By Al Walker, ARF Genealogist & Registrar

FOR THOSE WHO SEE AND FALL IN LOVE WITH AN OLDE ENGLISH BULLDOGGE: The origin of the Olde English Bulldogge was introduced by Mr. David Leavitt in the early 1970’s. To truly understand the history behind the Olde English Bulldogge story, you need to have an understanding of Mr. Leavitt’s work, and how he re-created the “Olde Bulldogge”. [For published information, please refer to the book, “The World of Fighting Dogs”, by Dr. Carl Semencic, a 1984 TFH Publication that is currently out of print.]. Further, in the June 1977 Edition of Stodghill’s Animal Research Magazine, Number 48, Mr. Leavitt published his breeding standard. Within that standard, he gives the breeding foundation as being that of 1/2 English Bulldog, 1/6 American Pit Bull Terrier, 1/6 Bullmastiff, and 1/6 American Bulldog.

Also, in the book, “The Mini-Atlas of Dog Breeds”, by Andrew De Prisco and James B. Johnson, a 1990 TFH Publication, we find this quote:

“Disenchanted by the English Bulldog and its breeding and breathing hang-ups, David Leavitt of Pennsylvania began a project to recreate the 18th-century Bulldog. Not so impressed by that ancient breed’s fighting career as he was enamored with its tenacity and fierce appearance, Leavitt set out to reconstruct the dog which the present-day Bulldog no longer resembles. A line-breeding scheme involving Bullmastiffs, Pit Bull Terriers, American Bulldogs and the Bulldog has reaped a modern protection dog that looks and is man-stopping, able to impede his assailant without having to bite.”

[For further information, see the “Dog Catalog”, by Don Myrus, published by Collier Macmillan Publishers, and “The Rare Breed Handbook’, Second Edition, 1990, by Dee Gannon, Golden Boy Press.]

In January, 1991, Mr. Leavitt sent me [Al Walker – ARF] an article that was published in “Our Dogs”, December 15, 1933 . The article was entitled “The Evolution of the Bulldog – An Historical Survey”, by R. H. Voss. The article had a great deal of influence on Mr. Leavitt’s re-creation of his “Olde English Bulldogge”, as Mr. Voss suggests that the breed goes back to the war dogs of the Ancient Britons. [Mr. Voss’s article was reprinted in “Stodghill’s ARF Cowdog Magazine”, Number 114.] Also, included in his letter was a copy of the “Kennel Review”, with feature columnist, J. C. Harrison. Here is what he had to say about the “Olde English Bulldogge”; I quote:

“Olde English Bulldogge – ‘OEBS’, as they are affectionately called, are a reconstruction of the 18^th – 19^th century bulldogge. The Standard is derived from old prints, statues and writings. The Olde English Bulldogge Association, founded in 1975 by David Leavitt, Coatesville , PA , now has over 250 OEBS in its registry. Besides stable guardian temperament, the breed has few of the breathing, whelping or breeding problems seen in the modern bulldog.”

[Editor’s note: The Olde English Bulldogge Association was founded by Mr. Leavitt, to register his own bloodline. Today, Mr. Leavitt is no longer breeding or registering any of his bulldogs.]

Over the years, the Olde English Bulldogge has won a large number of accolades; here is a list of U.S. and international organizations that have judged the breed.

1. Federation of International Canines

2. Tournament of Champions

3. Federacion Canofila of Puerto Rico

4. International Molosser Fellowship

5. Federacion Canina Dominicana

6. Bahama Kennel Club

7. Continental Dog Club

8. Baltimore Area Rare Breed Association

9. Hudson Valley Rare Breed Club

10.Federation of Rare Breed Association

11.American Rare Breed Association

12.Federacion Canofila Mexico

13.The Rare Breed Kennel Club

Today, there are many individuals who are breeding Olde English Bulldogges; however, if these breeders are not recognized by the ARF, we cannot guarantee that you have an authentic Olde English Bulldogge. A word of advice: If a breeder cannot show you his/her extended pedigree for his/her dogs, and he/she will not permit you to see the parents of the pup he/she desires to sell – DO NOT waste any more of your valuable time! Further, if you are shown a certificate of registration, from someone other than the ARF, you may be taking a big risk as well. It is unfortunate, sad to say, that we have an unscrupulous element that is taking advantage of unsuspecting buyers – here and abroad. Therefore, all we can say is, “Buyer Beware!” Please keep this fact in mind: ALL the breeds that were used to re-create the “Olde English Bulldogge” were registered with the ARF, the United Kennel Club (UKC), or the American Kennel Club (AKC); therefore, all original breeding stock must have existing pedigrees from one or the other of those organizations.

AN HISTORICAL OLDE ENGLISH BULLDOGGE BRIEF

By Mr. David Leavitt

In 1971, I started my project of breeding a dog with the looks of the 18^th century Bulldog. I had become disenchanted with English Bulldogs, due to breeding and breathing problems. I discovered that they didn’t look like their ancestors, who were healthier and less extreme. I found that bull-and- bear baiting had been widespread for hundreds of years. Extreme cruelty to animals was inherent in baiting sports. This cruelty is abhorrent to me, but I am fascinated by the great tenacity and courage of the over-matched underdog. I’m also drawn to the Bulldog because of his fierce appearance. A modern protection dog, that looks really tough, will repulse an assailant without having to bite. This is the most desirable end to a confrontation. I couldn’t find a reliable source for old style Bulldogs, and set about the daunting task of breeding back. I call the breed the Olde English Bulldogge.

