Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee
The English Bulldog is a popular and iconic dog breed. The dogs' stocky, low-set build and large, wrinkled face give them a distinctive, beloved look. But it's their loyal and loving temperament that have made them so popular as family pets.1
This guide will cover everything you need to know to help you decide if the English Bulldog is right for you.
Breed Overview
The English Bulldog is a medium-sized, affectionate breed that's loved throughout the world. The dog's fearless nature—a symbol of resilience and determination—has even earned it the role of mascot for the U.S. Marines.2
This popular pup is known for being affectionate and great with children and many other pets.2 Their amenable personality and moderate energy level help them acclimate well to big homes or small apartments. But the breed requires special care, including ensuring they don't overheat, watching their weight closely and keeping their skin and ears clean.1 For many pet owners, it's a small price to pay for such an affectionate, sweet dog.
History of the English Bulldog
The English Bulldog has a complex history, dating back to when its ancestors were part of a bullbaiting sport in England. These formidable dogs had huge jaws and extreme pain tolerance. After England outlawed blood sports with animals in 1835, the breed began to change.1 Breeders crossed them with pugs to eliminate aggression, ultimately evolving to the sweet, calm and child-safe traits of modern English Bulldogs.2 The breed has been recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) since 1886.1
Today's English Bulldog is a national symbol of England. The dog is popular in the United States as well, serving as a mascot for many different sports teams.1
Appearance and Physical Traits
Here's a look at the English Bulldog's common physical traits.
Size
This is a strong breed that gets moderately large, with full-grown males weighing 50 pounds and females 40 pounds. They reach a height of 14 to 15 inches.1
Common coat colors
The dog's short, smooth coat comes in a variety of colors and markings, such as fawn, red, white, red brindle, mixes of these combinations or fallow. They can have markings such as a black mask on their face, white patches on their fur or black tips.1
Other distinctive traits
The English Bulldog's stocky build, wrinkled face and short, "smushed" muzzle are well known and beloved. They have chops that hang down around their jaw, with a distinctive underbite and a cute, "sour" face that sets them apart.1
Temperament and Personality
The English Bulldog is a family dog for good reason. The breed is known for its friendly and affectionate behavior, particularly with children. This easygoing dog even gets along with other pets! They're great with strangers, too, so if you're having a party and want a social butterfly, your English Bulldog would love that role.2
Despite their easygoing nature, however, these charming dogs can be quite stubborn. So you'll need to be creative at times to get them to do what you want!3
Care Requirements for English Bulldogs
English Bulldogs need special care due to their unique physique. Here are some care notes to keep in mind so your loving, faithful companion can stay healthy and happy.
Grooming needs
Because of their short coat, your English Bulldog only needs to be brushed for 10 minutes with a soft brush two or three times a week.1 They don't require the constant upkeep needed by longer-haired dogs.
However, their wrinkly faces do need extra attention to prevent infections. You can use a cotton ball with a little hydrogen peroxide to clean the wrinkly skin (but don't get close to their eyes), and apply a little cornstarch to dry the skin folds.1 Take care to keep their ears clean, too.
Exercise needs
This low-energy breed doesn't need long hikes or big runs every day to be happy. But they also aren't couch potatoes! Your Bulldog will thrive with moderate exercise like short, brisk walks and daily playtime.1
Be careful to avoid overexertion due to the dog's brachycephalic (flat-faced) structure, which makes it easy for them to overheat. Also, don't exercise them during the hottest part of a warm day since their short snout can make it hard for them to breathe (and therefore cool themselves).1
Training
English Bulldogs might prefer lying on a couch to training. Positive reinforcement methods, with lots of treats and praise, work best to motivate this stubborn canine. Try to keep your training sessions short and entertaining, and in a calm, structured environment.3
Start with early socialization in puppy training classes so you have a well-rounded dog. Just remember, puppies can be rowdy (but lots of fun!), and English Bulldogs in particular tend to take some time to mature.2
One important note: Teach your puppy to release a "tug-of-war" chew toy on command and to allow you to take food from their bowl while eating.1 This can help curb the breed's natural tendency to guard their toys and food.2
Other care notes
Your Bulldog's short stature means you need to be cautious around certain hazards, like stairs and pools. For example, don't let your short-statured Bulldog wade in water deeper than their elbow.1
Common Health Problems
The English Bulldog has a long lifespan of 10 to 12 years. But as with any purebred dog, their breed may be at higher risk of certain health issues:2
- Brachycephalic issues: Bulldogs' short muzzle and small nostrils can cause their airway to be obstructed—so they can easily overheat or have trouble breathing if overexerted. Many require surgery to correct an elongated soft palate and widen narrow nostrils.
- Joint problems: Bulldogs can develop bone and joint issues, such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia or arthritis. X-rays can catch problems early, and a healthy weight can help reduce—but not prevent—the risk of complications associated with the underlying developmental issues in the breed's joints.
