Have you ever heard of a bull-boxer or a Valley bulldog? These two are names for the English bulldog boxer mix or the boxer–bulldog mix.
No matter what you choose to call him, you won’t be able to resist this intelligent, calm-natured, and adorable pooch.
Table of Contents
English Bulldog Boxer Mix Highlights
- The bull-boxer or Valley bulldog is a cross between two popular purebreds, the English bulldog and the boxer.
- This crossbreed can look like a small boxer or a large English bulldog.
- Valley bulldogs may have originated in the Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia.
- Bull-boxers are smart and easily trainable. They may inherit the bulldog’s stubbornness and thus require an owner who will show them who’s boss.
- These are affectionate, friendly, and playful dogs.
- The English bulldog and boxer mix does best on a grain-free, real-meat diet.
- The average lifespan of an English bulldog-boxer mix is about 11 years.
- They require minimal grooming. However, you have to keep their skinfolds dry and clean at all times.
- There are usually six to eight pups in a bull-boxer litter.
- The cost of a Valley bulldog ranges widely. Some go for as low as $500 while some can cost as much as $2000.
- The Valley bulldog is recognized by various dog clubs.
Appearance
This mix is a small- to medium-sized breed that typically reaches from 12 to 25 inches in height when full-grown. These dogs have the strong, muscular build of their parent breeds and usually weigh between 50 and 125 pounds.
Bull-boxers look either like a shorter-than-usual boxer or a taller-than-usual English bulldog. They typically get the boxer’s thick neck, broad shoulders, and big feet. The facial features usually resemble those of the English bulldog: pronounced head, pushed-in snout, round eyes, and floppy ears.
Some valley bulldogs inherit the prominent skinfolds and underbite of the English bulldog. Their coat is usually soft, sleek, and short. They come in various colors, including tan, red, white, black, and fawn.
History
The Valley bulldog is thought to have originated in the Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia, Canada, hence the name. The crossbreed is still popular in the area.
Valley bulldogs are said to have first been bred sometime in the mid-1900s to serve as working dogs and guard dogs on farms. It should be noted that dog clubs don’t recognize the name “Valley bulldog.” Most registries only recognize the name “bull-boxer.”
Trainability
They are a highly intelligent crossbreed, which makes it easy to train. However, because the English bulldog has a bit of a stubborn streak, firm but gentle handling is needed. Bull-boxers respond best to positive, rewards-based training.
English Bulldog Boxer Mix Temperament
Sweet, even-tempered, and playful, the English bulldog x boxer is a delight to have around the house. They can be calm and docile one moment and spirited the next. They love clowning around with their caregivers and will even tolerate the attention of children.
Like boxers, Valley bulldogs are alert and inherently suspicious of strangers. But if they are socialized properly, they do get along well with unfamiliar people, other dogs, and other household pets. These doggos require a dominant owner who will give them rules to follow and keep them in line.
Nutrition
Both the English bulldog and the boxer are prone to obesity, so you should carefully monitor the bull-boxer’s diet. Grain-free dog food is best, as the English bulldog and boxer mix may have inherited the bulldog’s susceptibility to bloat and other digestive issues.
Health and Care
Obesity is a common problem, as are hip and elbow dysplasia, skin allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, and corneal disease. Because of the shape of the Bull-boxer’s snout, it may experience breathing issues and sometimes snore. The typical lifespan is 10 to 12 years.
Grooming
The Valley bulldog’s coat is soft, short, and smooth. It does not require constant grooming or bathing, unless the pooch gets really dirty.
While daily baths are not needed, you need to make sure that the dog’s skinfolds on the face, belly, tail, and genital area are always clean and dry. If these areas are constantly moist, the bull-boxer can develop an infection or an allergic reaction. Wipe down the dog’s skinfolds with a soft cloth after every bath and after walks in the rain.
English Bulldog Boxer Mix Puppies
The average litter size is six to eight. Valley bulldog pups benefit from early socialization and obedience training.
Price
A bull-boxer pup can cost anywhere from $500 to $2000. If you’re looking to acquire a Valley bulldog pup, make sure you get one from a reputable breeder who has carefully screened the puppies for health conditions.
Breed Organizations
They are recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, the Designer Breed Registry, the Dog Registry of America, the Olde English Bulldogge Association, and the International Designer Canine Registry. It is not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
The English bulldog boxer mix has the potential to be the best canine companion for your family. Before you get one, do your research to ensure that you and your future pup will be happy together.
