Courageous and powerful yet loyal and loving family pets, the Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogs are so far living up to their all-rounder status. The breed was developed by Steve Barnett in the 1980s in the UK, and therefore as they are a newer breed buying a Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogge puppy may require a waiting list. However, their growing popularity especially in the UK but also around the world shows just how loved their excitable, family-orientated, affectionate and intelligent nature has fast become.
How big does a Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogge get?
Height: 48- 61 cm (both males and females)
Weight: 27 – 41 kg (both males and females)
Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogs are medium-sized, with a strong, stocky and muscular appearance. Their heads are large with unique loose folds of skin around their face and neck and whilst their muzzle is small this doesn't affect their breathing. They have a very muscular back and legs, and their short and smooth coat can be found in a variety of colours such as white, slate grey/ blue, black and brindle and sometimes a mixture of these colours. Their most commonly found tail shape is either straight or a pump handle shape.
Are Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogs intelligent? – Yes
Are Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogs affectionate? - Yes
Do Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogs dogs have high or low energy levels? – Their energy levels are moderate, needing 40-60 minutes of exercise per day plus mental stimulation.
Are Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogs loyal? - Yes
Are Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogs playful? – Yes
Are Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogs aggressive? – They naturally have a high prey drive which can make them aggressive. This can be kept under control however with consistent training, socialisation from an early age and walking them on the lead unless in quiet areas.
Are Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogs easy to train? – Yes with consistent practice, care and attention. They are very intelligent dogs.
Are Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogs good guard dogs? – It is within the breed's instincts to protect their pack however training them to be guard dogs can make them overly aggressive.
With a Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogge you would have a solid companion. They prefer to live their day alongside their family than on their own, whether that's playing in the garden, going out on walks or just relaxing at home, they are happiest in their family's company. Whilst their energy levels are moderate, they need at least 40 minutes of walking a day, ideally a secure garden to run around in off the lead and they also love mental stimulation everyday, whether that is through training or playtime to avoid boredom. Whilst the Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogge is not bred to be a guard dog they instinctively want to protect their loved ones, therefore consistent training from an early age is essential to control any aggression. However, with the right training and attention they are happily obedient to their owners, displaying a great combination of strength and intelligence.
As previously mentioned, it is within the Dorset Old Tyme Bulldogs nature to protect their pack and therefore early and consistent training and early socialisation with pets, dogs, children and strangers is essential. However with enough love and attention from their owner the breed can be a lovely, loyal and affectionate family pet, which when introduced early can get along well with other pets, dogs, children and strangers. Having said this, they should only be let off the lead if well trained and in quiet places and the breed is better with older children as playtime can sometimes get a little boisterous. If the owner's family does include young children, the dog and child should not be left alone together at any time.
Are Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogs good for first-time owners? - Yes
Are Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogs hypoallergenic? - No
Are Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogs prone to drooling? - Yes
Are Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogs a good breed for apartment living? – Yes if they still get enough exercise and outdoor time.
Do Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogs shed a lot? – Moderately. They shed averagely throughout the year and more in Autumn and Spring.
Do Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogs bark a lot? – Moderately. They are not known to bark more than an average dog.
Can Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogs be left alone at home? – Only for short periods of time.
Can Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogs handle the heat? – The breed can overheat and should be monitored in hot weather.
Can Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogs handle cold temperatures? – Yes, within reason.
Are Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogs sensitive to loud noises? - Not if introduced to them at an early age
The Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogge is a fantastic breed for first-time owners as they are loyal, intelligent and eager to please, making them fairly easy to train and fit into a loving family environment. It is important to remember however that their family-orientated nature means that they generally suit families where they won't be left at home for long periods of time. Due to their high intelligence it is also important to keep them mentally and physically stimulated, therefore whilst they can live in an apartment, an environment with easily accessible outdoor space where they can safely wander around and play in would make them a much happier dog. They are not overly sensitive to the heat or cold, however shouldn't be over-exercised in hot weather or expected to withstand very cold temperatures.
