| The History of the True Olde English Bulldogge |
In a Statement to the breeders of Olde English Bulldogges David Leavitt
wrote.
"Hello to all Bulldogge lovers. I am writing this brief statement to help clarify some
of the misconceptions developed over the years, regarding the Olde English
Bulldogge (OEB) which I created in the early 1970's. I was dismayed by the
health problems and short life span of my English Bulldog. I discovered the
modern dog didn't look like the original Bulldogge. The "old dog" had a more
athletic, healthier, and less extreme body. I researched Bulldog history
thoroughly; receiving help from the AKC Library and Bulldog collectors and
antique dealers here in the U.S and in England. The OEB and it's standard mirror
wrote.
"Hello to all Bulldogge lovers. I am writing this brief statement to help clarify some
of the misconceptions developed over the years, regarding the Olde English
Bulldogge (OEB) which I created in the early 1970's. I was dismayed by the
health problems and short life span of my English Bulldog. I discovered the
modern dog didn't look like the original Bulldogge. The "old dog" had a more
athletic, healthier, and less extreme body. I researched Bulldog history
thoroughly; receiving help from the AKC Library and Bulldog collectors and
antique dealers here in the U.S and in England. The OEB and it's standard mirror
the body of the working Bull Baiter, but with a friendly, up-beat disposition that makes them an asset in any household.
Please examine the displayed drawings of the "old dog" and see their healthy, agile bodies, which always sported a full
length tail. Today's excellent OEB'S are a testimony to the continuing had work of our committed breeders. I created
the name Olde English Bulldogge for my breed, and not a type of dog".
David Leavitt Statement
In 1971, I started this project of breeding a dog with the looks of the 18th 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 very widespread for hundreds of
years. Extreme cruelty to animals was inherent in baiting sports. This cruelty was abhorrent to me, but I was fascinated
by the great tenacity and courage of the over-matched underdog. I was also drawn to the Bulldog because of his
fierce appearance. A modern protection dog, who 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 looks. I 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.
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 to bite, then vice versa.
I'm using a line-breeding scheme, developed for cattle at Ohio State University. You start with 3 unrelated dogs, two
males and one female. 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 out crosses will be possible. I've
used breeds that all have old Bulldog in their background. My dogs are half 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 dogs' 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 the eight and ninth generations on the two
lines, at the time of this printing in 1995.
My dogs can now breath. They will never be like hounds, able to run for miles during the hottest weather of summer,
but they're three times better than the restricted modern Bulldog. Cesarean section births are not necessary. Artificial
insemination, due to male ineptness and lack of drive, has been replaced by natural ties. Life span in over eleven
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.
The Olde English Bulldogge has met the stringent requirements for inclusion in "The Rare Breed Handbook" and dog
show judges can find the standard there.
Please examine the displayed drawings of the "old dog" and see their healthy, agile bodies, which always sported a full
length tail. Today's excellent OEB'S are a testimony to the continuing had work of our committed breeders. I created
the name Olde English Bulldogge for my breed, and not a type of dog".
David Leavitt Statement
In 1971, I started this project of breeding a dog with the looks of the 18th 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 very widespread for hundreds of
years. Extreme cruelty to animals was inherent in baiting sports. This cruelty was abhorrent to me, but I was fascinated
by the great tenacity and courage of the over-matched underdog. I was also drawn to the Bulldog because of his
fierce appearance. A modern protection dog, who 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 looks. I 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.
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 to bite, then vice versa.
I'm using a line-breeding scheme, developed for cattle at Ohio State University. You start with 3 unrelated dogs, two
males and one female. 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 out crosses will be possible. I've
used breeds that all have old Bulldog in their background. My dogs are half 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 dogs' 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 the eight and ninth generations on the two
lines, at the time of this printing in 1995.
My dogs can now breath. They will never be like hounds, able to run for miles during the hottest weather of summer,
but they're three times better than the restricted modern Bulldog. Cesarean section births are not necessary. Artificial
insemination, due to male ineptness and lack of drive, has been replaced by natural ties. Life span in over eleven
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.
The Olde English Bulldogge has met the stringent requirements for inclusion in "The Rare Breed Handbook" and dog
show judges can find the standard there.
Now that we have the statements out of the way. Let's focus on the very important issues. What is a purebred dog?
Most people understand this question this way. If they look alike it must be purebred. If they are registered with an
organization, they must be purebred. Absolutely WRONG!
The following statements are from a case study and were written by Mr. Jeffrey Bragg.
In order for any dog to be recognized as a Pure Breed it must contain Four Essential characteristics to distinguish the
origin in the genetic sense of a new breed (as opposed to the discovery, popularization and "recognition" of, for
example, an indigenous breed.
1. Founder Event
2. Isolation
3. Inbreeding
4. Artificial Selection.
The four tools are used to divide a new genome which contains only the traits desired by the creators of the new
breed and is able to reproduce itself, with it's distinguish characteristics to a fair degree of stability and consistency.
The Olde English Bulldogge was developed and has those unique characteristics.
Most people understand this question this way. If they look alike it must be purebred. If they are registered with an
organization, they must be purebred. Absolutely WRONG!
The following statements are from a case study and were written by Mr. Jeffrey Bragg.
In order for any dog to be recognized as a Pure Breed it must contain Four Essential characteristics to distinguish the
origin in the genetic sense of a new breed (as opposed to the discovery, popularization and "recognition" of, for
example, an indigenous breed.
1. Founder Event
2. Isolation
3. Inbreeding
4. Artificial Selection.
The four tools are used to divide a new genome which contains only the traits desired by the creators of the new
breed and is able to reproduce itself, with it's distinguish characteristics to a fair degree of stability and consistency.
