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Cheyenne Schroeder

21 May 2012 The Perfect Everymans Dog: Appreciating the Olde English Bulldogges Value as the Modern Familys Pet

The original bulldog, from the early 17th and 18th centuries, was used in blood sports, such as bull baiting. For that reason they were intentionally bred for strength, power, and the ability to dominate animals far larger than themselves. According to the International Olde English Bulldogge Association, when bull baiting was outlawed around 1835, bulldogs became rare. Enthusiasts then decided it was time to rebuild the breed; minus the aggressive tendencies required for their former occupation. They reformed the breed with a genetic mixture of English Bulldog, American Bulldog, American Pit Bull Terrier, and Bullmastiff. The Olde English Bulldogge (OEB) is the healthy, modern-day reconstruction of those original bulldogs. OEBs undeniably make wonderful companion pets physically, because of their medium size, lack of major medical issues, and their ability to breed naturally. Also, they are a desirable pet behaviorally, for they are independent and able to adapt to any lifestyle.

When fully matured, a typical OEB weighs in at about 50 to 70 pounds and stands from 14 to 16 inches tall. You will not misplace a bulldogge, like you might a Yorkshire Terrier. Nor will you have them under your feet, like a Dachshund, or so large that it is impossible to comfortably cuddle with, like a Great Dane. They are easily recognized from all other breeds because of their thick chest and low-lying belly, their straight hind legs, tight large paws, rose ears, big brown eyes, and their unique stump of a snout. Their adorable symmetrical smushed

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faces have the ability to show human expression, because of their forward facing eyes. The position of the eyes, much like a humans, helps to create the illusion that they know your thoughts and intentions. For that reason, they are known as a dog with personality. Bulldogges are fiercely independent. They will respect the pack leader, but not without a bit of attitude. Their genetic disposition is one of strength and dominance. They can be aggressive towards other dominate dogs and animals if not properly socialized when young. Those obsessive tendencies stem from insecurities. They need to feel comfortable in their environment and with other animals, or they feel threatened. When raised properly, they are as docile as lambs. OEBs can even be trusted around small children and babies. Both male and female bulldogges make fantastic pets. Neither gender is better or calmer or safer than the other, though there are some differences. When spayed they have no gender-reason for personality differences. If left intact hormonal changes can affect them, and that fact should be considered when adopting or rescuing a bulldogge. Males will tend to get more energetic and may begin to mark, which is when a male urinates on something to mark it as his territory. Females will experience heats, which is her menstrual cycle, and can sometimes develop a slight temperament change.

Thanks to their moderate energy level, they are the perfect apartment companions. OEBs are neither lazy, like a English Bulldog, nor super hyper, like a Pomerian. Bulldogges will adapt to any environment and schedule. They would just as soon lie on the couch and watch a movie with you, than go on a jog through the park. Also, OEBs rarely bark. It is commonly found though that they snore, a symptom from their snub nose. If you are a light sleeper, you may want to kennel your bulldogge in another room.

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Unlike the English Bulldog, OEBs generally do not experience breathing problems associated with snub-nosed dogs. Except in the case of extreme temperatures such as below freezing or high 80s, bulldogges can enjoy running, skateboarding, exercising, and with the aid of a life-jacket, swimming and surfboarding. Exercise is necessary because it helps prevent obesity, which can cause joint issues in their elbows and knees later. Drooling is not a usual occurrence, like it is for Saint Bernard. They are free-breeders, meaning they can naturally tie, and free whelpers, meaning they can have natural vaginal birth. Unfortunately, OEBs require regular grooming care for infection-free bulldogge wrinkles, a healthy coat, and a soft, moist nose. So while the breed lacks any dominate genetic disorders, making them a more affordable pet for average families, they still need health care attention.

If treated poorly or abusively, OEBs can develop several physical and behavioral disorders. My most rewarding journey in OEB adoption and personal care started when I went down to Missouri to buy an adult male. When I got there and saw him, I knew I couldnt leave him. It ended up being more of a rescue. We immediately worked on creating a better life for him, starting with a new name, Oliver. After I brought Oliver to my local vet, they discovered he had several medical issues. One of which required us to quarantine him from my other pets for months. My daily duties for him included bathing him in special medicated shampoo, giving him his antibiotic medication, and special food for his upset stomach. Every day I would need to take him outside several times to one localized spot that other people and animals wouldnt touch. But no matter how sick Oliver was, he always wanted to cuddle and be by my side.

Not only did he have physical problems, he also had behavioral issues. Cesar Millan is the Founder of the Dog Psychology Center in Los Angeles and star of Dog Whisperer with Cesar

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Millan on National Geographic Channel. Millan, along with Melissa J. Peltier, wrote the book, Cesars Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems, sharing how to successfully rehabilitate dogs. We adopted his tactics and applied them to Oliver. One of Millans recommendations was to give Oliver a walk and a playtime, allowing him some much needed exercise and positive human interaction. For every good behavior, we happily reinforced it with affection. In a week, I trusted him to walk by me off the leash. The next week, he was allowed to run out the door to his potty area and run back all by his self. A few months later we would allow him supervised play time with other canines. Now, he likes nothing better than to be the center of attention. He lets everyone give him a good belly-rub, and remains off the leash most the time when we are together. His quirks, charms, affection, and amazing road to recovery have set in stone my love and dedication to the breed, Olde English Bulldogges.

Olde English Bulldogges can be wonderful family pets. As a breed they are bursting with personality, have lovely amiable temperaments, express a moderate energy level, and generally experience good health. But like any animal, it is the owners responsibility to provide regular care to keep them happy and healthy.

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Works Cited Millan, Cesar and Melissa J. Peltier. Cesars Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems. New York: Harmony Books, 2006. Print. Olde English Bulldogge History. International Olde English Bulldogge Association, n.d. Web. 24 May 2012.