How to Identify a Miniature Australian Bulldog

The Miniature Australian Bulldog is a breed in progress which has not yet been officially recognized by any of the International dog breeding associations. However as the breeding program has only been in operation for less than a decade, things are looking up for this diminutive breed. Currently the Mini Aussie Bulldog is into its 7th generation and still uncommon outside Australia. It was bred by combining a full size Australian Bulldog with both a Pug and French Bulldog. This project was undertaken by Aussie breeders Pip Nobes and Lee-ann Milton, who coincidentally were instrumental in the development of the full size Australian Bulldog as well. The Mini Bull has been bred in an attempt to create a smaller and healthier version of the English Bulldog, which suffers from gastric problems, breathing disorders, hip problems, as well as a wealth of other inherent illnesses. Here are a few tips on how to identify this new and rare breed.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Start by determining the dog’s size and weight and taking note of any prominent bodily characteristics. The dog should stand about 14 inches high at the shoulder and weigh roughly 45 pounds. It should be noted that some Mini Aussie Bulldogs are less prone to physical exertion than others, and as such can weigh up to 70 pounds. The body structure should be wide and squat, with very thick visible musculature presenting an overall impression of great strength. The dog should be noticeable longer than it is tall. The tail should be of average length and very thin, running down to the hocks before curving sharply to extend away from the dog in something like a curve L-shape.

2. Look at the dog’s coat. This is one of the more noticeable differences between the Mini Aussie Bulldog and other bulldogs. The fur should be tight with no folds in the skin common to the other bulldog breeds, except for areas of the skull and muzzle. This breed can come in many different colors as well: white, tan, red, and mahogany red. They come in pied patterns as well, which is the typical two-tone blotches of color common to all bulldog breeds. Unique to the Australian Bulldog and the Mini are brindle patterns, which are typically a loose stripe pattern between two of the colors already mentioned.

3. Conclude by examining the dog’s head. The neck should be short and heavyset. The skull should be squared and have a very large domed forehead. Though not as wide as the English or full sized Australian Bulldog, the muzzle is significantly longer, matching the length of the skull. The ears should be wide triangles hanging down from the far sides of the skull. The eyes should be dark and almond shaped, half covered by heavy brows. The head is home to the wrinkled skin which is a trademark to all bulldogs. Running from the forehead down to the top of the nose and extending out to the sides in the forms of loose lips and hanging jowls.