Research has been critical in developing a standard. I have period statues, paintings, prints, and all the important older dog books. I have found that Bulldog sizes varied during different periods, due to changes in the way the baits were staged. Like all old working breeds, Bulldogs were not bred to a strict standard. Their distinctive body, head, and temperament were dictated instead by their work.

Years ago, Tom [Stodghill] helped me with advice, and the ARF helped me gain some respectability by registering my dogs. I do not want the temperament of the original Bulldog. My dogs must be very loving. They must have courage and determination, without being overly aggressive. I’ve found that I can’t count on buyers to get their dogs under good obedience control. If I have to make a mistake, it must be on the friendly side, and, if someone wants their dog to be sharper, all it takes is a bit of training. I’d rather teach a friendly dog how to bite, than vice versa.

RE: BREEDING: I’m using a line-breeding scheme, developed for cattle at Ohio State University . You start with 3 unrelated dogs, 2 males and 1 female. [Editor’s note: These 3 dogs must possess the desired characteristics in both temperament and structure.] Female pups from the first cross are bred to the second male. From this point, females are bred back to uncles, each generation. I have 2 unrelated schemes started, so future outcrosses will be possible. I’ve used breeds that all have old Bulldog in their background. My dogs are ½ English Bulldog, and the other half is Bullmastiff, Pit Bull and American Bulldog. The process of getting the dogs to match the old depictions is actually rapid, due to the breeds used, and a dog’s short gestation period. I try to get on to the next generation as quickly as possible, to make genetic progress and get consistent results. I’m up to 5^th and 6^th generations on the 2 lines, at the time of this printing, in 1988.

BREEDING SCHEME

MATERNAL X PATERNAL = PROGENY P1 P2 P3

POPULATION POPULATION POPULATION

P1 X P2 = C1 50% 50%

C1 X P3 = C2 25% 25% 50%

C2 X C1 = C3 37.5% 37.5% 25%

C3 X C2 = C4 37.5% 37.5% 25%

C4 X C3 = C5 37.5% 37.5% 25%

C5 X C4 = C6 32..8% 32.8% 34.4%

P1, P2 and P3 must be unrelated

Every generation, best females are bred back to an uncle.

They [Olde English Bulldogge] will never be like hounds, able to run for miles during the hottest weather of summer, but they’re 3 times better than the restricted modern Bulldog. Caesarian section births are not necessary. Artificial insemination, due to male ineptness and lack of drive, has been replaced by natural ties. Life span is over 11 years. All breeding stock have had hip x-rays. No dog with bad hips is bred. I’m now achieving my goal of producing a Bulldog with the health and temperament to be able to serve people, instead of forcing people to serve him. End.

BREED STANDARD

GENERAL: Re-creation of original Bulldogge

APPEARANCE: Medium sized dog. Powerfully built and showing great strength. Weight for males is 60 pounds and up. Weight for females is 50 pounds and up. Height at shoulders, for males, 17 inches and up. Height at shoulders, for females, 16 inches and up. He should be alert, with a symmetrical, well proportioned body. The dog should be cobby, but have the appearance of an athelete.

TEMPERAMENT: Friendly, but a fearless adversary to anyone who threatens his master or property. Unfriendliness to strangers isn’t a defect, although it’s unusual.

HEAD: Large in proportion to body, and square. Deeply sunken between the eyes, extending up forehead. Moderately wrinkled. Jaw muscles large. Lower jaw turned up and protruding. Bite square, but undershot. Large tusks. Eyes low and wide set. Forehead flat. Muzzle short and broad. Flews semi-pendulous. Ears may be either rose or button and should be set high and wide. Dewlap will have two folds.

BODY: Neck should be short and nearly as wide as the head. Shoulders very broad and muscular. Front legs may be slightly bowed or straight. Ribs well rounded and chest wide and deep. Back short, slightly roached and strong. Belly well tucked up. Thighs very muscular. Rear legs neither pigeon-toed nor cow-hocked. Tail may be pump handle or crooked.

COAT: Short, close and medium fine.

COLOR: Brindle of red, grey, or black. Brindle spots on white. Solid white. Fawn, red or black, solid or with white. Pink noses and pink skin around eyes are undesirable, but not a disqualification.

GROUP: Working.

If you need a list of reputable Olde English Bulldogge breeders, we will be more than happy to provide you with an ARF Breeders’ List.

Finally, I would like to draw your attention to other worthwhile “Bulldogs” that are ARF-registered; please note the following:

Stonehenge Victorian Bulldogge
Stonehenge American Bulldogge
Hermes’ Olde English Bulldogge
Larson’s Olde English Bulldogge
Olde Ranch Olde English Bulldogge
The Original English Bulldogge
American Bulldog
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog
Arkansas Giant Bulldog