The English Bulldog Terrier is among the goofiest yet fearless hybrid dogs in the canine world. Although its parent breeds have a history of being used in blood sports, the English Bulldog Terrier makes a good companion pooch.
Generally, English Bulldog Terriers have muscular, stocky bodies and a sweet, gentle disposition, especially to their families. But are they safe with kids? Do they get along well with other dogs?
This guide will give you in-depth details about the English Bulldog Terrier mix. Some frequently asked questions about this designer dog will also be answered later, so stick around until the end.
Breed Overview
| Height: | 14 – 22 inches |
| Weight: | 40 – 70 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 8 – 13 years |
| Coat Colors: | White, red, fawn, fallow, black, tan, brindle, smut |
| Temperament: | Courageous, calm, playful, stubborn |
| Suitable for: | Families with older children; being a guard and watchdog |
What Is an English Bulldog Terrier?
The English Bulldog Terrier mix is a cross between the English Bulldog and Bull Terrier. This medium-sized dog has a muscular physique and a courageous nature. English Bulldog Terriers are generally calm and gentle. However, they can also be very territorial and protective.
First-generation (F1) English Bulldog Terriers are produced by breeding a purebred English Bulldog and a Bull Terrier. Meanwhile, second-generation (F2) dogs are produced by breeding two English Bulldog Terrier mixes.
As a mixed breed dog, the English Bulldog Terrier is not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as a breed of its own. Hence, they cannot participate in the competitions held by the said organization.
Alternatively, you can register your English Bulldog Terrier with other organizations that recognize designer dogs. These include the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR) and the Dog Registry of America (DRA).
English Bulldog Terrier Origin and History
Since the English Bulldog Terrier is a relatively new designer dog, its exact origins are unknown. However, looking at the brief histories of its parent breeds, you will discover where its nature and disposition originate.
The English Bulldog is one of the English Bulldog Terrier mix’s parent breeds. It was first bred in England for cattle management and bull baiting. Today, it is primarily bred to be gentle companion dogs.
Another parent breed of the English Bulldog Terrier is the Bull Terrier. Like the English Bulldog, Bull Terriers originated from England. However, they were first bred to hunt vermin and participate in dog fighting.
As you can see, both of the parent breeds of the English Bulldog Terrier were developed to engage in bloody sports. This is why the English Bulldog Terrier may also be reactive toward other animals and strangers.
But worry not, as this tendency can be controlled through early socialization and firm training. Due to the gentle nature of English Bulldogs today, many English Bulldog Terriers rarely show extreme aggression.
English Bulldog Terrier Appearance
English Bulldog Terriers have muscular, stocky bodies just like their parent breeds. They have dark, round eyes, slightly saggy jowls, and high-set ears — reminiscent of their English Bulldog origin.
However, unlike Bulldogs, which usually have stenotic nares, most English Bulldog Terriers have longer muzzles and normal nostrils — thanks to their Bull Terrier lineage. These allow them to breathe without any difficulty.
English Bulldog Terriers have short, smooth coats that only require minimal grooming.
They may also acquire the coat colors of Bull Terriers and English Bulldogs, like white, merle, tricolor, blue, and many more!
Watch the video below to see Barney, a playful English Bulldog Terrier rescue dog:
English Bulldog Terrier Size and Weight
The typical height of the English Bulldog Terrier is close to the median height of its parent dogs, ranging between 14 and 22 inches. On the other hand, its weight may vary from around 40 to 70 pounds.
However, these sizes may still differ based on the innate size of their parent breeds. For instance, teacup Bulldogs and miniature Bull Terriers may produce miniature-size English Bulldog Terrier mixes.
Miniature English Bulldog Terriers may acquire a height of 10 inches and a weight of 18 pounds. These measurements are way less than the sizes of standard English Bulldog Terriers.
Due to sexual dimorphism, male and female English Bulldog Terriers significantly differ in size. Specifically, male English Bulldog Terriers are generally taller, heavier, and more muscular than females.
