Bullador

50-90 lbs
17-20"
Unknown
English Bulldog
Labrador Retriever

The Bullador is a hybrid of the English Bulldog and the Labrador Retriever, a medium-large dog with an optimistic and friendly attitude. These dogs may occasionally provide guard dog and watch dog services, although it will is usually due to their size and structure rather than to their behavior. On rare occasions the more aggressive behavior that the Bulldog was originally bred for may manifest, particularly if the dog is experiencing serious pain or has undergone a traumatic event. The mix of these two breeds is an intelligent dog making them fairly easy to train, but they may also develop a mischievous side if not given enough mental stimulation.

purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
English Bulldog, Labrador Retriever

Bullador Health

Average Size
Male Bullador size stats
Height: 17-20 inches Weight: 50-90 lbs
Female Bullador size stats
Height: 17-20 inches Weight: 50-90 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
  • Bloat
  • Obesity
Minor Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Demodectic Mange
  • Cataracts
  • Retinal Dysplasia
  • Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca
Occasional Tests
  • Eye
  • Hip
  • Elbow
  • Skin Scraping
  • X-Rays
  • Eye Examination
  • Physical Examination

Bullador Breed History

The Balladur is a crossbreed between the English Bulldog, a dog originally bred to control and bait bulls, and the Labrador Retriever a friendly and energetic gun dog that is adept at retrieving, particularly waterfowl and tennis balls. The English Bulldog is quite an old breed and the origins of this canine are somewhat mysterious. Some experts believe they are a descendent of a Mastiff breed dog and a Pug, while others think that the Mastiff line was descended from the English Bulldog. Either way, it is known that these dogs were used to control, guard, and bait bulls. To that end, Bulldogs of the time were bred to be much more aggressive and tenacious, with an extremely high pain tolerance. This made them excellent candidates for fighting other dogs as well and because of this trait they were instrumental in the development of both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier. When these violent “sports” became illegal in 1885, the breed was maintained by Bulldog fanciers who chose to breed for a more agreeable nature, and today’s English Bulldog is typically a docile animal who is capable to adapting to many situations. The Labrador Retriever also has a long and complicated history.  While most experts agree that the St. John’s dog, a water dog that became extinct in the 1980’s, was the foundation of the Labrador Retriever breed, they are divided on whether the Newfoundland dog gave rise to the St. John’s dog or was bred from the St. John’s dog alongside the Labrador. The St. John’s dog with its short, oily coat, was as at home swimming in the water as running on land and worked alongside the fishermen on the coasts of Newfoundland. They, like the Labrador, were retrievers, retrieving nets, ropes, and even fish, for the fishermen of the area. It was in the 1800’s that James Harris and Walter Scott, both of which had been breeding the St. John’s dogs to be gun dogs, met while out shooting. Mr. Harris made a gift of two of his male retrievers to Mr. Scott, who then bred them to his own dogs. The resulting canines were the ancestors of today’s modern Labradors. The combination of the two results in a highly intelligent and energetic animal with an agreeable temperament and an intense work drive.

Bullador Breed Appearance

This is a medium-sized canine with a broad head with wide set dark brown or hazel eyes and depending on which breed the particular Bullador most resembles, the ear may be set either high on the head or back and low, either the triangular ears of the Bulldog that fold forward or to the side or the rounded, hanging ears of the Labrador. The length of the bulldog’s head and muzzle are extremely short compared to most breeds and the addition of the Labrador usually lengthens this somewhat. The legs on the Bullador are likely to be longer than those of a Bulldog, although the elevated hindquarters may still be present. Although both dogs have short, weatherproof coats, only the Labrador has an insulating undercoat, so Bulladors can have either a single or double layer coat and it may not be apparent which until they are several months old. Dogs with the double coat will shed more but they may also be more adaptable to cool and cold weather than their single coated siblings.

