The English Bulldog and Pug are both canine icons thanks to their physical features. Imagine how distinguished they will look if they are combined to produce an English Bulldog Pug mix. Truly Instagram-worthy, I must say!
The English Bulldog Pug mix, also known as the Bull Pug, is a cute designer dog that carries the physical and temperament traits of both parents. Those who wish to have an English Bulldog and Pug but don’t have space for two dogs can enjoy the best of both breeds with this crossbreed.
What does this hybrid look like? Is it a good family pet? If you’re curious about the English Bulldog Pug mix, you’re in the right place! I will let you in on the 411 of this crossbred pup.
What Is an English Bulldog Pug Mix?
The English Bulldog Pug mix is the offspring of the English Bulldog and Pug. Also known as the Bull Pug, this medium-sized dog has a stocky and muscular build that is brought about by crossbreeding.
Oftentimes, it is referred to as a miniature Bulldog because it is the spitting image of its parent. Note that this is just a nickname. This crossbreed isn’t the same as the downsized purebred version of the English Bulldog.
Bull Pug History and Origin: Where Does the English Bulldog Pug Mix Come From?
This Pug Bulldog mix is the offspring of two popular dog breeds. You may be familiar with the English Bulldog and Pug because they are unique in terms of their physical appearance.
For you to get a good grasp of the origin of the Pug English Bulldog mix, let’s first talk about its parent breeds.
English Bulldog History
You probably know the English Bulldog as it is quite remarkable because of its wrinkled face. This medium-sized Mastiff-type dog traces its roots back to England, as its name suggests.
Originally bred for bull-baiting in the 1500s, the naturally nice English Bulldog was forced to be aggressive to fit this extreme sport. In bull-baiting, a dog is pitted against a bull inside a ring.
After the ban of this sport in 1835, breeders changed their attitude towards this breed and started to care for English Bulldogs so they may be good canine companions.
Fast forward to the present, the English Bulldog is now known as a sweet and dependable dog great for families and children. Gone is its former aggressive reputation.
This breed is recognized by different kennel clubs such as the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the American Kennel Club (AKC). It is so well-loved that it ranked fifth in AKC’s 2020 Most Popular Dog Breeds list based on 2019 registration statistics.
Pug History
The Pug is just as remarkable as the English Bulldog because of its similarly wrinkled face and sociable and charming temperament.
Known as the pampered pets of Chinese rulers, the Pug breed was brought to Europe in the sixteenth century. This breed was equally treasured by nobles throughout the Western continent. It was popularly bred with one goal: to be a companion dog.
Among the kennel clubs that recognize this breed are the AKC and UKC. To date, it is still a popular companion dog as it was centuries before. In fact, it is in AKC’s 2020 Most Popular Dog Breeds ranking 31st.
Bull Pug History
Photo from @king_tony_m6 (IG)
There is no exact timeline of when the Pug English Bulldog mix was first created or when it got so popular. One thing is for sure, though. Putting together its two parent breeds was intentional, thus making it a designer breed.
In case you don’t know what designer breeds are, these are products of intentional crossbreeding to come up with a desired mixed breed.
The English Bulldog and Pug were so popular that breeders wanted to have the characteristics of both breeds in one canine. The result of this crossbreeding is a playful companion dog with a wrinkled face which is known as the Pug English Bulldog mix.
Some breeders and dog owners also wanted to have an English Bulldog that is smaller in size. One way for breeders to develop smaller versions of purebred dogs is to mix them with a smaller breed.
Other examples of this crossbreeding practice are the miniature Rottweiler and the miniature Collie.
Many names have been given to this hybrid like the mini Bulldog and Bull Pug and they are recognized by canine organizations like the American Canine Hybrid Club and Designer Breed Registry.
Bull Pug Appearance: What Does the English Bulldog Pug Mix Look Like?
As I mentioned earlier, the English Bulldog Pug mix is sometimes called a mini Bulldog and one look at this pup will tell you why.
Most Bull Pugs come with a round head, broad shoulders, and a muscular and stocky body like that of their parents.
In terms of its face, it has the signature wrinkles of both parents, a medium muzzle, and eyes that are black and shaped like almonds.
It falls under the brachycephalic breed group which means that because of its skull, it will have a flat face and squished nose. This mix may even come with an underbite!
Bull Pug Size and Weight: How Big Do English Bulldog Pug Mixes Get When Fully Grown?
The English Bulldog is medium-sized, typically 14 to 15 inches in height, while the Pug is around 10 to 13 inches.
Putting these two together will give an offspring smaller than a regular Bulldog but bigger than a Pug. Your English Bulldog Pug mix may grow as tall as 10 to 14 inches and as heavy as 20 to 45 pounds.
