English Bulldog

Like every breed, the English Bulldog is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:

• Keep sessions short and positive, as they lose interest quickly.
• Use rewards such as treats and praise rather than firm correction.
• Use plenty of repetition and fun games.
• Start socialisation early with people and other pets.

• Children

  Often good with children, with supervision.

• Other dogs

  Usually sociable with other dogs.

• Flats and smaller homes

  Often adapts to flats and smaller homes.

• Being left alone

  Usually copes only with short periods alone.

• First-time owners

  Some dog experience helps.

Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.

• Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)

  Narrow nostrils and excess soft tissue in the nose and throat obstruct breathing, causing noisy breathing, snoring, exercise intolerance and, in severe cases, respiratory distress. The Royal Kennel Club recommends the Respiratory Function Grading scheme before breeding. Speak to your vet if your Bulldog seems to struggle to breathe.

• Skin fold infections

  Excess skin forms folds, especially on the face and around the tail, where bacteria and yeast can grow and cause skin fold pyoderma.

• Eye problems

  Eyelids can turn inwards (entropion) or outwards (ectropion). Dry eye, cherry eye and eye ulcers are also seen. The Royal Kennel Club recommends eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme.

• Hip and elbow dysplasia

  The joints do not develop correctly, leading to degenerative joint disease. Hip and elbow testing under the BVA/KC schemes is recommended.

• Hyperuricosuria (HUU)

  The Royal Kennel Club lists a DNA test for HUU as best practice before breeding.

• Tail and dental problems

  Tail bones can form incorrectly into an inverted or corkscrew tail, which can affect the nerves. A shortened jaw can overcrowd the teeth, causing dental and gum problems.

• Difficult births

  Large shoulders relative to their smaller hindquarters and pelvis mean Bulldogs often need a caesarean section to give birth.

Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a English Bulldog home, it is reasonable to ask about:

• Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
• Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
• Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
• Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.

There are two costs: bringing a English Bulldog home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.

Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically up to 10 years, not just the first year.

If you have decided the English Bulldog suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.

• Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
• Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
• Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
• Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.

English Bulldogs do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.

Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.