Our History
The Olde English Bulldogge was developed in the early 1970's by David Leavitt, of Coatesville, PA. Mr. Leavitt used a line breeding scheme that was designed and developed by Ohio State University for breeding cattle. The goal was to recreate a specific breed of Bulldogge with the look, health and athleticism of the original bull baiting dogs, but without the extreme tenacity. The foundation crosses consisted of ½ English Bulldog, and the other half Bullmastiff, American Pit Bull Terrier, and American Bulldog. After many carefully planned crosses, the Olde English Bulldogge emerged and began to breed true. To keep track of his work, Mr. Leavitt developed the Olde English Bulldogge Association (O.E.B.A.). Detailed records of the foundation stock had been maintained and this information was converted into the O.E.B.A. registry.
By 1985, three true lines had been developed, and the breed was deemed sound, stable, and well suited for modern life. In the early 1980's Ben and Karen Campetti from Sandisfield, Massachusetts became deeply involved in breeding Olde English Bulldogges. At this time, the Campetti's began showing the breed in Mollosser shows. Through their efforts, the Olde English Bulldogge achieved much success in the Conformation ring, and spurred the interest of many rare breed fanciers. Due to this success, many breeders became interested in producing this dog.
One unwelcome by-product of the Olde English Bulldogges’ success in the Conformation ring, obedience trials, and therapy work, was a rise in the use of the dog in Personal Protection training. Most of this training was being conducted by people that were unqualified to do so. The popularity of this breed in PP work can only be attributed to the breed's excellent health, agility, temperament, and it's classification as a Working Breed, thus creating much controversy over the breed’s intended function. At this point, Mr. Leavitt turned the OEBA registry as well as his personal breeding stock over to Mike Walz of Working Dog Inc. Over time, the decision to turn over the registry turned out to be a bad one. Due to the inefficiency of the Registrar and the organization, Olde English Bulldogge owners and breeders could not get necessary information and registration papers. It is important to note that many fine examples of the Olde English Bulldogge were produced by Mike Walz and Working Dog Inc.
In 2001, recognizing that the needs of the breed, the owners, and the breeders were not being met by the OEBA, The Olde English Bulldogge Kennel Club was formed. For more information about the OEBKC, please visit our About Us page.
Temperament and Character
The Olde English Bulldogge is a "thinking" breed. Their intelligence is readily demonstrated by their problem solving ability and their adaptability. They are extremely sensitive dogs who bond closely with their owners and family. The Olde English Bulldogge is generally kind and peaceful with its family and friends, often extending the family circle to include other household pets as well as people. Many of these dogs have been raised with cats and it is not unusual to see them playing together around the house or in the yard, or to see cats in the kennel. Olde English Bulldogges can be territorial and should be introduced to other dogs with care. Again, many of these dogs have been raised with other dogs and carefully supervised. There is a certain degree of same-sex aggression, but training and careful supervision may help to overcome this behavior. Neutering of non- breeding animals is highly recommended after the dogs first year. In most cases, it will reduce tensions and aggression. In general, Olde English Bulldogges are highly social animals who enjoy good company in any form.
The Olde English Bulldogge is generally very accepting of strangers. In fact, they can be very outgoing and friendly. However, their friendliness is the result of their profound intelligence and their absolute confidence. In other words, while they might appear gentle and friendly, they are not indiscriminately submissive. Olde English Bulldogges are, above all, "thinking dogs" that can and will form their own perspectives of people, their environment, and situations.
Although the Olde English Bulldogge is instinctively protective, some dogs mature slowly and may not exhibit this trait until around 1 ½ to 2 years of age. The OEB is very receptive to many types of training, provided the individual Bulldogge selected for such work is outgoing, stable, confident, and the training methods employed are positive. A Bulldogge lacking confidence or harshly trained will not be reliable under pressure or capable of good judgment in all situations.
Olde English Bulldogges are generally very willing to please their owners and learn readily as a result. They can however, be stubborn about simple things like going into their kennel for the day when they would prefer to be taken along in the car. They are, after all, "thinking dogs" and they sometimes exercise this intelligence at inconvenient times. Their intelligence, sensitivity, and desire to please, combine to make them very trainable dogs. But all training should be undertaken from a positive and motivational perspective. The Olde English Bulldogge does not respond well to harsh correction or compulsion and such measures will not bring about reliable results.
The bull breeds are generally excellent with children and the OEB is no exception. They are often at their very best with children, as their intelligence, sensitivity, desire to please, and astonishing capacity for play make them excellent companions for children. Their natural protectiveness is also an asset for a family pet. As with ANY dog, young children should be supervised when playing with an Olde English Bulldogge, while the dogs are acutely aware of their size and strength, these powerful animals can easily frighten a small child if the game gets too lively. Most often, the dogs demonstrate a natural ability to adapt their games to the child's size and strength. Fetching games and play involving simple obedience commands given by the child are excellent ways to build a rapport between child and dog.