The Bullweiler or Gargoyle Bulldog is a mixed breed dog from the Bulldog and Rottweiler with a strong presence and abounding affection. This stocky designer dog breed with a laid-back attitude is typically a good family dog with the right training and socialization. In the right homes, they are fun, character-filled clowns who are typically “velcro” dogs, meaning you will never go to the bathroom alone again.

This unique, loyal-natured dog will more than likely steal your heart when you stumble across them. Still, it’s best to research before buying or adopting this mixed breed to determine if it fits your lifestyle and personality.

Since the parent breeds of this cross are often misunderstood, the Bullweiler is excellent for owners that understand their temperament, energy, and maintenance requirements.

History of the Gargoyle Bulldogs: Where Do They Come From?

Bullweilers result from breeding the self-assured Rottweiler and the stocky American or English Bulldog. Other names for the Bullweiler include:

• Bull Rottie
• Rottbull
• American Bullweiler 
• English Bullweiler

As a mixed dog, the Bullweiler’s exact history is largely unknown. Mixed dogs generally came about to make popular dogs smaller by mixing a smaller dog with a larger female dog. The rise of the “designer dogs” probably started in the 1950s or 980s with the Cavapoo. But people have probably been accidentally (or on purpose) breeding Rottweilers with Bulldogs for decades, if not centuries. More recently, multi-generational Bulldog Rottweiler crosses are being bred as “Gargoyle Bulldogs.”

We can take a better look into the Rottweiler Bulldog mix history by expounding on their parent breeds’ origins.

History of the Rottweiler

The Rottweiler, fondly referred to as the Rottie, is a strongly built working dog from the Mastiffs of the Roman legions. The Rottweiler originated in Germany in the vicinity of an area called Rottweil. They were Initially used as livestock guardians and drovers, and war dogs by the Romans.

After the Roman collapse, Rottweilers herded cattle and pulled carts containing meat, earning them the name “butcher’s dog.” This function quickly declined when the rail took over their job. However, Rotties rose back to prominence post world war I and II as police and military dogs. They gained AKC recognition in 1931 and rose in popularity as loving household pets.

History of the Bulldog

This hefty British dog breed has an unfortunately bloody past. These dogs were originally created for the sport of bullbaiting, where a tethered bull was wagered against several dogs. When the sport was outlawed in 1835 by the cruelty to animals act, many viewed the ferocious dogs as useless.

The breed enthusiasts worked to maintain the fighting breed by turning it into an affectionate companion. The outcome was a sweet and mellow dog recognized by AKC in 1896 and a British national treasure.

The American Bulldog originated from the English Bulldog when immigrants brought their dogs to the US in the 17th and 18th centuries. These dogs are taller and more athletic than their English counterparts, with less droopy faces. Since then, a number of new Bulldog variations have sprung up, mostly with the aim of breeding dogs that are healthier than today’s English Bulldog with fewer breathing problems.

What are the Physical Features of a Bullweiler?

The appearance of a mixed breed varies greatly depending on the parent breed with the dominant genes. Bullweilers generally inherit the thick, low-slung physique of the bulldog but are slightly taller due to the Rottie parent.

Bullweilers may have the Bulldog pushed-in nose and hanging chops (folds of skin) on either side of the jaw. They mostly have color variations of tan and brown with rust markings, as seen in Rottweilers, but they can be any color including merle, since this color exists in the American Bulldog.

General Care of the Rottweiler Bulldog Mix

Energy

This moderately energetic dog does well with two 20-minute daily exercise sessions. The bulldog parent breed is relatively low-endurance and may pass down this trait to the Bullweiler offspring.

Despite the Bulldog being known as a “lazy” dog, Bullweilers must exercise daily to avoid obesity and destructive behavior due to boredom.

These mixed breeds shouldn’t have long exercise sessions due to possible breathing problems from the shortened nose. Likewise, exercise on hot days should be kept at a minimum to avoid issues with breathing and severe overheating.

Housing

American or English Bullweilers are adaptable to apartment living, but a home with a fenced yard is best. While their energy requirements aren’t too high, Bullweilers are pretty large dogs that need some space to stretch.

While in the yard, remain keen on the outdoor temperature because these dogs easily overheat and struggle to breathe. It’s best to let your Bullweiler out in the yard in the morning or evening when it’s cool outside.

Food & Diet Requirements

Bullweilers need a high-quality protein-rich diet for large dogs with medium energy levels. The protein percentage should be about 30 to 40 % for puppies and seniors and 25% for adult dogs. Today’s dog food is full of fillers, chemicals, and byproducts. To avoid this, ensure the ingredients list of your dog’s food contains recognizable ingredients like poultry.

