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 ½”. 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