In this article, we talk about the mixture of the German Shepherd Bulldog.
While the German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, the American Bulldog is less well known than their English Bulldog.
We look at the history and characteristics of both breeds – and the mix – so you can make an informed decision about your next pet.
Could an American Bulldog x German Shepherd be the perfect mixed breed dog for you?
Let’s find out!
Bulldog Shepherd Mix
Before we look at the specific breeds that go into the German Shepherd American Bulldog mix, let’s see how mixed-breed dogs “compare to purebred dogs and good old-fashioned dogs”
A purebred dog is the offspring of two dogs of the same breed who have a known ancestry (pedigree).
A mixed-breed dog like the German Shepherd Bulldog was born to purebred parents of two different breeds.
Mutts are generally of unknown ancestry and can be of more than two different breeds.
Mixed breed dogs have enjoyed increasing popularity in recent decades.
The goal of crossbreeding is to combine the best traits of both parent breeds in the mix, but of course, the outcome of crossing can be unpredictable.
Are Mixed Breed Dogs Healthier Than Purebred Dogs?
It is true that some purebred dogs can experience health problems, and outcrossing with unrelated genetic lines can improve the health of mixed-breed offspring.
This is called “hybrid power”.
However, if you are looking for mixed-breed dogs, it is important to find a responsible breeder who will test both parent breeds for congenital health conditions to ensure that their dogs are as healthy as possible.
We’ll talk more about this later, but now for the German Shepherd Bulldog Mix!
American Bulldog Shepherd Mix
Bulldog
How is the American Bulldog different from the English Bulldog?
Breed experts suggest that the American was what the English looked like hundreds of years ago before their looks became more extreme.
This is because the ancestors of the breed were brought to rural South America by early immigrants who needed working dogs many years ago, and their appearance has not changed much.
The American bulldog is a strong and athletic dog that is often used for farm work such as walking around the world. B. to collect cattle and protect property.
There are two types of American Bulldogs: the Scott (or Standard) and the Johnson (or Bully).
The Scott is slimmer, including head shape than the heavier Johnson, which has a larger head with a shorter muzzle.
German shepherd dog
The German “sch>” is a large, muscular working dog that was originally bred to raise cattle.
Today’s German Shepherd is a popular family pet, as well as a brave working dog who often serves alongside police or military personnel.
The German Shepherd Bulldog Mix is a medium to a large-sized dog with a temperament that is very loyal and protective of its human family members.
How big will your German Shepherd Cross Bulldog get?
Let’s look at the parent breeds and the mix.
American Bulldog Shepherd description
Bulldog
The size of an American Bulldog can vary depending on whether it is a Scott or Johnson type and what gender the dog is.
Generally, males stand 22 to 27 inches at the shoulder and women are 20 to 25 inches tall.
The weight range for men is 66 to 130 pounds and 60 to 90 pounds for women.
Johnson types are heavier than Scott types.
German shepherd dog
The breed standard of the German Shepherd Dog calls for a 24 to 26-inch male and a 22 to 24-inch female.
While the breed standard does not list weights, expect a male GSD to weigh between 66 and 88 pounds and a female between 50 and 70 pounds.
The overall look of a GSD should be strong, muscular, and substantial.
What about a bulldog mixed with a German Shepherd?
The German Shepherd Bulldog Mix is a medium to large-sized dog, strong and powerful like both parent breeds.
Height and weight can vary widely depending on the height of the parents and the gender of the mix.
In general, you can expect the height to be between 24 and 26 inches and the weight to be between 60 and 90 pounds.
American Bulldog Shepherd Coat and Grooming
While the Bulldog has a very short coat, the GSD has a medium-length double coat that sheds quite a bit.
As with all other traits, your Bulldog Shepherd mix can inherit the coat traits of the two-parent breeds in any combination.
While the coat should be relatively easy to care for and not require much more than a weekly brushing of teeth, these GSD genetics could mean your dog has a heavier coat that is seasonal and requires more grooming at that time.
Color
The American Bulldog’s coat is available in a variety of colors and patterns, including the popular “brindle”.>
White with spots of color like brown or black is also common.
The German Shepherd Dog also comes in a variety of coat colors, with the iconic black and tan color being the most famous.
Many coat colors and patterns are possible in the German Shepherd Bulldog Mix.
Commonly seen colors are brindle, black and light brown, and white with patches of color.
German shepherd and bulldog mix temperament and training
Temperament and training ability are always important factors to consider in large, strong dogs like the German Shepherd’s Bulldog Mix.
The German Shepherd Dog is popular for its loyal, confident, and intelligent nature.
They are known to be dedicated to their human family members.
The GSD is a very trainable dog that is known for its lust and work ethic.
The American bulldog is a brave guardian devoted to his family.
The breed can be aloof with strangers at times, but should never be shy or aggressive.
As a confident working dog, the breed is intelligent and trainable.
The instincts that guard them make early socialization especially important.
What about the mix?
An American Bulldog Cross German Shepherd can inherit the personality traits of either parent breed in any combination.
Because the parent breeds share some similar traits, you can expect your mix of German Shepherd Bulldogs to be brave, confident, loyal, and trainable.
The protective nature of both breeds means that owners of the mix should take extra care in training and socializing their puppy-age dogs to avoid undesirable behavior with unfamiliar people.
You are best with confident and experienced owners.
While both are gentle and loving to children in the family, always monitor their interactions with unfamiliar children.
German Shepherd Bulldog Mix Health
Both the GSD and American Bulldog can inherit a few health problems that are typical of the breeds.
Here are the most important ones to know.
German shepherds
The painful, degenerative joint conditions known as hip and elbow dysplasia are commonly seen in German Shepherds.
German Shepherds can also be prone to a potentially life-threatening gastrointestinal condition commonly referred to as blooming.
Another genetic health problem that is common in German Shepherds is a neurological condition known as degenerative “myelopathy” that affects the spinal cord.
What about the American bulldog?
The breed is known to have a fatal neurological condition called NCL (neural “ceroid lipofuscinosis”).
NCL causes toxins to build up in the nervous system, causing severe symptoms and death at a young age.
Other “hereditary problems” in the breed include hip and elbow dysplasia, skin conditions (ichthyosis and mange), and eye problems (cataracts and inward eyelids).
Like other bulldog types and other short rattle breeds, the American Bulldog may suffer from chronic breathing problems known as a brachycephalic syndrome.
As a mixed-breed dog, the German Shepherd Bulldog Mix can inherit genetic health problems from either parent breed.
In particular, potential owners should be aware of the common and neurological problems that the parent breeds can pass on to their offspring.
How can you make sure your German Shepherd Bulldog puppy is as healthy as possible?
Here’s what you should know.
American Bulldog Shepherd Mixed Puppies
Pick a reputable breeder who will examine their GSD and Bulldog breeding herd for genetic health issues.
Health tests can either be DNA tests or orthopedic tests performed by a veterinarian and registered with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.
Responsible breeders do not breed the affected dogs and share all test results with buyers.
Avoid buying a puppy from a pet store or from an online ad.
Pick a small grower who welcomes customer visits.
Meet your pup’s parents and littermates.
Look for active, active puppies who are free of noise and eye drainage, and diarrhea.
Be sure to carefully review documents such as contracts and health guarantees.
Is a German Shepherd the Right Breed for You?
An American Bulldog and German Shepherd mix can make a great dog for seasoned owners who are looking for a larger dog that is intelligent, loyal, protective, and brave.
Training and socialization are a must for this dog.
Always use positive reinforcement techniques.
The Bulldog Shepherd can be a good choice for active families with children, but watch your dog around strangers, especially children.
Do you already share your life with this loving and devoted companion?
Tell us about your dog in the comments!