Dog Fluffy

Bulldog

Confused about Bulldog needs? Dog Fluffy offers solutions for a happier Bulldog. Dive in for expert advice!

28 articles

At a glance

Specimen · Bulldog
Height
30–38 cm (12–15 in)
Weight
18–25 kg (40–55 lb)
Coat
Short, smooth coat with deep facial wrinkles
Shedding
Moderate — short hairs, year-round
Grooming
Weekly brushing; clean and dry the face folds daily
Lifespan
8–10 years
Exercise
20–30 min/day, gentle and never in the heat
Good with
Children — calm and patient; other pets with introduction

Is a Bulldog right for you?

Right for you if…

  • You want a calm, affectionate dog that is happiest on the sofa beside you
  • There are children at home — Bulldogs are famously patient with them
  • Short, gentle walks suit your life better than long ones
  • You will clean and dry the face folds every day, and mean it

Wrong for you if…

  • You live somewhere hot — heat sensitivity in this breed is serious, not fussiness
  • You want a swimming, running or hiking companion; Bulldogs cannot safely do any of the three
  • A surprise vet bill would be a crisis — breathing, skin and joint problems are common
  • You want a biddable dog; Bulldogs are affectionate and genuinely stubborn

Health watch-points

Bulldogs are brachycephalic, and our own guides put breathing trouble, skin and wrinkle infections, cherry eye, joint pain and heat sensitivity at the top of the list. They are also poor swimmers — front-heavy, short-legged and flat-faced — so water needs supervision. Learn what your dogs normal breathing sounds like, and treat any change in it as a reason to call a vet.

Compare the Bulldog with…

All Bulldog articles