If you are a huge fan of English Bulldogs but are aware of the health problems associated with the breed, you might be looking for designer hybrids instead. The EngAm Bulldog could be the perfect choice for you.

Breed Overview

An EngAm Bulldog is a cross between the American Bulldog and the English Bulldog, producing a larger, stouter version of the bully Englishman.

These dogs are friendly, fun-loving, and outgoing. Let’s find out what makes this dog so special so you can decide if they’re right with you.

EngAm Bulldog Characteristics

EngAm Bulldog Puppies

If you buy an EngAm puppy from a reputable breeder, be prepared to pay a lot. The ultimate price will depend on where you go, the breeder’s rates, and the quality of the puppy. Many breeders will require that you sign puppy contracts or submit a deposit.

Because there is a risk of backyard breeding or puppy mills producing this type of dog, you have to make sure that you’re getting a quality puppy. Also, make sure that their living conditions are sanitary and that you can validate both parent’s temperaments.

You might also get lucky and find one of these dogs and rescue or shelter nearby. These canines will come fully vaccinated, spayed, or neutered, and with all other necessary care.

Temperament & Intelligence of the EngAm Bulldog

When you own an EngAm Bulldog, you can expect a playful, affectionate puppy that’s constantly pushing the boundaries. These pups will keep you on your toes with their goofy antics and everyday mischief.

As they mature, they typically calm down quite a bit—especially after spaying or neutering. Some of them might even be prone to extra-long naps, snoring, and falling asleep standing up. Their cuddly laziness is something to admire, but be careful not to let them gain a bunch of weight.

These dogs are incredibly loyal and protective of their owners and any frequent visitors. However, they can be a little bit territorial and even sometimes aggressive without proper socialization. Getting your puppy out of the house and out to explore is the best way to ensure your adult will have sound judgment and good manners.

These dogs are intelligent, but they can be stubborn. They have to know you’re the boss, or they will have trouble taking you seriously. So make sure to be firm and consistent in your actions to prevent unwanted behaviors.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?🏡

This breed is terrific with children as they tend to be very loving and protective. So if you have a growing family, the stars may work very well in your household. They will guard your house with their life, so they will always warn you when danger is afoot.

Because of their large size and bulldozer-like nature, we don’t recommend this breed for older adults. They can knock any size person down quite easily with a little force. If you have small children, you might want to wait until they’re about 6 years and older before getting one of these dogs.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?🐶 😽

This breed is typically good with other dogs if they are socialized early. However, same-sex pairs might show aggression near the age of sexual maturity. Some never acclimate well with other dogs. It truly just depends on the individual and the amount of exposure they have to the outside world from puppyhood.

EngAms can get along with the family cat as long as they are raised together. However, they will not be suitable for smaller pets. This is because even if they’re not aggressive, their size alone can cause serious injury in smaller animals.

Things to Know When Owning an EngAm Bulldog:

Food & Diet Requirements🦴

Both parent breeds are incredibly muscular, so these dogs benefit most from a high-protein dry kibble diet. You can add wet food or homemade toppers as a little incentive to get the appetite moving.

You have to be careful with this breed, as they are prone to environmental and food-related allergies. For example, they may be sensitive to common fillers like corn, wheat, or soy. Or, more commonly, they might have a protein allergy to standard meats like chicken and beef.

Try to feed them a nutrient-rich, filler-free diet with wholesome ingredients. It’s best to avoid allergies from triggering early. We don’t recommend feeding your dog a grain-free diet if your vet didn’t recommend it.

Exercise🐕

These dogs do need daily exercise, but you have to be careful with high-intensity workouts. Since these dogs are brachycephalic breeds, overexertion can lead to serious health issues in some situations.

They don’t require extensive workouts, but they should have roughly 30 minutes of exercise per day to stay fit and healthy.

Training🦮

Since these dogs are so sensitive to how their owners feel, it can work to your benefit during training. These dogs have a moderate to high level of intelligence but can be goofy and slow to mature.

They respond best to positive enforcement training, so make sure not to punish too harshly. Both dogs can be headstrong and challenging on certain days if they aren’t in the mood, so be prepared to deal with some silent but sturdy pushback.

Overall, they aren’t that difficult to work with and wind up being perfectly mannerly pooches with lots of love to give.

Grooming ✂️

For the most part, grooming will be relatively easy since they have short hair that is low maintenance. However, they also are a wrinkly breed so bacteria and debris can hide and crevices.

These dogs should be wiped down a few times a week, and a baby wipe will suffice. Otherwise, these dogs benefit from weekly brushes and bathing every 4 to 6 weeks. They should have as-needed nail trimming, teeth brushing, and ear cleaning as well.

Health and Conditions❤️

Unfortunately, EngAms can run into quite a few genetic and congenital issues. Both parent breeds are brachycephalic, meaning they have short snouts that can cause breathing issues and health risks. All EngAms should be protected from toasty and humid weather.

During their first year of life, they will need to see the vet often. Your vet will make sure they’re developing correctly, are on a proper diet plan, and have all necessary vaccinations. After the first year, your dog will need to go to the vet annually for checkups.

Male vs. Female

All dogs will have separate personalities, so it’s hard to say just what differences you would see between males and females. But typically, boys are more adventurous while girls are more watchful. Boys might also be slower to mature.

Males might be territorial or aggressive in same-sex pairs. Females can be the same way, although not as often. Both sexes tend to do fine with the opposite sex, provided they’ve had early socialization and they are neutered.

• You may also find this interesting: American Bulldog Lab Mix

3 Little-Known Facts About the EngAm Bulldog

1. Both Parent Breeds of the Engam Are Brachycephalic

You’re sure to get a smooshy face with this combination. Both parent breeds are brachycephalic, which means they have short skulls—giving you that pushed-in nose we all love.

2. The American Bulldog Is a Descendant of the English Bulldog

Initially, the American Bulldog came to be from the cross-breeding of the English Bulldog. Without their influence, the breed wouldn’t be what it is today.

3. Both Parent Breeds Had Different Beginnings

English Bulldogs were bred to fight bulls, as the name implies. On the other hand, the American Bulldog was created to perform farm work and other labor tasks.

Final Thoughts

If you really like what you’ve heard about the EngAm Bulldog and you want to start your puppy search, make sure to look for reputable breeders near you. Of course, all puppies should come with health checks, but it’s good to get them to your vet soon after they come home.

If you’re more interested in adopting, there are lots of shelters and bully-specific rescuers all over. You could give a beautiful EngAm a chance at a forever home.

Related Reads and Breeds:

• 25 Bulldog Mixes
• Olde English Bulldogge
• Victorian Bulldog

Featured Image Credit: Ysbrand Cosijn, Shutterstock