OBBA - Olde Bulldogge Breed Association

Health & Care

Olde English Bulldogge Health & Care

Honest, breed-specific health information from people who actually breed and own these dogs.

By Lesli Rose · Updated May 2026

The Olde English Bulldogge was rebuilt to fix the health problems of the modern English Bulldog. On most measures it worked. OEBs typically have functional airways, can free-whelp without surgical assistance, can exercise in moderate heat, and live longer than English Bulldogs.

That doesn't mean they're problem-free. The breed still carries risk for hip and elbow dysplasia, allergies, cherry eye, and skin-fold dermatitis. Some bloodlines have heart issues. None of that should scare a buyer off - it should inform what you ask the breeder before you put down a deposit.

Important: This guide is information, not veterinary advice. If your dog is sick or showing symptoms, call your vet. The OBBA registry doesn't substitute for a relationship with a vet who knows your specific dog.

The biggest health risks in the breed

The conditions most commonly seen in OEBs, in rough order of frequency:

  1. Hip dysplasia. The breed has bulldog ancestry; bulldogs have hips. Reputable OBBA breeders have hip-tested foundation stock. Buyers should ask. Read the hip dysplasia guide.
  2. Allergies and atopic dermatitis. Food intolerances and environmental allergies are common. Often presents as paw-licking, ear infections, or skin irritation. Allergy guide.
  3. Cherry eye. Prolapse of the third eyelid gland. Surgical fix is usually permanent; the older "snipping" technique is not recommended. Cherry eye guide.
  4. Skin-fold dermatitis. Less common in OEBs than in English Bulldogs (because of the longer muzzle), but face folds and tail pockets still need attention. Skin fold care.
  5. Elbow dysplasia. Less talked about than hips but a real concern. Elbow dysplasia guide.
  6. Heart conditions. Cardiomyopathy and valve disease show up in some bloodlines. Cardiac health guide.

How long they live

Healthy OEBs typically live 9 to 14 years, with the median in the 11–12 year range. That's notably better than the English Bulldog (typically 8–10 years) and comparable to other working bulldog types. Read the lifespan breakdown.

What good daily care looks like

The basics are unglamorous and they work: a high-quality diet matched to life stage, daily exercise (not too intense in heat), weight management, regular vet visits, and a minute or two of daily fold cleaning if your specific dog has prominent face or tail folds.

OEBs do well on a wide range of diets. Some thrive on premium kibble; others do better on a fresh or raw rotation. The single biggest predictor of how long your OEB lives is their adult weight - overweight bulldogs of any kind die younger. Feeding guide.

What to ask your breeder about

OBBA does not require health testing for registration. Some breeders test, some don't, and you should know which you're working with. Reasonable things to ask before buying:

A breeder who answers these questions thoroughly is a breeder worth working with. A breeder who gets defensive is telling you something. The full list of questions is in the Buying guide.

Health topics we cover in depth