Bulldog | Dog Breed Info: Pictures, Characteristics & Facts

Breed Overview

Have you been looking for a distinctive dog breed of medium size, one that could never be mistaken for any other breed of dog ever? Then the English Bulldog could be the perfect pick for you. These chunky dogs might have a low center of gravity, but with some Bulldogs topping the scales at 50 pounds, they’re not exactly lap dogs.

That doesn’t mean these sweet dogs won’t try to climb on the couch for a cuddle, though. Don’t be fooled by the English Bulldog’s tough-looking exterior because these dogs have the sweetest temperament and absolutely adore affection from their families.

What the English Bulldog doesn’t love is hot weather. Their flat face can make breathing a challenge when the temperatures start to soar. So, during hot and humid conditions, they’ll much prefer staying in the AC for a nap rather than going for a walk.

As one of the most popular breeds in the U.S.A., there’s no doubt that you’ve probably heard of the English Bulldog before. But you might not know enough about their temperament to be able to work out if they’d be the perfect breed for you and your family. By the end of this article, you’ll know everything that you need to!

English Bulldog Puppies

English Bulldog Characteristics

We must warn you now that English Bulldog puppies are incredibly cute — like, off-the-charts adorable. So, don’t go making an appointment to meet the puppies before you’re 100% sure that this is the right breed for you, because you may find it impossible to leave without putting your name down!

As tempting as that may be, the first step in responsible pet ownership is doing your research to make sure that you and your family can provide for the needs of a specific breed. English Bulldogs are laidback when it comes to most things, but they can be food possessive, as well as a little stubborn when it comes to training.

They also love to chew anything and everything, and this isn’t a trait they grow out of! So, unless you provide plenty of chew toys, you could find that your English Bulldog decides to chew on other items around your house, like your favorite pair of shoes. They’re also incredibly sensitive to temperatures, so both extremes of hot and cold will provide challenges for these pups.

3 Little-Known Facts About the English Bulldog

1. They’re also known as the British Bulldog and the Bulldog

If you’re wondering what the difference is between the English Bulldog, the British Bulldog, and the Bulldog is, the answer is nothing! They’re all just different names for the same breed. Their name is a clue that these now sweet and easygoing pups once had a more violent past. They were bred to be used in a horrible blood sport known as “bullbaiting.” This was as nasty as it sounded, where a pack of Bulldogs was set upon a tethered bull and bets were taken on which would win.

Thankfully, our modern-day Bulldogs definitely would much rather have a nap on the sofa!

2. English Bulldogs are sensitive to heat

These dogs might look tough but don’t let appearances fool you! Their flat face makes them sensitive to hot and humid conditions, and they can even struggle to breathe if they start to overheat. Keeping your English Bulldog cool and calm during the summer is vital. They should never be walked in the heat of the day, and in fact, relaxing in the cool of your AC is a much better option for these dogs when the temperatures start to climb.

You might think these means that they love the cold weather, but in fact, they don’t! The Bulldog’s thin coat means they also hate the cold. They should never be kept as outdoor dogs, as they will struggle to stay warm. In short, every English Bulldog deserves to be pampered and kept in comfortable temperatures!

3. English Bulldogs have a rich history

This charismatic breed is instantly recognizable and as a result, has become the mascot of plenty of organizations. Since 1956, the University of Georgia has had a series of Bulldogs as their mascot. Every one of these dogs has been named Uga, and the current Uga enjoys watching football games from the comfort of his very own air-conditioned dog house!

Temperament & Intelligence of the English Bulldog🧠

English Bulldogs are famously affectionate and loyal. They might spend a great deal of time napping, but they can certainly turn on the courage if they feel like they need to. An English Bulldog will always prefer to take the path of least resistance, but they can stand up for themselves if they feel pushed into a corner.

One area that many English Bulldogs aren’t willing to compromise is their food! Unless you train your puppy early on, then Bulldogs can easily become food possessive. This can be an issue if you have other pets or small children who aren’t yet sure how to interact with dogs.

English Bulldogs do love their families and form strong bonds. They don’t mind being left alone for some portions of the day, although they probably won’t enjoy being home alone every single day if everyone has to go to work.

