Dogs

Pug Mixed with English Bulldog

Have you ever had this desire to have both an English bulldog and a pug? But, you couldn’t take that leap of faith because you had to take care of two dogs. Do not worry you can still have a fusion of the two. A pug bulldog or a ‘bullpug’ does not seem to be a bad idea. We all know how distinguished a puppy can look if it has both the features of a pug and a bulldog. Both of these dogs are canine icons. A bull pug is a designer dog that shares the physical features and behavioural temperaments of both their parents including a bulldog and a pug. Here we will look more into the details of how to raise a mixed breed pup of both bulldog and a pug.

Contents

1 What Exactly is a Pug English Bulldog Mix?
2 What Does a Bullpug Look Like?
3 Pug and Bulldog Difference
4 How to Take Care of Your Bullpug?
5 How to Train Your Bullpug? {Is an English Bulldog Pug Mix Easy to Train?}
6 Average Life Expectancy and Health Problems of a Bullpug
7 How Much Does a Bullpug Cost?
8 Where to Get a Bulllpug?
9 What Kind of Living Space Will Your Bullpug Need?
10 FAQ’s On BullPug
11 Final say!

What Exactly is a Pug English Bulldog Mix?

A bullpug is a crossbred designer dog between a pug and an English bulldog. Both these dogs are adorable to look at. If you have this tingling to owe both dogs at once, you can go for this pug bulldog.

Bullpug / Photo: bubblypet.com

Origin of both pug and the bulldog

We need to know about the origins of both the dogs. First of all, bulldogs were originally bred for bull-baiting. It is a sport very common in England. After the sport was banned the English bulldog became extinct. However, its docile counterparts remained to survive. Now the bulldog is a medium-sized dog that has a muscular stature with a muzzle, wide eyes and short legs.

Pugs on the other hand have been bred in China. They were adored for their role as a companion to the royalty. They were bred as long as 2000 years ago.

Changing specifications of a pug bulldog

The specifications of a mix of both bulldog and a pug seem to be different from their single counterparts. A pug is only 10-11 inches tall, while a bulldog generally stands at 14-15 inches. In contrast to that, an English bulldog pug mix can stand at 12-15 inches. The weight of a bullpug can also change. A typical bulldog is around 50 kgs in weight compared to only 20kgs of pug. But a pug bulldog could be 25-40 kgs heavy. The range can differ depending on which parent they look more similar to.

Coat of a bull pug

A bullpug will have a short, glossy fine coat. A bullpug can have both a single or a double coat. Common colours for a bullpug include white, silver, black, red, brindle, fawn, and all colors can have patches of white. If an English bulldog pug mix inherits from a bulldog, then you can find straight, short, fine textured, smooth, and glossy hair. The best part is you might find a break from the bullpug’s shedding problem. As it is known that a bulldog does not shed as much as a pug.Whereas, if a bull pug inherited their pug genes it will shed a lot.

The temperament of a bull pug

Both the English bulldog and a pug can be considered sociable breeds. They are friendly dogs who do good around people. A bullpug is a rather friendly, social and laid back breed of dog who likes to lay around rather than being very active. They are people’s dogs and like to lick everyone.

What Does a Bullpug Look Like?

The bulldog has some characteristic appearance styles. It includes a round head, broad shoulders, medium muzzle, black eyes and a curled tail. They are short dogs with well-stocked muscular bodies. As far as opting is concerned, you can choose any bullpug from where it gets its most genes from. You never know it can be either of its parents, a bulldog, or a pug.

As far as its face is concerned, it will have a wrinkly face like its parents. Its eyes will be black and shaped like almonds. Bullpug is a brachycephalic breed. It has a broad skull, a small face, and a squished nose.

Pug and Bulldog Difference

Pug and Bulldog are different, and below table shows their main differences.

	Pugs	BullDog
Origin	China	British Isles
Height	10-11 Inches	12-13 Inches
Weight	6-8 KG	18-22 KG
Body	Less Muscular	More Muscular
Life Span	13-15 Years	10-12 Years

Pug

BullPug

How to Take Care of Your Bullpug?

I do believe that you love your bull pug. And, you want your English bulldog pug mix to have all the care in the world. The first aspect of care is How well you can take care of the basic needs that your bullpug requires? The basic aspects that need attention include:

Nutrition

As far as nutrition is concerned, you should know that your pooch is prone to obesity. So, rather focus on limited food with more nutrition compared to overfeeding your bullpug. Remember, you need a total of 800 calories to feed your bullpug, and that has to be split in two meals. Choose foods that have plenty of nutrients like protein, minerals, carbohydrates, and vitamins. You can opt for vegetables that are nutritious for dogs like sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach and broccoli. Fruits like bananas and apples can do great for dogs. If your bullpug for any reason has some issues with their weight, contact the vet immediately.

The scientific aspect to know about nutrition is also important. Eating too many carbs can lead your bull pug’s pancreas to release a lot of insulin. And, the amount of insulin can be stored by your cells as fat which can cause obesity. Limiting especially high carb meals is good.

Grooming your bullpug

Grooming is an essential segment of taking care of your bullpug. You would like to brush your bullpug’s hair 2 times a week. As you know, an English bulldog pug mix can have two hair coatings on them. The undercoat requires a little bit of brushing for it to not split off. Use a brush that is soft and does not hurt your bulldog. They are a people-friendly breed and would get hurt if you use a hard brush.

