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If you are looking for a unique and interesting dog breed, the Pug Bulldog mix may be perfect for you! This mixed breed is known by many names, including the Bullpug, Miniature Bulldog, and Pugbull.
But what exactly is this dog all about? This post will cover everything you need to know about the Pug Bulldog mix breed. We will discuss its history, traits, physical appearance, and more!
So let’s jump right in.
Table of Contents
What Is A Bullpug?
A Bullpug is a cross between a Bulldog and a Pug. While the exact proportions of each breed can vary, they typically have the body of a Bulldog and the face of a Pug.
This designer breed is generally friendly and good-natured, although they can sometimes be stubborn. They tend to be relatively low-maintenance dogs, and their short coats require only occasional brushing.
What Was The Pug Bulldog Mix Bred For?
The Pug Bulldog Mix is a popular designer dog that is a cross between the Pug and the Bulldog.
While there is some debate about the exact origins of this hybrid, it is generally believed that the Pug Bulldog Mix was first bred in the United States in the 1990s. This hybrid was likely developed in an attempt to create a dog with the best characteristics of both the Pug and the Bulldog.
The Bullpug wasn’t bred for any particular working purpose, and its primary focus has been being a companion dog. Like many mixed breeds today.
Where Do Pugs Come From?
Pugs have a long and storied history that can be traced back to ancient China. One of the most popular dog breeds in the world, they were once the companion of royalty and aristocrats.
Today, they remain among the most popular breeds, thanks to their huggable size, wrinkled faces, and big personalities. Pugs were first bred in China over 2,000 years ago and were prized by Tibetan Buddhists for their companionship.
They were also popular with the royal families of China and Japan. Then, in the 1800s, pugs became a treasured family addition in Europe, particularly among the British aristocracy.
Queen Victoria was especially fond of pugs and even bred her own line of pugs at Windsor Castle. The popularity of pugs continued into the 20th century, and today there are estimated to be over a million pugs worldwide.
While their physical appearance has changed little over the centuries, pugs today are cherished as much for their affectionate dispositions as for their prestigious history.
Where Do Bulldogs Come From?
The English Bulldog is a popular pet for many people, but it wasn’t always that way. These dogs have a long and somewhat disturbing history. Bulldogs were originally bred in England in the 1500s for the sport of bull-baiting.
This cruel practice involved tying a bull to a post and then setting dogs on it. The dog that could pin the bull by the nose and face was the winner.
Bulldogs were prized for their tenacity and strength, quickly becoming popular pets among the upper class. However, bull-baiting was eventually outlawed in 1835, and the English Bulldog began to decline in popularity.
In the early 1800s, breeders decided to create a new version of the Bulldog that was more gentle and docile. They did this by breeding them with Pugs and other small breeds.
This new breed became known as the English Bulldog, and it quickly became a favorite pet in Victorian society. Today, these dogs are still popular pets, known for their loyalty and gentle nature.
Pug Bulldog Mix Appearance & Traits
Size (Weight & Height)
The Pug Bulldog Mix is a small to medium-sized dog, weighing 20-50 pounds and standing 11-14 inches tall at the shoulder.
Male Bullpugs tend to be slightly larger (as with all dog breeds), and females tend to be shorter and lighter.
Their height is determined by their parents, but their weight ultimately depends on their lifestyle. Because of both Pugs and Bulldogs breathing challenges, they’re more prone to weight gain, considering exercise is more difficult for them.
This means they’re more likely to do well with frequent, short exercise sessions as opposed to longer ones to keep them at a healthy weight.
Coat Colors & Texture
The most common coat colors of a Bullpug are black, fawn, brindle, or brown. The coat is usually short and smooth but can also be a little longer and slightly wavy.
Shedding & Grooming
The Bullpug is a moderate shedder, meaning they’ll lose some hair but nothing excessive. They’re considered to be a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming.
A weekly brushing will help to remove any dead hair and keep their coat looking healthy.
Some dog owners get a robot vacuum to help them stay on top of their dog’s shedding. And because Bullpugs don’t shed excessively, a robot vacuum can do a lot of heavy lifting to keep your home clean from dog fur.
When it comes to bathing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth cleaning, they need about the same amount of attention as other dogs.
A bath every 8-12 weeks, nail trimming and ear cleaning roughly every month, and teeth cleaning a couple of times per week.
Where they need a little more maintenance is with their skin folds. While their folds are adorable, they’re also a breeding ground for bacteria. And if they’re not cleaned often enough, they can become inflamed, irritated, and even infected.
So it’s important to give their skin folds a good wipe down a couple of times a week to make sure they don’t get any infections.
Are Pug Bulldog Mixes Hypoallergenic?
The Bullpug is not a hypoallergenic breed. They do shed moderately, so if you’re allergic to dogs, they’re probably not the right breed for you.
Ears & Tail
The Bullpug has small, floppy ears that are set low on their head. Their tail is also small and usually curled up over their back.
Eye Color
The Bullpug has round, dark eyes that are set relatively far apart. They typically have a black mask around their eyes, which is a common Pug trait.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of a Bullpug is 10-13 years. While this is their average lifespan, their lifestyle will largely impact how long or short they inevitably live.
The better diet they have with opportunities for exercise every day will give them the best chance of a long, healthy life.
Common Health Issues
The Bullpug is prone to a few health issues, including eye problems (cherry eye, dry eye), patellar luxation, allergies, hip dysplasia, and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.