English Bulldog Terrier Temperament and Personality
Generally, English Bulldog Terriers are calm and gentle dogs. They don’t usually show aggression towards others unless they feel threatened. Due to their courageous nature, they can make excellent guard dogs.
Although they are deemed child-friendly by some pet parents, precautions are still highly advised if they are around young kids and other pets. Without early socialization, English Bulldog Terriers may become unpredictable.
Despite this, most English Bulldog Terriers are sweet-natured, dependable, and devoted to their families. They are moderately energetic and relatively less vocal, which is perfect if you’re looking for a quiet dog breed.
Like their parent breeds, English Bulldog Terriers also have stubborn streaks. Hence, teaching them could be difficult, especially for pet parents without previous dog training experience.
Other Bull Terrier and English Bulldog mixes may also exhibit some of the previously mentioned temperaments. These include the English Bulldog Pitbull mix, Bull Pug, and the Bull Terrier Pitbull mix.
English Bulldog Terrier Lifespan and Health Issues
The English Bulldog Terrier may live for as long as 8 to 13 years, reflecting the lifespans of its parent breeds. However, pups that inherit the English Bulldog’s brachycephalic features may have a shorter lifespan.
Gladly, many English Bulldog Terriers don’t completely inherit these features due to their Bull Terrier lineage.
Nevertheless, some health problems can still harm English Bulldog Terriers and shorten their life expectancies. Among these health issues are the following:
- Hip Dysplasia: Like other muscular breeds, English Bulldog Terriers are highly susceptible to hip dysplasia. This disease results from the dog’s hip joints growing unevenly, making them loose. English Bulldog Terriers with hip dysplasia may experience hip pain and lameness. If left untreated, it could progress into osteoarthritis.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): PKD is an autosomal dominant genetic disease that usually affects Bull Terriers and their mixes, like English Bulldog Terriers. Dogs with PKD have multiple cysts on their kidneys. Excessive drinking and urinating, anorexia, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are among the signs of PKD in dogs.
- Obesity: English Bulldogs and their mixes, like the English Bulldog Terrier, are among the dog breeds prone to obesity. Lack of daily exercise and hypothyroidism are two notable causes of obesity in some English Bulldog Terriers. Obese dogs are more likely to develop diabetes and heart disease without a corrective diet plan.
If your English Bulldog Terrier shows any signs of the health issues listed above, immediately bring it to the nearest vet facility for proper diagnosis.
Getting pet insurance is also a smart option, as it can assist you in covering the costs of treating any unexpected illnesses or injuries to your dog.
How to Take Care of Your English Bulldog Terrier Mix
Despite their dominating appearance, English Bulldog Terrier mixes need love and care from their families. Like other dogs, they need a balanced diet, proper hygiene practices, and adequate exercise to stay happy and healthy.
To learn more about the basic food, grooming, training, and exercise needs of your English Bulldog Terrier mix, check out the guide below.
Food and Diet
Like other dog breeds, English Bulldog Terriers need a high-protein diet for good muscle development. They must also be given at least three cups of food daily to meet their dietary needs.
However, their caloric requirement may vary depending on their weight, age, activity level, and health.
Essentially, lighter, older, and less active English Bulldog Terriers need fewer calories in their foods than their counterparts — around 1,145 calories a day or less. This is also true for those dogs that are suffering from obesity.
Methylxanthine-containing foods, like chocolate and coffee, grapes, xylitol, macadamia nuts, and allium plants, are all toxic to English Bulldog Terriers. Some of these may even cause seizures and death in your dog.
Cleaning and Grooming
English Bulldog Terriers are relatively easy to clean and groom. To eliminate dead fur and dried dead ticks, you can brush their short, smooth coats three times per week and bathe them at least once a month.
Brushing their teeth regularly and cleaning their ears monthly can also keep oral issues and ear infections at bay. If brushing your dog’s teeth is challenging, you may use dental water to enhance its overall oral health.
