• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Dog's Best Life

Dog's Best Life

The information you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, playful and loyal.

  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Is a Bulldog the right dog for you?

Posted May 19, 2020

 
English bulldog on white background. The Bulldog is a massive yet compact dog of dignified stature, with a fierce expression that belies the breed's kind and affectionate nature.
The Bulldog is a massive yet compact dog of dignified stature, with a fierce expression that belies the breed’s kind and affectionate nature.

The English Bulldog is an old breed initially developed to promote the cruel sport of bull-baiting. Although the original breed must have been ferocious, the modern version only looks the part.

Today’s Bulldog (both American and English) is extreme in nearly every way, from his massive head with a wrinkled face featuring a pushed-in nose and undershot jaw, to small pelvis and distinctive “screw” tail. The significant difference is American Bulldogs have longer legs and are considered more athletic than their English cousins. 

The French Bulldog is a miniature version of the English Bulldog with bat-like ears that stand up.

Breed characteristics

American bulldog on white background. Both the American and English Bulldog have massive heads with a wrinkled face featuring a pushed-in nose and undershot jaw. The dogs have a small pelvis and a distinctive "screw" tail. The major difference is American bulldogs have longer legs and are considered more athletic than their English cousins.
Both the American and English Bulldog have massive heads with a wrinkled face featuring a pushed-in nose and undershot jaw. The dogs have a small pelvis and a distinctive “screw” tail. The significant difference is American Bulldogs have longer legs and are considered more athletic than their English cousins.

The Bulldog is a massive yet compact dog of dignified stature, with a fierce expression that belies the breed’s kind and affectionate nature. The breed comes in various colors, including red, brindle, white, fawn, and piebald.

The dogs typically stand 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder and weight 40 to 50 pounds. But be sure to watch his weight, choose his food carefully because these guys can pack on the pounds!

Unfortunately, breeding for extremes can also predispose the breed to health issues.

For example, the wrinkled face creates skin folds predisposed to infection, for example. And the massive head at one end with narrow hips at the other means Bulldog puppies can only be born by Caesarian section.

Today, responsible breeders strive to reverse these health challenges, so be sure to speak frankly with your puppy source.

The Bulldog is an extremely lovable and friendly dog that doesn’t know his strength and can bowl over the unprepared with his enthusiastic greeting. He’s not particularly aggressive but tends to resist training.

He is good with children, but may inadvertently knock them down with his fist-of-a-body. Because of his facial structure, the Bulldog makes all kinds of unbecoming noises — the most polite are described as snores.

Bulldog temperament

Bulldog puppy snuggles with dad. Bulldogs rank high on most popular dog lists.
Bulldogs are affectionate. Just beware: Their kisses can be sloppy.

The typical Bulldog is a determined and courageous dog that isn’t necessarily aggressive. Excellent watchdogs, Bulldogs can be aggressive to strangers and other dogs when it has not been adequately socialized or when it does not have good self-control. Therefore, it is essential to socialize as a puppy and train, so the dog develops the necessary restraint.

Bulldogs are excellent hunters and have a strong prey drive. That impulse can make the dog tend to hunt smaller animals like other pets and small dogs.

Make sure your Bulldog gets plenty of exercise. Plan to take them on daily walks and give them time to play in the yard.

Training needs

Before adopting a Bulldog, you should know that it is recommended for people who understand the psychology of the dog and its behavior within the pack. It needs a firm, calm and consistent master. 

Despite their physical strength, and perhaps because of their strong character, the Bulldog does not respond well to traditional training.

It is better to approach dog training from a different perspective, using clicker training or another variant of positive reinforcement training.

You will need patience to train these intelligent, but occasionally stubborn dogs. The dog can learn tricks and follow basic obedience commands. 

Bulldog health care

Chubby bulldog puppy. Bulldogs are one of the most common obese dog breeds.
Bulldogs have enormous appetites and are prone to becoming overweight.

In general, the Bulldog is a healthy dog. It’s one of the breeds with the least amount of hereditary problems.

Two of the most common clinical problems in this breed are hip dysplasia and cancer.

Because of their height and weight, they can also develop bone problems when growing up. The dogs also are prone to obesity.

