British Bulldog: thinking about getting a British Bulldog?

Place of origin: England

How big do British Bulldogs get? 31 – 40cm

How heavy are British Bulldogs? 18 – 25 kg 

Life Expectancy: 8 – 10 years

Colour: White, Fawn, Piebald, Fawn & White, Brindle & White, Red & White, Red, Red Brindle

Please note: A dog’s exercise, training/stimulation and grooming requirements can depend on several factors such as age and health. The same goes for ongoing costs of ownership. For advice on one specific dog, we always advise chatting with a vet.

How much exercise does a British Bulldog need?

Bulldogs are short-nosed, medium-sized dogs with strong bodies. They need exercise to keep them fit and healthy – just like other breeds – but over-active owners may wish to choose another breed. Because of their ‘squished’ facial anatomy, Bulldogs are not suited to intense exercise or overly long walks. Likewise, we advise walking them during cooler times of the day as Bulldogs are known to struggle in the heat.

A Bulldog may be the breed for you if you’re seeking companionship but aren’t too excited by the prospect of long walks.

Read more: Breathing problems in Brachycephalic breeds.

Training: how to train a British Bulldog

Bulldogs’ temperament usually makes them easy to train. They’re typically sweet and devoted, eager to please their owners. Just like other breeds, we advise training a Bulldog from a young age – and using positive reinforcement when doing so.

Grooming: do British Bulldogs shed?

A Bulldog’s coat is typically smooth and easy to maintain. Weekly brushing should suffice to keep their fur in tip-top condition.

Bulldogs are brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds and often prone to health problems as a result of their squished faces. We advise checking your Bulldog routinely and consulting your vet if you have any concerns.

On the topic of grooming, make sure to keep the folds of skin around your Bulldog’s mouth nice and clean and dry. As with most breeds, a Bulldog will benefit from regular tooth brushing, nail clips and ear checks.

British Bulldog temperament, socialising and ideal home environment

Bulldogs are typically very mild-mannered and make for laidback, patient companions. They’re also good with other pets and children – providing children know how to interact with them safely.

Because Bulldogs aren’t suited to intense exercise, they’d be a good match for owners who aren’t too keen on outdoor adventures. Likewise, their restful nature makes them well suited to owners who live in flats/apartments or urban areas that don’t boast many parks and fields.

Cost of owning a British Bulldog

When you’re considering the lifetime cost of owning a Bulldog, remember to take into account:

• Breed-specific food
• Veterinary care
• Pet insurance
• Kennels or dog sitters
• Regular grooming costs
• Toys and equipment
• Preventative healthcare

As a rough guide, allow between £80 and £120 a month to cover the ongoing costs of owning a British Bulldog. Our vets have drawn up this handy guide to save dog owners money.

As brachycephalic dogs, Bulldogs are on average more susceptible to a range of health problems than other breeds. In particular, they may require surgery to open up their airways and improve their breathing. For more information on brachycephalic breeds, contact your vet.

Need more info?

For more info on finding the best dog breed for you and your lifestyle, have a chat with your vet.

Find your nearest vet using our Find a Vet page, or speak to a vet online using Online Vets.