Appearance of the Bullador
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The Bullador is a medium-sized dog with a broad head and large dark brown or hazel eyes. Depending on which breed the Bullador most resembles, the ear may be set high on the head or on the 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 is extremely short compared with most breeds, and the addition of the Labrador usually lengthens this somewhat. The Bullador's legs are probably longer than those of a Bulldog, although the raised hindquarters may still be present. Although both dogs have short, weather-resistant coats, only the Labrador has an insulating undercoat, so Bulladors may have single or double coats, and this may not be apparent until they are several months old. Double-coated dogs will shed more, but they may also be more adaptable to cool, cold weather than their single-coated siblings. |
Temperament of the Bullador
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The violent history of the English Bulldog has been almost completely appeased in the modern Bulldog and they are now a rather loving and gentle animal, and the Labrador is most often a famous and extroverted breed. The Retriever adds energy and intelligence to the sometimes placid Bulldog, making it more playful and easier to train, and the Bulldog can help reduce the Labrador's mouthiness and vocal behavior. The Bullador generally accepts strangers with some reserve, but early socialization can help mitigate this tendency. They may also be inclined to chase smaller animals, so if they are allowed into the yard alone, it should be a securely fenced yard. This dog may not be as tolerant of extreme heat or cold and should not be left alone outside for long periods. They are generally quite tolerant of children, although any interactions with smaller children should be closely supervised, especially with younger, noisier dogs. |
Needs and activities of the Bullador
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While the Labrador Retriever is a fairly active breed, the English Bulldog often shows a preference for a more sedentary lifestyle, and the cross between the two is usually somewhere in the middle. These dogs should generally be content with 60 to 80 minutes a day of vigorous activity, although this should be increased if you want your dog to adapt to apartment living. Activities such as tracking, swimming, agility training and retrieving will also help your dog stay in shape and mentally fit. These dogs can adapt to apartment life with constant training and extra exercise, but are generally more at home in a house with a yard. |
Maintenance of the Bullador
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In most cases, this moderate-loss hybrid should only need a bath every month or two, although regular brushing is essential to remove loose hair and distribute body oils for a clean, healthy coat. The Bullador can 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 oily skin, rashes and even mold and fungus growth. Dental hygiene is particularly important if your canine companion has a shortened snout, as this can encourage the growth of bacteria. These dogs drool a little, but usually not as heavily as the purebred English Bulldog. |