General Description: The ideal Olde Bulldogge is a loyal, courageous dog of medium/large size with a large powerful head and stout muscular body.Olde Bulldogges should be athletic and of very good health, males able to breed freely by achieving a natural “tie”, females able to whelp naturally without requiring a cesarean section. The Olde Bulldogge should be devoid of all breathing issues and be capable of enjoying outdoor activity without concern except in extreme heat or cold.
The temperament is very stable and trustworthy, with a willingness to protect their family. Their lifespan is between 10 and 14 years.
Head: Large and held up to denote courage, moderately sunken between the eyes (medial furrow) with a muzzle length approximately 1/4th the overall length of head from tip of nose to occiput.The circumference of the head should be greater than the dog’s height at the shoulder by 15-20%. A narrow head or one that appears too small for the body is a fault. Consideration should be given to the female enabling her to be slightly less robust.
Ears: Rose ears set well on the highest point of the sides of the head are preferred. Drop ears are acceptable. Tulip ears are a fault, full prick ears are a serious fault.
Muzzle: Broad and deep with moderate wrinkling. Length should be between 1 and 3 inches. The lower jaw has a slight upward curve and flews should be able to cover the lower canines.
Bite: Under-bite should be between 1/4 to 1 inch. Scissor bite is a fault. Wry Jaw is a disqualifying fault.
Eyes: Wide apart, of moderate size and symmetrical in shape. Any color is acceptable. Crossed or bug eyes are a serious fault.
Nose: Broad with open nostrils (nares) with no sign of air restriction. A nose lacking all pigment (Dudley) is a fault.
Neck: Medium in length, very muscular and slightly arched.
Chest: Ribs should be well sprung and the chest wide and deep. Depth of chest should be at least to the elbows. A narrow chest or shallow brisket is a fault.
Back: The back should be medium in length, well muscled and broad with a slight roach.
Shoulders: Shoulders should be broad and well muscled with good lay back.
Legs: Forelegs should be straight and wide apart with significant bone substance. Rear legs should be massive, well muscled with moderate angulation of stifle. Straight stifle and cow hocks are faults.
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 and purpose. Gait should be a fluid double track.
Feet: Thick, round, and tight with strong pasterns and well knuckled toes.
Height and weight: Males-18 to 20 inches at t=the shoulder. Females -17 to 19 inches at the shoulder. weight between 50 t o 70 pounds for females and 65 to 85 pounds for males. Larger and smaller dogs are acceptable if well proportioned.
Coats: Short in length, varying from soft to slightly stiff. Any color, except merle, is acceptable with no preference for one color over another.
Tail: Docked, screwed, spike, or pump handle with no preference for one over the other. A pump handle tail, should be carried low and not over the back of the dog.
Temperament: Disposition is normally outgoing and happy. While a watchful and protective nature may be expected at home, human aggression without provocation is a disqualifying fault.