Are Bulldogs Good for Families?🏡

English Bulldogs can make wonderful family pets. While they do enjoy a good play session, they will usually not have the energy to keep this up for hours. They are patient and affectionate around smaller children, as long as the kids are taught to respect your dog’s space. Also, care should be taken around food!

Their laidback nature also makes them easy for older relatives to look after, as they don’t need long walks or huge training sessions. Most Bulldogs are more than happy to have a short walk and then head back home for a good nap!

Do Bulldogs Get Along With Other Pets?🐶 😽

English Bulldogs are calm and easygoing, so they can usually get along well in a multi-pet household. They usually adapt well to living with cats and probably won’t even think about chasing them. Smaller pets like rodents will also get largely ignored, but it still wouldn’t be a good idea to leave dog and rodent unattended in the same space.

If you’re planning on keeping your English Bulldog with another dog, make sure they both have their own feeding area, as Bulldogs do not take kindly to another dog trying to share their food!

Things to Know When Owning an English Bulldog

Deciding to add an English Bulldog to your family is an exciting decision, but it’s not one that you should take lightly. You’ll need to set aside a considerable amount of money, time, and energy into making sure your new dog is well looked after.

Food & Diet Requirements

The English Bulldog is uncomplicated when it comes to their food and diet. Choosing a high-quality dog food with a good percentage of protein will help your pup develop lean muscle. English Bulldogs love their food, so keep an eye on portion control so they don’t become overweight. Treats are an excellent tool when training your Bulldog, but remember to account for their use when calculating your dog’s rations.

The shape of the Bulldog’s jaws can lead to dental problems, so be sure to keep a close eye on your dog’s teeth, and clean them once a week.

Exercise🐕

While your English Bulldog might prefer to nap, making sure they get enough exercise is important too. Gentle, medium-length walks are best for a Bulldog, but make sure not to over-exercise them during warmer weather.

The front-heavy shape of the Bulldog makes water a genuine hazard for this breed, as they are poor swimmers. While many English Bulldogs love to spend time paddling in shallow water, this should never be more than elbow deep, and they shouldn’t ever be left unattended around water.

Equally, tackling stairs is problematic for this breed, so take that into account if your property has stairs that you expect your Bulldog to use. Carrying a dog up and down stairs would usually not be a problem with smaller breeds, but carrying a 50-pound Bulldog is a challenge in itself!

Training🦮

Bulldogs have a calm and easygoing nature, which means they normally enjoy training sessions, but they can be a little stubborn at times. Signing up to puppy training classes is a great way to make sure you learn the best methods to keep your English Bulldog engaged and interested in training sessions.

Bulldogs love to chew and play pulling games like tug-of-war, but it’s important to teach them to release on command.

They can also become food possessive, so training your Bulldog to accept you removing their food bowl and then replacing it is vital.

Grooming ✂️

The short and relatively fine coat of the English Bulldog is easy to keep clean with twice-weekly grooming sessions. Check the wrinkles on your dog’s face at the same time, to make sure they are dry and clean. If they need cleaning, your veterinarian can recommend the best methods and products to suit your individual dog. Make sure to check your dog’s nails and ears at the same time.

Health and Conditions ❤️

English Bulldogs can be prone to a few different health conditions, more than most breeds. Some of these can be tested for, so you should always ask a breeder to provide results of the health tests that both parent dogs have had.

Male vs. Female

If you’ve decided that the charismatic English Bulldog is the perfect breed for you, then you might already be trying to decide if you would choose a male or female pup.

We would always suggest waiting until you get to meet those sweet pups in person before you make up your mind! While male Bulldogs tend to be a little bigger and heavier, there are not that many major differences between the two sexes. It’s always better to choose your pup based on their personality first.

It’s also worth remembering that as a popular breed, you may need to put your name down on a waiting list, and you might not get a chance to specify the sex of puppy that you’d prefer.

Final Thoughts: Bulldog

These charismatic, affectionate, and loyal dogs have so much going for them. You can look forward to endless devotion and plenty of laughs, thanks to your short and stocky companion.

As a breed with a higher incidence of health problems than average, make sure you can afford the ongoing veterinary bills that your English Bulldog may require.

You might need to take extra care around water and in hot weather, but these pups will pay back your love tenfold and then some.

Related Read: 

• Are Bulldogs Hypoallergenic?

Featured Image Credit: Ann Tyurina, Shutterstock