Bulldog Breed Guide

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.

Who are Bulldog dogs 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.

How much grooming does a Bulldog need?

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.

Do Bulldog bark much?

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.

Do Bulldog bite?

English Bulldogs are just like any other dog breed in that they need telling when they're being naughty.

If you have an adult bulldog that bites, try to be stern and say 'no' or 'no biting' depending on what you've trained them with thus far. This should be enough to recognize their bad behaviour.

What is the temperament & personality of a Bulldog?

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.

What is the weight & size of a Bulldog?

English Bulldogs are fairly hefted in 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.

How much training does a Bulldog need?

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.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Bulldog?

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.

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 should you feed a Bulldog?

Ideally, when English Bulldogs have reached full maturity from their puppy stage, they should be consuming two meals a day. As medium-sized dogs, 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.

What is the price of 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.