If you’re considering getting a bulldog, you may be wondering which breed is the best fit for you – the classic English Bulldog or the more recently developed Olde English Bulldogge (OEB). Having owned several (13) OEB ourselves, we’re excited to share our experience and compare the two breeds to help you make an informed decision.

Chris and I were in the same position as you may find yourself in now, trying to decide between an English Bulldog and an Olde English Bulldogge. We were unaware of the existence of Olde English Bulldogges and stumbled upon them accidentally during our research into different dog breeds. The more we looked at other breeds, the more we kept coming back to the Oldies, and we ultimately decided to get one.

Our journey started in an very unusual way – with me trading a cow for a puppy! It’s a long story, but it was the beginning of our journey with Olde English Bulldogges. We hope that sharing our experience can help others make an informed decision about whether this breed is right for them.

Here are a few things we’ve learned from owning an OEB:

Appearance and Size

The most noticeable difference between the two breeds is their size and appearance. English Bulldogs are smaller and have a more compact body than the OEB. The OEB is larger, muscular, and more athletic than the English Bulldog. OEBs have a more pronounced snout and a longer, leaner body type.

Temperament and Personality

Both breeds are known for their loyal, affectionate, and playful personalities. However, the OEB is generally more active and athletic than the English Bulldog, which tends to be more laid-back and sedentary. OEBs are also known to be strong-willed and stubborn, requiring a firm and consistent hand in training.

Health and Lifespan

One of the most significant differences between the two breeds is their health and lifespan. English Bulldogs are notorious for their many health issues, such as hip dysplasia, breathing problems, allergies, and skin issues. They have a life expectancy of 6-9 years, which is relatively short for a dog. OEBs, on the other hand, tend to be healthier due to their mixed breed heritage and have a longer lifespan of 10-14 years.

Our Experience Owning an OEB

As I stated earlier, Chris and I stumbled upon the OEB breed by chance when someone came to buy cows and brought their dog (and puppy) with them. We instantly fell in love with the puppy and began researching the breed. After some consideration, we decided that an OEB would better fit our lifestyle than the English Bulldog. Here are some things we’ve learned from owning an OEB:

Training

It’s crucial to start training your OEB early and be patient and consistent with your approach. We found that hiring a professional trainer to set the foundation for us was key.  It was a “train the trainer” scenario.  Once we understood the basics of training a dog, we took over, and now we train all of our dogs.  We are not talking about competition obedience; we are talking about basic doggy table manners, sit, stay, down, walking quietly on a leash, etc.

But why is training so important?  Although it holds true for any large dog, OEBs can grow quickly, reaching 60-80lbs by the time they’re 6-8 months old. Without a proper training foundation, this can lead to behavioral issues that can be difficult to correct.

Personality

OEBs have a unique and strong personality that sets them apart from other breeds. They’re affectionate, loyal, and playful but can also be stubborn and strong-willed. One the best their best traits is they do a very good job at adapting to your energy and activity level.  They love walks, time at the beach, deer camp etc, but when its time to sit and watch 5 hours of TV, they are perfectly OK doing that as well.

Health

OEBs tend to be healthier than English Bulldogs due to their mixed breed heritage. However, they can still be prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia, allergies, and skin issues. It’s essential to find a reputable breeder who does genetic testing and understands and studies health concerns and breeds according.  It is essential that you do as much homework and research on the breeder as you do for the dog or you cost of ownership can be right there with a Standard Bulldog.

Size

OEBs are larger and more muscular than English Bulldogs, which can be a pro or a con depending on your lifestyle. They can require more exercise and space to run around than English Bulldogs, but they’re also great for cuddling up on the couch with.

Is an OEB Right for You?

Before getting an OEB, it’s essential to consider whether the breed is the right fit for your lifestyle. They’re active, strong-willed, and require consistent training from a firm leader. They’re great for families who love to play and exercise with their pets but may not be suitable for those who prefer a more sedentary lifestyle.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about the breed, our experiences, or any of our puppies, please feel free to reach out – Contact Us