Diet varies based on an individual dog’s health, so a vet will correctly advise you on the right one. The vet will consider any underlying issues like congenital liver shunts, renal issues, diabetes, and gastroenteritis that would influence the dog’s diet.

As a brachycephalic mixed breed, it’s best to feed the Bullweiler on shallow or tilted bowls for ease when eating. Kibble, canned food, or a combination are all fine so long as they’re protein-dense. Be careful when feeding your dog a raw diet to avoid excesses or deficiencies of minerals and vitamins.

Grooming

These dogs have minimal grooming requirements due to their short coats and moderate shedding. Brushing the coat 2 to 3 times per week removes tangles and distributes natural oils for a silky coat. They need a bath every 4 to 6 weeks, ensuring you dry your dog thoroughly to avoid trapping moisture in the folds.

Bullweilers develop deep wrinkles and folds due to their bulldog parentage. This makes them susceptible to skin yeast and bacterial infections, especially if not properly dried after baths. Check the folds regularly for moisture and trapped food and clean with water or peroxide, followed by cornstarch for drying.

Brush your dog’s teeth at least twice every week to avoid dental issues like periodontitis. Brachycephalic breeds are particularly prone to dental issues due to overcrowded teeth, so dental hygiene is necessary. Clip the nails every few weeks to avoid issues like cruciate ligament injuries.

Health of a Rottweiler Bulldog Mix

Bullweilers benefit from “hybrid vigor,” where mixed dogs are healthier than their purebred dogs. However, they are susceptible to health conditions found in their parent breeds. A mixed dog’s health heavily depends on the breeder’s reputability and whether they perform the necessary genetic tests.

The ethicality of bulldog breeding has been questioned by many due to the numerous health issues. An exaggerated physical feature like the shortened muzzle gives this breed severe, life-threatening breathing issues. Bulldogs can pass down this trait to their Bullweiler offspring.

What is the Bullweiler’s Life Expectancy?

Bullweilers live for about 8 to 10 years, depending on their health. Bullweilers can experience the several health issues in bulldogs, like breathing issues contributing to a shorter lifespan. Many individuals advocate for reshaping the bulldog and its mixes to increase their life expectancy and overall health.

The trainability of a Bullweiler: Temperament and Intelligence

The mellow Bullweiler is relentlessly loyal and dotes on the owners and loved ones. Bullweilers may display the self-assured aloofness of the Rottweilers but warm up easily once you get familiar. They may exhibit territorial tendencies and tend to get protective of their loved ones.

Bullweilers have a soft spot for kids, making good family dogs. Despite their family-oriented nature, kids should never be left with these mixed dogs or any other dogs without adult supervision. Early training and socialization ensure your dog is child-tolerant.

Bullweilers are moderately intelligent and incredibly motivated by food, making training relatively easy. But don’t expect too much, they’re made more for leisure than work. Their Bulldog parents are not the smartest, but the Rottie genes and food motivation compensate adequately. Early training and socialization ensure a well-natured dog that’s adaptable to their surroundings.

Are Bullweilers Good with Other Pets?

Bullweilers have a high prey drive and are territorial, so interaction with other pets must be supervised. Early socialization increases the likelihood of your dog interacting better with other animals. Smaller pets like hamsters can trigger their prey drive and must be carefully watched. These dogs may also struggle with dog aggression (aggression toward other dogs), so socialization is essential.

Suitable Homes: Are Bullweilers Good Pets?

Bullweilers are family-oriented dogs that would make a great addition to the family, especially one without too many other pets (one other dog of the opposite gender is ideal). They’re not hypoallergenic, so they are not suitable for people with pet allergies. Their minimal grooming and medium exercise requirements make them relatively low-maintenance dogs. Early socialization and training are key to having a good pet.

How Much Does a Bullweiler Cost?

Bullweilers can cost anywhere from $800 to $1500 but can cost significantly more or less, depending on the breeder. Those marketing “Gargoyle Bulldogs” may ask much more. You can consider getting one from a shelter to provide a home and a second chance at life. Be careful of cheap Bullweiler puppies, as most of these are from unethical backyard breeders.

Conclusion

Bullweilers are a mixed breed and a great addition to your household. With a lovable personality and unfailing loyalty, you’ll love this breed almost as much as they’ll love you. Bullweilers can be prone to breathing issues and other life-threatening conditions for which you must brace yourself if you want one. Early socialization and training will make owning this dog smooth and easy.