Yes, most owners consider the Bulldog, the right dog for new owners. The English Bulldog is ranked as one of the most popular purebred dogs in the United States. In 2017, the American Kennel Club ranked it the fifth most popular choice for owners.
These dogs have long been associated with culture in the United Kingdom, and many regard them as national icons. Their tenacity and persistence are what make them such a desirable breed to have in the family.
Initially, the Bulldog was used to lead cattle to market and sometimes to compete in the bloody bull-baiting sport.
Today, Bulldogs are now gentle companions who adore children. Even though these are purebred dogs, they may end up in the care of shelters or rescue organizations. Make an effort to adopt one!
Bulldogs have large heads and broad shoulders, with thick skin folds around their brows. Their eyes are typically wider than other dogs’, and their muzzle is shorter and higher on the face.
Then more sagging skin appears under their neck, along with dropping lips, pointed teeth, and a pool of drool.
Most English Bulldogs weigh around 50 pounds when fully grown, though females can weigh up to 10% less.
Table of Contents
Bulldog Summary
| Trait | Rating |
|---|---|
| Affection with family | ★★★★★ |
| Affection with kids | ★★★★☆ |
| Friendliness to strangers | ★★★★★ |
| Shedding | ★★★☆☆ |
| Grooming difficulty | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Drool | ★★★★★ |
| Size | ★★☆☆☆ |
| General Health | ★★★★☆ |
| Training Difficulty | ★★★☆☆ |
| Intelligence | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Energy Level | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Playfulness | ★★★★☆ |
| Exercise Needs | ★★★☆☆ |
| Good for first-time owners | ★★★★☆ |
American Bulldogs vs English Bulldogs
The UKC recognizes the American Bulldog but not the AKC.
The American Bulldog is a faster version of the English Bulldog. The American Bulldog has a larger head than a Bulldog but a more defined stop and muzzle.
The height of an American Bulldog varies from 20 to 27 inches, depending on gender. A male American Bulldog weighs 75 to 125 pounds, while a female weighs 60 to 100 pounds.
A male English Bulldog weighs about 50 pounds, and a female weighs about 40 pounds. The top line of an American bulldog slopes slightly from the withers to the tail; a Bulldog has a typical roach or wheel back.
Their personalities also differ. The English Bulldog prefers a nap on the couch, while the American Bulldog is watchful and can serve as a guard dog.
Is A Bulldog The Right Dog For You? What Do Bulldogs Look Like?
Typically, the skin around the face and head of British bulldogs is soft and loose. Despite being medium-sized dogs, they are pretty muscular.
The English bulldog breed is typically identified by its distinctive pushed-in nose, droopy upper lip, and protruding fangs. They have a short, athletic frame, a broad chest, and stand about 40 cm tall.
While many British bulldogs have a multicoloured coat of short, sleek, low-shedding hair, some are only one colour.
However, American Bulldogs are a medium to large-sized breed with short legs and stocky torsos, usually having a pinkish hue and black on their noses and eye rims, and their eyes are typically brown.
They have stronger and longer legs than the British Bulldogs can run faster, and may jump over obstacles 6 feet off the ground. There are numerous colours available for American Bulldogs.
Traditionally, they are white with brindle, red, or black patches, but the breed now comes in various colour variations. They can have black, red, brindle, brown, or fawn patterns.
How Much Exercise Do Bulldogs Need?
Bulldogs are active breeds that require around an hour of exercise per day. They have a lot of energy and will benefit from several daily walks. A short one in the morning is fine, but make sure they can go for a longer one later in the day.
Bulldogs struggle in the heat, so we recommend walking them during cooler times of the day and keeping plenty of water with you.
To keep them happy and healthy, take them to a safe place where they can run off-leash and discover new things to see and smell.
10 Pros & Cons Of Owning A Bulldog
Like other dog breeds, Bulldogs have advantages and disadvantages based on individual traits. The pros and cons of owning bulldogs are numerous, and considering the pros and cons will help you decide if the Bulldog is the right dog for you.
Pros include low grooming requirements and minimal barking, while cons can consist of stubbornness. We will go over everything you should know before getting a Bulldog.
