Reign is a 4 year old Olde English Bulldogge who lives with his dog siblings and cat sibling. An Olde English Bulldogges are slightly different to an English Bulldog. Olde English Bulldogge are  taller and more slender than regular British Bulldogs. Their heads are deemed more normal-sized and they have fewer wrinkles.  Their noses are longer which makes them less likely to suffer from brachycephaly or other respiratory ailments. Reigns owner did an interview with RooBear Co and told us about the breed stereotyping they experience.

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Q) Why did you choose to buy/adopt the breed of your dog ?

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A) Bulldogs are often overlooked. They are not what many see as your ‘typical cute dog’. There is also a lot of negativity about the breed, which probably puts people off buying/adopting them. When we began rescuing, I went with the mind set of choosing a dog that the majority of people wouldn’t normally chose. The little cute pups always go so quick and you often find that it is the older/not popular breeds that are left without homes. Every dog deserves a good home. There is no such thing as a ‘bad’ breed of dog. No dog is born bad.

 

Q) Before you had your breed of dog, did you have any of your own stereotypical views towards the breed?

 

A)I’ve never had any stereotypical view towards bulldogs, or any breed of dog really. I understand that may not be the case for everyone. My grandmother trained dogs. My mum was brought up around dogs, my sisters and I were then brought up around dogs. We were always educated in that respect and so we loved all dogs.
 

Q) Have you had people cross the road/ give you a wide berth in order not to pass close to you whilst out walking your dog?

A) Unfortunately yes we have experienced this quite a few times.

It really upsets me because I just want those people to understand that my dogs has nothing but love to give. She wouldn’t hurt a fly.

 

Q) Have you ever had parents pull their children out of the way/ closer to them when they have seen you coming?

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A) Yes we have experienced this a few times too. Again, it is upsetting.
 

Q) What is the most negative thing you have experienced physically/ verbally whilst out walking?

A)I have experienced people say that Reign should be muzzled. People have made comments about her appearance, about what she ‘would do to them if she got close’ and her ‘apparent aggressive nature’ due to the type of dog she is. Reign is the most lovable dog I have ever met. It is really frustrating when people make comments like this.

 

 

Q)Why do you believe people have the stereotypical views that they have towards (your breed of dog)?  

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A) I think its a total lack of education on the matter and people spreading false negative breed discrimination. If you come across an aggressive dog, it is probably likely to be a bulldog/staffies and other similar breeds. This is because they are often the type of dogs that abusers will use in dog fights etc. I personally think that's where a lot of it comes from. People forget that the aggressive ones have without a doubt suffered beyond imaginable abuse. It is the abusers fault, NOT the dogs. Like I say, there is no such thing as a ‘bad’ dog.

 

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Q) What would you like to say to people who have pre judged views towards (your breed of dog)?

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A) I would like to stress that bulldogs are the most lovable dogs ever. They have so much love to give. They are cuddly, loyal and so comical. They are not bad. Out of the 3 dogs I have, my bulldog is the friendliest!! Don’t always believe what you see online. Do your research properly.

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Q) What would you say to someone who was considering getting (your breed of dog)?

 

A)Do it!! I can tell you for a fact you will not regret it. They are big bundles of love and a best friend for life.

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Q) Do you feel that dog stereotyping is talked about enough, if not,  in what ways can we raise more awareness?

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A)I think it is talked about more than it ever has been in the past. However, I think we could do more. Using platforms such an Instagram is a great way to spread awareness. Also having people telling their stories and sharing their own personal experiences of bully/staffy and so on type breeds of dog. Sharing the love really and showing people that these breeds of dog really are amazing and fantastic family pets.