Your English Bulldog Terrier may also benefit from trimming its nails to prevent them from breaking and getting infected. But if you don’t know how to trim your dog’s nails, it is better to leave it to professional pet groomers.
Training and Exercise
The exercise requirements of an English Bulldog Terrier may vary depending on its activity level.
Less active English Bulldog Terriers require 20 to 40 minutes of exercise daily. Meanwhile, English Bulldog Terriers that inherit the energy level of their Bull Terrier parents need at least one hour of everyday exercise.
English Bulldog Terriers are naturally stubborn. Hence, firm obedience training and positive reinforcement are crucial in controlling their behavior. Early socialization is also vital if you have young children and other pets.
Lastly, English Bulldog Terriers must also learn to walk on a leash. Remember that these dogs are muscular and strong. Without leash training, your dog might easily escape or tug you in the wrong direction.
How Much Does an English Bulldog Terrier Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
The price of an English Bulldog Terrier may vary anywhere between $500 and $2,000. This range is relatively lower than the price of a purebred English Bulldog and Bull Terrier.
However, aside from its selling price, pet parents should also consider other expenses for their English Bulldog Terriers’ maintenance. These include dog food, toys, cage, medical needs, microchips, and many more.
So, to help you prepare for the upkeep expenses of your English Bulldog Terrier, check out the table below:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $70 – $110 |
| Bowls | $10 – $30 |
| Toys | $30 – $60 |
| Beds | $40 – $200 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $50 – $370 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $160 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Other Essentials | $20 – $50 |
| Total Initial Cost | $505 – $2,710 |
Considering all the needs and miscellaneous expenses of your English Bulldog Terrier, its total initial cost would range between $505 and $2,710.
Sometimes, this price range may still be reduced, especially for dogs that have already been spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated.
Your brand and variation choice for some items on the list, like food, bed, crate, and grooming essentials, can also affect your dog’s total upkeep costs.
Places to Find English Bulldog Terrier Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Currently, it is relatively challenging to find dog breeders specializing in English Bulldog Terrier mixes. Many English Bulldog Terriers only exist by chance from kennels that focus on breeding English Bulldog or Bull Terrier.
Some puppy mills and farms may have this hybrid dog. However, a lot of them merely breed to make money, unmindful of the dog’s needs for healthy growth and development.
So, to help you find ethical dog breeders who may offer healthy English Bulldog Terriers, check out the following sources below:
- AKC Marketplace – This pet marketplace is one of the most trusted websites that advertise purebred dogs, like English Bulldogs and Bull Terriers. They are affiliated with several AKC-recognized dog breeders across the United States. Some breeders connected to them may even help you find rare designer dogs, like English Bulldog Terriers.
- Greenfield Puppies – Located in Pennsylvania, this website has been advertising several dog breeds from ethical dog breeders in Pennsylvania and its neighboring states. English Bulldog mixes are among the hybrid dogs that they advertise. Hence, finding an English Bulldog Terrier puppy for sale here is possible.
- Keystone Puppies – Another online pet database from Pennsylvania that advertises both purebred and designer dog breeds is the Keystone Puppies. In the past, they’ve already sold some F2 English Bulldog Bull Terrier mixes. Hence, it is highly possible to find an English Bulldog Terrier puppy from this website.
Alternatively, you may also adopt an English Bulldog Terrier from the rescue organizations listed below:
- Petfinder – Since 1996, Petfinder has been the leading pet adoption website in North America, assisting numerous pet parents in finding adoptable pets online. They advertise several dog breeds on their website, including Bull Terrier and English Bulldog hybrids. Hence, it is possible to find an English Bulldog Terrier here.
- Bulldog Club of America Rescue Network (BCARN) – The BCARN is one of the largest AKC-recognized Bulldog Rescue in the United States. Primarily, they only rescue and rehome English Bulldogs. However, due to their wide volunteer network, they might have connections to some rescues that offer English Bull Terrier mixes.
- Recycla-Bull Terrier Rescue (RBTR) – Located in South Carolina, the RBTR is a nonprofit organization that rescues Bull Terriers. Their volunteers may know some rescue groups that offer Bull Terrier mixes. Hence, they can help you find English Bulldog Terriers available for adoption.
If you are on a tight budget but want to get an English Bull Terrier, you may want to drive your neighborhood to find local rescues and shelters. This will surely help you find an adoptable English Bull Terrier more economically.
Pros and Cons of Owning an English Bull Terrier
English Bulldog Terriers are among the sweetest and most courageous designer dogs. But like other dog breeds, owning an English Bull Terrier has pros and cons.
First, let’s discuss the advantages of owning an English Bulldog Terrier:
- Excellent guard dog: Due to the protective and vigilant nature of English Bulldogs and Bull Terriers, you could anticipate the same qualities in an English Bulldog Terrier. They won’t hesitate to actively defend you from untrustworthy outsiders.
- Sweet and gentle disposition: Despite their protective nature, most English Bull Terriers exhibit the sweet, calm, and gentle nature of English Bulldogs. They are devoted to their families and thrive on human interaction. They also seldom bark, just like their parent dogs.
- Easy to clean and groom: As established earlier, the short, smooth coat of an English Bulldog Terrier doesn’t require too much grooming. Bathing them once a month and brushing their coats three times a week is enough for them to stay tidy.
On the other hand, here are some notable drawbacks of owning an English Bulldog Terrier:
- Has a stubborn streak: Training an English Bulldog Terrier can be difficult for inexperienced dog owners due to their stubbornness. Without early obedience training, they might not always comply with your commands and might occasionally choose to ignore you.
- May have a reactive behavior: Despite its sweet nature, the English Bulldog Terrier can develop hostility if it is not properly trained and socialized. Particularly, untrained and unsocialized English Bull Terriers may become aggressive toward other animals and strangers.
- Prone to obesity: As discussed earlier, obesity is one of the common health issues that affect English Bulldog Terriers. Therefore, it is essential to keep an eye on what and how much food your English Bull Terrier dog eats to maintain a healthy weight.
Considering the benefits and downsides of owning an English Bull Terrier is critical before getting one. This will enable you to prepare for its physical, mental, and behavioral needs, helping you become a responsible dog owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are English Bulldog Terriers Good Dogs?
With early socialization and obedience training, English Bulldog Terriers can become good dogs. They are generally gentle and sweet-natured and love attention from their families.
They can also be excellent guard dogs and will protect their families from suspicious strangers. Only English Bulldog Terriers with inadequate, poor, or no training exhibit hostility or aggression.
Do English Bulldog Terriers Shed?
Like many other dog breeds, English Bulldog Terriers shed. These dogs shed lightly to moderately throughout the year. However, some English Bulldog Terriers with skin problems may experience excessive shedding.
Fortunately, some supplements, like fish oil and coconut oil, are scientifically proven to improve the skin and coat health of dogs. Hence, English Bulldog Terriers that shed abnormally may benefit from these.
Are English Bulldog Terriers Hypoallergenic?
English Bulldog Terriers are not hypoallergenic, just like their parent breeds. This is because they produce a lot of dander on their skin which contains lipocalin allergens.
Unfortunately, these lipocalin allergens can also be found in their urine and saliva. Sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, nose, throat, and mouth, coughing, and facial pressure are among the symptoms of pet allergy.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a muscular, courageous, and sweet designer dog, the English Bulldog Terrier is among the best options. With early socialization and obedience training, this breed can be an excellent family pet.
English Bulldog Terrier mixes shed lightly to moderately year-round. Even so, they produce more dander, making them non-hypoallergenic. At times, these dogs can be stubborn and a little challenging to train as well.
Well-socialized English Bulldog Terriers rarely exhibit aggression. However, they may become hostile when they feel threatened. They are also protective of their families, making them great guard dogs.
Considering all these qualities, do you think the English Bulldog Terrier is the perfect companion pooch for you? Share your thoughts in the comments!
