British Bulldog Information & Characteristics

The English Bulldog, also known as the British Bulldog, is kind yet strong and dignified yet sensitive. This medium-sized dog sits low to the ground. It is believed that the breed is a mix of the Asiatic Mastiff and Pug. This delightful and courageous dog was bred to compete in bull baiting and to drive cattle to the market. Though their only purpose in the past was facing bulls to amuse the audience, British Bulldogs have a sweet and gentle disposition that makes them great house pets. If you are someone who loves English Bulldog dogs, continue reading and understand this breed a little better.

Table of contents

1. Key specifications of an English Bulldog Breed
2. Physical appearance of an English Bulldog
3. English Bulldog personality traits
4. Do English Bulldogs need training?
5. How to care for an English Bulldog
6. A brief history of English Bulldogs

Key specifications of an English Bulldog Breed

Are you planning to get an English Bulldog home soon? If so, you might want to know details about an English Bulldog’s lifespan, weight, height, and more.

Physical appearance of an English Bulldog

This breed is known to have a hefty and muscular body; hence, these dogs can be a little overweight for their height. English Bulldogs have a smooth, fine, and short coat. In fact, this glossy and straight-furred breed comes in four standard color patterns. However, you can see them in some rare shades as well. Let's explore standard as well as rare colors:

• Red
• White
• Fawn
• Fallow
• Black
• Black and tan
• White and pied
• Brindle

Now that you know these adorably wrinkled doggies come in multiple shades and patterns, it's time to move on and answer this important question – how to identify a purebred British Bulldog? Here are a few physical characteristics of an English Bulldog that indicate it is a purebred canine. 

• Stout and wide-set legs
• Sturdy physique with broad shoulders
• Short and thick neck with a large face
• Soft and loose skin with heavy wrinkles

English Bulldog personality traits

An English Bulldog’s temperament is highly misunderstood. They might look short-tempered and apathetic, but they are a living example of the saying, ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’. These dogs only look angry; they are actually loving, caring, and docile on the inside. But don’t you mistake their obedience for weakness as English Bulldogs are the very epitomes of courage and tenacity. 

English Bulldogs are generally heavy breathers. Moreover, they can exhibit a tendency to snore and wheeze. While English Bulldogs are social beings, they can be aggressive towards unknown dogs. However, don’t worry for these dogs are friendly with other family pets. Wondering if they bark a lot? The answer is no. Now, that doesn’t mean the British Bulls are silent. They are known to be vocal through snuffling, wheezing, snorting, snoring, and grunting.

Do English Bulldogs need training?

A lot of people turn over their pets to shelters due to behavioral issues. However, the fact is that such problems can be prevented if you provide your dog with the right training. Dogs need training to learn how to live well with humans. Right from controlling their urge to howl to learning basic commands like ‘stay’ and ‘sit’, it is imperative to train your dog to ensure that they lead a happy and healthy life.

Training also ensures mental stimulation and provides a boost of confidence to your pup. While training your British Bulldog puppy, do not forget to teach them the ‘drop it’ command as well. This breed has a strong grip. Once they bite onto any toy, there’s no way you can snatch it back. Hence, teach them to follow the ‘drop it’ command right from a young age. Want to get your dog excited for the training sessions? Shower them with dog treats for being obedient and attentive throughout the session.

How to care for an English Bulldog

With the privilege of having a four-legged family member comes a lot of responsibility. So, let us help you understand the care requirements of an English Bulldog puppy or dog:

• Health issues

English Bulldogs thrive in pleasant climates. Hot climates can cause difficulty in breathing, whereas cold weathers can lead to frostbite and hypothermia. If you own a dog of this breed, you must be vigilant during hot and cold days. Avoid taking your English Bulldog puppy or dog out for a stroll during hot summer afternoons. When you are going on walks together, make sure that there is enough shade for your Bulldog to walk in. Moreover, you must watch out for symptoms of common health conditions like cherry eyes, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, dry eyes, brachycephalic syndrome, etc.

• Grooming

An English Bulldog must be bathed and groomed regularly. In fact, it should be bathed once every week to ensure it has a healthy skin and coat. Since English Bulldogs are average shedders, you must brush their coat at least once a week with a firm bristle brush. These doggies have the tendency to drool; hence, wipe their face with a damp cloth every day. Do not forget to clean the inside of their wrinkles to avoid skin infections. Once you have cleaned the wrinkles, ensure that the insides are dry. Moreover, do not forget to brush their teeth twice a week at the least and trim their nails twice every month.

• Physical activity

While English Bulldogs love to relax next to their owners, they also enjoy romping and walking occasionally. Since they are short yet hefty, they can also be overweight. This is exactly why they are low on energy and have breathing issues. Hence, indulging them in light workout sessions is crucial to prevent obesity. British Bulls love playing fetch, however only within a smaller area. So, do not hesitate to throw a stick and wait for your Bulldog to fetch it for you.

• Nutritional requirement

As a parent to an English Bulldog, you must put in efforts towards understanding how often it should eat and what are the best foods/snacks. Once you have the answer to these, you can develop a healthy diet plan for your dog with the help of a veterinarian. English Bulldogs require both plant-based and animal proteins for healthy bones, fur, muscles, and nails. It is believed that Bulldogs do not require carbs, but here’s the truth: they do. Carbs provide the energy to perform day-to-day functions. Ensure that their diet also includes minerals and vitamins, so your Bulldog can have a healthy immune system. A vet will be able to guide you in selecting the right dog food that offers complete nutrition. 

A brief history of English Bulldogs

According to historical evidence, Bulldogs were created in England in the 13th century for a horrific sport – bull baiting. In this activity, a bull fights a pack of dogs while the audience bet on these poor animals. However, back then, English Bulldogs were heavier and taller; a physique strong enough to face any bull. These courageous dogs were bred to be aggressive. They were bred to fight wild animals like bulls and bears as well as amuse spectators with their strength.

Luckily, the lives of these adorably strong dogs changed in 1835 when England banned bloody sports that involved animals. Over the years, the English Bulldog eventually evolved from an animal used for blood sports to the friendly, loving, and docile companion we know today.

Get all the information you need about the various kinds of dogs on our breeds category page.