English Bulldog Dog Breed Facts & Information

By Rover Staff

Looking for a dog with the sweetest disposition, an affinity for children, and the cutest, squishiest face folds around? The English Bulldog is just your fella (or lady). Courageous and kind, these one-of-a-kind canines keep things fun and goofy when with their loved ones, and are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face; even if they look like they have a frown on theirs! They’re also one of the most popular dog breeds in America.

Is an English Bulldog the right kind of dog for you? There are a lot of things to consider when adding a dog to your life, so we’ve covered just about everything you’ll need to know in this in-depth breed profile.

Breed Characteristics

Key

Low
Medium
High

Origin: England
Size:
Weight: 40-55 pounds
Lifespan: 8 to 12 years
Breed group: Non-Sporting
Activity level:
Barking/howling level:
Good with dogs: yes
Good with kids: yes
Good with cats:
Shedding:
Easy to groom:
Easy to train:
Protective:

English Bulldog Appearance

If there’s one thing this breed is known for, it’s their distinct and adorable good looks. There’s no mistaking that furrowed brow and pushed-in nose, or the little ears and underbite! This breed is also known for being close to the ground and broad, which also means they have an easily-identifiable gait that is entertaining to watch stroll by.

They have a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors—everything from white, fawn, red, and piebald, to brindle and white, fawn and white, red and white, and red brindle.

English Bulldog Personality

English Bulldogs have sweet, gentle, and even goofy dispositions (despite that sometimes grumpy-looking mug!). They adore children and are very focused on their people, which makes them a blast to be around. Though generally laid-back and dependable, they do still retain that courageous streak that was bred into them, which makes them excellent watchdogs. This also means that, while they’re amiable with other pets they know, they can sometimes be aggressive to unfamiliar dogs.

Oh, and they love a good snuggle, which I’m sure you’ll be happy to comply with.

Ideal Environment for an English Bulldog

These pups tend to be just as happy in a small apartment, as they are in a roomy house – so long as they are surrounded by the people who love them, and a comfortable play to relax. They don’t require a yard since they only need moderate exercise, but they will love an environment where relaxing walks (with plenty of things to look at and sniff) are the norm.

They also tend to be sensitive to extreme weather, so you won’t want to have them anywhere super cold or super hot – especially since they can overheat easily due to their head shape.

Ideal Human for an English Bulldog

Not so much a sporty pup, the English Bulldog just really want to kick back with their family. And since we’ve already mentioned family, this breed is exceptional with children (gentle, patient, and kind), and will thrive in families of all sizes. Just make sure someone takes them on a daily walk so they can get some exercise in.

The ideal human for this breed should also be prepared to encounter some health concerns that come along with owning this breed, and they should also be tolerant of a little light snoring when they’re taking a snooze.

Dog Training for This Sweet Breed

Though sweet and smart to boot, English Bulldogs can be quite stubborn when it comes to training. They’re also a tad difficult to keep motivated (when they’d rather be sleeping), so it’s important to keep all training sessions interesting, engaging, and on the shorter side. It’s also helpful to have these sessions before meals to keep them focused, and to give plenty of praise and encouragement.

It’s also imperative to socialize this breed early on by introducing them to a variety of situations, people, animals, and locations. By showing them the world around them, and making them feel comfortable and safe with you as they explore it, they’ll gain the confidence to be the well-adjusted, well-behaved pup you know that they can be. Above all this breed really just wants to please their loved ones, and their smarts and charm mean that any effort you put into training them will be well worth it.

English Bulldog Grooming

Because of their unique looks, the English Bulldog does require some extra grooming steps, including cleaning out their wrinkles at least once a week! Yes, this doesn’t sound ideal, but it’s important, or else they can develop yeast infections or other issues. You’ll also need to take special care of their noses since they’re very susceptible to chapping and dryness.

On a more common note, brushing them is a wonderful idea, especially if you’d like to cut back on the shedding.

English Bulldog Health

Sadly, English Bulldogs aren’t exactly the healthiest breed, which means that any prospective owner should seriously consider investing in pet insurance, and be prepared to encounter various potential health complications throughout their lifetime.

Some common issues include Cherry Eye, Enropian (when eyelashes grow towards the eye), dry eyes, reverse sneezing, Brachycephalic Syndrome, Demodectic mange, hip dysplasia, tail issues, and various skin problems.

Despite these issues, English Bulldogs generally live from 8 to 12 years, and with the proper exercise, food, and regular trips to the vet, your pup still has a good chance at a happy and comfortable life. Some pet parents opt for health insurance.

English Bulldog Breed History

English Bulldogs have a complicated history, considering that they were originally bred in England as a cross from a mastiff as entertainment during the sport of Bull-baiting. That violent sport was finally banned in 1835, and since then English Bulldogs have evolved into the adorable, lovable creatures we see today. Currently they are #5 on the American Kennel Club list of most popular breeds.

Welcoming this Dog Breed Into the Family

English Bulldog breeders

It’s always a good idea to meet the parents of your puppy, and to see how the litter interacts with each other. A good, trustworthy breeder should have records of the parents’ lineage, too and should be able to tell you more about the specific litter. And since this breed has a lot of health issues, if you are going to a breeder instead of rescuing, make sure that your breeder is health testing parents, including eye and hip test.

The American Kennel Club website is a great place to start your search for a reputable breeder. Make sure you wise up on puppy mills and internet scams—following some simple steps can help avoid further funding of this terrible practice, and help you end up with a pet whose breeding and early-life experience will more reliably result in a well-adjusted dog.

Adopting an English Bulldog

As with many highly popular breeds, English Bulldogs often find their way to rescue centers for a variety of reasons, including dogs being rescued from puppy mills, but often it’s the simple fact that their previous owners simply felt unable to care for them any longer.

A surrendered dog will often already be well trained and simply in need of a new, loving home. You can find rescue centers local to you with a quick internet search. An English Bulldog can make for a wonderful friend and they’re sure to be a source of joy, with plenty of laughs and perhaps a little bit of mischief along the way. So whether you’re planning on adopting or finding a breeder to find a puppy, prepare yourself, your home and your heart to welcome a dog with plenty of personality and energy.

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