If you’re looking for a dog that’s unique and interesting, look no further than the hybrid Bull-Aussie! This unique canine is a cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Bulldog.
It combines the beauty of its Aussie heritage with the strength of its Bulldog side. Although some people find this hybrid unappealing, it doesn’t stop any discerning dog lover from wanting one.
In this article, we’ll look at what makes up the Australian Shepherd Bulldog mix and how this pup can be a perfect addition to your home.
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Breed Overview
| Height: | 18 – 25 inches |
| Weight: | 50 – 70 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 13 – 16 years |
| Coat Colors: | Black, white, brown, red, red brindle, parti-color. |
| Temperament: | Loving, calm, loyal, affectionate |
| Suitable for: | Families with children; experienced owners; people who want a laid-back companion |
What Is an Australian Shepherd Bulldog Mix?
The Australian Shepherd Bulldog Mix, also known as Bull-Aussie, is a mix between two breeds — the Australian Shepherd and the Bulldog. This mix is a medium- to large-sized dog with a strong, robust body and an athletic build. While they may look intimidating, Bull-Aussies are friendly and loving.
The goal of crossing an Australian Shepherd and a Bulldog is to create a hybrid with the best qualities of both breeds, given their distinctly different temperaments.
Given the genetic diversity of the Bull-Aussie parents, this hybrid will have a wide variety of traits. However, some of those traits may remain a mystery until they are fully grown.
Australian Shepherd Bulldog Mix Origin and History
The Bull-Aussie originated from two dog breeds belonging to the herding family.
It is presumed that they were created for the first time in the United States during the late 1990s. However, very little is known or documented about them as of today.
Not to worry, though, as looking at its parent breeds’ histories should give you a good idea of what to expect from this hybrid.
Bulldogs have been around in the United States since the 15th century. Because of their strong tendency to catch strays, farmers found them to be effective farm dogs.
They’re also used as bullfighters and bull baiters. Eventually, these cruel practices were effectively banned. And as a result, their overly aggressive stamina decreased.
Meanwhile, it is believed that the Australian Shepherd originated in the Basque region of the Pyrenees mountain. Originally bred for herding, this breed now excels in a variety of tasks, such as agility, scent work, and more.
They have been employed in narcotics detection, search and rescue operations, and as guide dogs for blind people.
Moreover, both of Bull-Aussie’s parents are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
To sum up, the Bull-Aussie is a pooch with great potential. Thanks to the favorable characteristics inherited from both of its parents.
It has a calm demeanor that balances its energetic nature, and it looks strong while still being adorable.
Australian Shepherd Bulldog Mix Appearance
Even though the specific appearance of an Australian Shepherd Bulldog mix remains a mystery until after it is born, more often than not, it will inherit Aussie Shepherds’ long tails and Bulldogs’ short coats.
Its coat may come in several colors, including black, white, brown, red, red brindle, and parti-color. Its face is expressive and alert. This mix also sports a pair of almond-shaped eyes that are dark or blue in color.
The Bull-Aussie is a sturdy dog with well-developed muscles and short, floppy ears. Typically, its legs will be longer than those of its Bulldog parent. Usually, this dog will also have a large head and a medium-sized muzzle.
Because of their Australian Shepherd ancestry, you may also observe them having long fur on their neck and chest.
Witness the cuteness of the Australian Shepherd Bulldog mix in this video:
Nina the bobtailed Bulldog Aussie mix is ready for a forever home!
Australian Shepherd Bulldog Mix Size and Weight
As mentioned, a Bull-Aussie is a medium to large-sized hybrid. They typically weigh between 50 and 70 pounds and have a height range of 18 to 25 inches.
However, if they resemble their English Bulldog parent more than their Australian Shepherd parent, they are more likely to be heavier, weighing approximately 70 to 120 pounds.
Bulldog Aussie mixes take a little longer than other breeds to achieve their maximum size, but that’s to be expected, given that they’re medium to large-sized canines. Generally, they fully mature between 12 and 16 months.
Their gender is also a significant factor affecting their full size and weight. Moreover, they are usually taller than their Bulldog parent, with a height that is almost similar to that of their Australian Shepherd parent.
Australian Shepherd Bulldog Mix Temperament and Personality
Both the Bulldog and the Australian Shepherd are known for their loyalty and protectiveness, and when mixed, the resulting dog is the affectionate and devoted Bull-Aussie dog.
Bull-Aussies are very loving toward their owners and even children. They have a calm demeanor, but they are also energetic.
They have outgoing personalities and love to run around and play with children. They can also be friendly with other dogs, just like the Aussie Shepherd. However, they can get tired easily.
Despite their reputation as protective canines, they don’t bark as often as other canines, which makes them not-so-reliable watchdogs.
Not to worry, though, because while they can be calm around strangers, they are still cautious and will warn you if they feel like there’s a threat or an intruder.
Its Australian Shepherd parent is a high-energy dog that is happiest while working and being with its owner. In contrast, its Bulldog parent is active but more relaxed.
As a result, your Bull-Aussie may be a pooch with moderate energy and a herding tendency who may want to herd kids or smaller animals.
Moreover, they pick up on commands quickly and are easy to train, but they thrive under the guidance of a strong leader who is consistent and assertive,
It would be best if you’re an experienced owner, but you can always seek a professional trainer when behavioral issues are observed.
In addition, any potential negative behaviors can be reduced by early exposure to positive social interactions.
Australian Shepherd Bulldog Mix Lifespan and Health Issues
The good news is that Bull-Aussies are a healthy breed with a lifespan of 13 to 16 years. Moreover, it has been found that designer breeds do better in terms of health than their purebred counterparts.
However, this mix still has a history of having health concerns that their parents may have acquired.
The following are among the most often reported health problems in Bull-Aussie:
- Cherry Eye: Symptoms of cherry eye in a Bull-Aussie include a red, swollen bump emerging from the inner corner of its eye. It’s normal for a canine with a cherry eye not to be bothered at all since this condition is not usually painful. However, the bulging gland hinders the eye from being properly lubricated, which can result in complications like eye disease or dry eye.
- Hip Dysplasia: A malformation of the hip joint in canines is called hip dysplasia. As hip dysplasia is a genetic trait that is commonly seen in Australian Shepherds, the Bull-Aussie is likewise at risk for developing this condition. In severe circ*mstances, this disease can lead to lameness, limping, or joint deterioration.
- Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a disorder that causes your pup’s metabolism to slow down, as the thyroid isn’t producing enough of the crucial thyroid hormones needed to regulate it properly. This health condition has not been linked to any known genetic factors. However, medium to large-sized breeds, like the Bull-Aussie, are more vulnerable to this condition.
To ensure your Bull-Aussie is safe from this condition or other health issues, visit your vet regularly.
It’s also crucial to pay attention to your pooch, and if you notice anything unusual, it’s best to consult your veterinarian right away. As always, prevention is better than cure.
How to Take Care of Your Bull-Aussie
Bull-Aussies, like any other breed, need to be taken care of. Once you own a pooch, be prepared to give it time and attention, as they will need it the most.
That being said, knowing your Bull-Aussie’s essential needs, such as food, grooming, training, and exercise, is crucial. Read along to learn more about taking care of your Bull-Aussie.
Food and Diet
Bull Aussie puppies require more feeding than older canines. Ideally, they should be fed four small meals a day while they’re young. As they grow older, their food consumption should slowly decrease to two meals a day.
By ensuring that your dog eats high-quality food with the right ingredients, you can rest assured that your puppy will have a long, happy life.
Protein is essential for the growth and development of your Bull-Aussie’s muscles. Additionally, it can also be linked to your canine’s overall well-being.
Furthermore, supplementing your Bull-Aussie with vitamins and minerals will enhance its immune system, muscular contractions, and neuron function.
Aside from food, a constant supply of fresh water will also go a long way in helping your dog stay healthy.