Are Bulldogs The Right Breed For You? Pros of Owning a Bulldog
1. The Bulldog Is The Right Dog For You Because Of Their Temperament
Bulldogs are friendly dogs that aren’t known to be aggressive. These lovely dogs are always devoted to their owners. They are not overly hyperactive and have calm personalities. Furthermore, Bulldogs are affectionate towards family members and other pets.
2. Minimal Shedding
Bulldogs have low grooming requirements. They have wrinkly skin and a short coat. Bulldogs have short-haired coats and do not shed much.
It is also optional to bathe them regularly. However, it would be best if you brushed them to prevent hair from falling on the floor of your home.
3. Less Exercise requirement
If you are not always active, the Bulldog is the right dog for you. Unlike other high-energy dog breeds, your Bulldog will not require hours of exercise and have relatively low exercise requirements.
We recommend that your Bulldog gets 30 minutes to an hour of exercise daily. You must ensure your Bulldog gets outdoor activity, fresh air and mental stimulation.
4. Minimal barking
Regarding barking, Bulldogs have a reputation for being relatively quiet dogs. They don’t bark much, if at all, so you shouldn’t have to worry about noise complaints from your neighbours. This is yet another reason why they make excellent apartment dogs!
5. Protective
Although English Bulldogs are not known for being aggressive toward others, they are considered good guard dogs due to their protective temperament. They don’t bark often, but they are territorial and will bark at strangers if they have doubts about them.
English Bulldogs are not particularly powerful or significant but are renowned for their bravery. Bulldogs, if properly trained, can be excellent guard dogs.
6. Excellent guard dogs
If you need a guard dog that isn’t too big for your home, then a Bulldog is the ideal choice. These pups will never return from a fight, even if they weigh less than 50 pounds.
You won’t find the aggressive mean streak in the breed now that they aren’t used for bull-baiting, but your dog will know its power.
It will not hesitate to take action if it or you feel threatened. If you have children, your Bulldog will defend its pack.
7. Loves to be around children
Many Bulldogs enjoy hanging out with kids who know how to treat them properly. They’ll keep a quiet, protective eye during playtime and alert you if they suspect something is wrong. Because of this trait, most families enjoy having these dogs around, so it is something to consider if you are interested in bringing a puppy home.
8. Attracts attention everywhere you go
The English Bulldog is the perfect breed if you’re looking for a canine companion who enjoys being around people. According to the American Kennel Club, these friendly pups are loyal and docile. They enjoy socializing with their owners, participating in family activities, and being around other family members.
It is uncommon for English Bulldogs to be aloof, reserved, or shy; instead, they are typically sociable dogs eager to meet new people. Compared to other breeds of dogs, English Bulldogs are generally friendlier to new people.
9. Low-maintenance coat
The American Kennel Club advises Bulldog owners to make a 10-minute brushing routine twice weekly. They recommend using a soft brush to remove dead hair. And during the shedding season, they advise using a rubber curry brush.
Because Bulldogs are not hypoallergenic, their hair, dander, or saliva may cause an allergic reaction in people who have trouble with dog allergies. You won’t have to worry about dog hair everywhere because they shed relatively little.
10. Are good therapy dogs
Evidence supports the theory that French Bulldogs make excellent therapy dogs. In other words, they lift people’s spirits and can significantly boost your mood. They adore human companies and are frequently brought into clinics, nursing homes, and schools.
Is The Bulldog The Right Dog? Cons of Owning a Bulldog.
- Slow maturation process.
- Skin Infections
- Breathing Issues
- Excessive drool
- Risk of heart problems
- They are an expensive breed to own
- Chewing Problem
- Farts a lot
- Snores a lot
- Love to dig holes
1. Slow maturation process
It takes bulldogs until they are 30 months old before they reach a full adult stage, and only a small percentage of bulldog puppies do so before turning two. Despite this fact, this breed has a short lifespan, between 8 and 10 years.
You may start noticing some ageing symptoms in your dog as early as age 5, so you only have a limited amount of time to make the most of it. If you want a dog that will grow up with your children, this might not be the breed for you.
2. Skin Infections
Though Bulldogs don’t require much brushing or grooming, it is still important to regularly clean their facial and other wrinkles to prevent skin infections. Bulldogs are prone to skin fold dermatitis, which makes skin infections in them reasonably common.
The skin condition known as “skin-fold dermatitis” is brought on by the development of skin-dwelling organisms like bacteria, fungi, and yeast that spread into the skin’s folds or wrinkles on Bulldog.
Breeds of dogs with wrinkled skin are more vulnerable to fold dermatitis. Their wrinkles, particularly those on their faces and tail pockets, should be cleaned since they typically occur in the summer.
3. Breathing Issues
Breathing problems are common with Bulldogs. The Bulldog’s short muzzle and wrinkled face cause breathing difficulties; this medical condition is known as Brachycephalic syndrome.
Because of the pushed shape of the dog’s face, nose, or muzzle, the nostrils become narrowed or small, causing breathing difficulty. As a result of these breathing problems, you may notice your Bulldog wheezing and snoring while sleeping.
4. Excessive drool
English Bulldogs are known for drooling excessively. The facial structure of Bulldogs is the cause of excessive drooling, and the shape of their mouth makes it difficult for them to keep their saliva in their mouth.
5. Risk of heart problems
In 2004, a survey was carried out in the UK on English Bulldog deaths and their causes. The findings revealed that the average lifespan was just six years and three months.
The Bulldog’s heart was the primary factor, and cancer was the second-leading factor. Additionally, this breed experiences hip dysplasia quite frequently, with the highest rate of 74% among all dog breeds.
6. They are an expensive breed to own
Bulldogs are an expensive breed. First, you should conduct thorough research to ensure that you have found an ethical, responsible breeder who performs health checks and screenings on their dogs and puppies. Visiting the breeder’s home to observe your puppy interacting with the mother is a good idea.
According to research, English Bulldog puppies typically cost between $1,500 and $5,000, with some going as high as $15,000. The puppy’s lineage may also determine the price.
It’s important to remember that owning a Bulldog will cost you a tidy sum each month when you factor in high-quality dog food, pet insurance, trips to the vet for vaccinations and health checks, and other expenses.
7. Chewing problem
Chewing is a common habit in almost all Bulldogs. Many Bulldog puppies do this while teething; if it is not stopped, it becomes routine. Many of these pups begin chewing on things like carpets, sofas, slippers, shoes, and furniture whenever they feel bored or have little or no activity to do.
8. Farts a lot
If you have a sensitive nose and can’t stand strong odours, then a Bulldog is not the right breed. Their farts alone are reason enough not to get a Bulldog. A toxic gas will saturate your room and linger for hours.
It is often down to what you’re feeding them, but even the most well-balanced diet won’t keep the dreaded farts away. You can reduce the smell with a good diet, but that isn’t to say you won’t still get horrible fart sometimes.
9. Snores a lot
As a brachycephalic breed, they have shortened snouts, which results in a lot of snoring. They begin snoring loudly as soon as they start to sleep. Don’t get a Bulldog if you value your sleep.
10. Love to dig holes
Considering if the Bulldog is the right dog for you? Do you value your garden or backyard? If this is the case, you may need to Bulldog proof it. Bulldogs will continually dig holes in your lawn, and you might have to build a fence and pave slabs to keep them in when they are alone.
Are Bulldogs prone to any health problems?
Unfortunately, this famous breed is prone to various health issues. Overbreeding contributes significantly to the problem, so buying a Bulldog from a reputable breeder is critical.
This breed will likely experience joint and ligament injuries, respiratory issues, skin allergies, hip dysplasia, cherry eye, and degenerative spine disease.
Are Bulldogs suitable for first-time owners?
An American Bulldog might not be the most accessible companion, particularly if you’re a first-time pet owner. They are physically strong and brilliant dogs that can quickly become a hassle if not adequately stimulated and socialized.
However, if you enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle and are willing to put in the training time, there is no reason why an American Bulldog wouldn’t make the perfect pet for you.
Owning an American Bulldog can be a pleasurable and rewarding experience if you do your research in advance.
