English Bulldog: Your Complete Guide
The English bulldog is a type of mastiff dog of English descent. You may hear them referred to as British bulldogs, English bulldogs, or sometimes just bulldogs. That said, make sure you don’t confuse them with Olde English Bulldoges. While they’re similar in size and temperament, these dogs are a unique and different breed.
English bulldogs are known for being docile, friendly, and even gracious. While they might look aggressive and rough around the edges, this is far from the case. Most people who own English bulldogs report that these dogs are fantastic companions who love their human families. What’s more, their medium size makes it easy for English Bulldogs to fit in small homes or even apartments.
Still, it’s important to learn everything you can about English bulldogs before you consider adopting one. Fortunately, we’re here to help. Read on to learn everything you need to know about English bulldogs.
Quick Look at the English Bulldog
Below is a quick glance at the English bulldog in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 40-55 pounds, 14-15 inches |
| Coat Type | Short, soft, wrinkly |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding |  |
| Temperament | Friendly, docile, kind, wilful |
| Good With Kids |  |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence | |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level |  |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 8-10 years |
What Is the History of English Bulldogs?
English bulldogs have been around for a long time and are the direct ancestors of the Olde English Bulldogge, before this breed was brought back. While that can get confusing, the English bulldog you see today is now an established separate breed from its ancestor. This breed was established in 1878 by the Bulldog Club in England and in 1890 in the United States by the Bulldog Club of America. From there, a breeding standard was born, with the result being the English bulldog you see today.
These dogs were initially bred to bait bulls and for fighting, which is where they get their reputation for being violent and aggressive dogs. However, bulldogs didn’t last long in these areas because of their low energy levels and kindness. Therefore, the aggression that people think they have is more of a myth than anything. Their short muzzle and inability to run for long distances also resulted in breeders shying away from using these dogs in fighting or bull baiting.
What Do English Bulldogs Look Like?
English bulldogs have a unique appearance, even when you compare them with other bulldogs. They’re short, stocky, and thick. Their torsos are wide and home to plenty of muscle. To complement their strong body, English bulldogs have massive heads. Their faces often have wrinkly skin that folds over their nose and sometimes their eyes. English bulldogs also have floppy ears that complement their wrinkly skin.
When it comes to colors, English bulldogs can have a wide range of different colors. Their coats can be tan, white, fawn, or even shades of red. Many English bulldogs also have marks on their face or two-toned faces, such as brown on one side and white on the other. Their noses tend to be black, and the color of their eyes tends to be darker.
What Size Is an English Bulldog?
English bulldogs are medium-sized dogs. However, instead of having long legs like many other medium-sized dogs, English bulldogs are short and stocky. They have thick and powerful torsos, accompanied by short and powerful legs. Expect them to weigh 40-55 pounds, with little variation between males and females. When it comes to their height, they stand at around 14-15 inches at the shoulder.
What Is an English Bulldog’s Coat Type and Length?
English bulldogs have a coat that’s short, glossy, and even smooth. While their hair might seem rough or abrasive, they’re on the softer side. The hair tends to be straight, and even if you don’t trim their hair, it doesn’t usually grow too long.
What Is an English Bulldog’s Temperament?
English bulldogs have a calm and docile temperament. These dogs love to sit on the couch, relax, and hang around with their companions. While they’re on the docile side, they’re loyal and protective of other family members. This can make them seem aggressive towards strangers, but once they get to know someone, English bulldogs become very friendly. Most of the myths about their aggression are exactly that: myths.
Are English Bulldogs Good With Kids?
English bulldogs are great with children of all ages. Their stocky build and short hair make it hard for younger children to accidentally pull their hair or harm them, so you don’t have to worry about roughhousing. English bulldogs are also docile and not aggressive, so the risk of them lashing out during playtime is next to nothing. Still, keep an eye on your child and English bulldog when they’re playing to avoid any problems.
Are English Bulldogs Good With Other Animals?
English bulldogs are good with most animals. They don’t have too many problems with cats or even smaller animals. The only issue you’ll have is if you start introducing other dogs into the mix.