With the right care, these dogs have a life expectancy of between eight and 16 years.

The dogs require minimal grooming. Regular brushing (approximately three times per week) and bathing (only when necessary) will keep your Bulldog’s coat healthy.

Bottom line

With its fierce expression, the Bulldog may appear to be an aggressive dog. But the breed is affectionate and a good pet for children. To adopt a Bulldog, check Petfinder.com.

 To find an American Kennel Club-Registered Bulldog breeder, visit the AKC Marketplace.

John M. Caviness is a successful copywriter at MeowEssay. This job allows him to express his opinions and thoughts on different topics, including dog care.

*DogsBestLife.com participates in the Chewy Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to let our site earn fees by linking to Chewy.com. 

Puppy training 101: 7 tips to start your dog off right

 

 

Related Posts

  • non-shedding breed
    Is a French bulldog the right dog for you?

    The French bulldog is a smart, playful dog that perfectly…

  • Golden retriever plays fetch.
    Is a golden retriever the right dog for you?

    The Golden retriever is a friendly, intelligent dog whose willingness…

  • Beagle puppy sticks out its tongue. The Beagle is ruled by scent and will ignore anything (even training and food) for a really good sniff. This fun-loving dog makes a wonderful family pet.
    Is a Beagle the right dog for you?

    The Beagle is ruled by scent and will ignore anything…

  • Belgian Malinois
    Is a Belgian Malinois the right dog for you?

    A Belgian Malinois is a loyal, loving companion who needs…

  • Labrador Retriever puppies
    Is a Labrador Retriever the right dog for you?

    The Labrador Retriever is known for its trainability. Labs are…

  • The Komondor or mop dog is known for its distinctive coat covered in rope-like curls. The coat requires daily brushing and regular bathing.
    Is a Komondor the right dog for you?

    The Komondor or mop dog is known for its distinctive…

  • American Water Spaniel
    Is an American Water Spaniel the right dog for you?

    The American Water Spaniel is a medium-sized breed known for…

  • The Chow Chow's tongue has a distinctive blue tint.
    Is a Chow Chow the right dog for you?

    While the Chow Chow may appear aggressive, the dogs aren't.…

Share this post:

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Reddit

Filed Under: Dog Breeds, Home Page Tagged With: Bulldog

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Facts
  • Dog Fun
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Inspirations
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Travel
  • Holidays
  • Home Page
  • Puppies
  • Top Stories

Featured Posts

  • puppy 101

    Puppy training 101: 7 tips to start your dog off right

  • Small brown and white dog wears a mask. Dogs and coronavirus: Canines unlikely to catch or transmit the virus to people or other animals, World Small Animal Veterinary Association says.

    Coronavirus and dogs: Can canines get COVID-19?

  • Dogs and other pets on a video conference call. Dog home alone again? If you're preparing to go back to work, get your dog ready. To prevent separation anxiety, use training, treats, and a safe space.

    Ready to go back to work? Prepare your dog to be home alone

Tags

Camping Quarantine Bichon frisé dog quotes Pit bull Allergies Paw Dog cloning Two dogs Valentine's Day Dog temperament Potty training Canine autism Cavalier King Charles spaniel labsky Dogs eat grass French bulldog Dog-safe plants GingerLead German shepherd medication Chewing Dog sounds Sheltie Hip dysplasia pekingese Jumping Food aggression Begging Rescue dog

Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • Big dog essentials: Get the right gear for large canines
    Large dog owners need to provide the proper gear to suit their size. Carefully consider your large dog's bed, toys, and grooming gear. […]
  • 8 ways to keep your dog away from fish tanks
    Put your aquarium in a room where your dog doesn’t go or set up a motion sensor-controlled alarm system to keep your pup away from the tank. […]
  • 7 tips for living successfully with an epileptic dog
    If you have an epileptic dog, reduce risks at home that could injure your dog during a seizure. Research the condition and ask questions. […]
  • How pets help us through the pandemic
    Being stuck at home reinforced the value of pet benefits for most owners. Our dogs provide unconditional love and are great listeners. […]

Get Our Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

© Copyright 2021 Dog's Best Life online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy
Get Our Free Monthly Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkRead more