Australian Bulldog

Canis lupus

Last updated: May 5, 2023
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
© iStock.com/Jodie Mulkearns

The Aussie is a strong swimmer, a good workout in nice weather.


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Australian Bulldog Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis lupus

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

Australian Bulldog Conservation Status

Australian Bulldog Locations

Australian Bulldog Locations

Australian Bulldog Facts

Fun Fact
The Aussie is a strong swimmer, a good workout in nice weather.
Temperament
Intelligent, fiercely loyal, and sweet-natured
Diet
Omnivore

Australian Bulldog Physical Characteristics

Color
  • Fawn
  • Red
  • Brindle
  • Orange
  • Peach
  • Black-Brown
Skin Type
Hair
Lifespan
12 years
Weight
78 lbs

Australian Bulldog as a Pet:

General Health
Energy Level
Shedability
Trainability
Intelligence
Tendency to Chew
Size
Family and kid friendliness
Yappiness / Barking
Moderate
Hypoallergenic
Yes
Separation Anxiety
Moderate
Preferred Temperature
Average climate
Exercise Needs
Low
Friendly With Other Dogs
Moderate
Pure bred cost to own
$3,500
Dog group
Non-sporting
Male weight
60-78 lbs
Female weight
50-61 lbs

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Developed in the 1990s, the Aussie bulldog comes out of Queensland. It’s a mix of English bulldog and the Australian pig hunting dog born from the bull terrier.

The Australian bulldog is an exceptional pet. Among its delightful characteristics are fierce loyalty, intelligence and its undeniably sweet nature.

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The Aussie dog has an appearance and similar temperament to its American relative. What differs is the Down Under version is as much Boxer and Bullmastiff as American bulldog.

The Aussie dog will make a great addition to any household.

Pictorial summary of the Australian Bulldog

5 Different Types of Bulldog Breeds and Bulldog Mixes

royal canin weight control

The English bulldog is prone to more health problems compared to its Australian descendant



©Vera Reva/Shutterstock.com

The history of the bulldog goes back to 5th Century England. Over the following hundreds of years, breeders created one mix after another to design different types of bulldogs. Here are a few of the more popular crossbreeds.

Health and Entertainment for your Australian Bulldog

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What is the difference between an Australian Bulldog and an English Bulldog?

Australian Bulldog vs. English Bulldog

Australian BulldogEnglish Bulldog
BreedingBred from several dogs, including the English Staffordshire Bull TerrierDeveloped in England around 1500
Health ProblemsThe Aussie dog has its health issues but is generally in better condition than its English counterpartThe English Bulldog can have bone and joint problems
ChildrenThe Australian dog loves playtime with childrenGood child companion but it’s advised there be adult supervision
Unique CharacteristicExtremely intelligent and capable of learning quickly under proper conditionsThoughtful, the English dog doesn’t make decision lightly. Fiercely loyal, anyone who messes with family is in trouble


The cousins are as similar as they are different. See out chart above to get more information.

French Bulldog

Animal, Black Color, Bone, Bulldog, Canine - Animal

French Bulldogs’ bat ears are one of their key distinguishing features

©iStock.com/icebergpicture

The French bulldog, or Frenchie, is a highly popular big dog in a miniature body. These dogs are famous for their unique bat ears, warmth, and engaging personalities.

Olde English Bulldogge

A crossbreed of the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American bulldog, and the Bullmastiff, the Olde English is extremely athletic and loaded with stamina.

Victorian Bulldog

Breeders crossed Bullmastiffs, English Bulldogs, English Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and Bull Terriers in hopes of creating a healthier bulldog. This dog’s face isn’t as compact as its cousins. Like other bulldogs, the Victorian is extremely protective and loyal.

Catahoula Bulldog

The Catahoula is a hybrid of the American bulldog and Catahoula Leopard Dog. They’re athletic and energetic and need more exercise than the rest of the bulldog family.

Alapaha Blue-Blood Bulldog

Bred to be a catch dog, the Alapaha Blue-Blue chased and caught cattle and other animals. They are playful and devoted. With proper socialization training, they enjoy hanging out with the kids.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning Australian Bulldog

Australian Bulldog Looking at Camera on Beach.