For this reason, it’s a good idea to focus on socialization from a young age. Doing so will help you manage bad behaviors that you don’t like. You can start socializing them once they’re around six months old, so don’t be afraid to take them to the dog park as puppies to meet and great other dogs in a safe, monitored space.
Are English Bulldogs Aggressive?
English bulldogs are not aggressive dogs. The only time they’ll ever be aggressive is if they feel threatened or unsafe. They can sometimes be aggressive around strangers, but this is also rare and unlikely. If you notice any aggressive tendencies, focus on socialization from a young age and consistent training to prevent these issues from getting worse.
Do English Bulldogs Bark?
Yes, English bulldogs bark, as most dogs do. That said, English bulldogs aren’t known for barking more or less than any breed, so they bark about an average amount. You’ll hear the occasional bark when they see strangers or animals outside, or if they feel uncomfortable. Their bark can be loud, so if they’re not trained, you might want to avoid living in shared housing with them; a barking English bulldog is a fast track to an angry landlord or tenant.
Are English Bulldogs Affectionate?
English bulldogs are one of the more affectionate breeds that you’ll come across. Once they bond with their family members they tend to be glued at the hip. They’ll follow you around the house, sit with you, and even cuddle up in your bed. Therefore, if you don’t want a dog on your furniture, you may have to set some boundaries, which we recommend doing sooner rather than later. English bulldogs also show their affection through loyalty, bravery, and caring for members of the family. In the event of danger, they will put themselves first.
Are English Bulldogs Intelligent?
English bulldogs aren’t known for their intelligence, but that doesn’t mean they’re stupid. Compared to other breeds, they’re about average. This means that they can learn most commands and respond well to training.
Intelligence aside, English bulldogs are also curious little guys. They love to explore your home, backyard, and areas around their home. That said, this can get them into trouble. For this reason, make sure you don’t give them any obvious places to escape in your home. They may also try to dig near your fences or around your house, so make sure you don’t let holes get too big or they can escape.
Are English Bulldogs Energetic?
English bulldogs aren’t the most energetic dogs. Your average English bulldog is probably happier sitting around the house rather than running marathons with their owners. While they’re not the most energetic dogs, that doesn’t mean that you should avoid taking them on walks or playing with them. To avoid obesity and to keep them happy, try to help your English bulldog get around 60 minutes of exercise daily. You can do this by taking them on walks or by playing games like fetch. Having children or other dogs in your home can also help your English bulldog expend some of their energy.
Are English Bulldogs Easy to Train?
English bulldogs are easier to train than a lot of breeds. While they’re not the smartest dogs, they’re consistent and love to please their companions. This means you can teach them most commands with ease once you get started. When training an English bulldog, make sure you use positive reinforcement for the best results. Scolding them can make them stubborn or unwilling to learn, so keep this in mind.
We always recommend starting simply and then branching out. Basic obedience training is a good place to start, followed by more advanced courses like leash training. Individual commands can be taught from there. However, keeping the commands on the less complex side is ideal.
Are English Bulldogs Good Watchdogs?
English bulldogs are okay watchdogs. They’ll alert you to strangers approaching your home, and they’re brave enough to charge head-first into danger to keep you safe. However, sometimes they may hesitate or not bark when someone approaches your home; this becomes even more problematic if you don’t train them. Therefore, we don’t recommend adopting an English bulldog if your primary reason for adopting is training them to be watchdogs. That said, their appearance is intimidating, so their presence alone might be all you need.
Are English Bulldogs Good Service Dogs?
English bulldogs aren’t the best service dogs. While they can be trained to help people with disabilities, they’re not big enough to open most doors, reach into cabinets, or guide people through crowds. They can be strong enough to push wheelchairs, but if you’re in a warm climate, they may overheat due to the increase in workload.
English bulldogs can also require a lot of care if you want them to live a long and healthy life. For people with disabilities, it might not be in the budget or covered by insurance to care for their needs. Unfortunately, this makes English bulldogs a bad fit for psychiatric and physical service dog work.
The good news is that English bulldogs still have their uses in the working world. They can be trained as therapy dogs, which are dogs that go around places like hospitals or schools to provide comfort with techniques like deep pressure therapy (DPT). ESA training is also easy for English bulldogs because they’re smart and willing to learn new commands. For people dealing with anxiety, loneliness, or depression, English bulldogs make great companions.
