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If you are looking for a sweet, friendly, playful companion, then you should meet a Bullador! These Labrador Retriever and English Bulldog mixes combine the best traits of both breeds into one fun-loving and active canine.
Breed Overview
Height:
20 – 22 inches
Weight:
50 – 90 pounds
Lifespan:
10 – 12 years
Colors:
Black, white, tan, golden, cream, brown, brindle
Suitable for:
Families with a large, fenced yard, active people
Temperament:
Friendly, sociable, playful, energetic, can be protective
Although we don’t usually think of Bulldogs as being active pups, when they are part Labrador, their activity level jumps significantly. The Bullador usually loves children and can get along fine with other pets.
Read on to learn more about these fun dogs and see if they might be right for your family!
Bullador Characteristics
Bullador Puppies
Bulladors are a popular choice among pet owners for their playful, affectionate, and loyal nature. These puppies are known for being friendly and sociable, making them great family pets. They are also intelligent and easy to train, making them suitable for first-time pet owners.
In terms of appearance, Bullador puppies typically inherit the muscular and sturdy build of their English Bulldog parent, along with the Labrador Retriever’s friendly facial features and floppy ears. Their short, dense coat is easy to groom and comes in a variety of colors such as black, brown, or brindle. They have a moderate energy level and enjoy playing and going on walks, but they also have a tendency to be more relaxed and laid-back than purebred Labradors.
Because they are fairly common, you may also be able to find a Bullador in an animal shelter near you. Adopting an adult dog can give you a better idea of their health and temperament. It can also save a life!
Temperament & Intelligence of the Bullador 🧠
Bulladors are known to exhibit some of the best characteristics of both the Labrador and the English Bulldog. They tend to be friendly, sociable, and playful. Both breeds are intelligent, although a Bulldog can be a bit more stubborn. This means training your Bullador may be more challenging than training a Labrador. However, with consistency, it can be done.
Bulladors are very loyal to their families. They are also companion dogs that like to be near you all the time. They do not do well when left alone for a long time.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡
Yes! Bulladors are excellent family dogs. They are friendly and playful. Like both of their parents, Bulladors grow very fond of their families and like to be around them all the time. They like to fetch, go on long hikes, run with their owners, or do just about any other activity as long as it is with you.
While Bulladors are not usually aggressive, they are medium to large-sized dogs so they should always be watched around small children. They are also protective of their families and will not hesitate to protect you if needed.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽
Yes, Bulladors generally get along quite well with other pets. They don’t seem to mind other dogs and will often coexist happily with cats. Even if they are a little wary of a new doggy friend at first, they will usually warm up to them after a while and live together without any problems.
Things to Know When Owning a Bullador
Bulladors can be wonderful pets if you are willing to give them what they need to be happy and healthy. It is important to do your research before getting any dog and the Bullador is no exception. Along with potential medical concerns, you should familiarize yourself with the Bullador’s training, food, grooming, and exercise needs. The following will give you a breakdown of what you need to know before deciding to bring a Bullador into your home.
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
You should always consult your veterinarian for diet recommendations for your specific pet. In general, Bulladors need high-quality large or medium-sized formulated dog food. Like both of their parents, Bulladors really like food. If they are not monitored, they will overeat and gain weight which can contribute to a host of health issues.
The activity level of your dog will also impact how much and what kind of food they should eat.
Exercise 🐕
Most Bulladors are active, playful dogs. They like most outdoor activities including running, hiking, fetch, swimming, tug-of-war, and anything else you can engage them in that will stimulate their bodies and minds. Bulladors also like spending time running around and playing in a fenced yard. This is ideal if you have children.
Exercise is crucial to a Bullador’s health and well-being. Without enough activity, they may become destructive and bored. They will also gain weight quickly if not getting enough exercise.
Training 🦮
Training a Bullador may not be for the first-time dog owner. While they are very intelligent, they do tend to have a Bulldog’s stubborn nature. The earlier you start training them, the more successful you will be.
They respond very well to consistent training with positive reinforcement. If you are not familiar with dog training, you should consider working with a professional trainer.
Grooming ✂️
Bulladors have limited grooming requirements. Their coat is short and they shed a moderate amount. Regular brushing can help with shedding. Since they usually don’t mind the water, you shouldn’t have much trouble bathing them when needed.
You should also check their ears at least once each week for signs of infection and brush their teeth regularly.
Health and Conditions ❤️
While Labradors are generally very healthy dogs, English Bulldogs are the opposite. The combination of the two leads to a dog that is healthier than a purebred Bulldog, but still prone to some health concerns that any potential Bullador owner should be aware of.
- Skin Problems and Infections — Some Bulladors inherit their Bulldog parent propensity for skin infections. Often these can be treated by careful monitoring of the diet and working with your veterinarian.
- Eye Conditions — Both Bulldogs and Labradors can develop eye conditions so Bulladors are also prone to them. These can lead to worsening eyesight as your dog ages, or even blindness.
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia — Joint dysplasia can negatively impact the mobility of your Bullador. It is a painful condition and can prevent your dog from moving around comfortably. This can, in turn, lead to obesity and all the related health problems that come with it.
- Obesity — Bulladors love eating and if they have other conditions that prevent them from being active, they will put on weight quickly. Obesity can lead to heart disease, cancer, and other debilitating health conditions.
- Bloat — Bloat occurs when a dog’s stomach fills with food, gas, or liquids and then twists. This can be fatal if not recognized and treated right away. Both English Bulldogs and Labradors can be prone to bloat.
- Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (BAS) — If your Bullador has a flatter face like its Bulldog parent, they may be at risk for BAS. This can lead to serious breathing problems.
Male vs Female
There are no noticeable differences in size, temperament, or health between male and female Bulladors. As with all dogs, consistent training and proper care will have the biggest impact on your dog’s behavior, along with influence from their parents in their first months of birth.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Bullador
1. Their Coats Are Usually More Than One Color
It is rare that a Bullador’s coat is only one color. Usually, they will be two or more colors. Some common color combinations are black and white, tan and white, or tan, brown, and white.
2. They Make Good Watchdogs
Even though Labradors tend to be very friendly with everyone they meet, Bulldogs are a little more territorial and wary of strangers. Most Bulladors seem to inherit this characteristic from their Bulldog ancestry.
3. Their Size Can Vary Widely Depending on Which Traits Are Dominant
Bulldogs and Labradors have very different body types. When you combine the two, it can be difficult to know which type will win out or if your puppy will end up somewhere in the middle. Bulldogs tend to be short and muscular while Labs are longer-limbed and usually thinner.
Final Thoughts
After reading this guide, hopefully, you have a better understanding of the Bullador. These dogs are great companions for the family who can keep them active and healthy. A healthy lifestyle is the best way to ward off some of the degenerative health conditions Bulladors are prone to.
In return, your Bullador will shower you and your family with affection. This breed will be a loyal, loving, and playful friend for everyone in your household.
- Looking for more crossbreeds? We have full lists of both Labrador Retriever and Bulldog Mixes!
Featured Image Credit to: Stephanie Denise Powers, Shutterstock