Breeds Category Icon Breeds

English Bulldog Breed Information: Personality Traits, Temperament, & More

Are you thinking of adopting an English Bulldog puppy? They make great family pets, but do come with some health concerns. Find out everything you need to know about the breed, including lifespan, temperament, puppy costs, and more!

50

Last Updated: January 25, 2024 | 11 min read

Bulldog standing outside.

The English Bulldog is one of the most easily recognizable breeds in the world! With his squat, sturdy frame and wrinkled, jowly face, these pups’ certainly don’t go unnoticed in the dog park. So, it’s no surprise that bulldogs are extremely popular as family pets, ranking at number four of 193 breeds, according to the American Kennel Club. The AKC classes the breed as members of the non-sporting group.

They are pretty low-maintenance dogs, requiring only a moderate amount of grooming and exercise. That, together with a gentle, sweet, people-oriented disposition makes the bulldog a wonderful family pet. They do have some health concerns, but most are easily managed, even by first-time dog owners. They can also be stubborn, and there are easier breeds to train.

In this article, we find out more about the breed, including taking a look at the breed’s history, his character, and the health issues that can affect the breed. So, is the bulldog the ideal four-legged friend for you? Let’s find out more about our favorite flat-faced breed!

Breed Overview
    • weight iconWeight40-60+ pounds
    • height iconHeight14-15 inches
    • lifespan iconLifespan8-10 years
    • color iconColorsWhite, Piebald, Fawn, Brindle, Red
  • Child Friendliness
  • Canine Friendliness
  • Training Difficulty
  • Grooming Upkeep
  • Breed Health
  • Exercise Needs
  • Puppy Costs

History

English Bulldog Walking on Grass
English Bulldogs were originally bred for Bullbaiting.

It’s thought that Bulldogs first appeared in 13th century England, specifically for the “sport” of bullbaiting. These dogs were probably much larger and heavier than their modern relatives and most likely had a more aggressive temperament, as they were bred for fighting.

In 1835, bullbaiting was banned. However, the Bulldog continued to be used in the pit-dog fighting events that took place around that time in the shady, underground world of gambling dens.

To produce the perfect fighting dog, gamblers crossed the original Bulldog with various terriers, resulting in the appearance of lighter-weight, smaller breeds such as the bull terrier and pit bull terrier.

By 1886, the breed was much more like the breed we know today. These dogs were smaller, sweeter tempered, and more mellow, rapidly becoming family favorites as pets. The Bulldog, with his Churchillian features, was adopted as the national symbol of England, thanks to his striking resemblance to Winston Churchill, England’s Prime Minister during World War II.

Across the Pond in the U.S., the Bulldog became the mascot of many sports teams, including those of Yale University. During World War I, the tenacious bulldog became the mascot of the U.S. Marine Corps and still holds that honor today. Did you know that all Marine bulldogs are called, Chesty?

Today, most Bulldogs enjoy a quiet life as family pets. However, there are some exceptions, as Rudy proves in this video clip!

Temperament

Bulldog out in Field
English Bulldogs make fantastic family companion dogs.

English Bulldogs are excellent family companions. They are great with kids and can do just fine in a multi-pet household if they are properly socialized as puppies. They do have a slightly higher prey drive, so you’ll need to watch that if you have any cats in your home, and correct the behavior early on.

English Bulldogs are highly independent. They can be stubborn, and difficult to train. They are highly food motivated, so this can help when it comes to getting them to listen. Some pups will be more prone to separation anxiety. Because of this, you’ll need to make sure you do your best to create a relaxing home environment they don’t look to escape from. English Bulldogs are known as escape artists, so when they get anxious or bored, they will look for ways to start to explore. Because of their stout stature, they can easily get through fencing or barriers that aren’t properly secured.

Overall, the English Bulldog can make a fantastic dog for any family. As long as they are exercised properly, they will tend to be more couch potatoes than active dogs. They’d rather lay in your lap than go play fetch on most occasions, and they will be protective of your family, especially children.

Size & Appearance

Fat Bulldog Ourdoors
Adult dogs can vary widely in both size and appearance.

A male English Bulldog can grow to weigh a hefty 60+ pounds. Females weigh a little less at around 40 pounds. Both sexes grow to be about 14 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder. If you are thinking your family will need a smaller dog, consider looking at a French Bulldog, because their size is smaller when compared to an English Bulldog. Keep in mind that these dogs are stout. They are short and muscular. You’ll need to be prepared to handle an independent breed that packs plenty of strength into such a small frame.

English Bulldogs have a smaller and flatter face. They are known as a Brachycephalic Dog Breed, which can lead to health problems if they are not properly monitored. This is also one of the reasons many owners think they are endearing or cute-looking. Some English Bulldogs suffer from an underbite, which leads their lower jaw and teeth to stick out further than the top of their jawline, exposing their lower teeth.

Coat & Colors

Brindle Dog out in Field
While coat length is relatively standard, there is a wide range of breed coat coloring.