Australian Bulldogs are known to have mind of their own

©JCM Photos/Shutterstock.com

The Australian Bulldog is a great dog for companionship. But nothing’s perfect. Here are a few good things as well as a few bad things about having this animal in your home.

Pros!Cons!
Will get along with other pets
This bulldog is a social creature. He’s perfectly capable of integrating into an environment with other animals. This will be especially easy if he’s trained to get along with others.
He’s a hardhead
The bulldog is a stubborn crossbreed. Some might say the pug face says it all. This dog is capable of resisting your leadership. It’s important to establish the pecking order early.
Minimum exercise required
This dog doesn’t require a lot of physical activity. He’d love a walk or light run. But he’s just as happy laying around with you. But you should make sure he gets some exercise every day.
Messy eater
Maybe it has a lot to do with the shape of their head and those saggy jowls but the bulldog is famous for leaving a meal with a messy face. You may have to get in the habit of cleaning the mix’s face after eating.
Great family companion
This special animal loves being around loved ones. He’ll look for you and set himself at your feet regularly. He anticipates spending time with you and will you feel loved all the time.
Could easily suffer from obesity
Unfortunately, as this hybrid doesn’t require a lot of exercise and is capable of lazing about, it is also prone to obesity. Tracking its weight and diet is going to be important, especially if you want to avoid issues that can crop up, like diabetes.

Origins

Bullmastiff puppy in the grass

Australian bulldogs are descended from several breeds including bullmastiffs

©Sergey Lavrentev/Shutterstock.com

The Australian bulldog is something of a newcomer on the canine scene. As its name suggests, it is a descendant of the English bulldog. As a result, it bears a close resemblance to that much-loved canine whose laid back demeanor belies its rather violent origins and several centuries of bull baiting and dog fighting.

The Australian bulldog is also the descendant of a few other breeds with reputations for toughness. Included in that list is the bullmastiff, bred to solve the issue of poaching in the 1800s. There is also the  boxer whose tasks once included taking on bears and wild boars during hunting expeditions organized by German nobles. And ofcourse, the American bulldog. 

 The Australian bulldog owes its existence to the desire of dog enthusiasts, Pip Nobes and Noel and Tina Green for a breed which was every inch as adorable and lovable as the English bulldog – but a great deal healthier. 

In 1998, the breed became known to the Australian public by means of a lifestyle TV show, Burke’s Backyard, and the rest, as they say, was history. 

Today the Australian bulldog which bears a close resemblance to its European forebears, is adored by canine enthusiasts, delighted to have a unique canine breed of their own.

Size and Weight

A cute white Australian bulldog sitting on the green grass during daytime.

Australian bulldogs are capable of reaching 20 inches in height and 78 pounds in weight

©Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock.com

On average, the male Australian Bulldog is between 18 and 20 inches tall. They usually weigh in the vicinity of 60 to 78 pounds. The female is slightly shorter, standing 17 to 18 inches while weighing between 50 and 61 pounds.

Height (Male)Between 18 and 20 inches
Height (Female)Between 17 and 19 inches
Weight (Male)Between 60 and 78 pounds
Weight (Female)Between 50 and 61 pounds

Common Health Issues

Every potential owner should be aware of the most common health problems their Aussie dog may encounter.

  • Cherry eye
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Heart murmur
  • Diabetes
  • Epilepsy

Most bulldogs suffer from Brachycephalic syndrome. It’s a respiratory health issue that interferes with the dog’s breathing. Science attributes the condition to shorter, pushed-in faces.

Temperament

Australian Bulldog isolated on a white background.

Australian Bulldogs are prone to separation anxiety which may be lessened by the presence of another pet

©Esther Visser/Shutterstock.com

Separation anxiety is common with the breed. They’re also persistent and stubborn which will make training a chore. You’ll have to take a firm hand with the dog, committing to a regular regimen of consistency and patience. Get started when these dogs are puppies.

How To Take Care of an Australian Bulldog

The Australian Bulldog needs companionship. It won’t matter how dog-friendly the environment if you’re not around, they won’t be happy. From puppies through adulthood, if left alone for too long, your pooch will stress or get bored. That can produce extended barking sessions or other bad behavior.

They might be more susceptible to you not being around if there’s another pet to keep them occupied. But even that won’t hold up for extended periods. If you’re a single owner, see what you can do to minimize the dog’s time alone.

