Smiling Bulldog

Bulldog Insurance, Care and Health Advice

At first glance, those big slobbering chops and powerful swagger suggest a pooch who’s ready to rumble. But don’t be fooled: the English Bulldog is most definitely a lover not a fighter! Loyal, affectionate and gentle; your typical bully is a people person who thrives on lots of love.

Bully’s don’t need too much in the way of exercise and can settle nicely into a small home. Their main hobbies include snoozing and eating - so to avoid obesity, be careful not to spoil your buddy with too many treats!

Bulldog Facts

Dog breed type icon
Type
Utility
Dog breed lifespan icon
Lifespan
8 - 10 years
Dog breed size icon
Size
Medium
Dog breed weight icon
Weight
18 - 25 kg
Dog breed height icon
Height
31 - 40 cm
Dog breed temperament icon
Temperament
Docile, friendly, loyal
Dog breed exercise icon
Exercise
30 mins per day
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Grooming
Low maintenance

Is a Bulldog Right for Me?

They’re lovable and loyal, but these guys definitely know their own mind. This stubborn streak needs a combination of confidence and patience to get a handle on - worth bearing in mind for newbie dog owners. Bulldogs usually form very strong bonds with their owners. 

If your house is empty all day, be prepared to take the time and effort to help your Bully overcome any separation anxiety. And if you’re looking for a jogging partner, this probably isn’t the dog for you. One or two short walks a day is all the typical Bulldog needs.
 

Bulldog puppy in a field of buttercups

What Are Bulldog Puppies Like?

A Bulldog puppy is affectionate and will seek out attention. They love to play games or have a cuddle with their owner. As a puppy, they're active and curious, but as they get older, they calm down and become more docile. While an adult Bulldog will spend its day snoring on the sofa, a puppy will want to play and explore.

If you begin socialising when your dog is a puppy, they will get along with other dogs and even cats. But take care during feeding and playtime as Bulldog puppies are possessive over their food and toys.
 

Older Bulldog having a rest

Life with a Bulldog

Bulldogs generally have a sweet natured and docile temperament with a love of companionship. A people-orientated pup, they're happiest in the company of humans. This combination of personality and sociability makes them an ideal family pet.

While usually non-aggressive, the Bulldog is no pushover - and they’ll stand their ground if they feel it’s called for. So whether it’s new people or pets, always be on hand to ensure a smooth introduction. This applies to children, too. Bulldogs can make great family pets - as long as the kids understand that they don’t like to be tormented, and need their own space sometimes.
 

Caring for Your Bulldog

Bulldogs are greedy eaters and will overeat if given the chance. They can quickly become overweight if their food intake isn’t monitored. Make sure your dog is getting the correct amount of dog food by using the guidelines on the food packaging and measuring out their meals.

Split your dog’s daily food into 2 meals, or 3-4 if they are a puppy. Treats are allowed but keep them to a minimum.

It’s easy to upset a dog’s tummy, so if you want to change their food make sure you do so slowly. Gradually introduce a new brand of food by adding small amounts of the new food and reduce the amount of the current food.
 

In terms of grooming, a short coat means that brushing once a week should be fine. This might need to be done more frequently in Spring and Autumn when shedding is more common. A Bulldog’s coat and skin stays moisturised naturally, so your buddy will probably only need a bath once every three months or so (anything more frequent can lead to skin irritation).

Those folds aka “ropes” on your Bulldog’s face should be checked, cleaned and dried daily. Do the same with the tail if it’s tightly curled. This prevents the build-up of moisture and grime, which can quickly lead to a skin infection. Any signs of redness or soreness should be reported to your vet.
 

If an English Bulldog really doesn’t want to do something, it can be tough talking him round. Getting too cross has little effect (they’ll probably just waddle away and sulk for a while). But if you start training from a young age and focus on the basic “Sit”, “Stay”, “Wait” and “Leave” commands with confidence, your Bully should understand who’s boss and learn to respect you.

These pooches are big fans of (and very possessive of) food. On the plus side, this can help with your training regime. Small treats are perfect for encouraging good behaviour or luring an apprehensive Bulldog puppy into their new crate.

