Olde English Bulldogge Vs English Bulldog: What Are 8 Key Differences?

Written by Jennifer Gaeng
Updated: October 30, 2023
Share on:

Advertisement


Olde English Bulldogge vs English Bulldog
Olde English Bulldogges and English Bulldogs have very different backgrounds

Is there a difference between an Olde English Bulldogge (or OEB) and an English Bulldog? You may think these two canines are the same based on their names, but you’d be wrong! In fact, their origins can be traced to two distinct continents. For example, the OEB originates from the United States, whereas the English Bulldog originates from England. Even upon looking at them, you will see just how different they are.

In this post, we’ll be focusing on 8 main differences in appearance, traits, and health for these two bulldog dog breeds. We’ll go through each of them in-depth in the parts that follow. Let’s get started!

Olde English Bulldogge Vs. English Bulldog: A Comparison 

Olde English Bulldogge Face

Old English Bulldogs are larger than English Bulldogs

©Joao Roda/Shutterstock.com

Key DifferencesOlde English BulldoggeEnglish Bulldog
Height16 – 20 inches12 – 16 inches
Weight50 to 80 lbs.49 to 55 lbs.
Coat typeShort, CoarseShort, Smooth
ColorsWhite, Brindle, Red, BlackWhite, Brindle, Red, Gray
TemperamentAlert, Confident, Strong, LovingAggressive, Social, Sweet, Loving
Pet / Child FriendlySomewhat Pet / Child FriendlyVery Pet / Child Friendly
Life Expectancy11 to 13 Years8 to 10 Years
Health ProblemsHealthy BreedSomewhat Healthy Breed
Olde English Bulldogge vs. English Bulldog: 8 Key Differences Table

Key Differences Between Olde English Bulldogge and English Bulldog

English bulldog in flower field

English bulldogs are loving and affectionate but are a bit more sensitive to their surroundings than other breeds.

©iStock.com/bgsmith

The Olde English Bulldogge and the English Bulldog are both loving, affectionate, and a bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Despite their similarities, they have many key differences to consider such as size, personality traits, and particular needs. Old English Bulldogges are taller, heavier, and live longer than English Bulldogs. They also tend to have longer noses, and so they’re less likely to suffer from brachycephaly or other respiratory ailments. We’ll dive into the full details below!

Appearance

Olde English Bulldogge

Olde English Bulldogges are larger than English Bulldogs

©Jaden Cardona Photography/Shutterstock.com

Olde English Bulldogge vs. English Bulldog: Height

The Olde English Bulldogge, or (OEB), comes in at around 18.5 inches tall for the average male. The English Bulldog, aka the bulldog or British Bulldog, comes in at around 14 inches high.

Olde English Bulldogge vs. English Bulldog: Weight

While the Olde English Bulldogge weighs an average of 70 pounds, the English Bulldog weighs an average of 54 pounds for an adult male. Despite being classified as medium-sized canines, the OEB is clearly the larger of the pair.

Olde English Bulldogge vs. English Bulldog: Coat Type

Both the Old English Bulldogge and the English Bulldog have short, fine hair, however, the OEB is coarser and requires less maintenance than the English Bulldog.

Olde English Bulldogge vs. English Bulldog: Colors

White, brindle, or red are the most common colors of the Old English Bulldogge, however, they can be black as well. Although it is popular in other breeds, English Bulldogs rarely come in black. While black eyeliner, noses, and pads are typical, they are usually a lighter shade of white or fawn.

Characteristics

The English Bulldog has a spunky attitude but is not the most playful breed.

©Pleple2000, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons – License

Olde English Bulldogge vs. English Bulldog: Temperament

Both breeds are affectionate and social, but each has its own set of quirks. The Olde English Bulldogge is reported to be more prone to wandering. When playing or angry, the English Bulldog has a spunkier attitude and might come out as aggressive. The two aren’t naturally playful or amenable to training.

