You’re staring at a dog that looks like a low-slung tank with a face only a mother could love—and you're probably hooked. That’s the english bulldog dachshund mix for you. People call them "Bull-Dachs" or sometimes "Bully Doxies," but honestly, labels don't really capture how weirdly charming these dogs are. They’re a genetic mashup that shouldn’t work on paper, yet somehow, they end up being these stout, stubborn, incredibly loyal companions that take over your couch and your heart.
Finding one isn't exactly easy. It's not like you can just walk into a standard pet store and find a litter of these guys. Most of the time, they’re the result of "designer dog" trends or accidental neighborhood romances. But before you go hunting for a breeder or scouring the rescues, you’ve gotta understand that this mix isn't just a "small bulldog." It is a complex creature with two very different legacies clashing in one body.
Why the English Bulldog Dachshund Mix is a Genetic Wildcard
Biology is funny. When you cross an English Bulldog—a breed originally designed for bull-baiting with a heavy chest and a pushed-in face—with a Dachshund, a German badger hunter with a spine like a Slinky, you get a roll of the dice. You might get the long back of the Doxie with the massive head of the Bulldog. Or, you might get a dog that looks like a standard Bulldog but has the tiny, frantic legs of a miniature Dachshund.
Predictability? Forget it.
In any given litter, one puppy might lean heavily toward the Bulldog side, inheriting that classic brachycephalic (flat-faced) profile. Another might have the elongated snout of the Dachshund, which is actually a blessing for their breathing. You’ve really got to look at the parents. If the Bulldog parent is particularly heavy-set and the Dachshund is a "tweenie" or a standard size, that puppy is going to be a dense little powerhouse.
The Back Issue Nobody Wants to Talk About
We need to get serious for a second about health. Both parent breeds carry significant structural baggage. Dachshunds are notorious for Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) because of their long spines. English Bulldogs often suffer from hip dysplasia and respiratory issues. When you combine them, you’re potentially doubling down on skeletal stress.
The weight of a Bulldog’s torso on a Dachshund’s long spine is a recipe for trouble if you aren't careful. You can't let these dogs get fat. Even five extra pounds can be the difference between a healthy dog and a $5,000 spinal surgery. It sounds harsh, but it’s the reality of owning a "low and slow" breed mix. If you’re the type who loves giving table scraps, this might not be the dog for you. Honestly, keeping them lean is the kindest thing you can do.
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Personality: Stubbornness Squared
If you think you're going to have an easy time training an english bulldog dachshund mix, I have some bad news. You’re dealing with the two most stubborn breeds in the canine kingdom. Bulldogs are famous for "pancaking"—just laying down and refusing to move when they're done with a walk. Dachshunds? They have "selective hearing," especially if they smell a squirrel or a stray Cheeto.
They aren't "dumb." Not at all. They’re just highly opinionated.
Training requires a lot of patience and even more high-value treats (think boiled chicken, not dry biscuits). They respond way better to positive reinforcement than anything else. If you try to be a "tough boss," they’ll just shut down or find a way to outsmart you. Most Bull-Dach owners find that their dogs eventually learn the rules, but they treat them more like suggestions.
- The Bulldog Temperament: Generally chill, loves naps, very affectionate, can be a bit lazy.
- The Dachshund Temperament: High energy, vocal, brave to a fault, possessive of their humans.
- The Mix: Usually a medium-energy dog that loves a good 20-minute walk but will spend the rest of the day snoring loud enough to rattle the windows.
Living with the "Velcro" Factor
One thing you’ll notice quickly is that they want to be on you. Not near you. On you. Both parent breeds are known for being shadow dogs. The English Bulldog Dachshund mix will follow you into the bathroom, sit on your feet while you do dishes, and try to burrow under your blankets at night.
