Victorian Bulldogs: A Modern Revival of an Old Breed

Do you want an English Bulldog in its purest form, but with a fraction of the health risks? The Victorian Bulldog could be your ideal companion! This handsome pup holds immense promise for families who seek a faithful and loyal pooch.

Having descended from the first-ever Bulldog, the Victorian Bulldog blends the best of both worlds – it’s still true to its original specifications yet has been adjusted to reduce the risk of inheriting hereditary illnesses.

In this article, we discuss all you need to know about the breed, from their feeding requirements to potty training, along with other topics such as vaccinations, buying a puppy, and more. So get ready to learn more about these cuddly canines – let's get started!

Quick Overview

• Other name: Bulldog Mollett Victorian Bulldog
• Colors: Brindle, fawn, red, Pied and white
• Coat type: Smooth, fine, shorthaired coat
• Weight: Male 65 – 75 pounds, Female 55 – 65 pounds
• Height: 21 – 22 inches
• Lifespan: 10-13 years
• Grooming: Easy
• Trainability: High
• Temperament: Friendly, extrovert, playful, possessive, stubborn at times

History and Origin of the Victorian Bulldog

The Victorian Bulldog was created in the United Kingdom by crossing English Bulldogs with other breeds such as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, and Bullmastiff. The goal was to recreate the original bulldog breed that existed in the 19th century, before the breed was modified to participate in bull-baiting and other blood sports.

The original bulldog was smaller and had a more athletic build. It was also known for its courage and tenacity. The Victorian Bulldog was created to bring back some of those traits while eliminating the more aggressive tendencies that had been bred into the breed.

The first Victorian Bulldogs were created in the 1980s by Ken Mollett, a British bulldog breeder who wanted to create a healthier version of the English Bulldog. Mollett crossed his English Bulldogs with other breeds, including the Bullmastiff, to create a dog that was healthier, more athletic, and had fewer health problems than the English Bulldog.

The Victorian Bulldog quickly gained popularity in the UK and was recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1999. It was also recognized by the Bulldog Club of America (BCA) in 2013.

Today, Victorian Bulldog puppies are still pretty hard to come by. It's mainly because only two minor registries have given the nod to the breed, and they've only been around in the US for the past 10 years or so. If you want to make sure your pup is the real deal, you'll need to do some serious digging into the breeder or go straight to the source in the UK and get one from the original breeder's family.

Appearance and Life Expectancy

Males usually weigh between 65 and 75 pounds, while females usually weigh between 55 and 65 pounds. They usually stand between 16 and 19 inches tall. The Victorian Bulldog has a short and straight coat, with a single layer that's nice and thick all over.

Colors you can commonly spot a Victorian Bulldog in include white, red, brindle, and fawn. Every now and then you might even find one with a bi-colored coat, but that's pretty rare.

The Victorian Bulldog is a bit taller, has fewer wrinkles, and a smaller head with a longer snout than the English Bulldog. A Victorian Bulldog should be lean and never, like, chubby or anything. This breed is also known to shed an average amount of hair, with two big shedding seasons a year.

The Victorian Bulldog typically has a lifespan of 10 to 13 years. A place with kids, singles, and a backyard would be ideal for this pup.

They are known for their loving, friendly, confident, courageous, and intelligent personalities. As such, they make excellent family pets. These dogs have a moderate energy level and require regular exercise, although they are not overly active.

Their temperament is affectionate and loyal, and they are known to be very protective of their families. They are also intelligent and trainable, making them an ideal pet for those looking for a loyal companion.

Victorian Bulldogs are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain health issues. It is important to be aware of these health issues, as well as to provide regular checkups and vaccinations for your pup. Proper nutrition and exercise are also essential for keeping your Victorian Bulldog healthy and happy.

Temperament

Victorian Bulldogs are known for their playful nature and fun-loving personalities. It is a loyal and affectionate dog that is good with children (supervised interaction) and other pets. It is also a protective dog that will defend its family if necessary.

They are an intelligent breed and can learn quickly, making them an ideal pet for any family. Despite their size, Victorian Bulldogs are gentle and relaxed. According to the breed standard, they should have a healthy temperament and be socialized early for optimal behavior.

