English Bulldog

Read our comprehensive guide to the English Bulldog breed, including information on predisposed health issues, exercise needs, family friendliness, grooming, history, overview & temperament.

Dog
17 Oct 2023

History of English Bulldogs

Perhaps one of the most recognisable breeds, the English Bulldog was originally bred in Great Britain for fighting, bullbaiting to be specific, but over time the mean streak and aggression has been bred out of them. The English Bulldog almost disappeared with the aggressive sport it was famous for but with some changes to the breeding process, the lovable and affectionate breed we know today prevailed. Today we see the recognisable face of the English Bulldog used as an adored British mascot.

 

What to expect when caring for your English Bulldog

Common Bulldog Health Issues

When you welcome an English Bulldog into your home, should you be aware of any breed-related health concerns?

Demodectic Mange – This is an itchy skin condition that English Bulldogs are prone to.

Cherry Eye – When the third eyelid gland prolapses, Cherry Eye is the result. As the name suggests, the disease presents itself as a red mass located in the bottom corner of the eye.

Screw Tail – This occurs when the vertebrae in the tail is malformed which can lead to bacterial infection which in turn can affect the dog’s quality of life.

How Much Grooming do English Bulldogs Need?

With their short and fine coat, English Bulldogs are simple to groom and require very little upkeep. They need nothing more than twice-weekly brushing to keep their coat in check with no expensive trips to the groomers. This breed is prone to light shedding, so regular brushing is a must if you want to keep it under control. This breed has a wrinkly face and you will need to check and clean your pet’s face wrinkles regularly to avoid any unwanted bacterial infections or problems.

How Much Exercise do Bulldogs Need?

Compared with other breeds, the English Bulldog requires less exercise preferring short and medium walks over long excursions. This means they are well matched to less active owners. However, this doesn’t mean they should be allowed to live a sedentary lifestyle and outdoor walks are essential when keeping their weight under control. English Bulldogs are sensitive to heat so it is advisable to avoid walking them in high temperatures and prevent them from getting over excited when playing as this can lead to breathing difficulties.

  1. Bulldog Personality Traits

    What to expect from your Bulldog

    Stocky and muscular, the English Bulldog’s physique paired with its gruesome history often gives a false impression and has earned the breed an unfair reputation for being aggressive. While English Bulldogs look fierce, when trained and socialised from an early age they make affectionate and loving pets and are a world away from their bullfighting counterparts. If you are looking for a devoted dog for companionship, this is the breed for you.

  2. Are Bulldogs Family Friendly?

    How will they behave around my family?

    There are few canines that are more devoted to their families than the English Bulldog. When trained and socialised from a young age, the English Bulldog is a great fit for a family household. This breed has hearts of gold and make great playmates for kids and show patience and tolerance when interacting with little ones. However, while English Bulldogs rarely show aggression, children and dogs should always be supervised.

Key Facts Summary
Size:
14-15 inches
Weight:
18kg-22.6kg
Temperament:
Quirky and Loving
Lifespan
8-10 Years
Average Cost:
£1148-£3062

Bulldog FAQs:

How Much is an English Bulldog?

Due to the popularity of the English Bulldog, you can expect to pay a high price for a puppy from a reputable breeder. Prices can exceed £3000 for a Bulldog with championship bloodlines.

How to Train an English Bulldog

English Bulldogs are determined, resilient and stubborn and while selective breeding has created a more malleable Bulldog breed, this dog does have an iron will. This can make training an English Bulldog quite challenging. Begin with basic commands and watch as they learn quickly and respond well to positive reinforcement and treat-based rewards.

How Many Puppies can an English Bulldog Have?

English Bulldogs usually have three or four puppies per litter.

 

While generally healthy, the English Bulldog are susceptible to certain health issues, so it’s worth considering pet insurance to help with those unexpected vet bills. Find out more and see your cover options with Asda Money Dog Insurance.

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