English Bulldog Guide: History, Size, Temperament and Adoption
What were English Bulldogs originally bred for?
The American Kennel Club lists England as the breed's origin and places it in the Non-Sporting Group. The earliest dogs of the breed had a specific job, bull holding, which was a legitimate part of a butcher's business. That work also grew into the cruel sport of bull baiting, and when such sports were outlawed in Britain the breed's function essentially ended. After bull-baiting was banned by the English Parliament, the Bulldog gradually became a shorter-legged, thicker companion version of its working predecessors.
English Bulldog size and weight
The American Kennel Club puts the Bulldog in the medium size category, and its published height is 14-15 inches. For English Bulldog weight, the American Kennel Club publishes 50 pounds for males and 40 pounds for females. The United Kennel Club describes the ideal dog as a short-coated, thick-bodied dog, wide and heavy in the shoulders and lighter in the hindquarters, with a pear-shaped outline when seen from above.
English Bulldog temperament and the bulldog family dog
The American Kennel Club describes bulldog temperament with the words friendly, courageous and calm. The United Kennel Club standard calls the disposition equable and kind, with a peaceful and dignified manner. In the American Kennel Club's general ratings the breed scores 4 of 5 for family affection and 4 of 5 for playfulness, and 3 of 5 for compatibility with children and with other dogs, so a bulldog family match depends on the individual dog.
Energy, grooming and training
The American Kennel Club rates the breed 3 of 5 for energy and 3 of 5 for mental enrichment, and 4 of 5 for trainability. The coat is short and smooth, and the club rates grooming frequency and shedding at 3 of 5 each.
English Bulldog lifespan
The American Kennel Club gives a general life expectancy of 8-10 years for the Bulldog, which is a useful guide to english bulldog lifespan. Ask a veterinarian what screening and care suit a particular dog.
Considering English Bulldog adoption or bulldog rescue
The United Kennel Club standard says the breed has endeared itself to many people through its loving, gentle temperament. Lily's Second Chance lists dogs cared for by other organizations, so adopters interested in bulldog rescue contact the listing organization about a specific dog's history and needs.
AKC breed facts
These are the American Kennel Club’s general facts and 1 to 5 ratings for the Bulldog as a breed. General tendencies don’t establish any one dog’s ancestry, personality or health; ask the listing organization about the dog you are considering.
- AKC group
- Non-Sporting Group
- AKC recognition year
- 1886
- Height (AKC published)
- 14-15 inches
- Weight (AKC published)
- 50 pounds (male), 40 pounds (female)
- General life expectancy
- 8-10 years
- AKC size category
- Medium
AKC general breed ratings (1 to 5)
- Energy: 3 of 5
- Mental enrichment: 3 of 5
- Trainability: 4 of 5
- Grooming frequency: 3 of 5
- Shedding: 3 of 5
- Vocalization: 2 of 5
- Drooling: 3 of 5
- Adaptability: 3 of 5
- Playfulness: 4 of 5
- Watchful or protective tendency: 3 of 5
- Affection toward family: 4 of 5
- Openness toward strangers: 4 of 5
- AKC child compatibility rating: 3 of 5
- AKC dog compatibility rating: 3 of 5
Health screenings AKC lists for the breed
Breeding evaluations AKC names for the breed; they are not a diagnosis or a testing plan for any one dog.
- Patella Evaluation
- Cardiac Exam
- Tracheal Hypoplasia Radiographic Evaluation
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (opens in a new tab), retrieved November 4, 2026 (snapshot akc-2026-11-04).
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
- 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