Olde English Bulldogge vs. English Bulldog: Child / Pet Friendly

The OEB is a little more cautious around children and other animals, but they’re still great family dogs who aren’t afraid of strangers. The bulldog, or English Bulldog, tends to be quite social and get along with all kinds of people and pets.

Health Factors

English bulldog with tongue out on couch

English bulldogs are loyal and love to snuggle with their family members.

©iStock.com/EnchantedFairy

Olde English Bulldogge vs. English Bulldog: Life Expectancy

The Olde English Bulldogge, like most dogs, has a lifespan of 10 to 13 years on average. Sadly, the English Bulldog has a shorter lifespan than the normal dog, with a life expectancy of only 8 to 10 years.

Your bulldog’s health depends on how active he or she is. Bulldog breeds are prone to gaining weight quickly because of their apathetic nature. Bulldogs can’t withstand excessive exercise, yet they still require activity. For most bulldogs, 15 minutes of daily activity in the morning and afternoon is all they require.

Olde English Bulldogge vs. English Bulldog: Health Problems

The OEB and the English Bulldog are subject to health concerns. English Bulldogs are unfortunately an unhealthy breed, through no fault of their own. Extreme breeding procedures utilized in the 18th century have left the English bulldog with some major health concerns such as heart disorders and cancer.

Neither breed is highly lively, and both require significant sleep. Minimal and modest exercise is best for the OEB and the English Bulldog to avoid triggering hip or heart difficulties.

What 2 Breeds Make an English Bulldog?

The English bulldog is recognized as having origins in the British Isles, with ancestry believed to trace back to the Asiatic mastiff and the pug of all breeds. The early bulldogs were characterized by their fearlessness and a remarkable insensitivity to pain.

Additionally, the start of the breed crosses for the Olde English Bulldogge is a combination of one-half Bulldog, one-sixth American Bulldog, one-sixth Bullmastiff, and one-sixth from various other breeds.

Furthermore, following numerous carefully planned crosses, the Olde English Bulldogge breed eventually emerged and started breeding true to its distinct characteristics.

Wrapping Up Olde English Bulldogge vs. English Bulldog

Both the OEB and the English Bulldog make wonderful family dogs, though the OEB is more finicky with other pets and children. The OEB is also bigger, stronger, and lives longer on average than the English Bulldog.

As a bulldog owner, be aware of frequent bulldog health issues and address them promptly. Find a vet who has experience with bulldogs so they can give you accurate guidance. A good bulldog breeder will have health checked both parents to guarantee they are breeding only the healthiest bulldogs.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Joao Roda/Shutterstock.com

Ready to discover the top 10 cutest dog breeds in the entire world?

How about the fastest dogs, the largest dogs and those that are -- quite frankly -- just the kindest dogs on the planet? Each day, AZ Animals sends out lists just like this to our thousands of email subscribers. And the best part? It's FREE. Join today by entering your email below.

What's the right dog for you?

Dogs are our best friends but which breed is your perfect match?

X-Small
Small
Medium
Large
Xtra-Large

If you have kids or existing dogs select:

Kids
Other Dogs

Should they be Hypoallergenic?

Yes
No
How important is health?
Which dog groups do you like?
How much exercise should your dog require?
What climate?
How much seperation anxiety?
How much yappiness/barking?

How much energy should they have?

The lower energy the better.
I want a cuddle buddy!
About average energy.
I want a dog that I have to chase after constantly!
All energy levels are great -- I just love dogs!
How much should they shed?
How trainable/obedient does the dog need to be?
How intelligent does the dog need to be?
How much chewing will allow?

Share on:
About the Author

Jennifer Gaeng is a writer at A-Z-Animals focused on animals, lakes, and fishing. With over 15 years of collective experience in writing and researching, Jennifer has honed her skills in various niches, including nature, animals, family care, and self-care. Hailing from Missouri, Jennifer finds inspiration in spending quality time with her loved ones. Her creative spirit extends beyond her writing endeavors, as she finds joy in the art of drawing and immersing herself in the beauty of nature.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.