Description: Dorset Old Tyme Bulldogge
The Dorset Old Tyme Bulldogge is a rare and distinctive breed originally developed in the United Kingdom to recreate the appearance and temperament of bulldogs from the Regency era. These dogs are celebrated for their impressive strength, loyal nature, and distinct muscular build, while retaining a more athletic and agile frame than modern English Bulldogs. Dorset Old Tyme Bulldogges are known for being affectionate and gentle with their families, making them excellent companion dogs. They are typically good with children and are praised for their stable temperaments. While they enjoy moderate exercise and are generally easy to care for, early socialization and training are important to encourage their best qualities. With their charming looks and loyal disposition, Dorset Old Tyme Bulldogges make wonderful pets for the right owners.
Dorset Old Tyme Bulldogge ratings
Properties
The Dorset Old Tyme Bulldogge is a distinctive breed developed in the United Kingdom as an attempt to recreate the appearance, temperament, and robust health of the old working bulldogs seen in Britain during the 18th and early 19th centuries. Unlike the modern English Bulldog, which has been bred for exaggerated features and can suffer from a range of health problems, the Dorset Old Tyme Bulldogge was selectively bred by enthusiasts like Steve Barnett to be more athletic and to possess fewer of these health issues.
The breed is known for its medium-to-large muscular frame, displaying a well-proportioned physique with a broad chest, strong legs, and a sturdy yet agile build. Males typically weigh between 55-80 pounds, while females are slightly lighter. Their coat is short and smooth, and acceptable colors include white, brindle, fawn, and variations thereof. Their expressive faces may display some of the classic bulldog features such as a broad skull and pronounced cheek muscles, but they have less extreme wrinkling and less brachycephalic (short-nosed) structure than the modern English Bulldog.
Temperamentally, the Dorset Old Tyme Bulldogge is celebrated for being loyal, loving, and affectionate toward its family. They are generally calm and even-tempered, making them outstanding family companions, although their protective instincts mean they are also vigilant watchdogs. Their intelligence and eagerness to please facilitate training, though as with all bulldog-type breeds, consistent, positive reinforcement works best. Early socialization is recommended to help them become well-rounded adults who interact well with children, strangers, and other animals.
The breed’s athleticism and energy mean they benefit from regular exercise, whether through walks, play sessions, or time spent in a secure outdoor space. Unlike their modern bulldog relatives, Dorset Old Tyme Bulldogges tend to have fewer respiratory and mobility issues, contributing to a reputation for greater overall health and vitality, though they can still be prone to some genetic disorders if not responsibly bred.
In appearance, personality, and function, the Dorset Old Tyme Bulldogge stands as a tribute to the original bulldogs of yesteryear. Their versatility, affection for family, and relatively robust health make them a valued breed among enthusiasts.
Appearance
The Dorset Old Tyme Bulldogge is a distinctive breed known for its classic bulldog appearance, which combines strength, athleticism, and an old-fashioned charm reminiscent of the original bulldog types of centuries past. This medium-sized dog displays a sturdy, compact body that expresses power without appearing overly bulky or cumbersome. The breed is well-balanced, robust, and muscular, projecting an impression of endurance and vitality.
The head of the Dorset Old Tyme Bulldogge is large, broad, and square, with a well-defined stop between the forehead and the muzzle. Its muzzle is moderately short yet not excessively so, allowing for easier breathing compared to some modern bulldog breeds. The jaw is strong and undershot, but not exaggerated; the lips are thick and loose yet should not droop excessively. Prominent, well-muscled cheeks and a furrowed brow give the dog a classic, expressive bulldog look.
The eyes are medium in size, round, and well-set apart, displaying a calm and intelligent expression. Their color is generally dark, ranging from brown to almost black, matching the eye rims. Ears are set high and wide, typically small and rose-shaped, folded backward rather than standing erect. The neck is thick, strong, and well-arched, blending smoothly into well-laid shoulders.
The Dorset Old Tyme Bulldogge's body is slightly rectangular, meaning it is longer than it is tall, allowing for agility and flexibility. Its back is broad and straight, with a slight arch over powerful loins. The chest is very deep and wide, with well-sprung ribs and a pronounced brisket. Legs are solid and muscular, with the forelegs being straight and set well apart to support the dog’s substantial frame, while the hind legs are broad and sturdy, contributing to a balanced, athletic gait.
The coat is short, smooth, and close-fitting, providing a glossy sheen. The skin is thick and loose, creating characteristic folds particularly around the head and neck, though these should not be excessive. The Dorset Old Tyme Bulldogge comes in various colors, often including brindle, white, fawn, pied, and shades of red, but typically without excessive or elaborate markings. The tail is thick at the base, tapering to a point, and usually carried low in a gentle curve.
Overall, the Dorset Old Tyme Bulldogge is a well-proportioned and uniquely attractive breed, combining old-world bulldog traits with improved physical health and mobility.
History
The Dorset Old Tyme Bulldogge is a modern recreation of the historic English bulldogs commonly found in Britain before the Victorian era. The breed takes inspiration from the bulldogs used between the 17th and 19th centuries for bull-baiting and other working purposes. The original bulldogs of that time had a robust, athletic physique, and were known for their courage, tenacity, and resilience. However, by the late 19th and early 20th centuries, changing laws and social attitudes led to the decline of blood sports like bull-baiting, which in turn brought about changes in breeding objectives. The English Bulldog, as recognized today, was selectively bred for a stockier build and less active temperament, mainly as a companion animal, prioritizing appearance over functionality.
The Dorset Old Tyme Bulldogge breed was developed in the late 1980s and 1990s in the UK, primarily by breeder Steve Barnett. Barnett’s vision was to restore the bulldog’s original form and vigor, referencing historical descriptions and illustrations of pre-Victorian bulldogs. The breeding program involved crossing various bulldog-type dogs, including the American Bulldog, Bullmastiff, and other breeds closely resembling the original working bulldogs, while selecting for the health, structural soundness, and temperament reminiscent of the old bulldogs. The goal was to re-create a dog that not only looked like its ancestors but also had the health, athleticism, and balanced temperament they were renowned for.
Today, the Dorset Old Tyme Bulldogge is celebrated for its more moderate and functional build compared to the modern English Bulldog. It retains many of the positive characteristics of its ancestors, such as loyalty, intelligence, and an affectionate nature, while being more active and less prone to the health complications associated with the extreme physical traits of the contemporary bulldog. The breed is recognized by various rare breed clubs and societies but is not acknowledged by major international kennel clubs like the FCI or AKC. Enthusiasts of the Dorset Old Tyme Bulldogge continue to maintain breeding programs with the aim of promoting both the breed’s historical appearance and its health, ensuring the survival of a living representation of Britain’s canine heritage.