Bulldog Guide: History, Size, Temperament and Care for Adopters
What were bulldogs bred for? Bulldog history
Dogs listed simply as Bulldog form a broad type, and a given dog may be a mix whose exact ancestry is uncertain. The references describe the English Bulldog, the closest breed, so the facts below are about the English Bulldog and not about every dog of this type. The earliest English Bulldogs had a specific use in bull holding, which was part of the butcher's business. That work also developed into bull baiting, and the English Parliament banned the sport in 1835. Afterward the English Bulldog gradually became a thicker, lower-legged companion, quite different from the dogs that did the original work. Fanciers of the earliest dogs would not recognize today's English Bulldog.
Bulldog size
The American Kennel Club places the English Bulldog in the medium size category, at 14-15 inches in height. For weight, the American Kennel Club publishes 50 pounds for males and 40 pounds for females.
Bulldog temperament and the bulldog family
The American Kennel Club uses the words friendly, courageous and calm for the English Bulldog. The United Kennel Club describes the English Bulldog's disposition as equable and kind, with a demeanor of peace and dignity. The VCA Animal Hospitals profile says it is not friendly toward strange dogs but is friendly toward other pets.
Training
The English Bulldog is willing to please but can be stubborn, and it may rebel against forceful methods. It tends to do best with reward-based training along with good control and leadership.
Exercise and heat
The English Bulldog needs daily exercise such as a leisurely walk or some backyard games. Indoor games are preferable in warm weather, since its short coat gives little protection against cold.
Grooming
The coat needs only occasional brushing, about once a week, to remove dead hair. Wrinkles on the face, and any around the tail, call for a daily check, cleaning and drying.
Bulldog health issues and how long bulldogs live
The American Kennel Club gives a general life expectancy of 8-10 years for the English Bulldog. The English Bulldog is extremely prone to overheating because of its flat face. It also has a tendency to be slightly overweight, so calories may need to be restricted if an adult dog gains too much weight. The American Kennel Club lists patella evaluation, a cardiac exam and a tracheal hypoplasia radiographic evaluation as breed screenings. Ask a veterinarian what to watch for in any individual dog.
Bulldog rescue and adoption
If you want to adopt a bulldog, remember that Lily's Second Chance lists dogs cared for by other organizations, and a listed dog's mix and history may be unclear.
Written by Lily's Second Chance with AI assistance from the sources listed under References. Facts were checked automatically against those sources on November 9, 2026.
References
- Bulldog | VCA Animal Hospitals (opens in a new tab), VCA Animal Hospitals, checked November 7, 2026
- Breed Standards : English Bulldog | United Kennel Club (UKC) (opens in a new tab), United Kennel Club, checked November 9, 2026
- Bulldog - AKC breed profile (snapshot akc-2026-11-04) (opens in a new tab), American Kennel Club, checked November 4, 2026
