Terrier.

The resulting breed, the bull and terrier, was a precursor to the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, and American Pit Bull Terrier, which ultimately accelerated the extinction of the Old English Bulldog.