ME AND MY OLDE: OLDERANCH ROMMEL

We have always had a dog in our family since I was little. And I used to adore my cousins Rottweilers and took care of them whenever I had a chance. When I moved away from home I started to think about my first own dog and what breed it should be. There are so many different options it was really hard I did’t find THE one.

Well, few years ago I saw American Bulldog in my hometown Lahti and I was really attracted to this beautiful animal, and ever since I read about the breed the little there was and then I wondered to and found information a lot more. In September 2002 I went to Sathy dogs annual event and saw hole bunch of cute dogs. And then there they were standing; two really funny and friendly looking fellows and I went there asking who are these guys? I was told Olde English Bulldogges from Olderanch and they were so calm and cute that I couldn’t stop thinking about them all night.

Well, getting a dog is huge responsibility and I still wondered about it and frequently visited Sathy’s homepage to read news about the dogs. And one day there was information about the first Finnish litter of Oldes.

They had been born February 21st I e-mailed Olderanch’s owner immediately and he told in a couple of weeks I could go see puppies.
So we went with my boyfriend and oh my, how cute they all were (like all the puppies always). And so it happened that I reserved one. How could I not! My boyfriend wasn’t first too happy about it because it happened so suddenly even though we both love dogs and had been thinking about it years. But it was settled and on April 17th we went to get the boy home. So started our life with Olde English Bulldogge, Olderanch’s Rommel.

Now he is six months old weights about 30 kilos (app.66 pounds) and is very happy and alert puppy. People stop to ask what breed he is and to admire how athletic and differently gorgeous he is. He likes everybody people and other animals. He has met dogs, cats, cows, horses even wild pigs and been calm and friendly around them all. There has been no difficulties yet not with males or females.

We go once a week to a meeting with other puppies where we do different training exercises. Rommel is very fast to learn, as long as the exercise is fun and makes “sense” to him (and there are enough meatballs). He learned to sit, go down, etc. basics within few times practise. Of course there are days that he won’t do anything… And he is very stubborn and constantly trying to play rough games like pulling things really hard and likes to be chased etc I try not to do this too often. With other dogs he is also quite rough but playful. The history of fighting dog does come through a little I think. But with patience, consistency and kindness it is just good that Rommel has character and guarding qualities.

He indeed has a heart of gold and jaw of iron as it’s been said about Oldes. Rommel is determined, courageous and bold. Friendly towards everyone. It hasn’t been often with children but with completely strangers also kids he has also been friendly. Doesn’t fear them and let’s them touch.

But I am very happy with my choice and haven’t run into any significant problems. With dogs there are always a lot of things to consider and they do have a mind of their own but together with dear hairy friend everything can be solved. We need to understand each other which is often more difficult to humans than dogs to do.

Yours,

Olderanch's Rommels Happy Owner.

Olderanch's Rommel as a youngster.
Note how the muzzle is still looking the same as with many other breeds. When the head keeps growing to bulldog-measurements the dog gets it final Olde-appearance.