EngAm Bulldog: Pictures, Care Guide, Temperament, & Traits
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The EngAm Bulldog is not a breed outright, but a combination of two purebred dogs to produce a hybrid dog with exceptional qualities. These dogs will have characteristics from both parent breeds, but it’s difficult to pinpoint which traits a hybrid breed will have. Let’s explore the EngAm Bulldog more in-depth to learn what makes these dogs unique. Is the EngAm Bulldog right for you? Let’s find out.
| Height: | 20–27 inches |
| Weight: | 70–110 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 8–10 years |
| Colors: | White, brindle, fawn, piebald, bi-color, tri-color |
| Suitable for: | Active families, those looking for a guard dog |
| Temperament: | Loyal & loving, protective, affectionate, intelligent, stubborn, clever |
The EngAm Bulldog is a mix of the English Bulldog and the American Bulldog. These stocky hybrid dogs are loyal and protective of their humans; they are also affectionate yet strong-willed. An EngAm Bulldog is a fun-loving and outgoing dog, but if not properly socialized, these dogs can be territorial and possibly aggressive around people they do not know.
EngAm Bulldog Breed Characteristics
EngAm Bulldog Puppies
Hybrid dogs have become increasingly popular over the last 20 years or so, and you’ll usually pay a high price for a puppy from a breeder, as they are a bit rare. When buying from a breeder, ensure they are legit and not trying to scam you, which can be a common problem in the hybrid dog world. We recommend meeting both parent breeds to ensure they are both purebred and check out the breeder’s home to ensure the puppies are being well taken care of.
EngAm puppies are playful and affectionate, but they do require proper training to be well-behaved adults, as with any puppy. These dogs can be a bit stubborn, and they are better suited to an experienced dog owner who knows how to use positive reinforcement. These dogs have a sensitive nature, and training with harsh tones will not get you very far.
Temperament & Intelligence of the EngAm Bulldog
These dogs can be stocky goofballs, but they will keep you on your toes with their strong-willed ways. They are playful and affectionate, but they love to push boundaries. They are bright and intelligent, but they can be quite stubborn, too. They are also slow to mature. Socializing these dogs and letting them explore will help them develop manners. They can be a bit lazy, and some love to take extensive naps, complete with loud snoring!
The EngAm Bulldog is protective of his owners and is extremely loyal. On that note, be aware that they can be aloof with strangers, but anyone who frequents your property will become familiar with your EngAm Bulldog.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪
The EngAm Bulldog is a terrific addition to any family, including a family with children. It’s best to get them acclimated as puppies around young children so they become familiar with the noises of children at play. Given these dogs are stocky and large, we don’t recommend leaving small children unattended at first. These dogs are excellent around children, but with their large, stocky build, they may accidentally knock a small child over.
As mentioned, they are protective of their humans and will protect you with their life. If you’re looking for a guard dog, the EngAm bulldog is an excellent choice.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?
Yes, they generally get along with other dogs, but it requires early socialization. You should also avoid pairing two of the same sex due to the possibility of aggression. Both parent breeds are typically good with other dogs, which can give you an idea of how your EngAm Bulldog will be around other pets. However, some may never do well with other dogs. Socializing a puppy early will produce a better outcome with other dogs.
They can get along well with cats if raised together or acclimated to the cat at an early age. We do not recommend an EngAm Bulldog being paired with small animals, such as gerbils or guinea pigs—this is not due to aggression but rather the EngAm Bulldog’s large and stocky size—he may accidentally hurt a small animal with his weight.
Things to Know When Owning an EngAm Bulldog
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
Given the parent breeds are muscular dogs, the EngAm Bulldog will be muscular too. That said, they do best on high-protein diets. Look for dog food of high quality without added fillers or preservatives. The EngAm Bulldog can be prone to skin allergies, so it’s best to avoid food with added corn, wheat, or soy. If you have trouble getting your dog to eat kibble, try a little wet food as a topper to entice eating. Ensure you follow the feeding guidelines on the package. Usually, these dogs eat roughly 3 cups of dry kibble daily, but it’s best to consult your veterinarian about the proper amounts for your particular dog.