The Best Dog Food for Australian Bulldogs

Unless otherwise specified by your vet, the Australian Bulldog doesn’t have any unique dietary needs. They’re fine with standard OTC dog foods. It’s better to lean toward high-quality foods though. Categorized as a medium-sized crossbreed so feed them accordingly.

An important thing to note is this breed’s proclivity for heart murmurs. Know that legumes in dog food have been linked to heart failure, and read your dog food ingredients carefully to avoid legumes like chickpeas, lentils, and peas.

You do want to keep in mind that these aren’t particularly active dogs. That makes them prone to diabetes and obesity if their metabolisms aren’t balancing weight and caloric intake. You have to make sure your pooch gets its daily exercise and you avoid overfeeding.

Feed puppies three to five times a day. They naturally burn off calories as they’re likely to run around and play. Like humans, as they get older, their metabolisms will slow down and the dog will burn calories slower.

The medium-sized adult dog can enjoy between two and 2 2/3 cups at their meals which should be dispensed twice a day. Mature dogs get a little less than adults.

Our choice at A-Z Animals of the best dog food for Australian Bulldogs is Stella & Chewy’s Wild Red Classic Kibble Dry Dog Food.

Not only is this food free from legumes, potatoes, peas, lentils, by-product meals, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, but it’s also full of the good stuff. Real duck, turkey, and chicken are ideal sources of glucosamine for strong joints. This recipe also has taurine for both the heart and eyes, plus is nutrition-packed and high in protein, so your Australian Bulldog will be less likely to overeat.

Here’s where to find Stella and Chewy’s Wild Red Classic Kibble on Chewy or Amazon.

Best Overall
Stella & Chewy's Classic Kibble
  • Packed full of protein with beef, pork, and lamb
  • Crafted without legumes or poultry
  • 81% of protein is from actual animal sources
  • "Whole prey” ingredients including muscle meat, organ meat, and cartilage
  • No fillers, artificial colors, artificial flavors, or preservatives.


Check Chewy

Maintenance and Grooming

Good grooming is critical to your dog’s appearance, health, and well-being. The coat can get matted and will make your pooch uncomfortable. Healthy coats shed less and minimize threats like ear infections and fleas.

The Aussie Bulldog has a fine, short coat with a smooth feel. He’s an average shedder and this is manageable with a firm bristle brush. The coats are shades of brindles, pied colors, reds, and fawns. The tri-colored and black coats usually come with a BBD lineage as they aren’t common.

Before bathing, clip the coat as needed. Always clear the anal sac as the area can irritate the dog if it isn’t clean. Bathe and rinse with shampoo and conditioner to get a thorough cleaning of the coat. Take time to trim the toenails and brush their teeth.

If you’re not brushing, the dog’s breath will be bad. So, you need to pay attention. If their coats aren’t smooth, it’s time to brush and trim. It’s time to cut the nails if their feet click as they walk.

Determine how often you groom based on what you see. We do recommend professional grooming as often as you can afford it.

Training

Cute Australian Bulldog puppy at obedience training.

Australian bulldogs might decide they’re done with training sessions before you are and require extra patience, as a result

©JCM Photos/Shutterstock.com

As the Aussie bulldog loves people, training can be quite manageable. But it can still take some time and patience. Though intelligent, they take their time learning.

With patience and encouragement, keep them engaged and it shouldn’t be too much of a problem. Take note that this Aussie mix is stubborn and negative reinforcement only gets you a dog that withdraws. The Aussie doggy’s famous for, upon not appreciating your approach to training, plopping down, and refusing to participate.

Socialization

Expose your puppies to people, places, dogs, cats, and other animals. This bulldog leans more towards solitude. But it remains important you get them used to strangers, family, playmates, and other animals that are a part of your lifestyle. Otherwise, you’ll find them turning into the grumpy dog their faces hint at.

Exercise

Australian Bulldog, close-up.

Australian Bulldogs prefer a laid back lifestyle although they do require regular exercise to keep destructive habits at bay

©Joel Everard/Shutterstock.com

The Aussie Bulldog has no desire to hop, skip and jump all the time. They’ll keep up with you. You may even convince the dog to engage in strenuous play as long as they enjoy your company. But these dogs are about chillin’.

