The Australian Bulldog, also known as the Aussie Bulldog, is a lesser known breed of Bulldog that is quickly gaining popularity. Though fairly similar in appearance to the English Bulldog, the Australian Bulldog was specifically bred to be an Australian pet breed.
Are Australian Bulldogs good pets? On average Australian Bulldogs make good pets. They are a loving, loyal, highly intelligent and affectionate breed of Bulldog. The Aussie Bulldog is known for their eagerness to please their family, and terrific with children. Making them excellent pets and family dogs.
Talk to any owner of the Australian Bulldog and they will tell you how amazing this breed can be. The balanced temperament of the laid back and confident Aussie Bulldog is a great addition to any family looking for a loyal pet.
From training, to grooming these dogs are fairly low maintenance. Want to know if the Australian Bulldog is a good pet for your home? Let’s dive in.
Related Article – How Much Do Australian Bulldogs Cost? 14 Must Know Expenses
Are Aussie Bulldogs Smart? – Training An Australian Bulldog
Fact #1 – Australian Bulldogs are an intelligent breed of dog and easy to train.
Training an Australian Bulldog can be easy with the proper approach and consistency. The Aussie Bulldog is a very smart breed of Bulldog and is always eager to please their family. Using their intelligence to your advantage can produce some amazing results in obedience.
With any breed of dog it is important to start training and socialization early. This is the best way to ensure your Australian Bulldog becomes that good family pet you desire. Training should begin the moment you bring your dog home, and socialization should quickly follow once they have all their shots.
There are a few basic guidelines to always keep in mind when beginning your training with the Aussie Bulldog. These will help in your puppy’s development into a well balanced, obedient, and great family dog.
Keep It Short
Training sessions with your Australian Bulldog should last no longer than 15-20 minutes for each session. This will keep your puppy engaged and focused for the time spent developing the various commands, tricks, and obedience rules.
Training sessions longer than 20 minutes can quickly fade into distractions, or boredom with your puppy. A couple 15-20 minute sessions throughout the day can really add up over time. Use the time effectively and watch the compounding effects take shape.
Keep It Fun
Keeping the training sessions with your Aussie Bulldog should always be fun and engaging for your puppy. By making the learning enjoyable and stimulating for your dog, you have a much higher chance of engagement. Making things fun will also override the sometimes stubborn Bulldog streak your Aussie might be prone to.
Keeping it fun doesn’t mean getting your dog excited however. There is a difference from enjoyable engagement and excitement. If you want to keep their focus try not to get them over excited with praise when completing a command. Definitely praise and reward, just not with an over excited energy.
Keep It Consistent
Consistency is crucial when training a dog. Practice makes progress when working with your Aussie Bulldog. A routine of daily training should be worked into your schedule. A regular regime of obedience, practice with commands, and cute tricks will be needed to make things stick.
When working with my Staffordshire Bull Terrier as a puppy we had a routine of training before every meal. This was a great way to get her engaged with a few pieces of her food while giving her the practice and mental stimulation before eating. The final reward of a meal was a fantastic way to end the session.
Keep It Positive
Always keep your training positive. The Australian Bulldog responds very well to positive reinforcement training from a calm and assertive leader. Their willingness to please is suited perfectly for proper commands and rewards.
Fact #2 – Australian Bulldogs respond very well to positive reinforcement training.
Never yell, shout, hit, or punish you Aussie Bulldog. During training or in general when they misbehave. Not only is this ineffective in communicating what you are upset about, it can develop behavioral issues with your dog such as fear and anxiety.
If you find yourself, or your dog getting frustrated during training, it’s time to stop for the session. Take a break and return back to another session later when you are ready to be calm, assertive and positive in your approach.
Keep It Going
Training doesn’t stop once you have potty trained your Aussie Bulldog. Or when they have learned to sit, stay, and come. Training should keep going their whole life. It is a great way to engage with your dog, reinforce obedience, and keep them mentally stimulated.
My Staffy is over 10 years old now, and to this day we still train. On walks, before meals, just handing out on the couch. I am always practicing the basics, and introducing new challenges into her life. The bond this activity forms is priceless, and enjoyable for all involved. Never stop training.
Are Aussie Bulldogs Active? – Exercise Needs Of Australian Bulldogs
The Aussie Bulldog is a fairly active breed of dog. They will require about 45-60 minutes of exercise each day depending on their age. Though they are not as high energy as their American Bulldog cousins, a couple 20-30 minute walks each day will be needed.
Fact #3 – Australian Bulldogs are moderately active and require up to an hour of exercise daily.
Having a space to play with your Australian Bulldog is also important for exercise. These dogs love nothing more than to engage with their family members. Giving them a yard or open space to run and play fetch is a great way to burn off some of that Aussie Bulldog energy.
When walking with your Aussie Bulldog it’s a good idea to work in some additional obedience training. Things like walking on a loose leash, and following wait commands at crossings. This will not only further solidify your bond with your dog and make walks more enjoyable, but also keep them safe..
It is recommended to use a good harness and leash setup for your Australian Bulldog. A harness allows you to have far more control over your strong Aussie Bulldog, and is also more comfortable than a collar.
These are my top recommendations for harnesses and leashes. High quality, high rated, and affordable options to best suit your Aussie Bulldog.
- Rabbitgoo Dog Harness, No-Pull Pet Harness
- WALKTOFINE Dog Harness No Pull Reflective
- RUFFWEAR, Front Range Dog Harness
- iYoShop 6 FT Strong Dog Leash with Comfortable Padded Handle
- Blazin’ Safety LED Dog Leash
Source – AKC
Reviews & Resources – The Best Leashes, Harnesses, & Collars for Bully Breed Dogs
Do Australian Bulldogs Shed? – Grooming An Aussie Bulldog
Australian Bulldogs will shed a little. Thankfully the short coat is easy maintenance and won’t leave piles of dog hair in your home. With a little routine grooming and care not only will your home stay relatively clean, but your Aussie Bulldog will look fabulous.
Fact #4 – Australian Bulldogs are low maintenance when it comes to grooming.
A routine brushing every week is about all you will need to do to keep the shedding of your Australian Bulldog at bay. This will keep their coats healthy and shiny, while also keeping them clean and clear of dust and other allergens.
Bathing your Australian Bulldog can be done every 6-8 weeks. Assuming they haven’t rolled in something sticky or smelly. Like most Bully breeds however your Aussie Bulldog may have sensitive skin and require a more gentle, moisturizing, hypoallergenic shampoo.
Keeping your Aussie Bulldog looking great, and smelling fantastic is pretty straightforward. A great dog for a family not looking to have hair and dog smell on everything. These are a few of the grooming tools I use on my Staffy that I couldn’t live without.
- KING KOMB™ – Deshedding tool
- FURminator Short Hair Dog Deshedding Tool
- PetNeat Pet Grooming Brush
- SleekEZ Original Deshedding Grooming Tool
- Wahl Dry Skin & Itch Relief Dog Shampoo
- Casfuy Pet Nail Trimmer: Painless Paws Grooming & Smoothing
Resources & Reviews – The 15 Best Dog Grooming & Bathing Products
Do Aussie Bulldogs Have Health Problems?
The Australian Bulldog was specifically bred to move away from some of the notorious health issues the English Bulldog suffers. The Aussie Bulldog does have a few health issues, but is considerably healthier than their English predecessors.
Fact #5 – Australian Bulldogs are a very healthy and robust breed of dog specifically because of their selective breeding to get away from common Bulldog health issues
Strict guidelines from breeders are put in place to ensure that the Aussie Bulldog has the minimal amount of health issues. Generally this has been very successful for this fairly new breed of dog. That being said, with any dog they are prone to certain health issues.
For the Aussie Bulldog they are prone to having the following health problems:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Heart Murmur
- Luxating Patella/Patellar Luxation
- Narrow Nostrils
- Skin Allergies
- Respiratory Allergies
- Shortness of Breath
- Flatulence
- Snoring
- Snorting
- Grunting
- Heat Sensitivity
- Cherry Eye
Though this may appear to be a long scary list of ailments, with a proper breeder, and lifetime care, most can be avoided. Managing your Aussie Bulldogs health can save you from problems down the road.
A good pet insurance plan can give you the piece of mind, and protection you need for your Aussie Bulldog. I highly recommend Eusoh as an affordable company with a unique business model of community health care for dogs.
Giving your Aussie Bulldog a proper diet of premium pet food, along with proper supplementation to keep their skin, joints, and heart health is important. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier share some of the same ailments that Aussie Bulldogs do, and for me a good Omega Fish Oil supplement has been great for my girl Ruby’s skin and joints.
Fact #6 – Australian Bulldogs can benefit and avoid health problems such as skin issues and joint problems through proper nutrition and supplementation
The Pure Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil on Amazon is my go to supplement, and Ruby loves this in her food.
Do Aussie Bulldogs Bark?
Aussie Bulldogs are naturally a fairly quiet breed of dog. They are also naturally very friendly towards people. They can however bark to warn of possible intruders, or what they view as a potential threat to their family. Making them good watch dogs, but generally not good guard dogs.
Fact #7 – Australian Bulldogs can be great watch dogs, but are generally friendly towards all people.
The extreme loyalty and devotion that your Australian Bulldog will have for you will keep them on high alert if they perceive a threat. Excessive barking, and anxiety induced barking is not something they are known for however.
Final Thoughts
The Aussie Bulldog is a great family pet and can bring love, affection, and entertainment to any household. Giving your Australian Bulldog the proper care, attention, exercise, nutrition, and training will make for the best of family dogs.
If you are wanting to learn more about the cost of an Australian Bulldog from puppies to raising a well balanced, happy health adult, check out my latest post. How Much Do Australian Bulldogs Cost? 14 Must Know Expenses. In this article I break down all the various costs and recommendations for your Aussie Bulldog.