Exercise requirements for your bullpug

You do not have to overindulge your bull pug in a lot of exercises. They require a moderate walk session of 30 minutes. Your pooch would more likely spend their day snoring rather than exercising. Take them for a walk in the morning or evening. They do not do well with heat. In Particular, females can have issues with their hormonal cycle. Make sure you spray them with enough water now and then. Take a water bottle or a potable water bowl with you. Give them water now and then on your walk.

How to Train Your Bullpug? {Is an English Bulldog Pug Mix Easy to Train?}

Well, training can be a very arduous process here. Bullpugs can be extremely adamant. Though you will have better results with positive reinforcements. Give them treats when they get things right. If your puppy takes after your pug he/she will be bored easily but will be intelligent. If it takes after their bulldog parent he/she will be more determined, but might not be bright.

You also need to check both of these dogs’ backgrounds and where they come from. Bulldogs have been part of the bull-baiting games. They are aggressive and different from pugs. Pugs on the other hand are sociable dogs.

It is important for you to also know the kind of training materials to use. Do not use a collar as it can damage their neck bone. Put a leash on your dog so that the pressure looks much more even while you pull your bullpug.

Average Life Expectancy and Health Problems of a Bullpug

A bullpug’s life expectancy is generally around 9-13 years. With good food, proper training and exercise you can add a few more years. However, they can face many health problems which include:

Hip Dysplasia: It is a problem that can be common in both of a bullpug’s parents. It is usually caused when your bullpug’s thigh bone does not fit in the hip socket. It can cause immense pain and further lead to limping.
Patellar Luxation: This is also a different kind of orthopedic or bone issue. It is a knee cap issue and can happen when your bullpug flex its knees. It can happen when the patella rides outside the femoral groove. This is a condition that is prevalent among 7% of puppies.
Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome: This seems like a common medical issue for brachycephalic dogs. They have short noses which cause them breathing issues. Both of their parents have short noses, so they are prone to this.
Pug Dog Encephalitis: Pug dog encephalitis usually occurs due to inflammation of brain tissues. And, this causes your bull pugs to experience severe seizures, disorientation and brain problems. It can occur in puppies who are as small as 6-7 months old.
Cherry eye: Dogs have a third eyelid and they are referred to as nictitating membranes. For some reason, the third eyelid can fall and cause an allergic reaction to your dog’s eyes. The phenomenon of your dog eyes turning red due to it can be referred to as cherry eye.
Diabetes: Being a diabetic is common in pugs. They are prone to diabetes more than other breeds. Moreover, most of the Dog breeds are nowadays prone to Diabetes. but, Pugs are more prone.
Canine Atopy: Getting allergies is common to our bullpugs. They get the disease when they come in contact with an allergen. Body parts that we see getting affected by allergies include paws, abdomen, face, ears, chest, armpit, and flanks.

How Much Does a Bullpug Cost?

An English bulldog pug mix can cost anywhere between $500 to $2000. A reputed pet seller can even charge more. As far as factors affecting the cost are concerned there can be many including size, health, breed etc. There is a breed factor here. If a pug is from a champion breed, you might have to pay extra money.

When buying make sure you are buying from a genuine place. Many puppy mills charge low money but their practices of care and affection are bad. You need to be wary about the additional costs that you will be paying for your bullpug including puppy supplies and the insurance money. Some other costs that you have to incur include neutering, deworming, vaccinations, crate, leash and harness, canine seat belt etc.

Where to Get a Bulllpug?

Well, you can get most of your info about businesses in your area from the internet. Do some searching to look for a breeder who looks genuine and does not harass puppies. Or you can ask in your locality if there is a dog breeder who owns a good business place? You will find your bullpug in no time.

What Kind of Living Space Will Your Bullpug Need?

Bullpugs are not big; they can adjust in small spaces. They can adjust in a small duplex or an apartment. They however should not be left outside. You need to take your pooch home and treat him like your family. Being a brachycephalic breed they can be ill pretty much by anything. They do not do well in hot temperatures, so it’s advised to keep them indoors.

FAQ’s On BullPug

Is the bullpug dog hypoallergenic?

Well, it depends. Do you have allergies or not? If you then, it’s advised not to buy this dog. As its hair can trigger sneezing. If you have no allergy issues then you won’t have a problem brushing your bullpug’s hair. It is advised to brush your bullpug’s hair every 2 times a week. Because grooming your dog helps in shedding problems.

Are there any rescue groups specifically for bullpugs in America?

Well, there are no specific rescue groups of bullpugs as of now. But, one can still contact rescue groups of bulls and pugs to get a bull pug from there. They can have a variety of mixed breeds of both its main breeds.

Final say!

Bullpugs are amazing dogs. If fits well, if you want the determination of a bulldog and the intelligence of a pug. Though they can be challenging to train and have added health abnormalities. But they will be happy, accepting, loving, sociable, and amazing just like pugs. You should go for this breed if you believe you can provide them with a happy and comfortable life. For health, nutrition, and allergy issues make sure you take them to a certified vet who can provide you with all the necessary guidance.