Bulldog Dog Breed Information

Group

Non-sporting

Weight

21-25 kg

Height

31-40 cm

Lifespan

8-10 years

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About the Bulldog

Reviewed by:

Dr. Julia Brassel

Veterinarian

Whilst they might not come out on top for Instagram-worthy pups, the Bulldog is a much-loved breed and has been for many generations.

If you’ve been looking for a dog to welcome into your household, then this is a breed that’s worth considering. Whether you’re a family unit of four or you live alone and you’re looking for some company, a dog can be a great companion throughout life.

In this guide, you’ll learn all about the Bulldog, its history, and what makes this breed a great option for anyone willing to make room for a dog in their home!

What is the history & origin of the Bulldog?

The Bulldog is a breed that comes from the British Isles. It is believed that it’s a descent of the Asiatic Mastiff and pugs.

Their original use was to help drive cattle to the market which is somewhat hard to believe with the typical temperament of English Bulldogs that we say today. They were also used in a less pleasant way, a sport called bull baiting.

This sport involved a bull being pitted against another animal, usually a dog and this breed would sadly be used quite often.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom as today’s English Bulldog is a popular choice for many households. Despite them being purebred dogs, you’ll find plenty that are needing your care in rescue shelters.

What is a Bulldog breed?

The Bulldog breed is often referred to as an English Bulldog or British Bulldog. It’s classed as a medium-sized dog breed and it’s fairly muscular in its sizing.

A strong feature of a Bulldog is its wrinkled face and a pushed-in nose that’s similar to that of a pug. Most would say its wrinkly face is super adorable!

Here are a few basics when it comes to this breed and understanding what to expect when searching for an English Bulldog to adopt.

Life Span – Between eight and ten years old.
Weight – Varies from around 18-23kg for females and 21-25kg for males.
Common colours – White, Red & White, Red Brindle, Fawn, Piebald.
Height – Varies from 31-40cm for females and males.

Learn more about: Bulldog Colours

Who is a Bulldog best for?

Bulldogs are a wonderful breed for families with kids, despite them not having the most welcoming facial features. It’s a beloved bulldog that has grown in popularity across the world and has an affectionate nature that many owners fall in love with.

They make great companions, which is why many of those who live alone will often opt for this breed in particular. An English Bulldog has come a long way since its days being used in bull baiting and has rightfully earned its place as one of the popular options amongst other dogs that you could choose from.

Bulldog Grooming & Shedding

This breed has short, soft hair, which makes it a lot easier roto manage than others. It’s the ideal type for those who don’t want a dog that’s going to shed everywhere. In comparison to other breeds, it’s fairly minimal shedding, which is going to make cleaning up around the home easier.

Most of the shedding would happen in the springtime when they’re getting rid of their winter coat. Shedding also decreases with age, which is a relief for many dog owners regardless of the breed they pick.

When grooming your English Bulldog, it’s good to give them a brush all over with a soft brush a few times each week. That will help keep shedding to a minimum. English Bulldogs generally enjoy being groomed so you should have no problems when brushing them.

For bathing, a bath every few weeks can be enough when it comes to looking after your family pet.

Learn more about: Bulldog Grooming Tips & Styles

Do Bulldogs bark a lot?

As a dog breed, they’re fairly tame with their barking. Bulldog breeds though are far from quiet. You’ll certainly hear the many sounds that they make due to their squished face. There’s a lot of snorting, grunting and wheezing that comes with this breed, as well as the snoring.

For some owners, snoring during the night may be something they’re already used to from their significant other, so it’s not a problem for most.

What is the average weight & height of a Bulldog dog?

English Bulldogs are fairly heft in their weight and size. It’s good to be aware of this when you want a dog because this isn’t particularly a dog that you want sitting on your lap for hours on end.

As a breed, they are certainly heavy, so it’s not one you can pick up easily. This may influence your decision if strength is a challenge.

Learn more about: Bulldog Size & Weight Chart

Are Bulldogs easy to train?

It depends on how much time you have available to give and whether or not you’ve got the right energy levels for training this breed. These dogs will require a lot of your time to train them properly.

Puppy training classes are helpful to have in situations where you’re worried about biting. There are lots of tips that you can learn early on when it comes to ironing out puppy problems.

Learn more about: Bulldog Training Guide – Crate, Toilet & More Tips!

How do Bulldogs behave? A look at their temperament and personality

English Bulldogs are generally very loveable and affectionate dogs. For families with children, they make a great companion that will be a young child’s best friend!

The temperament of this breed can often vary. Some are more docile than others and some more friendly than others.

Learn more about: Bulldog Training Guide – Crate, Toilet & More Tips!

Does the Bulldog have any common health issues?

Even though Bulldogs are standard when it comes to KC, it’s good to understand the breed’s health issues.

There are a number of health problems that these dogs can face due to their size and of course, which breeds the Bulldog descends from. A few of these issues include:

Loose skin – prone to conditions such as dermatitis and muzzle acne.
Hip dysplasia.
Elbow dysplasia.
Brachycephalic syndrome – common in French Bulldogs.
Other genetic diseases.

Learn more about: Common Bulldog Health Issues

What is the lifespan of a Bulldog?

The lifespan of the English Bulldog is fairly low in comparison to some breeds. You can expect them to live anywhere between eight to ten years. A health study found that 20% died from cardiac-related issues, 18% from cancer and 9% from old age.

The 9% of old age were around 10-11 years, which is a good decade’s worth of love and memories shared.

The more you do to help look after your dog’s health, the better. This can be anything from keeping on time with health check-ups to giving them joint supplements and other healthy snacks.

How much does a Bulldog need to be fed?

Ideally, when English Bulldogs have reached full maturity from their puppy stage, they should be consuming two meals a day. As a medium-sized dog, they will usually consume around 3-4 cups of kibble a day.

This is something that you can check via your own vet but it’s also good to look at what type or brand of food you want to give to them. It’s always good to try and give them the best high-quality dog food that you can give them.

Learn more about: What to Feed a Bulldog? Diet & Feeding Chart

How much can you expect to pay for a Bulldog in Australia?

There are plenty of Bulldog breeders out there if you’re looking to have one as a puppy. However, there are plenty out there to be rescued too. For prices in Australia, you can expect to pay around $1,500 for a puppy.

For rescuing from shelters or groups, this often is free or it could cost you an adoption fee.

Try to only shop from licensed breeders if you’re going to shop rather than adopt. This should be the case with both dogs and cats.

Learn more about: Bulldog Prices In Australia

Bulldog FAQs

Do I need to be an experienced dog owner to train an English Bulldog?

This question doesn’t really come with a clear answer. Whilst some first-time owners will choose an English Bulldog as their first and have no issues, this breed does require a lot of training. Bulldogs as a breed require a lot of love and attention from their owners.

Where can I find English Bulldog puppies?

It’s important to find the right breeders for English Bulldogs as there can be a lot of part-time breeders out there who have very little clue on what they’re doing.

It’s worthwhile looking for an English Bulldog puppy via American Kennel Club. American Kennel Club has a directory of clubs for different breeds and they’ll have all you need to find the best breeders in your area.

Is it OK to adopt an adult Bulldog?

Of course! It’s always beneficial to consider owning a dog that isn’t a puppy and is in fact older. Whether they’re two years old, five, or eight, adopting an older dog could save their life. Sadly there are some owners who give up their dogs having not considered the responsibility that comes with owning one.

Is the English Bulldog breed generally friendly?

As a breed, an English Bulldog’s temperament is generally good. They are often pretty gentle and caring but like other dogs, they can tend to get quite territorial. This may sometimes be confused for aggression but it’s just jealousy.