Aussie Bulldog

Aussie Bulldog

Temperament: Affectionate, elephantine, lazy
Lifespan: 10-12 years
Recommended for: Families with older kids
Maintenance: Untested
Dumpage rate: Untested

In many ways the British Bulldog is one of the world’s most fascinating dogs. In their own way they’re very beautiful, and they have a fantastic temperament, probably one of the best of all dog breeds. But most are walking disasters: man has done more damage to the Bulldog than to any other breed. Breathing, breeding and skin problems are common.

But Queenslander, Pip Nobes, and fellow enthusiasts have set out to develop a Bulldog for Australian conditions, an “Aussie Bulldog”. This is first and foremost a pet breed, Pip doesn’t want to compete against British Bulldogs in the show ring and doesn’t even expect her “Aussies” to be a registered breed.

Appearance: Compared to the British Bulldog, the Aussie has a smaller head and chest, broader hips and a longer nose. At this stage, Aussie Bulldogs stand between 40-50cm (16-20″) and weigh 25-35kg (55-77lb). Colours include red and white, fawn & white, and brindle and white and varieties of these. Despite their appearance, they are not guard dogs.

Temperament: Like the Bulldog, the Aussie has an affectionate, outgoing nature, without any of the natural reserve seen in most dog breeds. The Bulldog was originally developed to fight bulls and has had any reticence bred out long ago.

Health: The original intention of the breeder was to eliminate defects seen in many Bulldogs, such as breathing difficulties due to an elongated soft palate, skin fold eczema, and caesarean births. The first crosses between Bulldogs and Boxers or Bull Terriers have seen most defects eliminated but in the long term, genetically, these could return if matings are not carefully monitored.

Housepet potential: The short coat sheds little hair but the bulldozing nature of the Aussie Bulldog makes it unsuitable for families with young children. Their “barge-in” attitude can also bowl over unsuspecting adults. Older dogs can cope with being left in the house for working owners.

Space & exercise: An average backyard should be suitable. The Aussie Bulldog should be able to take as much exercise as you like. Regular walks would be recommended to keep weight down.

Ideal owner: For anyone who loves the look of the British Bulldog but seeks a healthier pet. Not for someone who wants to exhibit their pet as Aussies are not recognised by kennel clubs.

History: Pip has crossed male Bulldogs – chosen for their sound temperament and physique – mostly to Boxers and English Bull Terriers with a dash of Bullmastiff. There’s an enormous challenge ahead. It’s probably taken 150-200 years to inflict the genetic damage seen in Bulldogs, and it will take a long time to undo it.

Further information

Breeder: Pip Nobes
Spawater Road
MS 3121
Toowoomba, QLD, 4350
Phone: (07) 4697 6664
Web: www.nobesaussiebulldogs.com
Email: [email protected]

Noel and Tina Green have advised us that they also breed Aussie Bulldogs. They can be contacted by mail at MS 2131, Lot 323, Connoles Road, Toowoomba, QLD, 4350 or by phone: (07) 4630 3999.

To find up-to-date contacts for dog breeders – visit our Directory of Australian Dog Breeder Associations.