Because of its size, urban dwellers who only have apartment space or don’t have backyards can have this mixed breed dog. It does not need much space to move around. For as long as you take it on walks, it is good to go.
How Many Colors Available for English Bulldog Pug Mix?
The Pug Bulldog mix’s coats may come in solid, piebald, or brindled patterns typically with the colors white, fawn, red, silver, and black.
These are coat color traits they inherit from their parents. A litter of five to seven can have a mix of these coat types.
Fawn English Bulldog Pug Mix
Photo from @king_tony_m6 (IG)
Also known as fallow, the fawn is the most popular coat color for the Pug breed. It is also a popular color for the breed’s offspring with the English Bulldog.
Fawn is light tannish yellow that may manifest in a wide range of shades. Dogs with this coat color may have a light shade like pale tan, dark shade like deep deer-red, or other shades in between.
There are crossbreeds with fawn coats that have black areas around their muzzles like that of Pugs.
Black English Bulldog Pug Mix
Photo from @montgomery_pugxenglishbulldog (IG)
Next to fawn, black is the most popular color for Pugs. There are also Pug English Bulldog mixes that have black coats. Mixed dogs with black coats typically have a solid black color throughout the body.
Piebald English Bulldog Pug Mix
Photo from @rambotheminibulldog (IG)
Piebald or pied refers to a pattern in which there are random spots all over the dog’s body on a backdrop of another color. The usual patches of piebald Bull Pugs are white with a red or fawn backdrop.
There are dog owners who use the term piebald to refer to two-toned or bi-colored coats.
Brindle English Bulldog Pug Mix
Photo from @guffsaysruff (IG)
Brindle is a popular coat type for English Bulldog coats. The crossbreed that inherits this coat from the English Bulldog parent has a colored base with a striped pattern that resembles tiger stripes.
Usually, brindle coats come in color groups like black and fawn, white and red, and other combinations.
English Bulldog Pug Mix Temperament: Do Bull Pugs Make Good Family Dogs?
Both parent breeds of the English Bulldog Pug mix are great for families, making their crossbreed offspring a perfect family dog.
Playful, affectionate, and sweet best describe the English Bulldog Pug mix as it enjoys being in the company of its loved ones. If you are a dog owner of this crossbreed, expect to have a loyal companion who loves having you around.
Even though this mixed breed is a companion dog, it is not clingy and does not demand your attention 24/7. In fact, it can go on without getting any attention from you for a certain period of time.
If you have a laidback and sedentary lifestyle, this pup is for you because it does not move around so much. While it can get playful and energetic especially during playtime, this dog also enjoys chilling on the couch with its fur parents.
Take a look at this video of a Bull Pug playing calmly with a bug:
English Bull Dog Pug mix playing with Bug<a href="https://youtu.be/-Qg5cPvfklc" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2F-Qg5cPvfklc%2F0.jpg" alt="English Bull Dog Pug mix playing with Bug" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
When it comes to children, this mix is also a good choice. Its English Bulldog parent has a reputation for being aggressive. However, this is just a misconception due to its bull-baiting history.
The truth is that the English Bulldog is sweet-natured and gets along with kids. The Pug breed is also sociable which makes their mixed pup good with the little ones.
Aside from kids, the English Bulldog Pug mix also enjoys mingling with other dogs. To ensure that your dog will be as friendly, start introducing other people and dogs even at a young age. Early socialization can help them turn into nice-mannered dogs.
This pup may need a little bit of time for adjustment, though, when meeting strangers. Its parent breeds handle stranger dogs and humans differently. The English Bulldog may be wary of strangers and exercises caution when being approached.
Quite the contrary, the Pug is friendly, sometimes to an extreme level. How your pup will react will depend on its training and the inherited temperament.
Your crossbreed pup may get more temperament traits from either of its parents, but rest assured, you will get a pleasant-tempered pup that is a perfect addition to your family.
To give you a peek of what an English Bulldog Pug mix is like, here is a video compilation done by a fur parent.
<a href="https://youtu.be/PF8b_rYx3kU" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FPF8b_rYx3kU%2F0.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="700"><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
English Bulldog Pug Mix Lifespan and Health Issues
As fur parents, we all want our beloved pooches to live healthy lives and spend more years with us so we should be well-aware of the health risks that come with their breed.
Several health issues concern the English Bulldog and Pug which their crossbred offspring might inherit.
The mixed pup’s lifespan is usually 9 to 13 years. In that span, you may encounter some medical problems so it’s best that you come prepared. Most conditions are related to the respiratory system, bones and joints, and skin.
