Bullador Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Bullador?

The English bulldog was originally bred to bait bears and bulls and then eventually became a hunting dog until 1885 when the sport was banned. At this time, Bulldogs were bred to become much more docile.

Some experts posit that it was originally bred as a mastiff/pug cross, while others contend that this dog is more ancient than even the mastiff.

The labrador retriever's origin is also open to a host of speculation. They are said to have been bred from the now-extinct St John's Dog, a water dog used by fishermen in 19th Century Newfoundland for retrieving nets, ropes, and sometimes fish. These were allegedly crossed with labradors of the time to make a successful gundog cross.

The cross between the two is relatively new and, as it's a mixed breed dog, will not be recognised by the American Kennel Club, though they are recognised by the American Canine Hybrid Club.

Who are Bullador dogs best for?

The combination of two dog breeds known for their agreeable, gentle nature has made a great family pet.

The violent nature of the English bulldog has been totally removed from it, and while they still enjoy roughhousing and maintain a high pain tolerance, they make loving additions to the family.

Though they form close family bonds, these intelligent dogs are not prone to separation anxiety, so they will cope well in a home where people are out for longer periods.

Bulladors are active dogs and are ideal for someone who likes to be as active as them.

Their medium size means they could fit comfortably into an apartment, but their high energy levels would need to be handled properly, and they need to have space to express themselves.

They are watchful but gentle, so they will make fantastic non-violent watchdogs.

They are patient with dogs and other animals, as well as children of all ages.

How much grooming does a Bullador need?

Bulldog lab mixes are moderate shedders and will require regular, weekly brushing to remove loose hair and skin and to help distribute their natural oils for a clean, shiny coat.

They will need to be bathed every 1-2 months, and if they inherit the folds of skin typical of English Bulldogs, you'll need to take care to keep them clean and dry. Any trapped moisture can lead to greasy or itchy skin and can even cause mildew or mould.

Do Bullador bark much?

Labrador Retrievers aren't very vocal dogs, and while Bulldogs can bark, they rarely do it compulsively and generally simply to communicate something with you.

The Labrador Bulldog mix is similar to both parents and is not prone to barking. They make good guard dogs because of this, as they will bark when there's a good reason, and with the right socialisation, you can teach them to use their voice effectively.

Do Bullador bite?

The Labrador Bulldog mix is extremely low-risk when it comes to biting. Both parent breeds are sweet dogs, the Bulldog has all but had every violent tendency bred out of them, and while they like to play rough and may get mouthy, it will only be at playtime.

Your dog will learn the ground rules of playtime quickly, and if they understand that one member of the family doesn't mind them being mouthy but others do, they will learn how to play correctly according to who they're playing with.

In any case, they will never bite out of aggression and are known as being non-aggressive towards humans and other pets and animals.

What is the temperament & personality of a Bullador?

The Bulldog Lab mix is a loyal, loving dog with buckets of energy who loves to play and socialise.

Their Bulldog heritage can make them a little wary of strangers and a touch territorial, though their labrador retriever parent will give them a friendly, social attitude that makes them play fantastically with others to balance it out.

They love to clown around and play and have plenty of energy that will need to be expelled properly throughout the day to keep them comfortable. They like to have between 60-80 minutes of exercise during the day, which may need to be upped if you live in an apartment.

The Bulldog Lab will take to any form of exercise such as swimming or agility training. With enough exercise during the day, they will be happy to laze around and cuddle up in the evening.

What is the weight & size of a Bullador?

There is little to no variation in size and height between the sexes with the labrador bulldog mix. Both males and females will reach between 43-50 cm at the shoulder and weigh between 22-41 kg when fully grown.

How much training does a Bullador need?

Agreeable natures and willingness to please and integrate into the family are what make both parents of the Bullador popular dog breeds.

The Labrador Bulldog mix is an intelligent dog that takes well to obedience training. As always, it's best to implement training at an early age before any negative traits have the chance to cement themselves in your dog's behaviour.

They can show a bit of a stubborn streak, but it's usually not a big problem and consistency with training will iron this out if it's a problem. Using positive reinforcement and a firm but gentle hand is always a better approach than being heavy-handed, which, if anything, can drive your dog away from you.

Physical exercise should also be seen as a valuable part of their training. The rewarding mental stimulation your dog shares with you will endear you to them and make them a much better student.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Bullador?

While some mixed breed dogs will inherit more acute health concerns from their parents, dogs are often cross-bred to remove these health problems, making them a more robust breed than their parents.

This is true with the Bullador, who loses the brachycephalic issues associated with the Bulldog parent, as well as the concerns that can come with their loose folds of skin.

Bulldog Lab mixes are typically healthy dogs though there are a few health problems worth looking out for. Hip dysplasia and obesity are common in both parent dogs, as well as bloating, so they are worth looking out for in your Bullador.

What is the lifespan of a Bullador?

With a healthy, active lifestyle and the correct nutrition, a Bullador can enjoy a lifespan of between 10-12 years.

How much should you feed a Bullador?

The Bullador will eat 3-4 cups of dry food daily. Make sure to buy large kibble to stop them from gobbling it too quickly, as both parent breeds are known to do. Make sure to feed them high-quality, nutritious food suited to their activity level and age and that lists meat as the first option, not empty fillers.

Foods with glucosamine can help prevent hip and elbow dysplasia, a common problem among their parents. Also, avoid exercising them immediately after eating as this can cause bloating.

What is the price of a Bullador in Australia?

The Bullador is a rare breed and can be tricky to track down, and once you have, you can expect to pay a dear price for this uncommon cross. Depending on their parentage and the reputation of the breeder, you can expect to pay as little as $700 and, in some cases, up to $2500.