Bulldog breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts
Breed guide overview
About Bulldogs
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Bulldog breed
Originally bred for bull-baiting, a popular sport in the 13th century, Bulldogs were later developed into companion dogs. They have a distinctive appearance with a stocky, muscular build, a wrinkled face, and a pushed-in nose. Bulldogs are known for their friendly and docile nature. They have a charming and lovable personality that endears them to many.
Bulldogs often have a determined and courageous spirit, despite their relaxed and gentle demeanour. They can form strong bonds with their families. Bulldogs are also known for their snorting and snoring sounds, due to their short faces and elongated soft palates.
Weight, height & life expectancy
Bulldogs have an average height of about 31-40cm for males and females.
In terms of weight, males usually range from 23 to 25kg, while females weigh around 18 to 23kg.
The life expectancy of Bulldogs is typically between 8 and 10 years.
What is the temperament of a Bulldog like?
Bulldogs have a gentle and affectionate temperament. They are known for being excellent companions and are particularly good with children. Bulldogs are generally tolerant and patient, making them great family dogs, if well-socialised from a young age. They thrive on human attention and love to be a part of their family's activities.
While Bulldogs are generally friendly, they can be protective of their loved ones. They have a natural instinct to guard their home and family members. Early socialisation is essential to help Bulldogs become comfortable and confident in various social situations.
Our Bulldog Community
“Hovis is a very loving 8 year old Bulldog, who just loves people (and naps and food). He’s super low maintenance. He loves attention but is also happy being left alone to nap.”
Hovis’ owner, James from Dorset
“Meet Sully, a charming and playful English Bulldog who can effortlessly match your energy levels, whether you're in the mood for an active day out or a cozy, relaxed evening.”
Sully’s owner, Aziza from Yorkshire
How much exercise does a Bulldog need?
Bulldogs have a moderate exercise requirement compared to some other breeds. They typically need around 1 hour of exercise per day to stay fit and healthy. It's important to note that Bulldogs are brachycephalic, meaning they have a short muzzle, which can make breathing more challenging. Therefore, they are not well-suited for intense physical activities or exercise in hot weather.
Daily walks and playtime in a secure area are beneficial for Bulldogs. However, it's important to monitor their breathing and avoid overexertion. Mental stimulation through interactive toys and puzzle games can also help keep them engaged and prevent boredom.
For Bulldog puppies, it's crucial to provide age-appropriate exercise. They have growing bodies and developing joints, so excessive exercise should be avoided. Short, controlled play sessions and gentle walks are suitable for puppies. As they mature, their exercise routine can gradually increase, but it's essential to consult with a vet for specific guidelines.
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Do Bulldogs need a lot of grooming?
Bulldogs have a short, smooth coat that is relatively low-maintenance. Their coat sheds moderately throughout the year, so regular brushing with a soft-bristle brush or grooming mitt will help remove loose hair and keep their coat in good condition. Weekly brushing is generally sufficient for Bulldogs.
Due to their facial wrinkles, Bulldogs require special attention to keep their skin clean and prevent infections. Regularly check and clean the folds on their face, being careful to use a gentle cleanser specifically made for dogs.
Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.
Are Bulldogs easy to train?
Bulldogs have a reputation for being stubborn, which can present some training challenges. However, with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement techniques, Bulldogs can be trained successfully. It's important to be confident and consistent during training sessions. Keep training sessions short and engaging to prevent boredom. Bulldogs respond well to positive reinforcement methods. Use rewards, such as treats and praise, to motivate and encourage desired behaviours.
Early socialisation is crucial for Bulldogs to ensure they become well-rounded and comfortable in various situations. Expose them to different people, animals, and environments from a young age to help them develop into confident and adaptable dogs.
Want to experience spending time with a Bulldog to decide if this breed is right for you? Borrow a Bulldog near you.
What do Bulldogs eat?
A balanced and nutritious diet is essential for Bulldogs' overall health and well-being. Feed them high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. Bulldogs can be prone to weight gain, so it's important to monitor their food intake and prevent overfeeding.
For Bulldog puppies, it's recommended to feed them a specially formulated puppy diet that supports them to grow slowly until they reach around 12 months of age, or as advised by your vet. Most puppies should be fed 3-4 times a day until they are 6 months old when this can be reduced to twice daily. Consult with your vet for specific feeding guidelines based on your Bulldog's individual needs.
Are Bulldogs healthy?
Bulldogs are prone to certain health issues that potential owners should be aware of. These can include:
Bones and joints
Elbow Dysplasia - this condition is where there is an issue with how the bones fit together at the elbow joint
Hip Dysplasia - a condition where the thigh bone and pelvis do not sit together properly at the hip joint, which can lead to discomfort and arthritis
Eyes
Cherry eye - this is when there is popping out of the third eyelid gland
Dry eye - an ongoing condition where the tear glands in the eyes don’t produce enough protective tear film, which can lead to discomfort, infections and damage of the eye
Ectropion - with this condition the eyelid rolls out, which can expose the eye to dryness
Entropion - this is where the eyelids roll in, causing eyelashes to rub onto the surface of the eye
Respiratory
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) - narrow airways which can make breathing and temperature regulation difficult
Skin
Atopy - when the immune system overreacts to an allergen and results in skin irritation
Skin fold pyoderma - infection of the skin between two skin folds
This list is by no means comprehensive. If you have any concerns about the health of your Bulldog or want to discuss specific health conditions, consult with your veterinarian.
Vet top tip
Pay close attention to skin care and hygiene, as Bulldogs are prone to skin folds and wrinkles that can trap moisture and debris, leading to irritation or infections. Regularly clean and dry these areas, and use vet-approved products to keep their skin healthy and comfortable.
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog's health, contact your local vet.