Bullador Breed Maintenance

In most cases this moderately shedding hybrid should only need bathing every month or two, although regular brushing is a must to remove shed hairs and distribute body oils for a clean and healthy coat. The Bullador may inherit the wrinkles and folds of the English Bulldog, which can trap moisture and dirt if not carefully monitored and kept clean and dry. Trapped moisture and dirt can lead to itchy or greasy skin, rashes, and even the growth of molds and mildews. Dental hygiene is particularly important if your canine companion has a shortened snout as this can encourage the growth of bacteria. These dogs do drool a bit but usually not as heavily as the purebred English Bulldog.

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Bullador Temperament

The violent history of the English Bulldog has been almost completely mollified in the modern Bulldog and they are now a rather loving and gentle animal, and the Labrador is most often a famously friendly and outgoing breed. The Retriever adds some energy and intelligence to the sometimes placid Bulldog making them more playful and easier to train, and the Bulldog may help to reduce the mouthiness and the vocal behavior of the Labrador. The Bullador will generally accept strangers with some reservation, but early socialization can help mitigate that tendency. They may also be prone to chasing smaller animals, so if they are allowed in the yard by themselves it should be a securely fenced in yard. This dog may not be as tolerant of extreme heat or cold and should not be left alone outdoors for long periods of time. They are usually quite tolerant of children, although all interactions with smaller children should be carefully monitored, especially with younger, more boisterous dogs.

Bullador Activity Requirements

Although the Labrador Retriever is quite an active breed, the English Bulldog often shows a preference for a more sedentary lifestyle and the crossbreed of the two is generally somewhere in the middle. These dogs should typically be satisfied with 60 to 80 minutes a day of vigorous activity, although this should be increased if you want your dog to adjust to living in an apartment. Activities such as tracking, swimming, agility training, and fetch will also help your dog to stay in shape and keep mentally fit as well. These dogs can adjust to apartment living with consistent training and extra exercise, but they are usually more comfortable in a home with a yard. 

Bullador Owner Experiences

Jack
4 months
3 People
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we adopted him. Not planning on getting another dog. It has taken no time at all to become attached to this dog. He has a very loving personality, stays around, and has pack dog mentality. We love him!
6 years, 10 months ago
Ollie
13 Months
4 People
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I enjoy training my doggo
they're the friendliest breed I've seen so far, I put my hand in his mouth and he never bites. They are very friendly, strong and protective of the property and family. They're like kids if you tell them to do something e.g. sit command a few times they just stop listening, I feel like they are smart enough to know when it's not necessary and decide to ignore you. One con I can think of is they're very energetic so taking them on a walk can lead to you being pulled or constant telling them "no", "sit" and "come here". They're quite big so people get scared as he loves jumping on people and licking them all over.
5 years ago
Boo
10 Years
5 People
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I had a English Bulldog that got out with one of my Labs and we ended up with 11 Bulladors. We kept one and found forever homes for the others. He is very loving and likes to stay within eye sight of you at all times. He has a lot of the bulldog and lab traits. Great combination of both breeds. We love him!!
5 years, 1 month ago
Rebel
7 Years
1 People
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He is very smart and a very good guard dog His bark is definitely worse than his bite and his size is intimidating
4 years, 9 months ago
Sully
3 Years
7 People
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Our first dog. Grateful that we went to training. Training was likely more useful for us as it was for Sully. Very easy to train, great listener, treat oriented. Sully passed his first two obedience classes and then passed his Canine Good Citizen. A total joy to be around!
4 years, 2 months ago
Goose
12 Weeks
3 People
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We got him at 7 weeks. his back leg was broken. We were told about the broken leg and knew we had to go get him and take him to the vet. 3 weeks of a cast, cast caused pressure sores so we are wearing the cone of shame as that heals.1st week in a two week cone of shame journey. He is a very patient, sweet puppy. Leash, potty, and basic command training for now. He has done so well. Am so in love with this puppy.
3 years, 9 months ago
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - My pet
Question

I have a mixed breed dog and was wondering if you were able to help me identify her to the best of your ability.

Answer
Hi there, you are through to Dr Linda. Unfortunately, no photo has come through. I would advise you ask your local vet team and/or send in a photo for us to assess. You also have the option of having a DNA test performed. Many companies offer this service and you can either send a sample of saliva or blood for them to assess and advise on the exact pedigree.
3 years, 7 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
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