When it comes to it, the need for an exercise regime is essential to keep your Bulldog active and keep their joints nice and strong. Again, check with your vet, but for most adult Bulldogs, 20-40 mins each day (ideally split into a brief walk twice a day) should be perfect. Don’t overdo it, as over-exertion can put too much pressure on your dog’s frame.
 

Pet Insurance for Bulldogs

If you’re convinced bringing a good old British Bulldog into your home is on the cards, you should consider pet insurance for Bulldogs. Unfortunately, as cute as their flat little faces are, they are prone to health conditions.

Everypaw’s Lifetime Dog Insurance can be there to help look after your Bully when it comes to accidents as well as any new illnesses. We have a range of cover to choose from, so you're bound to find a level that suits you both down to the ground.

Start a quote

Common Bulldog Health Problems by Vetstream

Bulldogs are prone to some health issues that may affect their life expectancy if left untreated. So you're up to speed, we've partnered with vet experts Vetstream to tell us about the most common Bulldog health issues.

Dystocia is the term used to describe difficulty in giving birth. This can cause health problems and death for the mother and puppies. Medical therapy from a vet is required for any dog struggling to give birth, and in some cases, a caesarean section is required to deliver the puppies. To reduce the risks, dogs that have suffered from Dystocia should not be bred with again. 

This condition is common in dog breeds with short noses, also known as brachycephalic breeds. Short nosed dogs have the same amount of tissues in their noses and throats as other breeds, but it squashed into a smaller space. This causes folds and wrinkles that obstruct the airway making it difficult for the dog to breathe.

Affected dogs will breathe noisily, snore loudly, and be reluctant to exercise. Being overweight makes the condition worse, so it’s important to keep your dog at a healthy weight.

Treatment involves surgically removing some of the tissue to open up the airway.
 

Both of these conditions affect the eyelid; Entropion is when part or the entire eyelid rolls in and Ectropion is when it rolls out. Both eyes and both upper and lower lids can be affected - the most common in Bulldogs is when the lower lid sags down.

An eyelid that has rolled in can rub against the eye and cause painful scratches and ulcers, which can lead to blindness if untreated. These conditions are generally inherited but can also be caused by eye irritations.

Treatment for both conditions requires surgery.
 

The third eyelid (nictating membrane) sweeps over the surface of the eye to spread tears and protect the eye.

Third eyelid gland prolapse is when the gland moves and protrudes over the edge of the third eyelid. This looks like a pink swollen mass in the corner of the eye, hence the common term ‘Cherry Eye’. This condition is not usually painful but can lead to conjunctivitis and a lowered tear production (‘dry eye’).

The only treatment option is to return the gland to its normal position. There are a number of surgical options to achieve this, which your vet will discuss with you.
 

Quick Bulldog Q&A

The average life expectancy of a Bulldog is 8-10 years, but this can be shortened due to health problems. Most conditions associated with Bulldogs are treatable or manageable, so make sure you take them for regular vet health checks. A good diet and exercise will also help to keep your dog healthy and impact how long bulldogs live.

Bulldogs are a friendly breed that rarely shows signs of aggression towards other animals or people. They’re not considered to be dangerous but should be socialised from a young age to make sure they know not to fear other dogs.

Bulldogs are minimal shedders. Brushing your dog once a week will help to remove the loose hairs, so they don’t end up on your floor or furniture. It will also keep their coat clean and healthy.

Although it is possible for a Bulldog to swim, they find it difficult to do so. Their short noses mean that they have to tilt their head back to keep their nose out of the water, which causes their backend to drop. It is best to keep Bulldogs away from deep water or to fit them with a doggy life jacket to help them float.

That’s All You Need to Know About Bulldogs

This breed might not look it, but they’re very loving and are happiest surrounded by human company! They’re loyal, affectionate and gentle, so what’s not to love. But, because of their genetic makeup they can suffer from some health issues, so be prepared for the odd vet visit. The have flattened faces making them a brachycephalic breed. Brachycephaly can cause lots of breathing problems, especially if they get overweight, so it’s important to watch their waistline!

Content provided from Vetstream's Vetlexicon Canis

Vetlexicon is the world’s largest peer-reviewed online clinical reference source. All our content is written and peer-reviewed by over 1,000 of the world’s leading veterinarians, ensuring relevance, accuracy and quality.

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