We do not recommend feeding a grain-free diet unless your veterinarian instructs you to do so. Most dogs do not have allergies to grains, and it’s typically the protein source a dog may be allergic to.
Exercise 🐕
Since these dogs are large, it’s vital to keep their weight in check and not let them become obese. They generally are not active dogs and may prefer to sleep rather than participate in activities. However, they need some exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. Taking your EngAm Bulldog on walks is a good way to keep him healthy, but it’s crucial not to exercise him in hot weather. These dogs are considered brachycephalic, and overexertion can cause serious health issues.
Training 🎾
We’ve mentioned these dogs can be stubborn, and that applies to training as well. They do have a good amount of intelligence, but they can give you a run for your money if they’re not in the mood to learn tricks or manners. Remember, these dogs are sensitive and are in tune with their owner’s emotions, making positive reinforcement a must.
These dogs are capable of being trained and are not too difficult to work with; it takes persistence and a firm yet delicate tone.
Grooming ✂️
The EngAm Bulldog has a short, low-maintenance coat that only requires brushing once a week to remove dead hair. Their skin is a bit wrinkly, and you’ll need to wipe the coat down a few times a week with doggie wipes to prevent bacteria from forming in the skin folds.
Establish a dental hygiene routine as early as possible—the earlier you start brushing his teeth, the more acclimated he’ll become to the event. Dental hygiene is an important part of a dog’s health that often gets overlooked. You can always provide dental treats on water additives too, but these should not replace brushing the teeth.
Trim the nails as needed, check the ears often, and clean them when needed with ear solution and/or ear wipes for dogs.
- Also see: Best Dog Shampoos – Reviews & Top Picks
Health and Conditions 🏥
English Bulldogs are prone to specific genetic health conditions from both parent breeds. These dogs are considered brachycephalic, meaning they have short snouts that can cause breathing issues—this is why it’s vital not to exercise them in hot, humid weather. Ensure you keep up with yearly veterinary visits, and ensure your puppy has all required vaccinations during the first year of life.
- Allergies
- Obesity
- Cherry Eye
- Luxating Patella
- Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome
Male vs. Female
It’s hard to determine differences between sexes, as every dog has their own personality. We can say that males may be more playful, while females may be more alert and aloof. In the end, it’ll be a guess as to how a male or female will be. Remember not to pair the same sex due to possible aggression issues.
3 Little-Known Facts About the EngAm Bulldog
1. The Bulldog Name Has a History
Bulldogs were the preferred breeds for bullbaiting. This was considered an English “sport” in which a bull was tied to an iron stake in the ground, and the bulldogs were encouraged to bite the nose of the bull. Bulldogs were the breed of choice due to their fearless nature and large, robust heads.
2. They Are Not Known for Having Swimming Skills
Bulldogs are short and stout with short legs and hindquarters. They are simply not built to keep their dense bodies afloat, so if you take your EngAm Bulldog to any body of water, you must put a swimming vest on him to keep him safe.
3. Most Females Have C-Sections
The large head of these dogs makes giving birth a challenge. In fact, roughly 80% of births are delivered by C-section due to the large head sizes. Puppies can get stuck in the birth canal, and performing a C-section keeps them out of harm’s way.
Final Thoughts
So, do you feel an EngAm Bulldog is right for you? If so, ensure you find a reputable breeder to acquire your next best friend. These dogs can be hard to find, but you can check with your local animal shelter for one if you have no luck finding a breeder. You can even check Bulldog rescues throughout the country for one, which will be much cheaper than buying from a breeder.
These dogs are stout, muscular, loyal, and protective of their humans. Even though they are large in size, they can be affectionate and loving. They typically don’t exercise much, but if you get one, ensure you walk him at least for 30 minutes daily (not in hot, humid weather, though!). They are lovable goofballs with a stubborn streak, but they do make excellent family companions and will bring joy to your home.
Featured Image Credit: Rodolfo Sanches Carvalho, Unsplash
