English Bulldog Puppies FAQ
What kind of temperament and personality does the English Bulldog have?
The most descriptive words that come to my mind regarding English Bulldog temperament and behavior are:
amiable, dependable, easygoing… but can be seriously food-possessive (keep kids and other pets away from his food), spends much of the day snoring on the sofa, often dignified but also has sudden comically frisky moments, usually polite with everyone, obstinate to train but is naturally well-mannered and doesn’t misbehave much
Where did the name English Bulldog come from?
The Bulldog got its name because this type of dog was preferred for the English sport of bullbaiting, which involved tethering a bull to a stake in the ground and encouraging dogs to try to bite the bull’s nose. Bulldogs were well-suited for this sport because of their strong, fearless nature.
Most breed clubs call this breed simply Bulldog. But he is also referred to as English Bulldog to distinguish him from other bulldog-type breeds such as the French Bulldog or American Bulldog.
What were English Bulldogs used for?
The kind of English Bulldog you see today would be used for… no type of work. (Except loyal companionship.) Modern Bulldogs have been deformed such that they’re lucky to be able to breathe, let alone work.
The Bulldog’s ancestors, however, were both powerful and athletic and were used in barbaric competitions called bull baiting.
So you can see that some of the ancestral Bulldog traits (strength, bravery, tenacity) are still in the DNA of modern Bulldogs. But the ferocity has been bred out.
How big are English Bulldogs? Height and weight?
About 14-16 inches at the shoulder, and 40-50 pounds, which puts them in the MEDIUM-SIZE category. Even though they’re shorter than most medium-sized breeds, their hefty weight qualifies them.
In recent years some breeders (who I would never choose to purchase from) have been breeding smaller Bulldog individuals and calling them Miniature Bulldogs or Toy Bulldogs. These are not purebreds, but crossbreds – an English Bulldog crossed with a Pug. The pups do not breed true, so what you end up with in terms of size and temperament will be a mixed bag.
What colors do English Bulldogs come in?
Lots of colors – both solids and patterns. For example, common colors include fawn, red, white, and brindle.
Do English Bulldogs have a doggy odor?
Well, um, yes. But it doesn’t come from their skin or coat. Due to the deformities of their head and digestive tract, Bulldogs are forced to swallow air when they eat and drink… and swallowed air has to go somewhere, after all. So yes, the breed can be smelly.
How much exercise do English Bulldogs need?
Just a few walks in cool, pleasant weather. Bulldogs should never be taken out in hot or humid weather; they can’t regulate their own body heat because they can’t breathe or pant effectively. So they can quickly succumb to heatstroke.
Same is true of other short-faced breeds such as Pugs, French Bulldogs, etc. But English Bulldogs are the worst.
Are English Bulldogs easy to train?
English Bulldog puppies and adolescents are always ready to “test” your rules, so a prospective Bulldog owner should be a confident person who can establish a healthy leader-follower relationship with a strong-willed breed.
You need to be consistent and persistent, encouraging and rewarding, and not giving in when they try to “charm” you with comical antics. Stick to whatever rules you’ve established. Then your Bulldog’s behavior should be just fine.
Are English Bulldogs friendly with people?
Many Bulldogs are outgoing and friendly with everyone. Some are a bit more standoffish (though still polite) with strangers.
Are English Bulldogs good with children?
Most are very patient with children. And yet… I don’t recommend the various Bulldog breeds for children younger than about 8 years old. My concern here is resource guarding, which means being possessive of their food and chew toys. You should never allow young children (or other pets) near a Bulldog who is engrossed in his food or bone.
Are English Bulldogs good with other dogs?
Most English Bulldogs are fine with other dogs in their own family…. but I prefer them to be of opposite sexes. Because when two Bulldogs are the same sex, they might one day quibble over whose bed or sofa or chew toy it is. And among Bulldogs, quibbling can quickly turn into a pitched battle of two stubborn “tanks”.
Are English Bulldogs good with cats?
Most Bulldogs are fine with cats, but some individuals still have at least a limited prey/chasing drive, so…
How much do English Bulldogs shed?
Bulldogs are above-average (high side of average ) shedders. They shed moderately in the spring and fall, and mildly the rest of the year.
Are English Bulldogs hypoallergenic? Good for people with allergies?
No, not at all.
How much grooming do English Bulldogs need?
Just an occasional quick brush to sweep the dirt, dander, and loose hair off your dog’s skin.
However, with an English Bulldog, grooming is more than just brushing! On a daily basis, you need to check all those loose folds of skin all over his head and body, thoroughly clean them, and thoroughly dry them. Parasites, bacteria, and fungi love to hide in dark dirty wrinkles. The dog’s loose floppy lips/jowls also need to be kept clean and dry.
What behavior problems do English Bulldogs tend to have?
If they really don’t want to do something, they might brace their legs and resist, or they might not obey quickly. But the good news is, as long as you have established the right leader-follower relationship, Bulldogs are usually content to go with your flow and not do things that are problematic to live with. Once they’re adults, they’re pretty calm, quiet, and undemanding.
What health problems might English Bulldogs have?
Health and lifespan are, by far, the weakest aspect of the Bulldog breed. Breeders have chosen to deliberately impose structural deformities on these poor dogs, and the sad result is a very long list of resultant health issues.
It’s disheartening to me that some people actually find the breed’s snorting/snuffling/gasping/choking sounds “endearing”…. even after they learn that those sounds mean the dog is struggling to breathe normally.
Do male dogs or female dogs make better pets?
Ah, let the debate begin! Honestly, male English Bulldogs have pros and cons, and female English Bulldogs have pros and cons. so..
Where can I buy an English Bulldog puppy?
You are in the right place already. Make you pick of purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale.