Old Tyme Bulldog

Size:

Grooming:

Exercise Level:

Trainability:

Barking Level:

Good with Children:

Good with other pets:

Affectionate:

Protective:

Height: 43 - 51cm M | 40 - 48cm F

Weight: 27 - 36kg M | 22 - 31kg F

Life Expectancy: 11 - 13 Years

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Introduction

The Old Tyme Bulldog was developed in the British Isles in an effort to recreate a variety similar to bull-baiting dogs during the 16^th century. This medium-sized breed has slightly longer snouts than that of an English Bulldog. With its short and close-lying coat, grooming is very easy. Although it may have a tough-looking exterior, it has a sweet and eager-to-please temperament. This lazy breed needs about 30 to 40 minutes of exercise to maintain a healthy body.

Are you considering an Old Tyme Bulldog? Here is a brief background of this sturdy-looking but affectionate dog breed.

History

In the late 1980's Steve Barnett started the breeding program of the Old Tyme Bulldog in the British Isles in an attempt to recreate a variety of bulldog based on old bulldog breeds. It is similar to the bulldog breeds of the early 16th century showing the same athletic build, graceful appearance, and a pure bulldog temperament. These old original bulldogs were bred for kings and queens of the Tudor period and participated in the barbaric sport of bull-baiting (where it got its name bulldog). During bull-baiting, the bulldog flattens itself to the ground as it creeps close to attempt to bite the nose or the head of the bull.

The Old Tyme Bulldog early use was not limited to sports. Its role also extends in a city-wide round-up effort. It was trained to lead and corner dangerous wild bulls away from the crowd. Since it is a new breed, it is not recognised by The Kennel Club. Despite it, it has become one of the more popular breeds in the UK.

Appearance and Grooming

The Old Tyme Bulldog is a well-proportioned medium-sized dog with very muscular shoulders and hindquarters. It has straight well-boned forelegs that are set far apart, a short back, a shortened muzzle, slightly longer snouts than the English Bulldog’s, and strong undershot jaws for efficient biting. Its chest is broad and deep with sprung ribs. Acceptable coat colours include brindle, black, pied variations, blue, and slate grey. Proud, confident and fearless, this dog breed showcases an athletic physique that projects an image of grace and power.

This bulldog loves to be groomed (except for nail trimming) and enjoys baths. Since it has smooth and shiny coats being a short coat, has low grooming needs. To keep its coats in top condition, it only requires a weekly brush and wipe over with a chamois cloth. One significant indication of an Old Tyme Bulldog's health is reflected through its coats. You should check for bare spots, scabs and other skin problems. Also check between toes, wrinkles and tail for cysts or inflammation. If you notice anything not normal, make sure to have it checked by a professional vet right away.

Although not everyone can afford to go to a professional grooming centre, it is important to know the basics of grooming an Old Tyme Bulldog and avoid potential health problems.

Temperament and Intelligence

The Old Tyme Bulldog may look rough, sturdy, muscular and big-boned but in reality, this dog breed is sweet with an eager-to-please temperament. This powerful looking dog breed will thrive basically in any environment. Because of its adaptable nature, it is affectionate and most often attached to its master, adapting easily to any lifestyle. It gets along well with people, especially children. While it is sociable, it is also fiercely loyal determined to protect its masters. The Old Tyme Bulldog constantly looks for human attention, which makes it excellent companion dogs. This breed is good with other dogs but not with cats.

Though not a fast learner, the Old Tyme Bulldog is a smart dog. When training, it is essential to start early. It takes a lot of time and patience because of its stubborn nature and tendency to do things at its own pace. However, this characteristic must not be confused as being wilful. Short training sessions and positive reinforcement such as high-value rewards are keys to train an Old Tyme Bulldog successfully.

Nutrition and Feeding

A typical serving for an adult Old Tyme Bulldog is 2 to 3 cups of excellent quality dry dog food per day. When it comes from a breeder, transition the new puppy slowly to an organic, all natural diet. Servings and feeding frequency depend on age, size, build, and metabolism.

Typical calorie needs of adult Old Tyme Bulldogs per day:

Senior and less active: up to 1,100 calories daily
Typical adults: up to 1,300 calories daily
Physically active/working dogs: up to 1,400 calories daily

The choice of dry or wet food must be quality, labelled specifically for its breed and must meet its needs. The Old Tyme Bulldog needs high protein food in its diet. This helps aid muscle, bone and joint growth to support its daily activity needs. It tends to bloat so feed it smaller meals (3-4 times a day) throughout the day to prevent this from occurring.

Health and Exercise

The Old Tyme Bulldog is a generally healthy dog breed that can live as long as 12 years but like any dog breed, it is predisposed to certain medical conditions. It is usually known to suffer from Hip and Elbow Dysplasias, Patellar Luxation, Hyperuricosuria, Sleep Apnea, Cherry Eye, Interdigital Cysts, and Pulmonic Stenosis.

The Old Tyme Bulldog is not a very active dog but it still needs an adequate amount of exercise daily to stay healthy. It needs about 30 to 40 minutes of exercise a day combined with mental stimulation. Take it to short morning walks when the weather is cooler.

Cost of Ownership

If you are interested in caring for an Old Tyme Bulldog, you would need to go on a waiting list as this breed is rare in the UK. The price for a well-bred pedigree puppy is at least £500. To ensure it stays healthy at whatever age, you will need to feed your dog high quality dog food and treats, which can set you back £30-£40 a month. You would also need to spend on dog accessories such as leads, collars, eating bowls, crates, beds, and toys. The combined initial cost for these things is estimated at £200.

Moreover, you need to consider paying for pet insurance to offset veterinary bills in case your dog suddenly falls ill or gets into an accident. Depending on where you live and your dog’s health and age, a time-limited cover can cost £58 a month while a lifetime one can cost up to £155 a month. Generally, insurance companies do not cover routine veterinary consultations, initial vaccinations, boosters, and neutering or spaying, so you may also have to spend an additional £1200 annually for these services.

On average, the minimum cost to care for an Old Tyme Bulldog is £80-£150 per month depending on your pet insurance premium. This estimate does not include the rates for other services such as walking and grooming.

Old Tyme Bulldog Breed Highlights

The Old Tyme Bulldog is sweet, friendly and loyal, making it a good companion.
This breed gets along with children and other pets.
Boasting of a stable and dependable temperament, it is a great dog for first-time owners.
It does not have demanding requirements in the grooming and exercise front.
It is prone to certain medical conditions like Sleep Apnea and Pulmonic Stenosis.