Victorian Bulldogs are loyal and loving towards their family and can form a strong bond with them. They love getting attention and do best when they have a job to do. With proper socialization, these pups can be great around kids and strangers. They make excellent watchdogs, as their loud bark can be intimidating. However, they should never be aggressive without a good reason.

Although the Victorian Bulldog was created to be less aggressive than the original bulldog breed, it still has a strong prey drive and may not get along well with small animals such as cats. It is also not recommended for households with small children, as its size and strength could accidentally harm a child during play.

Victorian Bulldogs fare best in cooler climates or hot weather, as they tend to have a lazy temperament when it's too cold.

Training

Victorian Bulldogs are incredibly smart and trainable. They learn best with reward-based training methods, such as clicker training and interactive toys. To make training sessions more enjoyable and rewarding for your pup, use treats, calming treats, and puzzle games. Yelling or getting mad will not help them understand what's going on, and they'll be less likely to learn.

Training them requires patience and consistency. These dogs can be stubborn and may take longer to train than other breeds. Positive reinforcement training is recommended, as punishment-based training can cause these dogs to become fearful or aggressive.

When house training your Victorian Bulldog, always stick to one door and use it every time, and make sure your pup is nice and warm at night. Scheduled meals are the best way to feed your pup while they’re learning, and it's important to use the same yard area for potty training. If your pup has the runs while potty training, you’ll need to do some extra scrubbing.

Care

Victorian Bulldogs need moderate grooming – just a weekly brush to keep their short-haired coat looking nice. This is important for keeping the breed healthy, as the wrinkles can easily accumulate bacteria and cause skin infections if not properly cleaned.

To keep their eyes, pearly whites, and ears clean, it's best to use a damp cloth or baby wipe and gently wipe around the eyes, brush their teeth and gums with enzyme toothpaste, and use a pH-balanced ear cleaner with a cotton swab, respectively.

As for bathing and brushing, it's best to give your pet a bath about once a month and brush their coat at least once a week. For their nails, it's best to give them a trim about once a month. A small yard with a high fence is a great way to keep your pup active and prevent over-grooming.

Remember to be gentle with your pup while grooming, as the breed is sensitive and may become anxious if handled too roughly. A soft bristled brush and gentle strokes will ensure a pleasant experience for both you and your pup.

Exercise

They are a pretty chill breed, so they don't need a ton of exercise to stay healthy and happy., a moderate amount of activity and mental stimulation is perfect for them., a 20-30 minute walk once or twice a day should do the trick.

They love to get their paws on a frisbee, chase a ball around, or even get their minds going with some brain games. It's a great way to bond with your pup and the younger members of the family! However, it is important to avoid excessive exercise or activities that could cause joint problems due to the breed's stocky build.

They may struggle to get enough air when they're exercising, so it's important to be mindful of the temperature and try to keep outdoor playtime to a minimum when it's too hot.

It's also a good idea to keep an eye out for signs that your beloved pet is getting too hot or pushing themselves too hard – that way you can make sure they take a break when they need it.

And of course, don't forget to bring a comfy harness and leash when you're out and about!

Health Issues

They are a relatively healthy breed, but they do have their fair share of health issues. In general, they are much healthier than their English Bulldog cousins and are often used as a replacement for them in dog breeding programs. Common health issues in Victorian Bulldogs include skin problems, obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, cherry eye, and a tendency to overheat.

When it comes to skin issues, they are prone to a range of skin problems, such as eczema, dermatitis, inflammation, and hot spots caused by bug bites and other irritants.

They can also be prone to obesity, which can lead to hip and elbow dysplasia and make it difficult for them to breathe. To keep your pup healthy and avoid obesity-related illnesses, make sure to give them the exercise they need and feed them a balanced diet.

They can also be prone to overheating due to their brachycephalic features. This makes it difficult for them to pant and regulate their body temperature, resulting in breathing difficulties.

Additionally, they may have food sensitivities that cause gassiness and skin allergies. To prevent cherry eye from developing, regular vet visits are a must. Cherry eye is a common eye issue in Victorian Bulldogs, where a red bump appears at the corner of their eye.