The Olde English Bulldogge was developed and has those unique characteristics.
To the left you see an English Bulldog. Yes, very cute. But
this type of Bulldog is not for everyone. First you have to
understand that your Veterinarian Bill might sky rocket.
English Bulldogs have many health problems. Please do your
research to find the health concerns associated with this
breed.
this type of Bulldog is not for everyone. First you have to
understand that your Veterinarian Bill might sky rocket.
English Bulldogs have many health problems. Please do your
research to find the health concerns associated with this
breed.
To the left you see an Olde English Bulldogge commonly
known as the OEB . A much healthier breed. A breed that is
devoted to their owners and their family members. No dog no
matter what type of breed is perfect, but the life expectancy of
the Olde English Bulldogge is 10 - 12 years old. In fact there
has been some dogs that have lasted up to 14 years. Now
that is impressive for a Bulldog.
known as the OEB . A much healthier breed. A breed that is
devoted to their owners and their family members. No dog no
matter what type of breed is perfect, but the life expectancy of
the Olde English Bulldogge is 10 - 12 years old. In fact there
has been some dogs that have lasted up to 14 years. Now
that is impressive for a Bulldog.
Now that you have an understanding of the OEB and the make up of the OEB, I am going to share my personal
feelings regarding the issues. Many people have tried and are trying to create an Alternative Bulldog of their own.
There is no problem with that. I believe that if anyone who has an understanding and the time to create a breed should
be commended for their efforts. My personal feeling is that a breed was created over 40 years ago and there is no
need to re-create. Another issue is other developers that use the name OEB to solely deceive the new comer. Let me
explain, in the 1890's Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann developed the Doberman Pinscher. He used several
established breeds. Experts agree that Rottweilers, Great Danes, German Pinscher, Manchester Terriers, and
German Short Haired Pointers were used. He called the new breed Doberman Pinscher. As of today nobody has called
their developed breeds a Doberman Pinscher. Why then call a new developed Alternative Bulldog an Olde English
Bulldogges?
People are imitating and some times using other types of breeds and calling them as the catch phrase Olde English
Bulldogges. The dogs that the creator of the OEB used are not the same dogs of today. The time and the efforts
behind it are not the same as today. I urge you not to be blinded by cuteness. The development of the Olde English
Bulldogge was a long one and was not an overnight success. No breed in the world was an overnight success.
Understanding that Form follows Function is evident that the True OEB was developed with a purpose. First it is a
devoted family dog, excellent with children of all ages. It is an excellent alert dog, he or she will let you know of any
strangers around. By nature it is a calm dog. Able to withstand the heat, and the cold. Of course within reason.
feelings regarding the issues. Many people have tried and are trying to create an Alternative Bulldog of their own.
There is no problem with that. I believe that if anyone who has an understanding and the time to create a breed should
be commended for their efforts. My personal feeling is that a breed was created over 40 years ago and there is no
need to re-create. Another issue is other developers that use the name OEB to solely deceive the new comer. Let me
explain, in the 1890's Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann developed the Doberman Pinscher. He used several
established breeds. Experts agree that Rottweilers, Great Danes, German Pinscher, Manchester Terriers, and
German Short Haired Pointers were used. He called the new breed Doberman Pinscher. As of today nobody has called
their developed breeds a Doberman Pinscher. Why then call a new developed Alternative Bulldog an Olde English
Bulldogges?
People are imitating and some times using other types of breeds and calling them as the catch phrase Olde English
Bulldogges. The dogs that the creator of the OEB used are not the same dogs of today. The time and the efforts
behind it are not the same as today. I urge you not to be blinded by cuteness. The development of the Olde English
Bulldogge was a long one and was not an overnight success. No breed in the world was an overnight success.
Understanding that Form follows Function is evident that the True OEB was developed with a purpose. First it is a
devoted family dog, excellent with children of all ages. It is an excellent alert dog, he or she will let you know of any
strangers around. By nature it is a calm dog. Able to withstand the heat, and the cold. Of course within reason.
How can you tell the difference between an OEB and an Alternative Type? Very easy! Ask the question: Are your
dogs True OEB - from the Leavitt strain? No longer the OEB is just being register by one particular Registry. The
Politics of the Registration houses have actually hurt and divide some of the breeders of True OEB'S. But to be fair to
all, I would say that some are being register with the Continental Kennel Club, Olde English Bulldogge Kennel Club,
and the Leavitt Bulldogge Association. Remember that it is not about the Registry but about the dogs.
Good luck in your search, any questions send an email to: delmaroeb@optonline.net
dogs True OEB - from the Leavitt strain? No longer the OEB is just being register by one particular Registry. The
Politics of the Registration houses have actually hurt and divide some of the breeders of True OEB'S. But to be fair to
all, I would say that some are being register with the Continental Kennel Club, Olde English Bulldogge Kennel Club,
and the Leavitt Bulldogge Association. Remember that it is not about the Registry but about the dogs.
Good luck in your search, any questions send an email to: delmaroeb@optonline.net
The Olde English Bulldogge History and our trip
The Olde English Bulldogge's creation began in the City of Allentown, Pa. My wife an
I brought one of our puppies and decided to stop by the old town. Took some
pictures and it was great.
I brought one of our puppies and decided to stop by the old town. Took some
pictures and it was great.
An American breed born in Allentown, PA USA. We did not see any OEB'S around. I
am sure there are some of the Alternative Type but there were no True OEB'S to
see around. Except my Boy.
am sure there are some of the Alternative Type but there were no True OEB'S to
see around. Except my Boy.
Many people don't know in Allentown, PA that an
American Breed of Dog was created there. So we decided
to bring the Past into the Future!
American Breed of Dog was created there. So we decided
to bring the Past into the Future!