Bulldog

The Bulldog (also called the English Bulldog or British Bulldog) is a British breed of mastiff type. It is a stocky, muscular, medium-sized dog with a large head, thick folds of skin around the face and shoulders, and a relatively flat face with a protruding lower jaw.

The coat is short, flat and sleek, in red, fawn, white, brindle and piebald. The tail is short and can hang straight or be tucked in a coil known as a corkscrew. Male Bulldogs weigh about 25 kg and females about 23 kg.

Today the Bulldog is commonly kept as a pet. In 2013 it was the twelfth most frequently registered breed worldwide.

The Bulldog descends from the Old English Bulldog, a now-extinct breed used for bull-baiting. The word "Bulldog" is first recorded in a letter from 1631 or 1632. The "bull" part of the name comes from the dogs' use in that sport, and over the centuries the work shaped their stocky bodies and massive heads and jaws.

Bull-baiting was outlawed in England by the Cruelty to Animals Act 1835. The modern Bulldog was then bred as a companion dog. Early Bulldog clubs formed in the 1860s and 1870s, and the Bulldog Club founded in 1875 still exists. The Kennel Club, founded in 1873, included Bulldogs in its first Stud Book in 1874.

The American Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1886. Though Bulldogs look tough, modern ones cannot do the work they were first bred for, as they cannot cope with the rigours of chasing a bull and cannot grip with such a short muzzle.

Although the Bulldog is often used as a symbol of ferocity and courage, the modern Bulldog is generally a friendly, amiable dog. According to the American Kennel Club, the disposition should be equable and kind, resolute and courageous, and not vicious or aggressive.

Bulldogs are known for getting along well with children, other dogs and other pets. The modern dog is bred for appearance and friendliness and is not suited to significant physical exertion.

Bulldogs are a much less healthy breed than average. A Royal Veterinary College study found over twice the odds of being diagnosed with at least one of the common disorders investigated. A 2022 UK study found a life expectancy of 7.39 years, the second lowest of all breeds in the study. A 2024 UK study found 9.8 years, compared with 12.7 for purebreds and 12 for crossbreeds.

The short snout is known as brachycephaly. It deforms the upper airway and can obstruct breathing. It brings noisy breathing, skin fold dermatitis, risks under anaesthesia, and overheating, because the dog cannot cool itself well by panting.

Other conditions linked to the breed include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, swimmer puppy syndrome, atopic dermatitis, demodicosis and hiatal hernia. In a 2004 UK survey the leading causes of death were cardiac-related (20%), cancer (18%) and old age (9%).

Over 80% of Bulldog litters are delivered by Caesarean section because of the puppies' large heads.

This is general awareness only, not veterinary advice. Always consult a vet about your pet's health.

How long do Bulldogs live?

UK studies have found life expectancy of about 7.4 years in one study and 9.8 years in a more recent one. That is shorter than the average for purebreds and crossbreeds.

Are Bulldogs good with children?

Bulldogs are known for getting along well with children, other dogs and other pets. The modern Bulldog is generally friendly and amiable.

Are Bulldogs aggressive?

Despite their fierce reputation, the modern Bulldog is generally friendly. The American Kennel Club calls for a kind and courageous disposition that is not vicious or aggressive.

Why do Bulldogs have breathing problems?

Their short, pushed-in face is called brachycephaly. It deforms the upper airway and can obstruct breathing, and it also makes cooling down by panting difficult.

Why are Bulldog puppies born by Caesarean?

Over 80% of litters are delivered this way. The puppies' large heads can become lodged in the mother's birth canal, and surgery also avoids potential breathing problems for the mother during labour.

Can Bulldogs fly on planes?

Many airlines ban the breed from the cargo hold. Air pressure interacts poorly with their breathing problems, and the death rate has been high.

The Bulldog Club, founded in 1875, is the oldest single-breed dog kennel club in the world.

To many, the Bulldog is a British national icon, symbolising pluck and determination. During the Second World War Winston Churchill was likened to a Bulldog for his defiance of Nazi Germany.

Bulldogs are popular mascots for universities, sports teams and other organisations.

The Netherlands has forbidden breeding dogs with very short snouts, including Bulldogs, and began enforcing the law in 2019.