How to Care for an English Bulldog?
English bulldogs are great companions, but they do require a lot of care and can be high-maintenance if you live somewhere they’re not adapted to. For example, if you live somewhere with a warm climate, you need to make sure they’re kept in the air conditioning because warm weather can make their breathing problems much worse.
Additionally, you have to check their skin folds, ears, and mouth for infections. Grooming, nutrition, and exercise are also important to ensure that your English bulldog lives a long and healthy life.
Do You Need to Groom an English Bulldog?
While English bulldogs have short coats, you have to groom them often. You need to brush their teeth a few times per week, brush their hair with a bristle brush a few times per week, and check their skin folds daily. It’s also a good idea to trim their nails if they aren’t wearing them down on their own, which sometimes happens because English bulldogs don’t always have a ton of energy.
As for bathing, we recommend bathing them monthly, but make sure you dry them properly because bacteria love to move into their skin folds.
Do English Bulldogs Shed?
English bulldogs are moderate to heavy shedders, but this depends on the season. During the fall and spring months, they’ll shed more than most breeds. However, during the summer and winter, you shouldn’t notice above-average shedding. If you want to reduce the amount of hair that ends up in your home, use a bristle brush and brush them daily during intense shedding seasons.
What Health Problems Do English Bulldogs Have?
English bulldogs aren’t known for being one of the healthiest breeds, especially as they get older. This is due to their short-nosed face, which makes it hard for them to take in oxygen. For this reason, they’re brachycephalic dogs and may need breathing aids later in life. The heat, humidity, and extreme cold can also make this condition worse. Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do about it aside from keeping them comfortable.
English bulldogs also experience frequent infections in their ears and on their skin. Unfortunately, this can be hard to manage due to their skin folds, and you might not always be able to spot them. Another problem with their skin folds can be moisture retention, especially when they’re wet. This can result in skin fold pyoderma, which is a yeast infection in the skin folds that can be uncomfortable and itchy. This is why going to a professional groomer every four to six weeks and to the vet every six months to a year is important. Doing so will keep your English bulldog happy and healthy.
Unfortunately, the health issues don’t stop there. English bulldogs can also be born with hip dysplasia, which is when the hip joint doesn’t develop properly. Medications are necessary to ease the pain of this condition, and it can lead to inactivity, pain, and early death. Obesity is also possible due to their size and becomes a bigger risk as they age.
How Long Do English Bulldogs Live?
English bulldogs tend to live for 8-10 years. Their shorter-than-average lifespan is due to their inability to breathe properly and cool down due to their short nose. Other health issues, like infections in their skin folds, can also lead to discomfort and even death. The key to keeping your English bulldog around for a long time is to ensure that they go to the vet often and that you stay ahead of any health problems they might encounter.
What Should an English Bulldog Eat?
English bulldogs should eat a diet that consists of healthy foods that support their growth and development. As puppies (less than one year), they should eat puppy food, and once they’re more than seven years old, you should switch over to senior dog food.
Between these periods, you can feed English bulldogs a combination of kibble and wet food that’s formulated for medium-sized dogs. Treats, home-cooked dog-friendly food, and even raw diets are also possible. However, always check with your vet before starting your English bulldog on a new diet.
Some nutrition you should include in their diet is:
- Omega-3 acids
- Probiotics for gut health
- Immune-boosting foods and supplements to help with infections
We also recommend getting creative with your feeding methods and even using puzzle toys for treats to provide them with mental stimulation.
Is an English Bulldog the Right Dog for Me?
English bulldogs make great companions and family dogs. They’re friendly, kind, gentle, and even loyal, so you don’t have to worry about any aggressive tendencies. English bulldogs also get along with other animals and acclimate to home life well. Due to their small size for a medium dog, you can even have them in smaller houses or apartments.
While English bulldogs make good companions, they’re not for everyone. People who can’t handle their loud breathing, drooling, or other noises shouldn’t adopt an English bulldog – they make a lot of noise due to their short noses. If you live in a warm climate you might also want to avoid an English bulldog due to their risk of overheating.