English Bulldogs 101

Non-Sporting

Few breeds are as iconic as the English Bulldog, a symbol of strength in their home country. They are a playful, loving and funny dog, willing to try anything from skateboarding to agiity trials. Families with English Bulldogs must be careful to understand their limitations and protect them from their own enthusiasm.

Nationwide Outline Icons Vibrant Blue Heart 24x24pxWhat we love about English Bulldogs

Instantly recognizable breed is a popular team mascot

As with many short-nosed breeds, English Bulldogs are heat-intolerant and may require surgery to improve their ability to breathe. Their short, easy-care coats come in a variety of colors, but their skin folds need daily attention to keep from becoming infected.

Energy level
Energy LevelEnergy Level
Bark level
  • bark-very-vocalVery vocal
  • bark-talkativeTalkative
  • bark-as-neededAs needed
Size
14 to 15 inches tall
Group Size Medium
Lifespan
8 to 10 years
020
Weight
40 to 50 lbs
0150

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Mature adult English Bulldog

4 years

Risk level for common English Bulldog conditions

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Entropion

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Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)

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Cruciate ligament tear (knee)

Senior English Bulldog

5+ years

Risk level for common English Bulldog conditions

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Entropion

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Heart cancer

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Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)

English Bulldog puppy

0 to 9 months

Risk level for common English Bulldog conditions

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Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid)

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Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)

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Pneumonia

Young adult English Bulldog

10 months to 3 years

Risk level for common English Bulldog conditions

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Entropion

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Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)

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Pneumonia

Mature adult English Bulldog

4 years

Risk level for common English Bulldog conditions

risk-level-bar

Entropion

risk-level-bar

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)

risk-level-bar

Cruciate ligament tear (knee)

Senior English Bulldog

5+ years

Risk level for common English Bulldog conditions

risk-level-bar

Entropion

risk-level-bar

Heart cancer

risk-level-bar

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)

English Bulldog puppy

0 to 9 months

Risk level for common English Bulldog conditions

risk-level-bar

Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid)

risk-level-bar

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)

risk-level-bar

Pneumonia

Young adult English Bulldog

10 months to 3 years

Risk level for common English Bulldog conditions

risk-level-bar

Entropion

risk-level-bar

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)

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Pneumonia

2-English bulldog sitting GettyImages-513100343

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British Prime Minister Winston Churchill earned the nickname "British Bulldog" because of his steadfast and resolute personality, which mirrored the characteristics associated with the English Bulldog breed. Churchill did own a Bulldog named Dodo in his youth, but famously loved another breed - Poodles!

English Bulldog coat care and colors

Keeping an English Bulldog’s short, sleek coat in good shape is the easy part of grooming these dogs. It's important to ensure the nose wrinkles, skin folds, and tail area are regularly cleaned and checked often to prevent infections. Infections in these nooks and crannies can be so severe in some dogs that folds needs to be checked daily, and often cleaned daily as well.

The English Bulldog comes in 10 recognized color and pattern combinations, including white and a fawn shade called “fallow.” Acclimating puppies to having their feet handled and nails clipped or ground down is key to making future nail trims easier on everyone.

English Bulldog exercise & training

Couch potato

Exercise level

The English Bulldog is up for any activity. But they’re prone to heat exhaustion and need pet parents who’ll protect them from overdoing it. Easy walks on cool mornings are ideal.

Class clown

Trainability

English Bulldogs are game for anything, but their bodies sometimes are not. Keep training sessions short and cool, heap on the praise, and go easy on the treats.

Group 7540

English Bulldog fun facts

Top girl names for English Bulldogs

100%

of English Bulldogs are female

0%

of English Bulldogs are male

Top boy names for English Bulldogs

Nationwide loves English Bulldogs of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Other breeds like English Bulldogs

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