Bulldog: temperament, size, care and health

About the Bulldog

The Bulldog is a thickset, low-slung dog with a broad head, a short pushed-in muzzle, pendulous lips, small folded ears and a rolling gait. The body is wide in the chest and shoulders and tapers toward the hindquarters. Heavy wrinkles cover the face, and a loose fold of skin hangs under the throat. The coat comes in brindle, fawn, white, red and pied patterns.

The shape comes from a past as a bull-baiting dog, but today the Bulldog is bred purely as a companion. People keep it for its relaxed, comfortable presence at home, its comic looks and its tendency to be quietly devoted to its household.

Temperament and family life

A Bulldog is typically placid, affectionate and fond of lying close to its people. It is not usually a barker, and its fierce appearance hides a gentle character with most family members. It can be stubborn and willful, and it often appears to be thinking things over before agreeing to any request.

With children it is generally patient and sturdy, though a dog of this weight can knock over a toddler, and it dislikes being teased. Some males are intolerant of other dogs, particularly of the same sex, and food or toy guarding can occur, so careful socialization helps. Most Bulldogs accept visitors well but remain an imposing presence at the door.

Exercise and training

Bulldogs do not need much exercise and cannot take a lot. Short walks and a little play, preferably in the cool part of the day, suit them. They tire quickly and overheat easily, and they should not be asked to jog, swim unsupervised or exercise in hot or humid weather. Gaining weight is a real risk, and extra pounds make breathing and joint problems worse.

Training requires persistence. The breed is capable, yet independent, and it will often decline to cooperate if bored. Short, rewarding sessions with food work better than repetition or force. House training may take longer than with some breeds.

Grooming and shedding

The short coat sheds a moderate amount, and loose hairs stick to fabric, so a weekly brushing with a rubber curry or soft brush is useful. The skin needs more care than the coat. Facial wrinkles and the fold above the tail must be wiped and dried regularly to prevent moist, irritated skin and infection. Some owners use a vet-recommended wipe for this.

Check the ears, trim the nails and brush the teeth. Many Bulldogs snore, drool and pass gas.

Health

Bulldogs are one of the breeds with the most health concerns. The compressed airway can cause noisy breathing, poor tolerance of exercise and heat, and in some dogs surgery to open the nostrils or shorten the soft palate. Skin fold infections, allergies, hip dysplasia, kneecap problems, cherry eye and other eye conditions, and heart disease are all seen. Most puppies are born by cesarean section because of their large heads.

The average lifespan is shorter than for many breeds. Responsible breeders screen hips, heart and eyes and breed for a more open airway and less exaggerated features. This is general information about the Bulldog, and a veterinarian is the person to ask about a particular dog.

History

The Bulldog developed in England and is generally traced to heavy mastiff-type dogs used to seize and hold bulls in the sport of bull-baiting, which was outlawed in England in 1835. After the ban, the breed might have disappeared, but fanciers kept it going as a companion. The modern Bulldog is shorter, more wrinkled and less athletic than its ancestors. It became a symbol of British determination and a popular team mascot.

Is the Bulldog right for you?

A Bulldog fits a calm household in a cool climate, with a home that has air conditioning, little in the way of stairs and an owner willing to spend on veterinary care and skin routine. It is a good indoor companion for people who walk gently and do not need an athletic partner.

It is a poor choice for hot regions, for those who want an active dog, or for anyone who cannot afford possible surgery. A similar but lighter option is the French Bulldog, and the Boston Terrier is smaller and more agile. Owners who like a calm, big-headed dog but want better breathing might look at the Bullmastiff.