Understanding the Olde English Bulldogge Breed Standard IOEBA

heavenlybulliez202
Jul 21
4 min read

What makes an Olde English Bulldogge a true Olde English Bulldogge? The answer lies in the breed standard—a detailed blueprint that defines the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of this remarkable breed. For a dedicated breeder, the standard is more than a set of guidelines; it's a pledge to preserve the health, function, and historical integrity of the dog.

This article breaks down the official Olde English Bulldogge IOEBA breed standard, explaining not just what we look for, but why these traits are essential for a functional, athletic bulldog.

Olde English Bulldogge IOEBA Standard: The Appearance of Power & Agility

The first impression of an Olde English Bulldogge should be one of power, athleticism, and confidence. The ideal OEB is a medium-sized dog with a muscular, well-proportioned body. They should look agile and capable, never sluggish or cumbersome.

Temperament: The standard calls for a dog that is courageous, loyal, and stable. An OEB should be alert and self-assured but never aggressive or overly shy. This balanced temperament is the bedrock of a perfect family companion.

The Head: The Breed's Signature

The head is a defining feature of the OEB, and its structure is critical for health.

Muzzle: The muzzle should be square, wide, and deep. Most importantly, it should be a moderate length—typically 2 to 3 inches. This is a key distinction from the English Bulldog. This longer muzzle allows for unrestricted breathing, better heat dissipation, and eliminates many of the health issues associated with shorter-snouted breeds.
Bite: The standard calls for a "prognathous" or undershot bite, where the lower jaw extends slightly beyond the upper jaw. A slight to moderate undershot bite is ideal.
Eyes: Eyes should be medium in size, set wide apart, and can be any color. They should have a keen and intelligent expression.
Ears: The ears should be set high and wide, with a "rose ear" (folding inward at the back edge) being the most desirable.

The Body: Built for Function & Strength

The OEB’s body is designed for movement. Every element contributes to its overall health and athleticism. Our breeding philosophy can be represented by the simple formula:

Ideal Conformation ∝ ( Functionality + Health )

Neck: Thick, muscular, and slightly arched, flowing smoothly into the shoulders.
Chest: The chest should be wide, deep, and prominent, providing ample room for the heart and lungs—the engine of an athletic dog.
Back: The back is short to medium in length with a slight rise over the loins, known as a "roach back." This contributes to the breed's powerful forward drive.
Hindquarters: The hindquarters should be broad, strong, and well-muscled. This powerful rear end is essential for agility and strength. Importantly, the hips are wider and more functional than in English Bulldogs, which is crucial for preventing hip dysplasia and allowing for natural births.

Legs, Feet, & Movement

The OEB should stand squarely on strong, straight legs.

Forelegs: Should be set wide apart, with strong pasterns (the part of the leg between the "wrist" and the paw).
Hindlegs: Should be slightly longer than the forelegs, contributing to the roach back.
Feet: The feet should be round, tight, and well-arched, providing a stable, shock-absorbing base.
Gait: The movement should be powerful, confident, and fluid, demonstrating both reach and drive. An OEB should move like the athlete it is.

Coat, Color, & Tail

Coat: The coat is short, close, and glossy, making it easy to care for.
Color: All colors are acceptable, including brindles, fawns, reds, black, and piebald (patches of color on a white background). At HeavenlyBulliez, we celebrate all colors but never prioritize a rare color over health and temperament.
Tail: The tail is set low and can be straight or a "pump handle" shape. A natural, unaltered tail is preferred.

Size & Weight

The goal is a medium-sized dog that is well-conditioned and not obese.

Males: 17 to 20 inches tall at the withers, weighing 60 to 80 pounds.
Females: 16 to 19 inches tall at the withers, weighing 50 to 70 pounds.

Faults to Avoid

The standard also lists faults, which are traits that detract from the dog's health and function. These include things like a long or narrow muzzle, severe breathing difficulty, legs that are too short, or a temperament that is overly shy or aggressive. A responsible breeder actively works to eliminate these faults from their program.

Why the Standard Matters for You

Choosing a breeder who religiously follows the IOEBA breed standard means you are choosing a dog that has been thoughtfully bred for a long, healthy, and active life. You are investing in a companion who can breathe easy on a warm day, join you for a long walk, and live with vitality and vigor.

At HeavenlyBulliez, the breed standard is our promise to you and our commitment to the Olde English Bulldogge.