Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogge
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Height at the withers: Males 48 – 61 cm, Females 48 – 61 cm
Average weight: Males 27 – 41 kg, Females 27 – 41 kg
The Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogge is a compact, well-muscled dog and one that boasts being well proportioned with traditional “bulldog” looks. They are proud, confident and alert showing a tremendous amount of strength and power whether at rest or on the move. They have large heads with the top of it being slightly convex with a dog’s forehead dominating their face. They boast having lots of furrows and loose skin around their throats and on the side of their heads as well as on their necks which adds to their overall impression and unique expressions.
Their cheeks are quite prominent thanks to their well-developed muscles. Muzzles are strong, deep and short with noticeable folds on them. They have broad noses with nicely opened nostrils and their ears are set high on the head being set well apart too. Ears should be rose shaped although some dogs have button ears which are acceptable too.
Their shoulders are well developed and muscular being slightly sloping and their front legs are straight, nicely boned and set wide apart which gives the Dorset a powerful, squat appearance when seen from the front. Front feet are strong and broad with thick, firm pads and strong nails.
The Dorset has a very powerful, compact body with deep and wide chests. Their ribs are well sprung being set well down between a dog’s front legs. They have short backs which adds to their overall well-balanced appearance. Necks are slightly arched and moderately long being extremely muscular. Their topline is broad and robust with dogs having muscular backs. Withers are quite noticeable with Dorsets having broad, short and solid loins.
Hindquarters are powerful, broad and well-muscled with dogs having extremely well developed second thighs. Their tails are set high with dog’s holding them straight or some dogs have a “pump action” tail which is highly desirable in the breed.
When it comes to their coat, the Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogge boasts a tight, close lying coat that resembles that of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The preferred coat colours for the breed are as follows:
- White
- Brindle
- Pied
- Black
- Slate grey/blue
Dorsets can be any variation of the above colours which is also acceptable. It is also worth noting that Dorsets with slate grey coats are described as having Dorset Blue Poole coats which refers to blue Paul (Pol) of Scotland and a region in Dorset known as Poole.
Gait/movement
When a Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogge moves, they do so with great purpose covering a lot of ground when they do.
Faults
Prospective Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogge owners should be wary of any puppies or dogs that show any sort of exaggeration whether in their looks or a dog’s conformation. A responsible breeder would always ensure that the stud dogs they use have good conformation and temperaments. Males should have both testicles fully descended into their scrotums.
