English Bulldogs: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em

Most breed clubs call this breed simply Bulldog. But he is also referred to as English Bulldog  or British Bulldog  to distinguish him from other bulldog-type breeds such as the French Bulldog or American Bulldog.

The AKC Standard says the disposition of the English Bulldog should be "equable and kind, resolute and courageous.... demeanor should be pacific and dignified."

In other words, the English Bulldog is one of the most amiable of all breeds. Despite his gloomy mug.

Bulldog puppies are frisky, but adults are quiet and rather phlegmatic, spending much of the day snoring on the sofa. But they definitely need some exercise to stay fit, preferably walks in cool weather.

Some English Bulldogs are friendly with strangers, while others are politely reserved.

Though not a barking watchdog, his blocky build and his rolling, shuffling gait give intruders pause. It takes a tremendous amount of serious teasing or threatening to provoke this sweet-natured breed, but once aroused, he can be a force to reckon with.

His tenacity and resolve mean that it's difficult to change his mind once he decides to do something.

Usually peaceful with other pets, some male Bulldogs may engage in a battle of wills (or jaws) with other males.

Though stubborn, the English Bulldog is surprisingly sensitive, remembers what he learns, and responds well to patient, persistent training.

If you want a dog who...

Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training.

• You can avoid some negative traits by choosing an ADULT dog from an animal shelter or rescue group. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult Bulldogs have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics.
• If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy. Unfortunately, you usually can't tell whether a puppy has inherited temperament or health problems until he grows up.
• Finally, you can avoid some negative traits by training your English Bulldog to respect you and by following the 11-step care program in my book, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy.

More traits and characteristics of the English Bulldog

If I was considering an English Bulldog, I would be most concerned about...

1. Stubbornness. Despite their sweetness, most English Bulldogs are very stubborn. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say. On the plus side, once Bulldogs mature, they seldom get into real trouble.

   To teach your Bulldog to listen to you, see English Bulldog Training.

2. Possible animal aggression. Most Bulldogs get along very well with other pets in the family. However, some Bulldogs may act aggressively toward other dogs of the same sex. And some Bulldogs do not get along with cats.

   Be aware that English Bulldogs can be very possessive of their food bowl. Don't feed an English Bulldog in the presence of other animals. Children should also be kept away, just to be safe.

3. Shedding. Bulldogs shed more than you might think! Their short, coarse hairs stick tenaciously to your clothing and furnishings.
4. Bulldog sounds. Though they don't bark much, English Bulldogs are far from silent. Because of their deformed face, they go through life snorting, snuffling, wheezing, grunting, and snoring loudly. Some people find these sounds nerve-wracking; others find them endearing. I'm sure if it was up to the dog to choose, he would prefer to breathe normally.
5. Slobbering. Most people are not prepared for how much English Bulldogs slobber and drool, especially after eating or drinking.
6. Gassiness (flatulence). All short-faced breeds gulp air when they eat, and that air has to go somewhere, after all. However, commercial diets make flatulence worse by including fibrous or hard-to-digest ingredients. Bulldogs who are fed a homemade diet of real meat and vegetables have much less trouble with gassiness.
7. High cost. English Bulldog breeders charge over $1000 for their dogs, often over $1500. They explain that this is to cover their costs of artificial insemination (because most Bulldogs are too deformed to be able to mate without assistance) and C-sections (because the puppies' heads are too over-sized to be born normally). But that's just the beginning of your money outlay, because typically you'll be spending a great deal of money on veterinary care for this breed.
8. Serious health problems. It's been said that if you feel like supporting your vet with great chunks of money, get an English Bulldog. They suffer from hip problems, heart problems, and skin problems. Their respiratory system is compromised, so it's even risky to anesthetize them for dental cleanings. In hot weather they should be kept in an air-conditioned environment and supervised during outside activity so they don't over-exert themselves and become overheated.

   Honestly? I don't recommend buying an English Bulldog puppy, as that only encourages people to keep breeding unhealthy puppies. If you really want this breed, please consider adopting an adult Bulldog who desperately needs a home. Provide the best life you can for him, managing his health problems as they occur. You can ward off some health issues by following the advice on my Bulldog Health Page.