Nutrition

A Victorian Bulldog needs about 1000 calories a day to stay healthy and happy, so it's essential to keep an eye on their food intake, as these pups can easily become overweight if they're given too many treats. A high-quality dry dog food is the way to go, as it's got all the good stuff they need for their nutrition and it's made for medium to large breeds.

Meat or animal-based protein should be the top priority, and owners should watch out for too much protein which can cause hot spots. This type of food is also great for keeping their skin and coat looking healthy, plus it helps keep their immune system strong.

Somewhere between one and two cups of chow should do the trick, you can't go wrong with a premium dog food split into two meals – one in the morning and one at night – each being around 3/4 to 1 cup. Kibbles can help keep your pup's pearly whites in tip-top shape by reducing plaque buildup.

Also, make sure they're getting all the nutrients they need and steer clear of any unhealthy snacks. You can give them raw eggs, yogurt, semi-cooked veggies, and fruits to make sure their diet is on point. It's always a good idea to chat with your vet first to make sure you're giving your pup the best food for their needs.

Preservatives are added to keep the food from going bad, but if you see a “preservatives-free” label on dog food, it doesn't necessarily mean there are no preservatives in the mix.

Are Victorian Bulldogs Good For Families?

They are a great fit for families and apartments because they're super chill and don't need a huge yard to get their exercise in. They have a loving temperament and love nothing more than cuddling up with their families, making them the perfect companion for any household.

They may not be the best guard dogs, but they are still very protective of their family, and they'll jump in if they think someone's trying to mess with their people. It's important to teach kids how to be respectful and how to act around the pup, as even though they are usually chill with kids, they still have their limits.

Do They Get Along With Other Pets?

Getting them used to other animals is key to making sure they don't show any aggressive behavior – and it's best to start socializing your pooch as soon as possible. Vics usually get along great with other dogs and can even be pals with cats, but it really depends on their individual personality and how much socialization they've had.

With the right training and socialization from an early age, Vics can learn to get along with other animals. They are known to be intelligent animals, and as such, can be taught to get along with other pets, even cats! Moreover, as family dogs, they love spending time with their human family and other furry friends.

Proper socialization, paired with healthy dog food and exercise, will ensure that your Vic gets along with other dogs and family pets. It's important to remember to always supervise your pup when they're around other animals, as their friendly demeanor can sometimes be misinterpreted by other breeds.

Immunization

Getting your Vic vaccinated is a must – it's super important! Vaccinating your pup can cost anywhere from $75 – $100 for the core vaccines like DHPP and $15 – $20 for the rabies vaccine. Most vets will give the standard distemper and Parvovirus shots, plus the rabies jab required by law. Depending on where you live, you might need to get a few extra vaccinations for your pup.

It's not only important to get your pup vaccinated, but also to maintain a healthy lifestyle for him or her. Keeping Fido's collar and dish clean before every meal is essential for his health and wellbeing, and exercising your pup regularly is important to keep them fit and healthy.

Additionally, it's important to forgive your pup's behavior, as sometimes a stern talking-to or punishment isn't the answer. Showing them a bit of understanding and kindness is the way to go.

Pricing

Getting a Vic pup from a reputable breeder is key, since these pups are so rare. A good breeder should have a solid reputation, a long history in the business, and plenty of experience.

Do your research and make sure you know the pup's background and health history before you make the commitment. If you're looking to get a Victorian Bulldog, you're looking at shelling out between $1,500 and $5,000.

When searching for a breeder, make sure to ask questions such as how the parent dogs were bred, where the pups were raised, and what type of medical care they received.

A reputable breeder will be happy to answer all of your questions and provide you with any additional information you need. It’s also important to make sure that the breeder is registered with a reputable registry such as the Dog Registry of America (DRA) or American Kennel Club (AKC). This will ensure that the pup you purchase is of a high quality and healthy.

To Sum It All

This is a unique and charming breed that is gaining popularity around the world. It is a loyal and affectionate dog that is good with children and other pets. However, it requires careful attention to its health and grooming needs, and owners should be aware of the breed's potential health issues.

Though their higher price range might make some people hesitant, it is important to remember that you truly get what you pay for when buying these rare and special pups. Plus, with proper care, love, and socialization, your Vic will be by your side for many years of playtime, cuddles, and loyally guarding your home.