They can be a bit prone to separation anxiety. If you work 12-hour shifts and the dog is left alone in a crate, you’re likely going to come home to a very stressed animal and potentially some chewed-up baseboards. They thrive in households where someone is around or where they have another dog to keep them company. Just be careful with big dogs; the Bull-Dach thinks it's the size of a Great Dane and might pick a fight it can't win.
Grooming and Maintenance (It's Easier Than You Think)
Thankfully, grooming isn't a nightmare. Most of these mixes have short, coarse hair. You’ll deal with shedding, sure—Bulldogs shed more than people realize—but a weekly brush with a rubber mitt usually keeps it under control.
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The real work is in the wrinkles and the ears.
If your mix has the Bulldog’s facial folds, you have to wipe them out daily. Bacteria and yeast love those dark, damp spots. If you neglect them, your dog will smell like "frito feet" and eventually develop a nasty skin infection. Same goes for the ears. Dachshunds have those long, floppy ears that trap moisture. A quick check and a wipe once a week can save you a fortune in vet bills for ear infections.
What to Feed a Low-Slung Powerhouse
Diet is everything. Since we already talked about the back issues, you need to look for food that supports joint health. Look for ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin.
Avoid "filler" grains that just add empty calories. You want high protein to maintain muscle mass, which helps support that long spine. A lot of owners find success with a mix of high-quality kibble and some fresh toppers like green beans or carrots to keep the dog feeling full without the calorie spike.
And watch the jumping!
Seriously, get some ramps. Don't let your english bulldog dachshund mix jump off the couch or the bed. It looks cute when they "fly," but that impact on their front legs and spine builds up over time. Ramps are a life-saver for this specific body type.
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Finding a Bull-Dach: Rescue vs. Breeder
This is a controversial spot. Because this is a "designer mix," you won't find many "reputable" breeders in the traditional sense. Most AKC-affiliated breeders stick to purebreds. This means many people breeding these mixes are doing it for the "cute factor" without doing proper genetic testing.
If you go the breeder route, demand to see health clearances for both parents. Specifically, ask about OFA heart and hip evaluations for the Bulldog and IVDD history for the Dachshund. If they can’t show you paperwork, walk away.
Honestly? Check the rescues first. There are specialized Bulldog rescues (like the Bulldog Club of America Rescue Network) and Dachshund rescues (like Dachshund Rescue of North America) that frequently get mixes. You get to save a life, and usually, the rescue has already handled the initial vet checkups and temperament testing.
Is This the Right Dog for You?
Let’s be real. This dog is a clown in a stout body. They will make you laugh every single day with their weird noises—they don't just bark; they grumble, sigh, and "woo-woo" at you.
But they aren't "low maintenance."
You have to be okay with a dog that snorts, drools a bit, and might have a back emergency if they get too rowdy. You have to be okay with a dog that might take six months to housebreak because Dachshunds are notoriously difficult to potty train. If you want a dog that will go on 10-mile hikes with you, keep looking. If you want a companion who will protect your lap with their life and provide a constant soundtrack of snoring, you’ve found your match.
Real-World Action Steps for New Owners
If you've already brought one home or are about to, here is how you set them up for a long, healthy life:
- Weight Check: If you can't easily feel their ribs, they're too heavy. Cut back the kibble immediately.
- Ramp Up: Buy or build ramps for the sofa and your bed. It's an investment in their spinal health.
- Harness Only: Never use a neck collar for walks. A harness distributes pressure across the chest, which is vital for protecting both the Bulldog's trachea and the Dachshund's back.
- Socialize Early: These guys can be "one-person dogs" and wary of strangers. Get them out to see the world (safely) as soon as they have their shots.
- Wrinkle Routine: Buy some unscented baby wipes or specific pet skin wipes. Make it a habit to clean their face folds every evening.
The english bulldog dachshund mix is an oddball, a genetic experiment that resulted in one of the most affectionate and quirky dogs on the planet. They aren't for everyone, but for the right person, there’s no better roommate. Keep them slim, keep them off the stairs, and you’ll have a loyal, snoring shadow for the next 10 to 14 years.