English Bulldog vs. Olde English Bulldogge  

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Don’t let their names confuse you…

If you look at a list of mixed breed dogs, you’ll see tons of similar breed names— but that doesn’t always mean they’re similar!

For example, what is the difference between an English Bulldog and an Olde English Bulldogge?

You might think they’re older/newer versions of the same dog… but they’re not!

Not as old as you think!

But would you believe me if I told you the Olde English Bulldogge has only been around since the 1970s, whereas the English Bulldog dates back to the 1600s?

Can’t decide which Bulldog?

Trying to figure out whether you should get an Olde English Bulldogge or an English Bulldog?

Read on to learn about the differences between these two confusingly similar breeds!

Their Names are Similar– But They’re Not

While the English Bulldog and Olde English Bulldogge might sound like similar breeds, they have more differences than you’d first expect!

Not to be confused with the now extinct Old English Bulldog, the Olde English Bulldogge is a relatively-new breed (recognized in 2014) that aims to improve the breed’s health by introducing other genes from other breeds.

The catch is that these similar-sounding breeds are not as related as you’d think…

The Olde English Bulldogge isn’t even English! Can you believe that?

While they may have many differences— they’re both great choices for a family pet and you really can’t go wrong with either breed.

What is the difference between an English Bulldog and an Olde English Bulldogge?

There are quite a few differences between these two breeds. Don’t let the name fool you— the Olde English Bulldogge isn’t even from England!

Category	Olde English Bulldogge	English Bulldog
Country of Origin	United States	United Kingdom
Price	$250 to $7000	$200 to $6000
Weight	48 to 80 pounds	50 to 56 pounds
Lifespan	10 to 14 years	9 to 12 years
Height	15-21 inches	12 to 16 inches
Coat	Short, smooth, and minimal shedding	Short with medium shedding
Grooming	Low maintenance	Low maintenance
Temperament	Affectionate, cheerful, alert, courageous, friendly, gentle, and intelligent	Affectionate, courageous, friendly, loving social & sweet
Litter Size	4 to 10 pups	4 to 5 pups

Are Olde English Bulldogges Aggressive

No, not in the true sense of the word aggressive. Olde English Bulldogges come from a unique strain of dogs that may be aggressive at times but in reality, these dogs are more playful and friendly.

Their courage and stubborn traits may be confused with aggressive behavior but as a whole, they are very family-friendly and are generally considered a non-aggressive breed.

Don’t judge a book by its cover! The English Bulldog is not aggressive an aggressive breed either!

Health Issues – Olde English Bulldogs vs. English Bulldogs

Common health issues that affect both breeds: hip dysplasia, breathing issues, exercise intolerance, eye issues, and more.

Due to their various health concerns, it’s important that you find a reputable breeder that prioritizes the health of the breed over making a profit…

Shady breeders will cut corners to maximize their profits— this is why you might pay more for a dog from a reputable breeder.

Are Olde English Bulldogges more healthy than English Bulldogs?

Yes. In fact, the Olde English Bulldogge was specifically bred to create a healthier version of the English Bulldog that didn’t suffer from as many breathing issues as the original English Bulldog.

The English Bulldog is notorious for having breathing issues that can make it hard for the dog to be highly active, especially on a hot summer day.

What breeds make an Olde English Bulldogge

There are actually 3 different dog breeds involved in creating the Olde English Bulldog.

1. Pitbull
2. American Bulldog
3. Bull Mastiff

When David Leavitt began developing this breed in 1971, he mixed together 4 breeds to create this new bulldog.

It was 50% English Bulldog and the other 50% was the Pitbull, American Bulldog, and Bull Mastiff.

Why was the Olde English Bulldogge bred?

The purpose of creating this dog breed was to create a designer breed that would have all the good characteristics that come with its originating dog breeds.

Are Olde English Bulldogges Extinct?

No, but the Old English Bulldog is extinct!

The Olde English Bulldogge and Old English Bulldog are not the same breed! The key is in the spelling of the word ‘old’.

There was an old English dog breed that started around the 1600s and it was quite a fierce dog.

However, that breed has gone extinct and their demise took place somewhere in the late 19th to early 20th centuries.

Revival of the Old English Bulldogge

But, since that time, there have been many attempts to revive the breed, and the Olde English Bulldogge, is just one of those many attempts.

