If you love both the Pug and an English Bulldog alike, adopting or buying their offspring, the Pug English Bulldog mix or Bull Pug is an excellent idea.
This designer dog breed is developed by crossing a purebred English Bulldog with a purebred Pug. Both parents of this mixed breed are adorable from puppyhood and not many changes even when they are fully grown. This medium-sized dog features a stout back, broad shoulders, and a huge round head.
Bull Pugs come in a smooth, sleek, short coat with common colors being white, brindle, fawn, or patched. Other variations are also possible. Other than these physical characteristics, people love this mixed breed for its friendly, brave, and calm temperament. English Bulldog Pug crosses are loving and get along with kids just fine. That plus their protective nature makes them excellent family dogs for most homes, especially active ones.
Are you wondering whether the Pug mixed with English Bulldog is the right hybrid for you or your family? Dog ownership goes beyond the charming personality and sweet looks.
In this article, we have included everything you need to know about the Pug English Bulldog mix. From appearance, temperament, caring for your mix, price, adoption, and more, our guide is very comprehensive.
Continue reading to learn more about this adorable mix between a Pug and an English Bulldog.
Table of Contents
What is a Bulldog Pug mix called?
Breeders make the work of identifying a designer dog easy by coming up with a unique name that fits the mixed breed. Mostly, they will use the names of both parents. For Bulldog mixes, you will usually see the name “Bull”.
A Pug English Bulldog cross is commonly known as the Bull Pug. Other names for this mixed breed include Miniature Bulldog, Pug Bull, Mini Bulldog Pug, Bulldog Mix Pug, Bull dog Pug, and BullPug.
The Bull Pug is not purebred like its parents. As such, the American Kennel Club (AKC) and other major kennel clubs like the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) and Kennel Club UK (UKC) do not recognize them as a breed.
The Pug mixed with English Bulldog is accepted by registries such as the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Designer Breed Registry (DBR), and Dog Registry of America (DRA).
Why mix English Bulldog with Pug?
Pugs were solely bred for the purpose of companionship from the word go. English Bulldogs, on the other hand, have a reputation for aggression due to their past bull-baiting reasons. Today’s English Bulldogs are gentle, dependable, predictable, nonaggressive, and calm. Crossing an English Bulldog with a Pug can help balance the possible recessive traits if any, though rare.
That being said, both Pugs and English Bulldogs have sweet dispositions that make them superb companions. Add their gentleness and love for kids to this nature and you have the perfect family pooch that you hoped for. The mixed breed between a Pug and an English Bulldog is extremely affectionate and loyal to its family and owners.
Both Pugs and English Bulldogs are eager to please which means the Bull Pug inherits the trait. Pugs are known to be smart, attentive, and quick learners which compensate for the stubborn streak of the English Bulldog making the Bull Pug easy to train. This crossbreed also gets along with other dogs making it good for multi-pet homes.
The English Bulldog’s average shedding, on the other hand, balances the all-year shedding of the Pug. The mix can inherit any of these traits or become a moderate shedder.
English Bulldog Pug Mix Puppies
English Bulldog Pug mix puppies are so adorable that you can’t help but want to take them home. Their huge, spherical head, soft skin folds, and short sleek fur make them hard to resist.
Bull Pug puppies are stocky and strong with broad shoulders. Their black eyes give you a look that you admire as they seem to smile at you almost always. You will also love the way the tail curls back over the hips.
These cute puppies come in cute colors such as white, brindle, black, fawn, and silver. Expect Bull Pug puppies to be smart, affectionate, and friendly with a calm disposition. They will get along with other pets and are very friendly with kids. Make sure that you train these puppies early as they have moderate training difficulty.
These pups are not the easiest to find. Expect to spend between $1,200 and $2,500 for a well-bred, healthy English Bulldog Pug cross.
Fully Grown English Bulldog Pug Mix
When fully grown, a Pug English Bulldog cross is a medium-sized that stands 10 to 14 inches and is 20 to 45 lbs. in weight. Male BullPugs tend to be heavier than their female counterparts.
Some BullPugs can be good watchdogs if well-trained from the puppyhood stage because of their English Bulldog parent’s instincts.
A summary table for the Pug English Bulldog mix
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Breed | Crossbreed |
| Size | 10 to 14 inches |
| Weight | 20 to 45 lbs. |
| Grooming | Low-maintenance |
| Best Suited for: | All dog owners |
| Lifespan | 9 to 13 years |
| Temperament | Loving, calm, loyal, gets along with other animals |
| Coat | A short, smooth, sleek, and fine coat |
| Coat Colors | White, black, silver, fawn, and brindle |
| Energy Levels | Moderate |
| Exercise Requirements | At least 30 minutes per day |
| Health | Average |
| Price | $1,200 to $2,500 |
We shall learn more about this below.
History of the Breed
The true origin of the English Bulldog mix with Pug is unidentified. According to VCA Hospitals, most mixed breeds have unknown parentage. What this means is that there are no valid records about their ancestors or how many different breeds are used to create them. That is why we assume that most of them first existed as a result of accidental breeding.
