Olde Boston Bulldogge Dog Breed

The Olde Boston Bulldogge is a rare breed that was originally bred for dog fighting and property guarding; as such, dogs of this breed are classified in the Working group, even though these days many are kept as family pets. These dogs are best suited for experienced owners who are looking for a low-maintenance, protective companion capable of guarding property. Olde Bostons are small- to medium-sized, with short, smooth coats that exist in a variety of colors. Here are some advantages and disadvantages to owning a dog of this breed:

PROS:

• Extremely protective and loyal
• Willing to please
• Very low-maintenance overall
• Excellent health
• Intelligent
• Fantastic watchdog skills
• Good with children
• Incredibly athletic
• Socializes fairly well with other pets
• Low barking tendencies
• Playful and fun-loving

CONS:

• Can be stubborn and strong-willed
• May turn destructive if left alone
• Early socialization with humans/other pets recommended
• Tendency for overeating
• Rare, and thus difficult to obtain
• Rambunctiousness may be a danger to small children

This is a small-medium sized breed that measures 12 to 16 inches at the shoulders and weighs anywhere from 20-40 pounds.

Olde Bostons make a fine choice for owners of all types. They are loyal, brave watchdogs as well as loving playmates to children. Although spirited and outgoing, they are equally pleased to go for a long walk or sit with you on the couch. Among their most notable traits are: brave, protective, loyal, eager to please, trainable, and friendly.

The Olde Boston is a prime choice for those desiring a low maintenance dog breed. The short, smooth coat requires brushing and bathing only when necessary. These medium energy dogs can be satisfied with a long daily walk and some outdoor playtime. Members of this breed are intelligent and eager to please but they also have a will to be in charge, so although they are trainable, they will require a firm and patient owner.

These dogs originated in the United States several decades ago as pest hunting, sporting and companion dogs. The Olde Boston Bulldogge is a predecessor of the similar looking Boston Terrier and likely had a role in the breeds emergence. The Olde Boston itself is rare and descended from the 1800's Olde type Bull and Terrier (mix of the English Bulldog and Bull Terriers) used in pit fighting. The Olde Boston breed has a limited traceable genepool, therefore most members of this breed today come from a lineage that includes Boston Terrier mixed with several other bulldog breeds in order to achieve the desired looks/phenotype. This fact may be counter-intuitive since the Olde Boston Bulldogge is one of the breeds from which the Boston Terrier came. This breed is not acknowledged by the AKC but is recognized by the United Canine Association.

Overall, the breed is small-medium sized, compact and muscular. The head is round and somewhat large; the measurement around the entire head should be about equal to the dogs height at the withers. A furrow exists between the wide set eyes (which can be any color) and the nose is broad and dark; the muzzle is short but the nose is not "pushed back" as many other bull breeds. The ears of these dogs can be naturally erect or dropped. They have a short, muscular neck and a level back that can also slightly raise towards the rear. The Olde Boston's legs are heavily built and spaced wide apart ending in feet that are round and strong. The tail is usually docked.

The Olde Boston Bulldogge sees little variation in the physical characteristics which make up the breed. In regards to coat, Olde Bostons likewise have little variation: short, smooth coats are the fairly strict norm.

Dogs of this breed are also fairly uniform in size, though the average height (12-16 inches at the shoulders) and weight (20-40 pounds) can vary somewhat. Breeders do advertise "Miniature Boston Bulldogs" for sale, and though those dogs are indeed smaller--10 inches in height, 15 pounds in weight, on average--they are in all likelihood crossbreeds, with dogs like the Miniature Bull Terrier or the Pug in their gene pools.

Olde Boston Bulldogges are notably vigorous, courageous and protective. Members of this breed enjoy being in charge, so a training will require patience and a strong will. Overall, the dog is intelligent and trainable due to the desire to please its owner. Their bravery, loyalty and trainability make them a worthy choice of those looking for a watchdog. They are also considered outgoing and yet stable are good additions to families and multi pet households.

The lifespan of an Olde Boston Bulldogge is 10-14 years and the breed is free from any major health concerns. Due to the fact the nose is not "pushed back" as in many other bull breeds they are without the typical bulldog breathing problems.