How long do Dorset Old Tyme Bulldogs live? - 10-14 years
The Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogge is one of the most healthy breeds of Bulldog. As they are a fairly new breed more research is required on any hereditary illnesses they may develop, however generally they don't appear to suffer from any hereditary diseases and with the right care and nutrition they have a life expectancy of 10-14 years.
The folds of skin on the breed's face need to be regularly cleaned to avoid a build-up of dirt or bacteria which may create sores. Their life expectancy can be reduced if they put on too much excess weight, which can happen after neutering. Therefore their food intake and exercise should be adjusted accordingly if they begin to get heavier.
How much exercise does a Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogge need? - 40-60 minutes a day
A Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogge doesn't have massively high energy levels, however they need about 40-60 minutes of walking a day, coupled with mental stimulation and play-time to keep them from becoming bored and agitated. The breed needs an element of exercise off the lead, however as they have a high prey drive they should only be allowed off the lead if they have been trained well and only in very quiet places, alternatively they could be given a proper run around in a secure garden. Some dogs in the breed will take to swimming in water which is great as long as the water doesn't appear too dangerous and they can get out again, however if they don't like swimming they should never be forced into any water whilst out on their walks.
Are Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogs prone to weight gain? - Sometimes after spaying or neutering
How much should I feed a Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogge puppy? - 3-4 small portions a day
How much should I feed an adult Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogge? - 2 portions a day
Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogs like good quality dry food, preferably with meat as a key ingredient. Other than this, as the breed doesn’t have any specific health issues, they don’t generally have any specific dietary requirements. However, as always, every dog is unique and owners can find more information from the breeder as to what food their puppy has been brought up on and their eating routine. The amount of food the breed needs to be fed also differs depending on their weight and the amount of exercise they do.
Grooming: The Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogs coat is quite low maintenance as it is quite short, therefore it only needs brushing once or twice a week. As they shed more in the Autumn and Spring this amount could increase slightly during these times. The folds on their face need more regular daily cleaning to prevent sores which can create infections.
Emotional care: The breed loves to be entertained and they reward their owners through their loyalty and quirky personality. This means that they would not be happy to be left alone for long periods of time. However when placed in a family that is more present, once given 40-60 minutes of exercise a day, they are happy to play or relax with their owners, whatever their day entails.
Training: The breed is very intelligent, and therefore thrives best in situations in which they can be mentally stimulated. They love being obedient to their master when they have been trained from an early age and their owner is consistent with reinforcing this training so that the breed is reminded of their place in the pack and doesn't start believing they are the alpha of the household. They don't respond well to harsh training techniques but rather positive encouragement.
The Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogge is quite a new breed, developed in the 1980s by Steve Barnett. He wanted to re-create the 'all-rounder' Bulldog that was so-loved in Tudor times. His main goal was to create a bulldog with stamina, loyalty and who is protective but not aggressive to other animals.
Whilst mainly based in the UK, they are becoming more popular around the world although they are a fairly small breed in numbers and have not been recognised by the Kennel Club as an official breed.
Interesting Facts About The Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogge
The Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogge is a relatively new breed however they have become very popular in the UK, despite there being still only a small amount bred every year.
The mastermind behind creating the breed wanted to create a replica of the bulldog that was so admired in the Tudor times but with a lower level of aggression.
Whilst not a recognised breed by the kennel club, Steve Barnett was given an award by the National Kennel Club for his accomplishments.
As a more recently created breed, buying a Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogge puppy often entails being placed on a waiting list as there are not many that are bred each year.
Owners should get information on the condition of the puppy's parents before buying one, to ensure that they have the correct physical appearance and temperament. Please see our buying guide which provides more insight on what to research and ask of your breeders. It is also important to be careful of scammers and to visit the puppy before buying.
How much does a Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogge cost to buy? £1,000- 2,500
How much does a Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogge cost to feed? £30-40 a month
How much does insurance for a Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogge cost? Basic Pet insurance is around £50 a month depending on the dog's age and health, whereas a lifetime cover could cost about £120 a month.
Adoption and Rescues
Whilst browsing for puppies is such an exciting experience, the option of adopting rescue dogs should always be considered. Please see the below links for more information on where you can find rescue dogs up for adoption:
