If you have been considering getting yourself a crossbreed canine companion, then the Golden Bulldog will help you cement your plan. Golden Bulldogs, also referred to as Bulldog Golden retriever mix dogs, are a cross between the famous Bulldog and Golden Retriever dogs.

A mix-breed dog, as we know, is the offspring of two different purebred parents. If the ancestry of the crossbreed is unknown, however, the dog is referred to as a mutt. A designer dog is a term that denotes a mixed breed dog that has the best features of the two different parent breeds.

What You Need to Know About the Golden Retriever Bulldog Mix

The term hybrid vigor comes into play where crossbreeds are concerned. When two different dog breeds mate, the resulting offspring will more often than not be healthier than its parent breeds because of genetic diversity. Of course, in reality, the individual characteristics of the parent breeds play a massive role in the health status of their offspring. Therefore, we shall look into the parent breeds of the Golden Bulldog. 

The Golden Bulldog’s Parents

Known initially as deer hunting dogs, Golden retrievers are a stout, muscular dog of medium stature and originate from Scotland. Their strikingly golden coats, compact and proportionate heads, highly intelligent yet friendly eyes, short ears, and straight muzzle are a breed hallmark.

Goldens move with a smooth, confident walk, and their well-padded tails are nothing short of the definition of beauty. Male Goldens have an average height of between 22 to 24 inches and weigh between 60 to 80 pounds.

Bulldog’s history dates back to the 17th Century in England, where they participated in fighting sports. Their famous “sour mug” face has become a universal symbol of courage and tenacity. These obedient and loyal companions adapt well to both town and country life. Bulldogs are unmistakable thanks to the loose skin on their heads, furrowed brows, flat muzzles, small ears, and their distinctive rolling gait.

American Bulldogs averagely weigh between 60 to 120 pounds and get as tall as 28 inches. They are also a relatively healthy breed with a lifespan of between 10 to 16 years. Their coats come in several color varieties: red, black, blue, brindle, as well as assorted color combinations. Their noses are usually black while their eye colors are mostly brown. They have short coats that shed moderately year in and do not require extensive frequent grooming. 

Characteristics of the Golden Bulldog

As with every mixed breed, pure or mutt, it is almost impossible for you to predict your pup’s physical characteristics. Your puppy will have either combination of features from its parent breeds. As a potential parent of a mixed breed puppy, therefore, you should be ready for any outcome. Your Golden Bulldog may end up looking like a Golden Retriever, an American Bulldog, or a perfect combination of both.

Appearance

Generally, Golden Bulldogs are medium-sized with a height range of 12 to 24 inches, and a weight range of 60 to 120 pounds that falls within the parent breeds characteristics. The Golden Bulldog will have somewhat wrinkly skin on both the face and the rest of the body.

You will need to keep your pup’s skin wrinkles clean and dry to prevent infections and more wrinkles. Their coats vary in size from short to medium lengths, while their coat colors range from one dog to the next. Unlike their Golden retriever parent, their coats are much easier to maintain thanks to their minimal shedding.

Temperament

When it comes to their personality, the Golden Bulldog takes the best of both worlds. They are a friendly, patient, intelligent, outgoing yet gentle breed. Their loyalty is unmatched as both parents have a long history of extreme devotion to their owners and packs alike. As if loyalty is not enough, they are also very loving and affectionate, much like their parents. Don’t be fooled by their grim facade; these pups are friendly and kind souls. 

Health

Despite all their amazing qualities, Golden Bulldogs are still prone to a variety of health issues inherited from their parents. Bulldogs, for instance, are susceptible to dental problems, hip and elbow dysplasia, skin and eye infections, heart diseases, as well as respiratory issues caused by their flat muzzles.

Golden Retrievers also have their fair share of health issues. About 60% of Golden retrievers develop cancer in their lifetime, some of which include liver, kidneys, spleen, bone marrow cancer, among others. Other diseases that they are prone to include luxating patella (also called loose knees), Von Willebrand Disease (VWD – a bleeding disorder), skin diseases like flakiness and itchiness.

You can, however, catch most of these diseases early by paying attention to your pup’s change of behavior and consulting a well-seasoned veterinary doctor. While some of these diseases are incurable, your vet can help you manage your dog’s conditions, extending their lifespan and quality of life.  

Training

Given that Golden Bulldogs are obedient and highly trainable dogs, engaging your pup in both basic and advanced dog tricks will be enjoyable for both you and your furry friend. These special traits are clear evidence of why they make excellent service dogs. When it comes to matters pertaining to their active time, your puppy’s needs will be dependent on which parent’s genes are more dominant. You must ensure you socialize your puppy from an early age to make sure that they’re comfortable around other canines and pets. 

Exercise

As you may be aware, Golden retrievers are a very active breed. They need to exercise daily without fail as they are highly prone to obesity. The American Bulldog, however, requires moderate exercise. If your puppy takes after the Bulldog, you’ll likely need to exercise them every other day. This laxity will serve you well, especially if you don’t enjoy breaking a sweat too often.

However, if you’re an “adrenaline junkie,” your Golden Bulldog is sure to enjoy numerous activities such as skateboarding, swimming, running, and cycling. No exercise or too much exercise may be harmful to your pet. 

Food and Nutrition

Proper nutrition is a crucial part of your pup’s life since their Golden genes put them at risk of becoming obese. If your dog is highly active, their daily intake should be between 1,353 and 1,740 calories.  If your dog is older and, therefore, less active, you should feed them an average of 990 to 1,272 calories per day. Conforming to these guidelines ensures your pup stays lean, athletic, and energetic. For a customized meal plan, however, be sure to consult your vet.

Conclusion

Even though the Golden Bulldog is a renowned mixed-breed dog, you will need to ensure that the breeder provides a clean bill of health from the parent dogs. It is even better for you to meet the parents if possible, just to keep your mind at ease. You must remember that as with all crossbreeds, nothing is clear-cut.

This uncertainty is especially true when it comes to matters of appearance and temperament. Early socialization, obedience training, and mental stimulation will also go a long way in helping your pet become the right fit for you and your family.