They have a short coat that doesn’t shed much. English Bulldogs are single coated, which means that they will shed about the same amount through an entire year. They don’t blow their coat like other breeds, which means grooming costs should be relatively consistent.

When it comes to coat colors, you can find English Bulldogs in a range of colors, including white, brindle, Piebald, fawn, and red. It’s also common for all English Bulldogs to have a spotted coat, with many different colors happening all at the same time.

Exercise & Living Conditions

Piebald Dog Outside Running Around
Most English Bulldogs do not need more than 30 minutes of daily exercise.

Bulldogs don’t need a vast amount of exercise. They do enjoy a game, and there are some who are very successful in sports such as flyball and agility. However, the average Bulldog isn’t built for speed and will be quite content with a sedate stroll through the park a couple of times each day and perhaps a gentle game with toys in your garden.

If you want a dog that will be happy living outside in a kennel, you’ll need to look elsewhere. The Bulldog is very intolerant of warm weather and can quickly overheat, which can be fatal. Your Bulldog must live inside your home, will need a comfy bed, and you’ll need to crank up the air-conditioning too when warm weather arrives.

If you have a swimming pool or a pond in your garden, be sure to keep your Bulldog well away from it. Bulldogs are very poor swimmers thanks to their huge heads, solid bodies, and short legs, which make it extremely difficult for the dog to keep his head above water.

Training

White English Bulldog
Known for being highly independent, expect to spend plenty of time training your puppy.

This tenacious breed is smart, but he can be a challenge to train, even with easier tricks. That’s because these pups prefer to think for themselves, rather than follow commands! However, attending early socialization and obedience classes can ensure that your bulldog puppy grows up to be as respectful and mannerly as any other breed. You don’t want a stubborn little guy like the bulldog to end up with bad habits.

If you plan to train your Bulldog to walk with a harness, you should start at a very early age since these pups love to pull. Planning to crate train? English Bulldogs are stubborn. This means that training your English Bulldog to stay in their crate, can be even more difficult than leash training. You’ll want a secure English Bulldog-sized dog crate that’s secure enough to keep them from fighting their way out.

Health

Dog with Underbite
As with all flat-faced breeds, you should expect to deal with varying levels of health issues across your dog’s lifetime.

Bulldogs might look full of character, but their conformation can predispose the breed to multiple health problems. Bulldogs, like other flat-faced breeds, are classified as brachycephalic dogs. Brachycephalic dogs have a narrowed upper airway, which often causes breathing difficulties, especially during hot weather or exercise, and bulldogs tend to snore and snuffle too. Other health problems that are common in bulldogs include:

  • Joint injuries
  • Arthritis
  • Skin infections
  • Cherry eye, inverted eyelids, dry eye, and cataracts
  • Skin allergies
  • Bladder stones
  • Gastric torsion

We recommend pet insurance for your English Bulldog to help offset these costs. Because of their heavy stature and flat faces, Bulldogs are incredibly susceptible to heatstroke. For that reason, they would not be a suitable pet for you if you live in a region where the summers are typically very hot or humid.

Although some Bulldogs do compete successfully in activities such as flyball and agility, many receive only a moderate amount of exercise. That’s fine, provided that you take care not to overfeed your Bulldog. Obesity can be a problem for these pups, as being overweight only serves to exacerbate their health issues.

Nutrition

Dog Laying in Dog Food
You’ll want to ensure your pup eats a dry kibble that’s considered high-quality.

Bulldogs will thrive on any good-quality dog food, provided that they are not overfed. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on the product label to see how much you should feed your Bulldog. If you’re in any doubt, ask your vet for advice on the best diet for your burly canine chum.

English Bulldogs will eat anywhere from 2.5 to 3.5 cups of dog food per day. The breed is not one that can manage its own appetite, so you’ll likely need to feed your dog at intervals throughout the day. This means that you can’t free-feed like other dog breeds. Free feeding an English Bulldog will likely lead to obesity, and other health-related problems. These pups can get chunky quickly, which does not help their overall health and longevity.

Grooming

Piebald English Bulldog in Bathtub
Expect to bathe your English Bulldog regularly, making sure to properly dry in between their skin folds.

The bulldog is a low-maintenance breed that doesn’t need much brushing. A gentle going over with a soft bristle brush a few times each week will be enough to keep your bulldog’s coat shiny and in good condition. Shedding increases during the spring and fall, when you’ll need to brush your dog a little more often.

Bulldogs don’t generally smell too “doggy,” so you won’t need to bathe your dog too often.

The most important part of your Bulldog’s grooming regimen is the care of his wrinkled face. You’ll need to clean your Bulldog’s wrinkles with a soft, damp cloth, ideally daily, but at least twice a week. After cleaning, be sure to dry the wrinkles gently. Moist areas amongst skin folds make the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, which could set up an infection.