Cleaning and Grooming
With a short coat like their Bulldog parent, a Bull-Aussie’s grooming requirements are often low. At the very least, brushing once a week will help keep their coat clean, shiny, and healthy-looking.
Your pooch can also greatly benefit from having its coat brushed using a brush mitt, which will help to distribute your Bull-Aussie’s natural oils and improve blood flow.
The recommended frequency of bathing an Australian Shepherd Bulldog mix is no more than once a month, and only then if necessary.
In order to keep its ears free of debris and inflammation, you should check and clean them once a week. Additionally, its nails must be trimmed once or twice per month.
Furthermore, if your Bull-Aussie inherited the skin folds of its Bulldog parent, be wary not to neglect them. They should be checked and cleaned every day to avoid any debris getting stuck in their skin folds.
Training and Exercise
Training a Bull-Aussie can be hard and will require tons of effort. They will try to establish themselves as the leaders or the alpha.
For that reason, an Australian Shepherd Bulldog mix will require the guidance of an experienced owner or trainer who can set limits and establish authority.
Positive reinforcement is the best way to train any kind of dog, so be sure to praise your Bull-Aussie when it does something right.
Bull-Aussie is an energetic hybrid that requires at least 45 to 60 minutes of exercise per day to maintain a healthy body and mind. It will also satisfy their love for physical challenges.
Lack of physical activity for the Bull-Aussie may lead to frustration and sometimes destructive behavior. This mix is intelligent, so it’s also crucial to keep their mind and body active.
How Much Does a Bull-Aussie Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
Given that Bulldogs and Australian Shepherds lean more toward the expensive side of canines, their hybrid’s price typically starts at $350 and may go as high as $3,000, depending on the bloodlines of both parents.
Aside from the price of the puppy, here are the initial expenses associated with owning a Bull-Aussie:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $70 – $150 |
| Bowls | $10 – $40 |
| Toys | $30 – $100 |
| Beds | $40 – $300 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $50 – $500 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $250 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Other Essentials | $20 – $80 |
| Total Initial Cost | $505 – $3,150 |
As soon as the immediate costs have been covered, you should begin planning for what will happen if unexpected expenses arise.
In the unfortunate event that your Bull-Aussie becomes ill, you will need to be prepared financially. Pet insurance can also be a big help with that.
Moreover, you can also refer to the costs associated with keeping a purebred English Bulldog or a purebred Australian Shepherd for additional information on usual expenses.
Places to Find Bull-Aussie Puppies for Sale and Adoption
If you want to bring home a healthy Bull-Aussie, you must find a reputable breeder. However, finding a trustworthy breeder for this hybrid may be challenging, considering that they are not as common.
Here are some credible sources where you may be able to buy an Australian Shepherd Bulldog mix:
- AKC Marketplace – The AKC Marketplace is one of the best platforms for finding healthy dogs for sale. All breeders from this site are AKC-registered and are guaranteed trusty and legitimate. Check out the AKC Marketplace from time to time for a chance to find Bull-Aussie puppies for sale.
- Lancaster Puppies – Lancaster Puppies act as a bridge between breeders and individuals who are looking to buy a dog. They serve as a platform for breeders and potential pet owners to communicate. They maintain a trustworthy image by regularly filtering their breeders and looking for signs of fraud and dishonesty.
- Greenfield Puppies – The goal of Greenfield Puppies is to provide a reliable and secure place where responsible pet owners can get healthy and happy puppies. They have listings for Australian Shepherd mixes where you can possibly find a Bull-Aussie.
If the above-mentioned options still don’t meet your needs, don’t lose hope, as you can always opt to support rescue organizations and adopt a pooch instead.
Some rescues that might have an adoptable Australian Shepherd Bulldog mix are listed below:
- Petfinder – Petfinder is a site that partners with approximately 11,000 animal shelters in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. They aim to make it simple for pet owners to locate shelters in their areas from where they can adopt or foster animals. That being said, it’s not impossible to find a Bull-Aussie on this site.
