The Australian Bulldog: A Comprehensive Breed Guide

History and Development of the Australian Bulldog

The Australian Bulldog is a relatively new breed, tracing its origins to a breeding program started in the 1990s by Noel and Tina Green of Greenbull Kennels in Victoria, Australia. The Greens had a vision of recreating the old-fashioned working Bulldog of the early 19th century, before the breed was transformed into the much more exaggerated modern English Bulldog through selective breeding for appearance rather than ability.

Noel Green explained his motivation in a 2010 interview with Dog News Australia: "I wanted to breed a Bulldog that could do what it was originally bred for, but also make a great family pet. A healthy, functional dog with a stable temperament."

To achieve their goal, the Greens began by crossing English Bulldogs with Bull Mastiffs, Boxers, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers chosen for their sound structure, moderate build, and friendly nature. The resulting dogs had more elongated muzzles, less exaggerated features, and a more athletic build than modern English Bulldogs, while still maintaining the essence of Bulldog type.

The first "Australian Bulldog" litter was born in 1998 and the Greens spent the next several years refining the cross, breeding the healthiest, best-tempered offspring back to each other to set type. In 2004, they established the Australian Bulldog Club of Australia (ABCA) and wrote the first official breed standard.

Since then, the Australian Bulldog has steadily grown in popularity in its native country. ABCA registration statistics show the number of puppies registered per year has increased from just 36 in 2004 to over 200 in 2020. While still a relatively rare breed, the Australian Bulldog is developing a devoted following among those seeking a moderate, functional Bulldog with a laid-back, family-friendly temperament.

Australian Bulldog Breed Standard and Appearance

According to the ABCA breed standard, the ideal Australian Bulldog is a medium to large-sized, muscular dog with a broad head, short muzzle, and confident, friendly expression. They should be "powerful and athletic in appearance with a sturdy, compact build."

Some key physical characteristics of the breed include:

Size: Males typically stand 17-20 inches (43-51 cm) at the shoulder and weigh 55-78 lbs (25-35 kg). Females are 16-19 inches (41-48 cm) tall and weigh 50-65 lbs (23-29 kg).
Head: The head is large and square with a wide, deep muzzle that is shorter than the length of the skull, but not overly flattened. Nostrils are large and open. Eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped and set wide apart, ranging from light to dark brown in color. Ears are small to medium in size, set high on the head and may be rose, semi-pricked, or button-shaped.
Body: The neck is short, thick and muscular, leading to strong, sloping shoulders and a deep, wide chest. The Australian Bulldog has a compact, muscular body with well-sprung ribs, a broad back, and a slight tuck-up. Hindquarters are strong and muscular with moderate angulation. The tail is set low, thick at the base and tapers to a point. It may be straight, screwed or kinked.
Coat and Color: The Australian Bulldog has a short, smooth, close-fitting coat. Accepted colors include red, fawn, brindle, and black, with or without white markings.

While they have a similar overall look to English Bulldogs, Australian Bulldogs are generally larger, leaner and more agile, with less exaggerated features. They should move with a free, powerful and unrestrained gait, showing good reach and drive.

Australian Bulldog Temperament and Personality

One of the key traits breeders focused on when developing the Australian Bulldog was a stable, friendly temperament. The ABCA breed standard describes the ideal Aussie Bulldog as "even tempered, exhibiting confidence, courage and a zest for life." They are known for their loyal, affectionate nature and strong bond with their human family.

Australian Bulldogs are more laid-back and less excitable than some other bully breeds, but they still have an eager, playful side. They love being close to their people and thrive on attention and interaction. While generally patient and tolerant, Australian Bulldogs have a protective streak and can be aloof or wary around strangers if not properly socialized.

With their loved ones, Aussie Bulldogs are known for being incredibly devoted and affectionate. Many Australian Bulldog owners describe their dogs as "velcro dogs" who always want to be close by your side. They tend to be very patient with children and make excellent family companions, as long as they are included in daily activities.

Australian Bulldogs typically get along well with other dogs when raised with them or properly introduced. They tend to be social and enjoy the company of other canines, although some can be a bit dominant or territorial if not kept in check. Early socialization and training are important to nurture their natural friendliness and prevent any guarding tendencies.

While Australian Bulldogs can adapt to various living situations, they are not the best choice for people who are away from home frequently, as they thrive on companionship and can become bored or destructive if left alone too much. Moderate daily exercise and plenty of attention will keep an Australian Bulldog happy.

Training Your Australian Bulldog

The Australian Bulldog‘s people-pleasing nature and desire to be close to their owners make them quite trainable, although they can have a stubborn streak at times. Positive reinforcement-based training using rewards like treats, praise and play works best for this breed. Harsh corrections or punishment are not effective and can damage the trust between dog and owner.

Like all dogs, Australian Bulldogs do best with clear, consistent rules and boundaries from puppyhood on. Establishing good habits early will set your Aussie Bulldog up for success as they mature. Basic obedience training is a must to nurture a well-mannered pet.

Some training tips for Australian Bulldog owners:

Start training early, as soon as you bring your puppy home. Enroll in a positive puppy class to get guidance and introduce key skills.
Use high-value treats like small bits of chicken, cheese or liver to motivate your Aussie Bulldog and reward desired behaviors.
Keep training sessions short and fun. Australian Bulldogs can get bored with repetition, so aim for a few 5-10 minute sessions per day rather than hour-long classes.
Focus on teaching practical obedience cues like sit, down, stay, come, and loose-leash walking. These lay the foundation for a well-behaved dog.
Incorporate play and praise into training to keep it upbeat. Australian Bulldogs love to play tug and fetch, so use these as rewards.
Practice training in various environments with different distractions to build a reliable response.
Consider training games like nose work or trick training to provide extra mental stimulation.
Avoid repetitive, high-impact exercises like jogging or jumping, as they can strain your Aussie Bulldog‘s joints. Opt for low-key activities like swimming, hiking or games of fetch instead.
Never force your Australian Bulldog to interact with people or other dogs if they seem uncomfortable. Let them approach new situations at their own pace.