Designer breeds, like the Bull Pug, on the other hand, are intentionally bred by combining the best characteristics of both worlds. The advantage of creating a designer dog like the Bull Pug is that it helps avoid undesirable recessive traits. With careful and responsible breeding, breeders are also able to create a dog that is healthier than its parents. For these crossbreeds to be listed in the kennel club to be “a breed”, the Bull Pug must have been bred from F2 generation crosses resulting in a multi-generational cross or F3 Gen. This is the kind of practice that is only possible with unscrupulous dog breeders, something that the creator of designer dogs says is unfortunate.
That being said, designer dogs have been around for the last 2 to 3 decades and that is all we are sure of.
To know more about the English Bulldog Pug cross, let us take a look at their parents.
Parents
The English Bulldog – Also known as the British Bulldog, the English Bulldog has its roots in England and was first created to help butchers control livestock. This dog breed is described by a brawny, heavy stature, a wrinkled face, and a typical pushed-in nose.
Bulldogs were also used in dog sports like dog fighting and bull-baiting and this unfortunate past has followed them to date. Today’s English Bulldogs retain a brave and willful nature but are friendly, calm, and sociable. When it comes to dog IQ, the English Bulldog rank bulldogs rank 77th position.
The British Bulldogs are not the smartest dogs when it comes to obedience and work intelligence and having a stubborn streak makes them rather hard to train. Check out this article about owning a Bulldog. This dog breed was recognized by the AKC in 1886 and the club accepts all the colors it comes with. When properly trained, they make superb family pets and loyal companions.
The English Bulldog has a life expectancy of 8 to 10 years but is faced with very many health problems. Common health issues in English Bulldogs include hip dysplasia, cherry eye, cardiac & respiratory disease, and they are prone to heat problems, and a high risk of drowning, among others.
The Pug – An ancient dog breed from China, the Pug was created purposely as a companion dog for the Chinese ruling families. These royal pooches lived in luxurious places where they were protected by soldiers until they later became popular across Asia. Buddhists in Tibet kept these dogs in monasteries for companionship as well.
This dog breed is characterized by a wrinkled face with a short muzzle and curled tail plus a glossy coat that sports a range of colors. These pups are charming, smart, playful, affectionate, friendly, calm but alert, and stubborn. All these traits make them incredible family dogs.
The Pug was accepted as a breed by the AKC in 1885. In terms of dog IQ, Pugs are said to have below-average intelligence in obedience and work. However, they have high adaptive intelligence.
The Pug stands 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulders, as seen in this illustration, and has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. Major health issues in pugs include canine hip dysplasia, pug dog encephalitis (PDE), and a very high risk of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Pugs are also prone to minor health issues such as entropion, obesity, patellar luxation, and more.
Table comparison of Parents of English Bulldog Pug cross mix: Comparative features of Pug and English Bulldog
| Feature | English Bulldog | Pug |
|---|---|---|
| Height | About 16 inches tall | 10 to13 inches |
| Weight | 50 to 54 lbs. | 14 to18 lbs. |
| Temperament | Sweet, gentle disposition: willful, docile, and friendly | Charming, docile, playful, quiet, calm, mischievous, and affectionate |
| Energy | Moderate | Moderate |
| Health | Average | Average |
| Lifespan | 8 to 10 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Puppy Prices | $1,500 to $4,000 | $1,500 to $2,500 |
Appearance
Typically, the English Bulldog Pug mix is often called a miniature Bulldog due to its close likeness to the somewhat larger English Bulldog parent.
Since the Bull Pug is an offspring of two different dog breeds, the Pug and English Bulldog Mix, it will not have a standard appearance. However, this mixed breed usually sports a short and stocky body with round heads and broad shoulders.
Like both parents, this designer dog is brachycephalic which means it has a flat face with a short muzzle and an upper jaw that is shorter than the lower jaw. Expect to see wrinkled skin around the mouth and forehead that needs special attention when cleaning.
This crossbreed has round and black eyes with ears that are either rose-shaped or button-shaped. Bull Pugs can have a tail that curls over the hip or one that is short and straight.
How big do English Bulldog mixes with Pug get?
Miniature Bulldogs are medium-sized dogs that stand 12 to 16 inches tall at the withers with a weight of between 20 and 40 lbs.
The moderate-to-low shedding short, smooth, sleek, and fine coat of the Pug cross English Bulldog comes in cute colors like white, black, silver, fawn, and brindle.
Temperament and Characteristics
As you may anticipate, the English Bulldog Pug cross makes an excellent companion dog. These furballs are playful, loving as well as patient with kids. Like with any dog breed, however, it is crucial to monitor how your kids and the doggie interact. You do not want any of the parties to roughhouse the other.