Here are some health problems common in English Bulldog Pug mixes which you should look out for:
Hip Dysplasia: A problem that is common to both parents, hip dysplasia occurs when your dog’s thigh bone does not fit its hip joint. The result is a pain in the limbs which may cause your dog to start limping.
Patellar Luxation: Another orthopedic issue, patellar luxation concerns the patella or kneecap. Dogs with patellar luxation experience discomfort in their knees and in some cases, loss of function. This is because during knee-flexing, the patella rides outside the femoral groove. This condition is common in small dogs with about 7% of puppies diagnosed with it.
Brachycephaly Airway Obstructive Syndrome: The Brachycephaly Airway Obstructive Syndrome is a common health problem in brachycephalic or short-nosed dogs. Both parents of this mix have this flattened skull so they are prone to this. Symptoms include difficulty in breathing, vomiting, and loud snoring.
Pug Dog Encephalitis: The neurological disease called Pug Dog Encephalitis happens when brain tissues are inflamed causing pups to experience seizures, behavioral changes, disorientation, and more. This usually hits Pugs that are two to three years of age but may also occur as early as six months or as late as seven years old. No known cause has been found for this kind of encephalitis.
Cherry Eye: Dogs have a third eyelid called the nictitating membrane. When this membrane gets inflamed or “pops out,” it results in irritation and redness often referred to as cherry eye.
Diabetes: Diabetes is a common problem in dogs, but there are more incidents in Pugs. Because diabetic dogs are unable to regulate sugars in their bodies, they need insulin shots to help them do so.
Canine Atopy: Getting allergies is common to Pugs and in some cases, they have a hypersensitivity reaction when exposed to allergens called canine atopy. Affected areas are usually the paws, abdomen, face, ears, chest, armpits, and flanks.
How to Care for Your English Bulldog Pug Mix’s Basic Needs?
Basic needs for canines are food, shelter, grooming, and training. However, these needs vary from one breed to another.
What the Chihuahua needs may not exactly be the same as what your English Bulldog Pug mix needs. Knowing what your pup needs allows you to give it the best care possible.
Feeding and Diet
To ensure that you have a healthy pup, only give good quality dry dog food to your Pug Bulldog mix. On a daily basis, this crossbreed needs about 800 calories to be served in two split meals.
Carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals are important so make it a habit to check your dog food’s nutritional content before buying.
You may also consider giving homemade food. Cooked vegetables like spinach, carrots, asparagus, and sweet potatoes are good for your crossbreed dog.
You may also give fruits like bananas, apples, and mangoes. Always remember to remove pits and seeds before serving.
Besides giving your English Bulldog Pug mix the right kind of food, you should also monitor its food intake. Both parents are prone to obesity.
While a chubby pup looks very cute, it is not healthy and may lead to many problems and complications.
If you are starting to notice that your pup is getting underweight or overweight, consult your vet to get a diet recommendation.
Cleaning and Grooming
Short coats can be seen in both the English Bulldog and Pug and the same for their crossbreed pup.
You may need to brush the mixed dog’s coat once or twice a week to get rid of loose hair since it sheds regularly. Use a soft brush to keep the coat beautiful and healthy and to avoid hurting your dog.
Aside from its coat, you should also pay attention to the wrinkles on its face and body. Bacteria may start to build up when left unclean so be sure to wipe and bathe when necessary. This is also to avoid infections and allergies which they may be prone to.
On top of that, regularly trim the nails and clean the eyes and ears. Brushing is also important and should be added to your grooming routine. Doing all these will help prevent infections and keep your dog healthy and happy.
Training and Exercise
English Bulldog Pug mixes are laidback and chill. If you do not enjoy too much physical activity, this crossbreed is for you because its exercise needs are not too high.
A 30-minute walk is already enough for this mixed breed plus enough playtime and bonding. Early morning and evening are said to be the best time for walks and exercise.
Remember that both parent breeds are brachycephalic which means their offspring will be too. They cannot handle heat well and are prone to overheating. When walking, ensure that you have drinking water ready.
In terms of trainability, this mix can learn tricks and commands. However, you need to have patience during training as it can get a little too stubborn. This is probably a trait inherited from its parents.
Be firm when you train your pup but also not too strict. Have fun and consider training as bonding time.
Do you know that the secret to successful training is positive reinforcement? Dogs listen and obey more when they are rewarded for good behavior. Prepare those treats for your training time!
How Much Does an English Bulldog Pug Mix Cost? Bull Pug Puppy Price & Expenses
Photo from @rambotheminibulldog (IG)
The cost for an English Bulldog Pug mix may vary and range from $500 to $2,000. There may also be more expensive ones especially when you buy from a reputable breeder.