Eye problems – Because of their short snouts, Pugs and Bulldogs are more prone to eye problems. This includes cherry eye (when the third eyelid prolapses), dry eye (when the tear ducts don’t produce enough tears), and entropion (when the eyelashes grow inward, irritating the eye).
Patellar luxation – This is when the kneecap slips out of place, causing pain and lameness. It’s a common health issue in small dogs.
Allergies – Pugs and Bulldogs are prone to allergies, which can manifest as itchiness, excessive licking, redness, and hair loss.
Hip dysplasia – This is a genetic condition that causes the hip joint to develop abnormally, leading to pain and lameness.
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease – This is a condition that affects the blood supply to the ball of the hip joint, causing it to die. It’s seen mostly in small breeds.
They can also suffer from respiratory problems due to their short noses. This can make it difficult for them to breathe, especially in hot weather or when they’re exercising.
While this list may seem daunting, it’s important to remember that mixed breeds are generally healthier than purebreds. This is because they have a more diverse gene pool to draw from, which helps to reduce the likelihood of them inheriting health problems from their parents.
Trainability & Intelligence
The Bullpug is a smart breed that’s relatively easy to train. They’re quick learners who are motivated by food and praise. However, they can be stubborn, which can sometimes make training challenging.
Like all dogs, they need early socialization and obedience training to help them grow into well-rounded adults. Puppy kindergarten is a great way to start their training and socialization.
They respond best to positive reinforcement training methods, such as treats, praise, and belly rubs. Yelling, hitting, or using harsh punishment will only make them fearful and less likely to respond to your commands.
Activity Level & Exercise Needs
The Bullpug is a moderate-energy breed that needs about 30-45 minutes of exercise per day. They need a few good walks or play sessions daily to stay in shape.
They enjoy playing fetch and going for walks, but they’re just as happy curled up on the couch with their favorite human.
Like all dogs, they need mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. This can be in the form of puzzle toys, training sessions, or even just playing games like hide-and-seek.
A tired Bullpug is a good Bullpug, so make sure to give them plenty of exercise and mental stimulation every day.
Temperament & Behavior
Do Pug Bulldog Mixes Bark A Lot?
The Bullpug is generally a quiet breed, but they are more likely to bark a lot if they’re not properly exercised and stimulated.
Taking care of their pent-up energy can do wonders in keeping them quiet and calm.
Do Pug Bulldog Mixes Like To Cuddle?
The Bullpug is a loving and affectionate breed that loves to cuddle. They love being close to their humans and will often follow them around the house.
They make great lap dogs and will often try to climb into your lap for a snuggle session. However, they can also be content just lying next to you on the couch.
Bottom line – if you’re looking for a cuddle buddy, the Bullpug is an excellent choice.
Are Pug Bulldog Mixes Good With Kids?
The Bullpug is a great breed for families with kids. They’re patient, loving and tolerant of most things that kids do.
They do need early socialization to help them get used to the chaotic nature of life with kids, but they generally do well once they’ve been properly introduced.
Are Pug Bulldog Mixes Good With Other Dogs?
The Bullpug is generally good with other dogs, but they may try to dominate smaller breeds. Early socialization can help them learn how to properly interact with other dogs.
They may be wary and overly vocal around other dogs without proper socialization.
So the more positive experiences they have with other dogs at an early age, the better.
Are Pug Bulldog Mixes Good With Strangers?
The Bullpug can be wary of strangers, but they’re generally not aggressive. They may bark at strangers or try to hide behind their owners, but they’re usually not aggressive.
Early socialization can help them learn to trust and accept strangers. But, some Bullpugs may always be a little reserved around new people.
Are Pug Bulldog Mixes Good Apartment Dogs?
The Bullpug is a great breed for apartment living. They aren’t an incredibly high-energy breed and don’t need a lot of space to run around.
They do need a few good walks or play sessions every day, but they’re generally happy just hanging out at home with their favorite humans.
What Is The Price Of A Pug Bulldog Mix?
The price of a Bullpug ranges from $600 to $2000. The exact price depends on the breeder, the dog’s parentage, coat color, and other factors.
If you’re looking for a healthy Bullpug puppy, be prepared to pay on the higher end of the price range.
Always be cautious when you see a Bullpug going for low prices.
There are many unscrupulous breeders out there who are looking to make a quick buck by selling sick or unhealthy puppies.
Where Can You Buy A Pug Bulldog Mix?
Since the Bullpug isn’t an incredibly popular mix breed at the moment, there aren’t many breeders actively breeding this mix. However, there are a few places where you may be able to find a Pug Bulldog mix.
The first place to take a look is online breeder directory websites. Greenfield Puppies and Lancaster Puppies are more well-known breeder directories.
It’s important to note that you still need to do additional research when thinking about reaching out to a particular breeder, no matter where you find them. You want to ensure they check all the boxes for what’s required to be a reputable breeder.
You can also look for Bullpugs for sale at local animal shelters or rescue organizations.
Adopting from a shelter or rescue is still an excellent option if you’re looking for a Bullpug and you’ll be giving a dog in need a loving home.
Similar Dog Breeds To The Pug Bulldog Mix
Final Thoughts
The Bullpug is a cross between two popular dog breeds – the Pug and the English Bulldog.
This mixed breed inherits the best traits from both of its parents and is an affectionate, loyal, relatively low-maintenance companion dog.
If you’re looking for a Bullpug for sale, make sure you purchase from a reputable breeder. You can also look for Bullpugs at local animal shelters or rescue organizations.