Bulldog: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care

Bulldog temperament and personality

The AKC describes Bulldogs as sweet, devoted and easygoing dogs that want to please their owners, and rates them four out of five for affection and openness to strangers. They are usually calm indoors and enjoy company more than activity, with occasional bursts of clownish play.

They can be stubborn, though, and many have a strong love of chewing, which is why sturdy chew toys go on the shopping list early. Barking is low on the AKC scale at two out of five, but snoring, snorting and drooling (three out of five) come with the package. Expect a loyal, mellow housemate with plenty of character.

How big do Bulldogs get?

The AKC lists the Bulldog at 14 to 15 inches at the shoulder, with males around 50 pounds and females around 40 pounds. They are low, wide and heavy for their height, with loose skin on the head, a furrowed brow and a short, smooth coat in many colors and patterns.

Because they are so solidly built, extra weight is hard to spot and hard on the body. A Bulldog carrying extra pounds breathes less easily and moves less comfortably. Ask your vet for a target weight and adjust food to match the dog in front of you, not the number on the bag.

Bulldog lifespan and common health issues

The AKC gives a Bulldog lifespan of 8 to 10 years, shorter than many breeds of similar size. Overheating is the most urgent day-to-day risk. The AKC warns that a Bulldog breathing too hard may show a tongue hanging unusually far out with a bluish tinge instead of pink, and should be cooled immediately and taken to a vet.

VCA explains that flat-faced breeds often have narrowed nostrils, a long soft palate and a narrow windpipe, known together as brachycephalic airway syndrome; signs include noisy breathing, snoring, tiring quickly and collapse after exercise. The AKC recommends patella, cardiac and tracheal evaluations. Ask a breeder for those results, and ask your vet whether your dog's breathing is normal for the breed or needs assessment.

Exercise needs

Bulldogs are happy to relax at your feet, but the AKC notes they also enjoy an occasional romp and walks, and that moderate exercise keeps them trim. Two short, easy walks a day in the cooler hours suit most adults.

Heat changes everything. The AKC says very warm days are best spent in air conditioning, because the short muzzle makes breathing hard in heat and humidity. The AKC also calls stairs and pools major hazards and says Bulldogs should never be in water more than elbow deep unless closely supervised, so fence or supervise any pool, and never leave one in a car, even in mildly warm weather.

Grooming and shedding

The coat is easy, but the face is not. The AKC suggests brushing all over with a soft brush for about ten minutes two or three times a week, using a rubber curry brush first during heavier sheds. Shedding is moderate, three out of five on the AKC scale.

The facial wrinkles need regular checks so they stay clean and dry, as the AKC notes trapped food or moisture can cause irritation or infection. Wipe the folds gently and dry them well, and ask your vet what to use if the skin looks red or smells. Trim nails, clean the tail pocket if your dog has one, and brush the teeth.

Training a Bulldog

Bulldogs want to please, but they like to do it at their own pace. The AKC calls early socialization vital and highly recommends puppy classes. Short sessions with food rewards and plenty of praise work better than long drills, and patience beats pressure.

Most Bulldogs love to chew and to play tug-of-war, and the AKC advises teaching a puppy early to release what is in its mouth on cue. A chew bone made for strong chewers gives you something to practice that cue with. Keep training calm and cool; an overexcited Bulldog can overheat even indoors on a warm day.

Are Bulldogs good with kids and other pets?

Many Bulldogs are patient, steady family dogs. The AKC rates them three out of five with young children and with other dogs, which reflects variation between individuals rather than a problem with the breed. Their low center of gravity and calm nature suit gentle play.

Supervise toddlers, who can trip over or climb on a heavy dog, and teach children not to tire the dog out with chasing games in warm weather. Introduce other pets slowly and feed them apart, since some Bulldogs guard food or chews.

What a Bulldog needs at home

Plan for cool, comfortable and safe. Useful kit includes a well-fitted Bulldog harness rather than a collar, a supportive dog bed, a cooling mat for summer, wide shallow food and water bowls, soft wipes for facial folds, a soft brush and nail clippers. Durable chew toys and tug toys suit the breed's chewing habit.

Gates at the top of stairs, a fence or cover around any pool, and air conditioning on hot days protect a Bulldog's breathing and joints. Book a vet visit soon after bringing your dog home and ask about breathing, skin fold care and weight.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.