LBA Board
Chairman
DAVID LEAVITT
In the early 1970's I started breeding a dog with the looks of the Regency Period Bull Baiter. The breed was named Olde English Bulldogge (OEB), to clearly distinguish it from the modern English Bulldog.
In the ensuing 34 years, people with unrelated dogs started using my breed name. Most of their dogs do not match my Standard. Today there are more of these alternative breeders than breeders of my OEB's. This situation is unique in the history of the dog world. In effect we have been absorbed by the alternative Bulldogge breeders and have become just another of many OEB's.
I see continued fighting over this name as a waste of time. It is a battle that can't be won and the confusion will just continue. My solution is to rename the Breed what people are already calling it; Leavitt Bulldog. The LBA (Leavitt Bulldog Assoc.) formed to support breeders who agree with the name change and who share my original vision of recreating the Bulldog of 1820.
The LBA is committed to improving the Leavitt Bulldog. We feel strongly that only the best examples should be bred and require that all breeding stock submit hip x-rays for approval before breeding.
Please notice our various levels of registration. They were adopted in an effort to assure quality off spring. LB’s must be healthy, match the Standard, and have good temperaments.
The LBA president, Chris Blatcher and vice president Marie Morris have stepped up and are working in the dogs’ behalf. I thank them for their help and I thank you for your interest.
- David Leavitt
President
CHRISTOPHER BLATCHER
It has given me great pleasure to see the progress that the Leavitt Bulldog Association has made. We are moving forward in the positive way I had hoped for. Many good things have happened and more are on the way.
I would like to thank those who have spent their valuable time working with us on this project. I took my Board position to help my fellow Leavitt Bulldog enthusiasts promote this wonderful breed and to help educate those who are unfamiliar with these excellent dogs.
I would like to welcome everyone who is willing to proceed in a positive, honest, sincere and civil manner. I pledge to work to rectify any problems that may spring up along the way. I believe in accessibility, so will try to be available as much as possible to answer all questions and to address your requests.
Thanks again for everyone’s’ help, and I’m looking forward to welcoming new Leavitt Bulldog enthusiasts.
Sincerely,
- Christopher Blatcher CHBlatcher@aol.com
Senior Vice President
MARIE MORRIS
In my years owning and breeding Leavitt Bulldogs I have found them to be everything I was looking for in a dog. Their looks, health and athleticism are backed by a loving, outgoing temperament and a will to please.
I have also been impressed by the devotion of our LBA owners and breeders.
I was honored when I was asked to accept the positions of LBA Registrar and Senior Vice President. I look forward to helping preserve, maintain and promote the LB, as well as support this wonderful group of people that is working to better the Breed in a positive manner.
- Marie Morris
Vice President
BARRY SCHUTTE
I learned about the Leavitt Bulldog back in 2006 and knew from the start this was the dog for me.
Normally you read about some breed history but with the Leavitt Bulldog I had the feeling that we could be part of making history. For me it was wonderful to see that the creator of the breed was still involved and very much dedicated to the breed and still was looking for a thousand ways to better his breed. This was something I wanted to be part of.
I joined a club with a very diverse group of dog owners, each with their own special skills. I am proud to be part of a group dedicated to breeding the best bulldog out there. I felt very honored when I was asked to accept the office of LBA Vice President.
I promise to continue my efforts to better the Leavitt Bulldog. There are always things that can be improved and I hope to work with this great group of breeders and owners for many more years. You all share my dedication to bettering the breed and that is what I like most about the LBA.
We have four dogs in the house and own 11 more with wonderful and responsible people. My VP position is a shared one as all my decisions and ideas are carefully discussed with my partner Cindy De Flart.
My goal for the club is to encourage the continuation of the great effort everyone is putting in and to try to find ways to get this breed to the next level. By working together, the LBA will continue to improve and refine this wonderful breed.
- Barry Schutte
Board Member
LAURE HANOUNA
I discovered the breed in 1999 and got my first LB a few months later. As soon as this dog entered my life, I was hooked. As a professional dog trainer, I'm in contact with many breeds, but none touched my heart the way the LB did. Size, temperament, athleticism, friendly and happy behaviour, trainability, they have all I'm expecting from a life companion.
I started breeding Leavitt Bulldogs in 2012 and I'm happy to share my life with 9 of them now.
I feel really honored to be part of the LBA board, in order to preserve the breed, maintaining a healthy genetic pool and ensuring dogs are fitting the standard. Constant progress has been made since the LBA exists and I hope to help the LBA in its mission for the up-coming years.
- Laure Hanouna
Board Member
ARNAUD PETIT
I met a Leavitt Bulldog for the very first time in 1995 at New Haven CT and I fell in love with this breed. I have found them to be everything I was looking for in a dog. Their looks, health and athleticism are backed by a loving, outgoing temperament and a will to please.
I acquired my first LB in 2005. From that moment I have tried to understand the work of David and perfect my knowledge on the real bulldog of the Regency period and its history. It has been my goal as a breeder to remain faithful to David’s project of recreating the Regency Bulldog.
I felt very honoured when I was asked to accept the position of LBA board member. I am proud to belong to this group that spares no effort by its choices in breeding, health, choice of future owners ... and the seriousness it shows. A team motivated by passion.
- Arnaud Petit
Board Member
JESSICA GILMOUR
My family and I have lived with the Leavitt Bulldog for over 10 years now. We first discovered the breed in the search for a healthier bulldog, there was an absence of one at the time in England and our journey with the Leavitt Bulldog began when we imported our first two from Europe. Fast forward 10 years I am are very much involved with the breed am very proud to be asked to the board of directors for the L.B.A.
I am passionately devoted to the preservation of these wonderful dogs. We currently live with 8 of different ages and personalities, all are much loved members of our family.
The breed is driven by the positive team of people surrounding it, one that I am very proud to be a part of: from David, the creator, to the great breeders, and most importantly the wonderful owners that are raising the dogs so well. The Leavitt Bulldog has a friendly and forward thinking community supporting it, it’s wonderful to see, and quite unique. The breed can only go from strength to strength with this attitude and energy surrounding it.
I look forward to expanding that community, and our breeding program. There is an exciting and positive future for these great dogs.
- Jessica Gilmour