Olde English Bulldogges have a lifespan between eight and 12 years and were bred to reduce many common health problems associated with Bulldogs.

The Olde English Bulldogge is the ancestor of the purebred Old English Bulldog, which is an extinct breed. In 1835, England passed the Cruelty to Animals Act that banned the bloody sport of bull-baiting, which decreased numbers of Old English Bulldogs until the breed disappeared.

David Leavitt created the modern Olde English Bulldogges by mixing the English Bulldog, American Pit Bull Terrier, Bullmastiff, and American Bulldog. The United Kennel Club dates the breed’s lineage back to 1971, and it became a recognized breed in 2014.

This mixed breed mimics the appearance and athleticism of the original Old English Bulldog breed. Olde English Bulldogges are still muscular but more agile, heavier, and much healthier. Another difference between English Bulldogs and Olde English Bulldogges is that Bulldogs are known for their large heads, medium size, and wrinkles. In comparison, Olde English Bulldogges have a more proportionate head size and are larger, with little to no wrinkles.

Olde English Bulldogges have the same stout, stocky looks as their parent breeds, and when fully grown, they stand 18 to 26 inches tall and weigh between 60 and 100 pounds. English Bulldogs are much shorter and lighter than American Bulldogs, and crossing them results in a mixed breed that falls between the breeds, size-wise.

Olde English Bulldogges have fine glossy coats that shed moderate amounts. Brushing them from nose to tail two to three times a week will keep their coats looking good. During periods of heavier seasonal shedding, use a rubber curry brush before the soft brush to remove excess hair and to keep shedding down.

Olde English Bulldogges have similar colors and patterns to English Bulldogs and American Bulldogs. Their short, sleek coats can be white, fawn, red or black; red, fawn, gray, or black brindle. They can also be “piebald,” which means a solid-color coat and white markings.

While English Bulldogs were bred for bull baiting and American Bull Dogs were often used as guard dogs, careful cross-breeding has led to mixed-breed dogs who are sweet, affectionate and fun-loving with good-natured temperaments and patient dispositions.

Given their stout appearance, it would be easy to assume that Olde English Bulldogges are oversized couch potatoes, but they are energetic dogs who require regular, moderate exercise. On a cool day, a long walk will be sufficient to tire out an Olde English Bulldogge — but skip the outdoor activities when it’s hot or humid outside.

Olde English Bulldogges aren’t swimmers. Even if you could find a lifejacket to fit around their ample frames, Olde English Bulldogges aren’t well suited to swimming or other water sports because their stocky bodies aren’t very buoyant. Wading in shallow water on a hot day is fine, but skip that lake plan.

Yes, Olde English Bulldogges are calm, affectionate, eager to please, and make great family pets. These dogs tend to develop strong bonds with their families, but training is a must. Socialization and training to establish routines, teaching boundaries, and teaching basic commands will help Olde English Bulldogges always be on their best behavior.

Bulldogges may have the instinct to chase, so they may not be the best pets for those with cats. Of course, each dog has their own preferences and temperament, so if you introduce your properly socialized and trained Olde English Bulldogge to your cat, it could be a different story.

Bulldogges are very smart dogs and always eager for playtime, but they have a stubborn streak and protective natures that may prove challenging to train. Training is a long-term commitment for any dog, and it's important to prioritize training activities, such as hide and seek, which allow these pups to challenge their bodies as well as their minds. Skip the harsh criticism and focus on positive reinforcement; toys, treats, and praise will make OEBs want to master basic training. Start training your pup early to avoid unwanted behaviors, such as digging, barking, and chewing.

Sorry, allergy sufferers; Olde English Bulldogges are not considered a “hypoallergenic” breed.

Olde English Bulldogges are healthy but they are still prone to some of the same health issues as their parent breeds. Hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, laryngeal paralysis, and hyperthyroidism are just a few potential health problems your veterinarian can help you identify. Other health concerns include:

• Canine multifocal retinopathy 1 (CMR1): The eye disorder, also known as CMR1, can cause the retina to decay, which affects dogs’ vision. Rarely, CMR1 can lead to blindness.

• Hyperuricosuria: Olde English Bulldogges with HUU are at a higher risk of developing urinary stones, including kidney or bladder stones.

• Breathing problems: While Olde English Bulldogges might not have the same breathing difficulties as other brachycephalic dog breeds, these short-nosed dogs can still have trouble breathing when it’s too hot outside. They will need to burn off energy with indoor activities, such as fetch, tug-of-war, or hide and seek with the air conditioner turned on high.