Breeders & Puppy Costs

Puppy walking in Grass
Expect to pay $1,500 and up for a purebred puppy from a reputable breeder.

A good starting point in your search for a well-bred Bulldog puppy is the American Kennel Club website at this link. Here, you’ll find a list of licensed, reputable breeders in most areas of the U.S.

Also, check out the Bulldog Club of America website for details of good Bulldog breeders. It’s a good tip to look for dogs that are bred from parents who have some sporting pedigree in agility classes and similar, rather than purely in the show ring.

Ask the breeder if you can see the puppy’s parents and siblings. That will give you a good idea of what kind of temperament the puppies will have when they grow up. The breeder should also be willing to show you their breeding dogs’ health screening certificates so you can be confident your puppy will be healthy and free from congenital defects.

The cost of Bulldog puppies depends on several factors including, where you live, the puppy’s sex, and whether he comes from a prize-winning line. Currently, English Bulldog puppies range in price from $1,500 to around $5,000. After getting your bulldog puppy, make sure you pick the perfect name.

Why are the puppies so expensive?

Well, thanks to the Bulldog’s physical build, giving birth naturally is difficult and dangerous for the mother dog. For that reason, Bulldog puppies are born via caesarian section. That means big vet bills for the breeders, and some of that cost is passed on to would-be owners. Also, because of the multiple congenital health problems, the breeder has to bear the expense of many health tests and screening procedures.

As a general rule of thumb, if you see a Bulldog puppy advertised for less than $1,500, walk away. Cheap puppies usually come from puppy mills.

Rescues & Shelters

English Bulldog at Rescue Center
Like any breed, we always recommend that you adopt before you shop.

Sadly, there are many unwanted Bulldogs and Bulldog mixes in rescue centers and shelters around the U.S., and if you’re happy to take on an adult dog, these can be a great place to find your new best friend.

There are rescue centers located all around the country, and an excellent place to start your search and make some valuable contacts is the Bulldog Club of America Rescue Network. Also, check out Petfinder.com where you can search online for a bulldog.

When you rehome a dog from a rescue center, you’ll need to make a donation to help with the charity’s running costs. Also, most shelters and rescue charities will insist on visiting your home to check its suitability before they will let you take a dog from them. Some shelters run a scheme where you can take the dog home on a trial basis to see if he’s the right fit for your family.

Although most shelters will assess each of their dogs to make sure they have a good temperament, it’s likely that the Bulldog you choose won’t come with any health screening paperwork, so you’ll need to have him examined by a vet right away. Most shelters will also take in mixes, and you’ll likely find different kinds of interesting Bulldog mixes (like the Beagle Bulldog mix) that you may be able to adopt!

As Family Pets

So, would the bulldog make the perfect family pet for you? Here’s a summary of important breed facts you’ll want to consider before welcoming one into your home.

  • They are easygoing, getting along well with people, kids, and other pets.
  • They don’t bark much.
  • Bulldogs don’t need a tremendous amount of exercise.
  • If you’re an outdoorsy family, you may enjoy a different breed.
  • English Bulldogs are stubborn dogs.
  • You will need to spend time taking your bulldog to obedience classes.
  • Bulldogs don’t tolerate heat, so consider another breed if you live in a hot climate.
  • The bulldog makes a brave and efficient watchdog.
  • A bulldog will do fine in an apartment or a small house with limited outside space.
  • They tend to wheeze and snore. And they drool too!
  • Bulldogs don’t need much brushing and are moderate shedders.
  • You’ll need to spend time cleaning their wrinkles to prevent skin infections.
  • English Bulldogs have a shorter lifespan than other breeds.
  • They are well known to suffer from several health problems.

Final Thoughts

If you want a steady, quiet companion who doesn’t need a lot of exercise, won’t shed much, and is loyal and devoted, a Bulldog could be the right choice of pup for you.

Although Bulldogs can make excellent family pets, they do come with quite a lot of potential health issues and their life expectancy is quite short compared with other breeds. Also, they are not the most easily trainable of dogs, and they do tend to have a mind of their own!

Well-bred Bulldog puppies are very expensive, so if a puppy seems like a “bargain,” beware; he could be from a puppy mill. If you don’t want the hassle of looking after a puppy, you could consider adopting an adult Bulldog from a rescue center or shelter. Try checking out the links we’ve provided. You never know, that could be your first step on the road to finding your perfect companion!

Dog Tricks To Teach Your Dog

Author's Suggestion

27 Dog Tricks You Can Teach Your Pup Right Now

The information provided through this website should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease; it is not intended to offer any legal opinion or advice or a substitute for professional safety or care advice. Please consult your health care provider, attorney, insurance expert, or product manual for professional advice. Products and services reviewed are provided by third parties; we are not responsible in any way for them, nor do we guarantee their functionality, utility, safety, or reliability. Our content is for educational purposes only.

1 Comment

  1. Fabulous article! My guy is almost 11 years old and now has congestive heart failure, but he has been a lovely boy.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top