Australian Bulldog

The Australian Bulldog is a very new breed of domesticated dog, first developed in the 1990’s in Queensland, Australia. Pip Nobes first mated an English Bulldog with an Australian pig hunting dog of bull terrier origin. The mix produced a taller and more athletic Bulldog with fewer health problems and a greater tolerance for the Australian heat.

The English Bulldog was developed in England for the purposes of bull baiting, a practice where dogs would attempt to latch on to the snout and face of an enraged bull. It was believed that by getting a bull’s spirits up and heated, the animal’s meat would be more tender and delicious upon slaughter. Bull baiting was also a popular spectator event and other animals like bears would be baited as well.

With the abolishment of bull baiting in the 1930’s the English Bulldog was swiftly put out of work. Although no longer required to fight, many people in England had developed a fondness for the Bulldog’s great loyalty, tenacity and strength. The breed was developed into a companion dog and while it remained strong and loyal, its aggressiveness was soon replaced with a joyful and affectionate nature.

Upon arrival in Australia, the modern English Bulldogs were particularly ill-suited to the country’s extreme heat. Nobes’s development of a healthier Australian Bulldog breed was featured on Burke’s Backyard in 1998 and it was positioned as a bulldog with a great temperament and particularly healthier than the English Bulldog. From then on the Australian Bulldog captured the nation’s interest and the breed has enjoyed a great deal of success. In 2003, Pip Nobes founded the United Aussie Bulldog Association (UABA). She later left that group and formed the Australian Bulldog Society (ABS) in 2004. The group’s aim is to have the Australian Bulldog formally recognised by Dogs Australia (previously the Australian National Kennel Council or ANKC).

Australian Bulldogs are not overly energetic but they have plenty of stamina and are enthusiastic at play time. They should be exercised at least once a day, with regular walks recommended to keep their weight down. A lot of exercise is not necessary for their health and mental stability.

Although bred to deal better with harsh Australian conditions, they are best suited to living indoors as they can feel the heat, especially in summer. Owners need to keep in mind that not all Bulldogs can swim, rather sink like a brick, so extra care around water is needed.

Because the Australian Bulldog is a stubborn and persistent animal, training can be a chore – but only if the owner doesn’t commit to a regime with patience and consistency. Commencing training when the Bulldog is a puppy is a must and establishing a pecking order early is essential for good behaviour to follow, while firm and consistent discipline is important when establishing the position of the pack leader.

The short coat sheds little hair and is easy to groom by combing and brushing a couple of times per week with a firm bristle brush. Bathing is required only when necessary, although the face should be wiped daily with a damp cloth to clean inside the wrinkles.