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Bulldog (English)

Laid-back and affectionate, with some of the heaviest breed-related health burdens of any dog.

Close-up of a fawn and white English Bulldog face with an undershot jaw and soulful eyes — Frank the Bulldog, all wrinkles and underbite.Photo: Flickr user jjsawrey / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

Weight: 18–25 kg40–55 lb
Height: 31–40 cm12–16 in
Lifespan: 8–10 yrs
Group: Utility / Non-Sporting
Origin: England
Popularity: #10 US#14 UK · 2025

Known for: Flat-friendly Low grooming

Energy

Shedding

Trainability

Barking

Good with kids

Flat-friendly

Temperament

Docile, Affectionate, Stubborn, Calm.

Health problems to know about

Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breed. Veterinary organisations in several countries urge buyers to choose dogs with longer muzzles or health-tested parents, because breathing problems are common and can be severe.

BOAS
Skin fold dermatitis
Cherry eye and entropion
Hip dysplasia
Heat stroke risk

Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.

Daily care

Gentle, short walks in cool weather. Clean skin folds daily. Never leave in heat.

A good fit for

Calm homes, people home a lot, cool climates.

Probably not ideal for

Hot climates, active outdoor owners, tight budgets.

Sources

Popularity: AKC 2025 registration rankings (US); Royal Kennel Club 2025 registrations (UK, ranked by us). Breed traits are tendencies, not guarantees. Individual dogs vary, and mixed breeds and rescues can be wonderful fits too.

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