The United Kennel Club officially recognized the Olde English Bulldogge in 2014.

Since then, the Olde English Bulldogge has remained a popular choice for those wanting a “rare” dog breed (it’s definitely an uncommon breed), and only time will tell if it will reach the popularity of dogs such as the English Bulldog and French Bulldog.

It is considered a “designer breed” — a breed made by combining multiple breeds, often for their desirable traits — and therefore lacks the aggression that was found in the original Old English Bulldog.

This breed is still going strong and as a designer breed, it lacks a lot of the aggression that was found in the previous version of the English Bulldog that was bred for bull-baiting.

The Underrecognized Underdog

Also, the Olde English Bulldog does not get a lot of recognition as a dog breed— it took 42 years from its inception to get its first international approval.

At the time of this writing, the American Kennel Club has yet to recognize the Olde English Bulldogge as one of its officially recognized breeds.

Pros & Cons of Both Breeds

Olde English Bulldogge Pros & Cons

Olde English Bulldogge Pros

As mentioned earlier, the goal with breeding the Olde English Bulldogge was to create an even better version of the English Bulldog…

Here are a few things that make the Olde English Bulldogge so great…

1. Healthy: considered a healthier version of the English Bulldog
2. Rugged: big-boned, solid, and muscular
3. Athletic: nimble, agile, and healthy
4. Short coat: requires less maintenance
5. Family dog: friendly, good with children, and highly social
6. Adaptable: quick to acclimate to new environments

Olde English Bulldogge Cons

1. History: it’s a new dog that doesn’t have a long, rich history
2. Big eaters: known for eating lots of food
3. Can be too protective if not socialized around lots of other people & dogs
4. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club

English Bulldog Pros & Cons

English Bulldog Pros

1. A long heritage and history— bred since the 1500s
2. Very friendly, especially around children
3. Muscular
4. Loyal to their owners
5. Very loving
6. A purebred breed that is recognized by the American Kennel Club

English Bulldog Cons

1. Weight: prone to gaining weight easily (and it’s not easy for them to lose it!)
2. Health issues: more common in English Bulldogs compared to the Olde English Bulldogge
3. Gassy: like other flat-faced breeds, English Bulldogs are prone to lots of farting

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Olde English Bulldogs Hypoallergenic?

Kinda…

While there is “no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog breed“, some breeds are less likely to cause issues in those with dog allergies.

With that being said, Olde English Bulldogs don’t shed much which is better for allergies.

Are English Bulldogs Hypoallergenic?

No, English Bulldogs are not hypoallergenic— they’re actually quite likely to cause issues in those allergic to dogs.

If you’re looking for a hypoallergenic dog breed, check out this list of all Hypoallergenic Breeds from the American Kennel Club.

Are Olde English Bulldogs & English Bulldogs Good Family Dogs?

Yes! These are both two excellent choices for family dogs.

While they can sometimes be aggressive to unknown dogs that they think pose a threat, they are loving to most children— these breeds also love to be the center of attention.

Olde English Bulldog Similar Breeds

• French Bulldog
• English Bulldog
• Old English Bulldog (the extinct breed)
• American Bulldog
• Australian Bulldog
• Bullmastiff

English Bulldog Similar Breeds

• French Bulldog
• Olde English Bulldog
• American Bulldog
• Victorian Bulldog

Is the Olde English Bulldogge the right breed of dog for me?

The Olde English Bulldog is a very loving, friendly, and loyal breed… It is also courageous, intelligent, and highly energetic.

If you are looking for a loving medium-sized family dog, then you probably can’t go wrong with either an Olde English Bulldogge or English Bulldog— if I had to choose between the two, I’d have to go with the Olde English Bulldogge simply because it has less health issues.

They can be expensive

The puppies can cost quite a bit unless you get them from a rescue shelter. Then in that situation, you may find them very affordable… but it can be hard to find an Olde English Bulldogge at a rescue near you.

The Olde English Bulldogge isn’t tiny!

When the puppies grow up, they are classified as medium-sized dogs that need to eat a lot of food.

Short, low-maintenance coats

Their short, smooth fur may make them an ideal pet for those people suffering from allergies. While not classified as hypoallergenic, they do not shed a lot of fur.