General
Description
:
The ideal Olde English
Bulldogge is a loyal, courageous dog of medium size with a large powerful
head and stout muscular body.
Olde English Bulldogges are athletic and most importantly of very good
health, males are free breeders and females are free whelpers. The Olde
English Bulldogge is devoid of all breathing issues and is capable of
enjoying outdoor activity without concern except in extreme heat or cold.
The temperament is very stable and
trustworthy making them a loyal companion, capable protector and the
ultimate family member.
Old English Bulldogges thrive on
pleasing their owners and are very trainable.
Their lifespan is between 10 and 14 years.
Head :
Large and high, moderately
sunken between the eyes (medial furrow).
The circumference of the head
should be equal to or greater than the dog's height at the shoulder. A
narrow head or one that appears too small for the body is a fault.
Ears :
Rose ears set well on the
sides of the head are preferred. Dropped ears are acceptable as long they
are small, not “hound like”. Full pricked ears that stand up on top of
the head should be considered a serious fault.
Muzzle
: Broad, deep and short with
moderate wrinkling. The bite is undershot with the bottom jaw turning up
noticeably.
Lower canines should not protrude.
Muzzle too long (more than
3 inches), scissor bite or even bite are disqualifying faults. Muzzle
should be no shorter than 1 ˝”. Wry jaw is a disqualifying fault.
Eyes :
Wide apart and of moderate
size. Any color is acceptable. However, odd eyes (one dark, one blue or
light) should be considered unpreferred. Misshapen or bugged eyes are a
serious fault. Lacking pigment around the eyes is undesirable. Crossed
eyes or non-symmetrically shaped eyes are a disqualifying fault.
Nose :
Broad with open nostrils (nares)
with no sign of air restriction. The nose should not be pushed up between
the eyes. From the stop to the end
of the nose must be at least one and one half inches.
The
nose should be a solid color. Lacking pigment is a serious fault. A nose
lacking all pigment is a disqualifying fault.
Neck
:
Short to medium in length and very muscular
flowing into the shoulders and should not be set on the dog so it appears
to stop at the shoulders.
Chest :
Ribs should be well sprung (rounded) and the
chest wide and deep.
Depth of chest should be at least to the
elbows.
A hollow or narrow chest (slab sided) should be considered a serious
fault.
Back :
Males should appear square
and balanced. Females should appear similar with consideration given for
body length. Short with a very slight rise from the shoulders to a
slight drop in the croup is preferred. A level back is acceptable as long
as the tail does not come straight off the top of the back.
Shoulders :
Shoulders should be well laid back with significant angulations to allow
for good movement. Straight shoulders are a fault.
Legs
:
Forelegs should be straight
and wide apart, neither bowing out nor turning in. There should be
significant bone substance. Elbows should be relatively close to the
body. Lacking bone and substance is very undesirable. Elbows that are
loose or “fiddle fronts” are a disqualifying fault. “East / West” forelegs
are a serious fault.
Rear legs should exhibit significant bend
of stifle so to allow for good movement.
They should be well muscled. Straight or “posty” rear legs are a serious
fault.
Cow hocks are a disqualifying fault.
Movement
: Dogs should have a balanced
gait that drives off the rear and is complimented by reach allowing the
dog to cover ground with a sense of power.
Dogs should single track. Pacing or crabbing is a serious fault.
Feet
:
Round, tight both front and
rear, and the pasterns should be strong.
Weak pasterns and/or splayed feet are disqualifying faults.
Height
:
Males - 18 to 20 inches at the
shoulder. Females - 17 to 19 inches at the shoulder.
Weight
:
Between 50 to 70 lbs. for
females and 65 to 85 lbs. for males. Although height and weight above the
standard is to be discouraged, there is no penalty as
long as the dog is well proportioned, otherwise correct and balanced.
Color :
Any color, except merle, is
acceptable with no preference for one over another. The coat is short. A
wavy coat or a long coat is a disqualifying fault. There should be no
signs of feathering on the legs or neck area, also a disqualifying fault.
Tail :
A pump handle tail that
naturally reaches the hock is preferred, screwed short
or a docked tails are acceptable. The pump handle tail should be carried
low and not over the back of the dog.
Temperament
: Disposition should be outgoing and happy. While a watchful
nature may be expected at home, human aggression without provocation is a
disqualifying fault.
Revised
July 4, 2006