Looking for a dog with the sweetest disposition, an affinity for children, and adorable looks? Then the English Bulldog could be 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! But, sadly, that sweet, squishy face doesn’t come without potential health concerns.
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.
Key
- Low
- Medium
- High
- Origin: England
- Size:
- Weight: 18-25 kg
- Activity level:
- Barking/howling level:
- Good with dogs: yes
- Good with kids: yes
- Good with cats:
- Shedding:
- Shedding: Seasonal
- Grooming level:
- Training level:
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 colours—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 worried around 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 in a comfortable place to relax. A garden isn’t a prerequisite, 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 short snout and proneness to breathing difficulties.
Ideal Human for an English Bulldog
Not so much a sporty pup, English Bulldogs 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 socialise 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, as brachycephalic dogs, English Bulldogs aren’t 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. Responsible, ethical breeding is also a must.
Some common issues include cherry eye, entropian (when eyelashes grow towards the eye), dry eyes, reverse sneezing, brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), demodectic mange, hip dysplasia, tail issues, and various skin problems. Some cases of BOAS will require costly, invasive surgery. The Kennel Club has a respiratory grading scheme to establish if dogs are suffering from BOAS and to what extent. It also recommends DNA health testing for a disease called hyperuricosuria and notes that obesity and cardiovascular issues can be a concern.
Despite these issues, English Bulldogs generally live from eight 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.
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.
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 as recommended.
To find breeders who have to meet stringent requirements, it’s a good idea to look at those on the Kennel Club‘s assured breeder scheme and/or one with a five-star licence from the local council. Make sure you wise up on puppy mills and internet scams—following some simple steps avoids further funding of this terrible practice, and helps 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 centres 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 centres 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.
Further Reading
If you’re simply in love with this breed, then you’ll be craving what we’ve got for you next: