Most important facts
- Group
- Crossbreed
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 23–36 kg
- Lifespan
- 9–14 years
- Coat
- Short, smooth and dense
- Energy
- Moderate
- Height
- 41–51 cm
- Colours
- Brindle, fawn, black, red or white
- Shedding
- Moderate
- Est. feeding cost
- ~£47/mo
- Gear to consider
- Slow-feeder bowl, orthopaedic bed, cooling mat
Typical dry food, adult
About the Olde English Bulldogge
David Leavitt created the Olde English Bulldogge in Pennsylvania in 1971. He set out to rebuild the athletic, healthier bulldog of the Regency era through a scheme of crosses between English Bulldogs, Bullmastiffs, Pit Bulls and American Bulldogs. The founding line is still bred separately as the Leavitt Bulldog. Recognised by some American registries, the type has no UK Kennel Club status.
Bred with temperament as much as health in mind, the Olde English Bulldogge is typically affectionate and eager to please. It makes a devoted family companion. It tends to be confident and watchful without the extreme stubbornness sometimes seen in older Bulldog lines, and it generally does well with children when raised alongside them.
Like most bulldog-types, it can still show a stubborn streak, so start training and socialisation early and keep them consistent. Its strong food motivation is a useful training tool, but the same enthusiasm at mealtimes needs managing carefully, since this breed will happily overeat if allowed to.
Common health conditions
Things Olde English Bulldogge owners commonly watch for. Guidance, not veterinary advice.
Hip dysplasia
A hereditary joint condition common in heavier, muscular breeds. Measured portions keep the dog at a lean body weight, so leave free-feeding alone.
Brachycephalic-related breathing sensitivity
The breed's longer muzzle means problems are usually milder than in the English Bulldog, but overheating still needs care, and extra weight makes breathing effort worse.
Skin allergies and cherry eye
Some individuals are prone to skin irritation and to cherry eye. Feed a diet with a good balance of omega fatty acids alongside any veterinary treatment.
Obesity
A hearty appetite paired with moderate exercise needs makes weight gain common. Check body condition regularly and portion to activity level, not mealtime enthusiasm.
Feeding a Olde English Bulldogge
Olde English Bulldogges are muscular, heavy-boned dogs with only moderate exercise requirements, so their calorie needs are lower for their size than a working breed's. Measure portions against body condition rather than the feeding guide alone, and count treats within the daily allowance, since this breed is prone to carrying excess weight.
Growing puppies do well on a large-breed puppy formula that keeps calcium and phosphorus in check, so bone and joint development stays steady. Rapid growth strains the hips later. As an adult, look for diets that support lean muscle and joint health, and consider a slow-feeder bowl, as many individuals eat quickly.
Every dog is different — weight, age and activity all shift what a Olde English Bulldogge needs. The turns these breed tendencies into a shortlist matched to your dog’s age, size, budget and needs.
Typical adult weight
23–36 kg
Est. daily calories
880–1,650 kcal
A broad guide for an average-activity adult in good body condition — not veterinary advice. Real needs vary with age, neutering, activity, health and body condition, so no two Olde English Bulldogges eat exactly the same. Get a personalised estimate or estimate feeding costs.
- Per day
- ~£1.55
- Per month
- ~£47
- Per year
- ~£565
A broad typical monthly budget guide, not a live price quote. Food format, calorie density, pack size and retailer pricing all change the real cost.
Find the right food for your Olde English Bulldogge
Foods ranked to your dog
Answer a few quick questions and the Food Finder ranks foods to your Olde English Bulldogge by score, price, life stage and fit.
Breed at a glance
- Exercise needs5/10
- Appetite8/10
- Trainability6/10
- Good with children8/10
- Shedding4/10
- Tolerates being alone4/10
The good & the worth-knowing
The good
- Affectionate, loyal and generally good-natured with family
- Sturdier build and better mobility than the traditional English Bulldog
- Low-maintenance short coat that needs little grooming
Worth knowing
- Prone to weight gain, so portions and treats need consistent management
- Can be stubborn and benefits from confident, consistent training
- Heat and strenuous exercise need managing due to some brachycephalic sensitivity
Best matched accessories
All accessories →The collections that suit the breed, judged by the same independent standard.
Common owner questions
Is the Olde English Bulldogge recognised by the UK Kennel Club?
No, not currently. It was developed in the US in the 1970s and is recognised by some specialist registries and the American United Kennel Club, but not by the UK Kennel Club. This doesn't affect its care, but it's worth knowing before assuming pedigree paperwork or breed-specific insurance terms will apply.
How much should I feed an Olde English Bulldogge?
Feed to body condition rather than strictly by the bag's guideline, since this breed's activity is only moderate but its appetite is strong. Split food into two measured meals a day, watch the waist and ribs, and use our Food Finder to match a diet to the dog's size, age and activity.
Do Olde English Bulldogges have breathing problems like English Bulldogs?
Generally less so. The breed was deliberately bred with a longer, less flattened muzzle to reduce airway obstruction. Even so, keeping the dog lean and avoiding hard exercise or heat during warm weather helps it breathe comfortably.
Are Olde English Bulldogges prone to weight gain?
Yes, this is one of the more common issues owners face with the breed. A muscular frame, a keen appetite and moderate exercise needs combine easily into extra weight. Regular body condition scoring and adjusting portions early is far more effective than reacting once weight has been gained.