We are thinking about getting an Olde Tyme Bulldogge puppy, I have read a few posts from an earlier thread which said find out the puppy's ancestors, is this really important?  I have a list of names for a puppy we are going to see a at the weekend, how do I found out about their history?  Does anyone know of a reputable breeder (in or around the Kent area if possible) who can offer all information of breed history and all important health checks?
Thanks

>find out the puppy's ancestors, is this really important?

It's important if you want to know whether your chosen puppy is likely to develop epilepsy, or have crippling HD, or go blind, or even die young. It's hard enough with recognised breeds which often have a breed historian, but will be very difficult with a non-recognised type of dog because very few people actually keep records - you'd have to go by word of mouth.

Please be very careful when choosing your dog as it has been known for some of the less desirables selling 'pit bull' types as old tyme bulldogs among other names.

Also I would just like to add that olde tyme bulldogge's are cross breeds and I have seen them sold for silly amounts of money, plus some (not all) of these breeders are not the sort of people who should be breeding.

again these are just cross bred dogs

I researched the Olde Tyme Bulldogge for five years, before deciding they really were not for me.  Lovely dogs all the same.  I think you are probably best buying a copy of the 'Story of the real Bulldog' co written by Ken Mollett whom is now sadly deseased. It will give you all the information you need to know before deciding to purchase an 'alternative' Bulldog. It will also tell and explain as to how and why they were created, and what dogs were used in Ken Molletts own breeding programme.  I know a couple of reputable breeders, including those that have hipscored their dogs, I can put you in touch with them should you want to PM me. There are also a couple of kennels that you really need to beware of, I can also tell you more about them if you wish to contact me.

MollMoo in which country have they been hipscored and under what scheme?  None have supposedly been done in the UK as there's nothing on the BVA listing for OT Bulldogge's, there are scores for Bulldogs and American Bulldogs though.

Under the BVA as Victorian Bulldogs (Some Olde Tyme's are actually VB's and people don't actually realise), like I say I know people that do.

Link http://www.bva.co.uk/public/chs/bms2006.pdf

Ahh thanks.   Hipscores aren't really much better than the Bulldog yet although hardly any of them have been scored either, but at least some are being done, which is heading in the right direction.

The bulldog is the worst breed in USA for hips so really it is sad they are not being scored universally here.