Factors that may affect cost include size, health, breeder reputation, and lineage. There are also mixes from champion bloodlines but prepare to shell more.
When choosing a breeder to buy a mixed pup from, consider a lot of things such as the affiliation of your breeder. Puppy mills are everywhere and they have poor practices and little care for their dogs, thus, low prices. Avoid them as much as possible.
Caring for a pup entails other expenses aside from the cost of the dog itself. Prepare for one-time costs such as a leash, harness or collar, bed, toys, and the like.
You also have regular expenses such as food, treats, and grooming items. For new pups, you have to spend for neutering or spaying, vaccinations, and deworming.
Places to Find English Bulldog Pug Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
English Bulldog Pug mix puppies are not rare so you can find breeders that sell these mixed pups online. However, they are also not highly common so you have to check the availability of this crossbreed:
Greenfield Puppies – Fur parents have been trusting Greenfield Puppies since 2000. They connect reputable breeders with interested soon-to-be owners and carry both purebred and mixed puppies.
Lancaster Puppies – Lancaster Puppies provides a list of available English Bulldog Pug mixes from good breeders.
Adoption is also another option for those looking for an English Bulldog Pug mix. There are mixed breeds, puppies and full-grown dogs alike, that need a home.
Pug Rescue of Austin – Based in Texas, this rescue group is composed of Pug enthusiasts. They have been saving Pugs and Pug mixes and helping them find a family that will give them the love they deserve.
Tiny Paws Pugs Rescue – The Tiny Paws Pug Rescue is a non-profit organization with the goal of giving purebred and mixed breed pugs a home in Central Coast and Northern California. This group also provides education and guidance to adoptive families.
Short Noses Only Rescue Team – The Short Noses Only Rescue Team, also called SNORT, is dedicated to brachycephalic dog breeds. Adoptable breeds include Pugs, English Bulldogs, Frenchies, and their mixes.
Petfinder – With their vast database of dogs and cats, Petfinder can link you with animal shelters and adoption organizations so you can find your furry companion.
Before buying or adopting a Bull Pug, you must know what you are getting into. Caring for a dog is hard work but more than that, it requires love and attention.
Dog Mixes That Are Similar to Bull Pugs
Open to exploring other dog mixes and breeds that have similarities with the English Bulldog Pug mix? Check out these dogs that you may want to consider.
Frug: The name may sound funny but the Frug is an actual crossbreed. Also known as the Frenchie Pug, this mixed breed is similar to the English Bulldog Pug mix because its parents are the Pug and Bulldog, albeit French Bulldog. Both crossbreeds share some physical characteristics and low exercise requirements.
Puggle: A mix of the Pug and Beagle, the Puggle is a smart crossbreed that likes playing. It is also good for families because it gets along well with kids. Unlike the Bull Pug, the Puggle does not enjoy staying put and is highly active and energetic.
Poxer: The Poxer is the offspring of a Pug and a Boxer. This medium-sized designed breed is charming and lively. Fit for those with active lifestyles, this crossbreed loves physical activities. Both parent breeds of this mix are brachycephalic which also makes this dog one.
Commonly Asked Questions
Is the English Bulldog Pug Mix Hypoallergenic?
The English Bulldog Pug mix has a short coat that requires minimal grooming. Unfortunately for dog lovers with allergies, this dog is not hypoallergenic and may shed from time to time.
If you are allergic to dog hair and fur, you may want to think twice before getting this crossbreed as it may trigger sneezing.
What Type of Coat Does an English Bulldog Pug Mix Have?
Coats of the English Bulldog Pug mix are typically short with smooth and sleek fur. The colors of this coat vary but the usual are white, fawn, red, silver, and black. These may be in solid or patterns such as the piebald and brindle.
Final Thoughts: Is the Bull Pug for You?
Mixed breeds are popular nowadays because they give you characteristics of two different breeds. The English Bulldog Pug mix is one of the cutest combinations because it puts together two good-natured breeds.
With its wrinkly face and body, this Pug Bulldog mix is really a head-turner. Those looking for a companion will find a great fur buddy in this dog breed because they are loyal and loving.
Though they may be stubborn at times, with the right training and reward system, your English Bulldog Pug mix can be an obedient dog that listens to commands.
Best for people who have a sedentary lifestyle, the Bull Pug is good for both walks and lazing around doing nothing all day.
If a chill kind of dog is what you are looking for, you may have found the right one you will spend fur-ever with in the English Bulldog Pug mix.
Commentaires