Australian Bulldog Health and Longevity

The Australian Bulldog has a lifespan of around 10-12 years on average. A 2012 breed health survey conducted by the ABCA reported an average age at death of 10.5 years, with a range of 1 to 15 years. The most common causes of death reported in the survey were cancer (27%), old age (24%) and cardiac issues (10%).

As a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed, Australian Bulldogs are prone to some health issues related to their short muzzles. These include:

Brachycephalic airway syndrome: A set of respiratory abnormalities that can cause noisy breathing, snoring, gagging and exercise intolerance. A 2020 study found 68% of Australian Bulldogs had stenotic nares (narrowed nostrils).
Heat intolerance: The Australian Bulldog‘s short muzzle and thick neck make it harder for them to cool themselves by panting, so they are at higher risk of overheating in warm weather.
Dental crowding: The Australian Bulldog‘s shortened jaw can lead to overcrowded or misaligned teeth, which trap bacteria and cause periodontal disease if not kept clean.
Skin fold dermatitis: Moisture and bacteria can accumulate in the skin folds on an Australian Bulldog‘s face and lead to itchy, smelly infections if not cleaned regularly.

Responsible breeders are working to reduce the incidence of these issues by focusing on breeding dogs with more moderate features, but they still require special care.

Some other health problems seen more commonly in Australian Bulldogs include:

Hip dysplasia: 13% of Australian Bulldogs tested by the Australian Veterinary Association have been diagnosed with hip dysplasia, a malformation of the ball and socket joint that causes arthritis and lameness. Many breeders have their dogs‘ hips x-rayed prior to breeding to help reduce the risk.
Elbow dysplasia: Like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia is a malformation of the elbow joint that causes osteoarthritis.
Cruciate ligament rupture: Tearing of the cranial cruciate ligament in the knee, which leads to pain and lameness and often requires surgical repair.
Allergies: Australian Bulldogs can be prone to allergies that cause itchy skin and ear infections. A grain-free diet and good flea control often helps.
Cherry eye: A prolapsed tear gland in the corner of the eye that appears as a red, swollen mass. Surgery is often needed to replace the gland.
Hypothyroidism: Low thyroid hormone levels, which can cause weight gain, lethargy and skin problems. Regular blood tests can diagnose hypothyroidism, which is treated with daily medication.

The best way to ensure you get a healthy Australian Bulldog puppy is to work with a responsible breeder who does extensive health testing on their breeding dogs. The ABCA recommends all breeding dogs be screened for hip and elbow dysplasia, congenital heart disease, patellar luxation, and eye problems at a minimum.

Choosing an Australian Bulldog Breeder

The growing popularity of the Australian Bulldog has unfortunately attracted some unscrupulous breeders who prioritize profit over the wellbeing of their dogs. To avoid supporting a puppy mill or backyard breeder, it‘s important to do your research and choose a reputable breeder committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies.

Some things to look for in an Australian Bulldog breeder:

ABCA membership: Reputable breeders will be members of the Australian Bulldog Club of Australia and follow the club‘s code of ethics. They should be willing to show you proof of membership.
Health testing: Good breeders will provide proof of health clearances on the puppy‘s parents, including hip and elbow scores, heart and eye exams, and DNA tests for genetic diseases. They should be open about any health issues in their lines.
Longevity and track record: The best predictor of a puppy‘s future health is the health and longevity of its relatives. Ask the breeder about the lifespan and cause of death of the puppy‘s grandparents and other close relatives.
Socialization: Australian Bulldog puppies should be raised in the home with plenty of positive exposure to people, sights and sounds during the critical first few months of life. Avoid breeders who raise puppies in outdoor kennels or cages.
Contract and guarantee: A responsible breeder will provide a written contract detailing their health guarantee, spay/neuter and return policy, and lifetime support. They should be willing to take a puppy back at any age if the owner can no longer keep them.
Selectivity: Good breeders are choosy about who their puppies go to and will ask you extensive questions about your lifestyle and plans for the puppy. They should be willing to say no if they don‘t feel you‘re a good match.

Be prepared to wait for the right puppy, as most reputable Australian Bulldog breeders only have a few litters per year. Expect to pay around $3000-4000 AUD for a well-bred puppy from health-tested parents. While this may seem expensive, it‘s an investment in your future dog‘s health and temperament.

Conclusion

The Australian Bulldog may be a relatively new breed, but it has already won the hearts of many dog lovers with its loyal, affectionate nature and unique blend of Bulldog and working breed traits. While they are not the right fit for every home, for the right owner willing to provide plenty of attention, socialization and positive training, an Australian Bulldog can be a wonderful companion.

As with any breed, it‘s important to do your research before bringing an Australian Bulldog into your life. Understanding their potential health issues, grooming and exercise needs, and temperament quirks will help you decide if they are a good match for your lifestyle. If you do choose an Australian Bulldog, working with a responsible breeder, purchasing pet insurance, and committing to their lifelong care will help ensure you have a happy, healthy dog for many years to come.