Whether English Bulldog or English Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a bulldog needs regular play and mental exercise. If they don’t get it, expect them to pick up destructive habits like chewing chair legs. If you have the time for exercise or daily walks, get yourself a dog walker and let them keep doggy calm and happy.

Puppies

Australian Bulldog puppies are adorable. A little pug miniature that captures the heart.

The litter of an Aussie Bulldog will fall between four to nine puppies with seven being the average. Puppies will be impressionable and ready to learn.

Bulldogs are fiercely independent and have a lot of energy. You want to get a handle on both sooner than later. Get the puppies early training and socialization. A little a day will be beneficial.

Children

You want to get an Australian Bulldog who’s comfortable being around you and others in the household.

Always monitor small children and puppies. Puppies may nip out of instinct. Young children may be a little aggressive. Show older children how to be a leader in the dog’s presence even as they play.

Dogs Similar to Australian Bulldog

In spite of their size and intimidating exterior, boxers are lovable pets

©Eudyptula/Shutterstock.com

If you have an interest in the Australian Bulldog, but you’re not sure they’re the best choice, here are other breeds similar to the dog you can take a look at.

  • Boxer – Bright, alert, courageous, the Boxer’s a big dog and you’ll need the space to accommodate it. They’re muscular and intimidating but incredibly loving.
  • Australian Sheperd – Used in search and research missions, the Australian Sheperd is on the list of smartest dogs in the world. They love exercise and work.
  • Miniature English Bulldog – The miniature version of the bulldog is an excellent choice for smaller environments.

Here are three popular names for the Australian female and male bulldog.

Female

  • Molly
  • Coco
  • Luna

Male

  • Cooper
  • Rocky
  • Teddy

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What's the right dog for you?

Dogs are our best friends but which breed is your perfect match?

X-Small
Small
Medium
Large
Xtra-Large

If you have kids or existing dogs select:

Kids
Other Dogs

Should they be Hypoallergenic?

Yes
No
How important is health?
Which dog groups do you like?
How much exercise should your dog require?
What climate?
How much seperation anxiety?
How much yappiness/barking?

How much energy should they have?

The lower energy the better.
I want a cuddle buddy!
About average energy.
I want a dog that I have to chase after constantly!
All energy levels are great -- I just love dogs!
How much should they shed?
How trainable/obedient does the dog need to be?
How intelligent does the dog need to be?
How much chewing will allow?
About the Author

I love good books and the occasional cartoon. I am also endlessly intrigued with the beauty of nature and find hummingbirds, puppies, and marine wildlife to be the most magical creatures of all.

Australian Bulldog FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What is an Australian Bulldog?

The Australian Bulldog is a crossbreed selectively designed for the Down Under environment.

Are Australian Bulldogs aggressive?

These dogs aren’t aggressive.

Are Aussie Bulldogs good pets?

The Aussie Bulldog loves people and being a companion. They’re patient, good-natured, and love their family.

Do Australian Bulldogs have lockjaw?

No, this is an unfounded legend. No dog has the capacity to lock its jaw.

How much are Australian Bulldogs worth?

These are expensive breeds. If you’re lucky, maybe you can adopt, finding one in a shelter or rescue. Otherwise, look forward to spending upwards of $3,500 (AUD$3,223).

What is the lifespan of an Australian Bulldog?

Without serious health problems, the Aussie dog can live up to 12 years.

How big do Australian Bulldogs get?

This bulldog is of medium size and grows up to 20 inches.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources
  1. Pet Guide, Available here: https://www.petguide.com/breeds/dog/australian-bulldog/
  2. Bow Wow Insurance, Available here: https://bowwowinsurance.com.au/dogs/dog-breeds/australian-bulldog/
  3. Dog-Learn, Available here: https://www.dog-learn.com/dog-breeds/australian-bulldog/
  4. Pet Cloud, Available here: https://www.petcloud.com.au/d/blog/australian-bulldog/
  5. Mad Paws, Available here: https://www.madpaws.com.au/blog/australian-bulldog/
  6. Hill's Pet, Available here: https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/dog-breeds/english-bulldog
  7. My Dog Breeds, Available here: https://www.mydogbreeds.com/australian-bulldog-vs-english-bulldog

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