Mountain Bulldog

Characteristics

Health & Longevity

Average Life Span: 9-12 years
A unique cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and an American Bulldog, the Mountain Bulldog is a healthy crossbreed overall. He may have a few health issues later in life, but puppies and young adults are generally problem-free. If there are health issues in a Mountain Bulldog, you can expect those problems to become prevalent anywhere between 5-6 years of age.

Reverse Sneezing

This condition is caused by irritation of the nasal passages and throat. It affects brachycephalic dogs, like bulldogs, because their airways are shorter and prone to allergies. The condition isn’t harmful or dangerous, but it can lead to a sore throat, runny nose, and typical cold symptoms in dogs. It’s more of a nuisance than anything. If a vet deems it necessary, you might have to put your Mountain Bulldog on allergy medication to avoid reverse sneezing attacks.

Cancer

Mountain Bulldogs, thanks to their American Bulldog roots, are prone to bone and skin cancers. Some of the symptoms for either of these types of cancer include abnormal swelling, skin sores, drastic weight loss, loss of appetite, bad smells, problems eating and swallowing, or difficulty breathing. If you suspect your dog has cancer, take him to the vet immediately. Some cancerous tumors can be removed and extensive treatment will help restore the Mountain Bulldog’s health.

Joint Dysplasia

A hereditary condition, joint dysplasia occurs when the elbow or hip joints are malformed. This causes bones to rub directly against one another or pinch nerves. If left untreated, your Mountain Bulldog could develop painful arthritis that results in a lifelong limp. Prescribed painkillers can help with any discomfort, but vets usually have to fix the joints surgically to heal dysplasia.

Other health issues that may affect your Mountain Bulldog include bloat, glaucoma, cataracts, and asthma. You can keep your crossbreed canine healthy and happy with regular visits to the vet. Their typical lifespan is between 9-12 years.

Temperament & Train-ability

Mountain Bulldogs are notable for being gentle, eager to please, docile, and loyal. Because of their Bernese Mountain Dog genetics, these crossbreed pups have an independent streak that makes them a bit stubborn. They are protective towards their loved ones but give warning barks and growls before biting a threat. He is an excellent night-time watchdog, but he can be lazy during the day, since he prefers laying in the sunshine. However, his skin is sensitive, so bring him indoors after half an hour or so of exposure.

Because of their feelings of independence, Mountain Bulldogs must be trained and cared for with affection, understanding, and love. They do not do well with harsh, rude, or negative responses to their actions, so be firm but kind. Training can be slow-going, but remain determined, gentle, and firm in your commands. He will eventually grasp your directions and respond with good behavior. Begin training early to avoid any social aggression later in his life.

Indoors, Mountain Bulldogs are mostly laid-back, sweet, and casual. They are happy to sit on the couch and relax with their owner. However, when outdoors, these crossbreed canines are rambunctious, boisterous, and bouncy. They love to play with other dogs, so dog parks would be a good way of keeping your Mountain Bulldog happy, social, and healthy. He can do well living in an apartment as long as he gets out for at least two long walks per day.

Grooming

Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the American Bulldog have manageable coats with short, silky hairs. The Bernese Mountain Dog has a bit more length and shag to his coat than the American Bulldog, but the Mountain Bulldog usually inherits the shorter coat of the latter. These crossbreed pups shed regularly, so brush him every day to keep pet dander and irritants at a minimum.

Mountain Bulldogs have important natural oils in their skins that protect them from extreme heat or cold. Use a dog shampoo, preferably vet-recommended and gentle, to bathe your Mountain Bulldog once a month. Clean the outer edges of his ears with a swab, but never stick anything in his ear canal. You should also clip or file his nails when they get too long.

Diet

Mountain Bulldogs are prone to overeating and weight gain, so feed them on a schedule to better manage their health. Feed him 4-5 cups of good-quality dry kibble, separated into two meals per day. Invest in wholesome dry foods to give him the proper nutrition he needs. Two of the first ingredients should be meat and whole grains. No preservatives or fillers. Avoid too high of a percentage of crude animal fat.

Treats should be a rare indulgence. Reward him with a bone or something meaty for good behavior during training.
 

Find A Mountain Bulldog Breeder

Mountain Bulldog Puppies For Sale

Adopt A Mountain Bulldog

Cost

Mountain Bulldogs are very rare. Because of their hard-to-find status, it is difficult to find a set amount that breeders will charge for puppies. You can expect to pay upwards of $2,000 for a healthy female and near $1,800 for a healthy male, depending on their age and if you plan on breeding them yourself.

Check the shelters first to make sure there are no Mountain Bulldogs for adoption. If you are kind enough to give one of these crossbreed canines a good home, the adoption fees range from $400-$600. Inclusive of an initial vet visit, vaccines, and flea treatment.

Paws ‘N’ Pups Ranking

Paws ‘N’ Pups ranks every breed out of 4 with 1 being easiest to integrate into your life and 4 being the toughest – The lower the ranking the better.

Ranking takes into account a few basic factors including cost, skill level needed, high vs low maintenance and how critical regular training is to success. Mountain Bulldogs rank a 2 on the Paws ‘N’ Pups integration scale. They are easy to get along with, loyal to the ones they love and trust, and have good health for the first 5-6 years of their lives. On the flipside, they do have a few health issues in their old age, as well as a stubborn streak. However, both of these negative aspects can be taken care of with regular vet visits and consistent, determined training.

 

Bernese Mountain Dog

English Bulldog

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Saint Bernard