The Australian Bulldog is essentially the English Bulldog, but bred for Australian conditions. Medium-sized and equipped with a muscular body and short coat, the Australian Bulldog encompasses all of the valued traits of the English Bulldog such as loyalty and its affectionate nature but cancels out some of the physical characteristics that has made bulldogs ill-suited to Australia’s climate.

The modern Australian Bulldog was developed by Pip Nobes in Queensland in the early 1990s. It was developed from an English Bulldog and an Australian pig hunting dog, bred from an assortment of bull terriers. Australian pig dogs, used to hunt the wild boar found in the bush areas of the country, are very hardy working dogs that have become very well accustomed to the extreme heat and dry of the Australian climate. Nobes’ initial goal was to produce a Bulldog with an improved level of health. australian bulldog ant

Like its cousin the English Bulldog, the Australian Bulldog is a very affectionate and people-focused companion animal. The aggressive bull baiting it was once bred for is in no way reflected in the modern Bulldog’s temperament. Hundreds of years of selective breeding has seen the breed become a good-natured, patient and kind companion that is fantastic with children and, in most cases, other pets around the home. australian bulldog puppies

The English Bulldog is plagued with a number of health problems and this new breed has reduced the severity of some of these conditions, as well as the likelihood of them occurring at all. While many conditions have been reduced, heat is still the Bulldog’s main concern. Although extreme heat still causes the Australian Bulldog breathing problems, the breed has thus far proven to be much more suited to the harsh conditions of Australia. australian bulldog breeders usa

Australian Bulldogs are much taller than their English Bulldog cousins, measuring between 46-51cm and weighing in at between 28 – 35kgs. Australian Bulldogs will usually live to between 12 and 15 years of age.

Temperature

The Australian Bulldog is a medium sized dog that loves being part of a family. The Aussie Bulldog is intelligent, loving and loyal with a sound temperament. Good with children and fun-loving, this breed is pretty easygoing. It will enjoy playing with a ball or Frisbee and loves to play or swim in water. It is a good watch dog but not a guard dog, though its appearance can be a deterrent. Given the alertness of this breed, the Aussie Bulldog does have the ability to be a dependable watch dog at a mature age. With its intelligence and loyalty it is a very easy dog to teach at home, but obedience training is recommended (as with any breed of dog). The Aussie Bulldog has stamina and its personality is one everyone could get attached to. This breed craves leadership from its owners. Like all dogs, they need a firm, but calm, confident and consistent pack leader and daily mental and physical xercise to avoid any behavior issues. australian bulldog adoption

Temperament: Like the Bulldog, the Aussie has an affectionate, outgoing nature, without any of the natural reserve seen in most dog breeds. The Bulldog was originally developed to fight bulls and has had any reticence bred out long ago.

Health: The original intention of the breeder was to eliminate defects seen in many Bulldogs, such as breathing difficulties due to an elongated soft palate, skin fold eczema, and caesarean births. The first crosses between Bulldogs and Boxers or Bull Terriers have seen most defects eliminated but in the long term, genetically, these could return if matings are not carefully monitored. australian bulldog allergies

Housepet potential: The short coat sheds little hair but the bulldozing nature of the Aussie Bulldog makes it unsuitable for families with young children. Their “barge-in” attitude can also bowl over unsuspecting adults. Older dogs can cope with being left in the house for working owners. australian bulldog breeders nsw

Space & exercise: An average backyard should be suitable. The Aussie Bulldog should be able to take as much exercise as you like. Regular walks would be recommended to keep weight down.

Ideal owner: For anyone who loves the look of the British Bulldog but seeks a healthier pet. Not for someone who wants to exhibit their pet as Aussies are not recognised by kennel clubs