- Eye conditions: Bulldogs are at risk of certain eye conditions, such as extra hairs growing in their eyelids (distichiasis), eyelids that roll inward (entropion), dry eyes or a swollen third eyelid (cherry eye).
- Skin conditions: Their wrinkly skin leaves these dogs vulnerable to skin conditions like dermatitis, yeast infections or seborrhea, as well as allergies.
- Spinal conditions: Bulldogs can be born with a spinal deformity called hemivertebrae. Although X-rays can catch the problem early, this condition typically can't be corrected with surgery and can lead to neurological issues affecting the limbs and muscle control.
- Bladder or kidney stones: If your dog has blood in their urine or strains to pee, see your veterinarian right away.
- Heart conditions: Regular checkups can help ensure heart issues are caught early.
- Laryngeal paralysis: If your dog starts breathing noisily when sleeping or exercising, get them checked out.
- Cancer: Like most purebred dogs, English Bulldogs are more likely to develop cancer.
If you notice any changes in your dog's behavior that could indicate a health issue, see your veterinarian right away. Regular checkups can help catch these and other health issues early.
Diet and Nutrition
English Bulldogs love to eat and can gain weight quickly. And given their short snout and stocky stature, weight gain can really hurt their health. A high-quality, balanced diet tailored to your dog's moderate energy needs is vital.2
Even puppies shouldn't be free-fed, because they'll eat anything and everything. When deciding how much to feed your English Bulldog when they're a puppy, the guide below can be a jumping-off point. However, keep in mind that every dog (and puppy) has vastly different caloric needs. Talk to your veterinarian and adjust your puppy's food amounts based on their body condition (whether they're chunky, skinny, etc.):4
| Age | Total Food Per Day | Meals Per Day |
| 9 to 11 weeks | 1 to 2 cups | 3 to 4 |
| 12 weeks | 1 to 2.5 cups | 3 to 4 |
| 6 months | 2 to 2.5 cups | 2 to 3 |
| 9 months | 2 to 3 cups (transitioning from puppy to adult food) | 3 |
Puppies should be fed only high-quality, high-protein puppy chow. Puppy chow has the right mix of minerals, fat and calories for a fast-growing little one.4
Once your English Bulldog is an adult, they'll need about 900 to 1,000 calories a day if they weigh 45 to 50 pounds. That's about a cup of food in the morning and at night. But once again, this should be based on your dog's body condition and your veterinarian's input, since this breed is so prone to obesity.
You'll also want to avoid wheat fillers, artificial additives and human foods, which can be toxic or simply too high in fat.4
Ideal Homes for English Bulldogs
English Bulldogs are loving, loyal companions who can fit well into almost any household, whether you're a family, single or a senior. If you're looking for a friendly pet that only needs minimal grooming and moderate exercise, this is the pup for you.1
These versatile dogs can adapt to everything from apartment living to homes with yards. And because they're quiet companions, you don't have to worry about your dog's barking disturbing your neighbors.2
Just remember, because of their stubborn streak, Bulldogs might not be the best choice for first-time dog owners who aren't ready to put in the time for training.5 But you can overcome this by hiring a dog trainer or going to obedience classes!
In addition, these loving dogs can carry a significant financial burden due to the health issues their breed faces. So you may want to consider getting pet insurance that covers English Bulldogs if you're adopting one into your home.
Final Thoughts: Is the English Bulldog Right for You?
English Bulldogs are wonderful dogs that are great with other pets and children. They can make a loving addition to your family. Because they crave companionship, they thrive in environments with regular, close human interaction. If you're ready for a best friend who wants to spend a lot of time with you, you'll love this dog. Just make sure to visit your veterinarian regularly to keep an eye on the dog's unique health needs.
Pets Best Can Help You Keep Your English Bulldog Healthy
Purchasing pet insurance may help you protect your puppy from diseases and illnesses they may encounter growing up. At Pets Best, our dog insurance plans can be customized for your English Bulldog's unique needs. In addition, Pets Best policyholders can speak to a veterinary expert anytime through a 24/7 Pet Helpline.Sources Citations
1. "Bulldog," (n.d.), American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bulldog/
2. "English bulldogs," (n.d.), Point Vicente Animal Hospital, https://www.pointvicentevet.com/services/dogs/breeds/english-bulldogs
3. "Dealing with stubbornness: Strategies for training a headstrong dog," (2/2024), K9 Basics, https://k9basics.com/dealing-with-stubbornness-strategies-for-training-a-headstrong-dog/
4. "How much to feed your bulldog puppy," (12/2023), Vet Playas Veterinary Hospital, https://vetplayas.com/how-much-to-feed-your-bulldog-puppy/
5. "English bulldog puppies: Everything a new owner should know," Liz Coleman (n.d.), Rover, https://www.rover.com/blog/english-bulldog-puppies/