Olde English Bulldog History

Here is an abbreviated history, I’ve tried to glean and condense a significant amount of information into an easily readable essay. I’ve included links to sites that have comprehensive information in case you are interested in reading deeper.
The original English Bulldog evolved in England sometime during the 17th century. It is thought that these dogs descended from Mastiffs that originated in England. Originally bred for the “Sport” of Bull baiting, these animals were medium sized and fairly aggressive. One of the characteristics of these animals that you’ll see even today is the pushed back nose, this was encouraged so that the dogs could breath, while hanging on to a bull.
old Bull Baiting Scene

In 1835 the English Parliament passed an act, “the Cruelty to Animals Act” which effectively banned Bull Baiting. Although outlawed. Bull Baiting continued for some years until it eventually stopped altogether. With the disappearance of this sport the interest and need for the Olde English Bulldog declined and the breed eventually disappeared and the original breed is considered to be extinct.

The Modern Bulldog came about through devoted lovers of the breed in England. The first bulldog club was formed there in 1864 with the desire to retain the good points of the breed. These points were the basis for the first Breed Standard that this club wrote called the “Phil-Kuan” Standard. Many elements of this standard are still in use today in the modern “AKC” standard for the AKC Bulldog.

Unfortunately in the effort to maintain the “Bulldog” and to breed towards the breed standard the “Pug” was introduced into the breeding programs of the time. The result was the “Modern Bulldog”, who although full of many merits is plagued with many genetic medical problems.

Fortunately the original breed prospered in America. Predominantly in the Rural South where they were used as “yard” dogs as well as working dogs for Hog and Cattle farms in the mountainous regions of the south. These animals eventually became know as the American Bulldog and are the basis for many of the Olde English Bulldog Breeding programs.

IOEBA

IOEBA Breed Standard

CKC

History of the American Bulldog (www.C-gate.net)

History of the Bulldog (www.bulldoginformation.com)