Dr. Sergey Uhanov
Last updated: 2nd February 2026
American Bullnese
By
Dr. Sergey Uhanov
Last updated: 2nd February 2026
The American Bullnese is a new breed of small dogs created by combining the characteristics of five different purebred dogs, including the French Bulldog, Pekingese, Pug, Dachshund, and Boston Terrier. It is an active, well-muscled dog with a large, square head, moderately large, round eyes, folded ears, broad muzzle, thick neck, deep chest, short, stout forelegs, and slightly curled tail.
American Bullnese Pictures
Quick Information
| Other Names | Bullnese |
| Coat | Thick, soft, dense, short |
| Color | Any color |
| Breed Type | Crossbreed |
| Category | Toy, Companion Dog, Non-Sporting |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years |
| Weight | 15-30 lbs |
| Size | Small |
| Height | 8-12 in |
| Shedding | Moderate |
| Temperament | Calm, cheerful, sweet, clownish, even-tempered |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Litter Size | 4-8 puppies |
| Good with Children | Yes |
| Barking | Low |
| Country Originated in | USA |
| Competitive Registration/Qualification Information | DRA, ABA |
Video: American Bullnese Puppies Playing
Other Similar Breeds
History
In 1989, an American dog enthusiast named Robert E. Rice of Florida started a breeding program to create a dog that would possess all the characteristics he had admired in other existing breeds. He selectively bred dogs with confident, happy, and outgoing personalities, in addition to the desired physical traits thereby successfully developing the purebred American Bullnese. It was bred by mixing five different breeds, and some dogs from the foundation stock were used by other breeders who wanted to produce the pure form of the Bullnese.
At some point, breeders of crossbreeds and hybrids started combining the Pekingese and French Bulldog to create litters that were acknowledged as American Bullnese by the American Canine Hybrid Club in 2006.
Temperament and Behavior
The Bullnese is a lap dog that enjoys cuddling, snoozing, entertaining, and playing with its people. An amiable, companionable, and sweet dog by nature, it is always eager to please and will try to attract everyone’s attention with its playful behavior.
It gets along with humans and coexists with other pets. Although it can be protective at times, it is neither aggressive nor fearful toward people.
Care
Exercise
Being a moderately lively breed, it needs regular activities including daily walks on a leash and a few sessions of dynamic play.
Grooming
Its grooming routine includes weekly brushing and combing using a firm-bristle brush, occasional bathing with a vet-approved shampoo, regular cleaning of the creases on its face, and frequently cleaning its ears.
Health Problems
Some of the health conditions seen in American Bullnese are hemivertebrae, intervertebral disc degeneration, stenotic nares, patellar luxation, cataract, deafness, entropion, and CHD.
Training
Since it is a loyal, affectionate, and people-oriented breed, the Bullnese can be easily trained.
Socialization
Introduce your Bullnese to new sights and sounds, such as walking on hardwood, carpet, and tile floors, or having it meet a young person, an old person, and people wearing sunglasses or carrying crutches. Once your pup gets the full series of vaccinations, you can take it to the dog park so that it can meet and make friends with other dogs.
Crate training
You should train your Bullnese to enjoy its crate as a peaceful place to rest. Have the crate in a well-used part of your house, possibly in your bedroom, and let the dog sleep in it with one of its favorite toys kept in the crate. Remove its collar before you close the crate door.
Feeding
Give your American Bullnese a quality dog food free of grains to keep it from gaining weight. Since it is prone to joint problems, you may give a supplement consisting of chondroitin and glucosamine, but after consulting a vet.
FAQ