Bull Pugs are famous for their kind and affectionate temperaments that make them crave human company. Some pups can be protective. This mixed breed makes the ideal buddy and playmate. Some Pug English Bulldog cross males tend to be aggressive to other male dogs. However, this problem is easy to overcome with early socialization.
Remember that this is a mixed dog breed, and you can expect anything. Therefore, some Bull Pugs can either be aloof towards unfamiliar persons like the Bulldog parent or outgoing like the Pug parent. In addition, a Bull Pug can be playful or become a potato couch or spend time sleeping beside you on the bed.
Both Pugs and English Bulldogs are bred for companionship which makes them susceptible to separation anxiety. So, the Bull Pug may not do well when left alone for long, especially if they take after the English Bulldog parent.
Ease of Training
Thanks to the parent’s eagerness to please and good intelligence, the English Bulldog Pug mix is easy to train. This willingness to learn and love for human companionship balances the possible stubborn streak in both parent breeds. That being said, however, you need to begin training from an early age to counter any possible adverse traits.
This mixed breed is prone to weight gain. So, even if you employ positive reinforcement during training sessions, use a few healthy treats. Focus mostly on verbal praises and a pat on the back for everything your pooch does right.
Exercise Requirements
The English Bulldog Pug mix is a brachycephalic breed which means a lot of exercises are not good for them due to possible breathing problems.
Typically, an English Bulldog Mixed with Pug is not a very active dog. As such, it will do just fine with a short walk of at least 30 minutes around the neighborhood. That is sufficient for the dog.
Do not let the Bull Pug tire too much because they are prone to overheating and dehydration. If you have no access to a yard, the mix will keep fit with indoor exercises. Make sure that you create time to play tug-of-war or a short game of fetch daily. This helps keep these pooches physically and mentally stimulated.
Nutritional Requirements
An ideal English Bulldog mix with a Pug diet should meet the dog’s nutritional needs. That means that it must comprise the 6 basic nutrients including water, proteins, carbs, fats, vitamins, and minerals. All these vital nutrients must make up your dog’s regular diet for proper growth and optimal health.
So, how much food should you feed your English Bulldog Pug mix per day?
According to PetMD, feeding your dog too little food leads to nutritional deficiencies while too much causes obesity. The dietary needs of your English Bulldog Pug mix will change slowly from their puppy stage to adulthood and senior age.
A Bull Pug or miniature Bulldog should eat approx. 800 calories per day. Therefore, 2 cups of high-quality dry kibble per day are enough for the BullPug. Divide this food into 2 small servings to prevent overeating.
Talking to your vet about the right amount of food to serve your English Bulldog Pug cross is a good thing if you are unsure.
Your English Bulldog Pug mix would appreciate a homemade diet fed simultaneously with commercial dog food. A recipe comprising of cooked veggies like asparagus, carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach is both nutritious and healthful. You can also include fruits such as apples, bananas, cantaloupe, and mangoes, and protein such as cheese and meat.
As a rule of thumb, make sure that you consult your vet before doing all this.
Health Issues
The English Bulldog mixed with Pug is healthier than both parents but still prone to some of the health issues that affect them. Overheating and trouble breathing are the main problems that affect this mixed breed.
Common health issues in Bull Pugs include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, BAOS, cherry eye, diabetes, Pug dog encephalitis, and canine atopy.
Taking your canine buddy for vet visits helps them live better and happier lives. Never skip any scheduled visits.
Life Expectancy
Generally, English Bulldog Pug crosses have a lifespan of between 9 and 13 years.
However, this can be prolonged by feeding them a good diet, giving them adequate and plenty of exercises, as well as attending frequent vet visits.
Grooming
Like its parents, the Bull Pug has a short coat that is not demanding to take care of. These crosses have low-maintenance needs. Brushing their coats once or twice a week is enough to keep their hair healthy and get rid of dead hair. This is important because the mix sheds regularly.
Since the English Bulldog Pug mix has wrinkles on its face, make sure that you clean the skin folds gently to prevent bacteria build-up. Baths should not be regular unless necessary. Clean their ears regularly and wipe their eyes to keep them smelling good.
Keep the Bull Pug’s nails trimmed and brush their teeth daily or three days a week.
How much is an English Bulldog Pug mix?
A well-bred English Bulldog Pug cross can vary from one breeder to another, depending on their reputation and location.
That being said, a miniature Bulldog costs anywhere between $500 and $2,000.
If you can visit the breeder and collect the puppy yourself and ask to see the workplace and the parents of the Bull Pug. This will give you insight into what you expect from your pup.
Do not buy a puppy on websites or puppy mills. If you are here in the US, you can check on Lancaster Puppies.
Where to Adopt
Adopting an English Bulldog mix with Pug is always better and cheaper than shopping, especially when you do not know where to find a responsible breeder. As such, start by asking workers from your local shelter whether this mixed breed is available.
There are a few places where you can find a miniature Bulldog puppy for adoption including Pug Rescue of Austin, SNORT or Short Noses Only Rescue Team, or the Tiny Paws Pug Rescue.
FAQs
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