- Australian Shepherds Furever (ASF) – As the name implies, Australian Shepherds Furever (ASF) is dedicated to saving Australian Shepherds and Aussie mixes from shelters and abusive homes. Give this rescue a try, and you might find the Bull-Aussie you’re looking for.
- Buckeye-Bulldog Rescue – Buckeye Bulldog Rescue, like AFC, seeks to save English Bulldogs and their mixed-breed offspring from untrustworthy shelters and people who have lost time to care for their dogs. Check their page out from time to time, and you might find your soon-to-be Bull-Aussie companion in this rescue.
Moreover, if you want more options, you can head over to Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok to connect with breeders and rescues.
Pros and Cons of Owning an English Bulldog Aussie Mix
If you’re still contemplating whether to own a Bull-Aussie or not, taking a look at its pros and cons would help. Bringing a dog into a new home almost always involves balancing the dog’s positive and negative characteristics.
First, here are the pros of owning an English Bulldog Aussie mix:
- Low maintenance: An English Bulldog Aussie requires less time spent on grooming than other dogs, as they shed only moderately. Bathing them once or twice a month wouldn’t be a problem either.
- Calm and friendly: In contrast to their muscular bodies, English Bulldog Aussies are laid back and can get along well with kids and other pets. They are typically calm and do not bark frequently.
- Protective: Though English Bulldog Aussies are not prolific barkers, they are nonetheless territorial dogs that will alert you to the presence of an intruder if they suspect one. They are brave canines and will stand up for their owners in any situation.
Meanwhile, below are the cons of owning an English Bulldog Aussie:
- Not easy to train: Training an English Bulldog Aussie will be somehow difficult, as they may often want to take the lead and act as the alpha. They can be stubborn and won’t listen to you right away. This is especially true for first-time dog owners.
- They can be lazy: Considering their calmness, they can be somewhat lazy at times and will not want to be trained or exercised. English Bulldog Aussies have the tendency to be energetic, yet they can get tired easily after an hour of activity, making them want to just relax.
- Not-so-good watchdogs: Given that they do not bark frequently, they may not be reliable guard dogs. They may snort or growl at strangers, but they will most likely bark only when they feel the need to.
When deciding what kind of dog will best suit your lifestyle, home, and family, it’s important to consider all of these factors. Your decision could influence the future of both you and your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Australian Shepherd Bulldog Mixes Good Dogs?
Australian Shepherd Bulldog Mixes are generally good dogs. Despite their muscular appearances, which may sometimes intimidate people, they are calm dogs that can get along with children, other pets, and even strangers.
They do not frequently bark at people they don’t know and will only scare you off once they feel like you’re a threat to them or their owners.
Once you take care of Bull-Aussie, it will let you experience unconditional love and affection.
Do Australian Shepherd Bulldog Mixes Shed?
Australian Shepherd Bulldog mixes shed moderately, given that they often inherit their Bulldog parent’s short coat. Therefore, they don’t require grooming as much as long-haired breeds.
Moreover, you can rest easy knowing that you won’t have to vacuum your furniture and sheets all the time to get rid of pet hair.
Are Australian Shepherd Bulldog Mixes Hypoallergenic?
Australian Shepherd Bulldog mixes are not hypoallergenic. Though they have short coats, they still shed occasionally. That said, this hybrid pooch is not an ideal choice for allergy sufferers.
Final Thoughts
The Australian Shepherd Bulldog mix is a great pet for those who are looking for an intelligent and laid-back companion.
With its combination of traits from both parent breeds, this dog will be a great fit for many different families. They can play along with kids and other pets as long as they are properly socialized.
An experienced owner will be a great fit for Bull-Aussie, given that they need an authoritative figure to help them identify who the true leader is. The best family dog awaits you once you’ve trained this hybrid well.
Have you made up your mind about whether or not to include this mix in your family? Feel free to comment below with your opinions on the Australian Shepherd Bulldog mix!
