English Bulldogs 101

Non-Sporting

Few breeds are as iconic as the English Bulldog, a symbol of strength in their home country. They are a playful, loving and funny dog, willing to try anything from skateboarding to agiity trials. Families with English Bulldogs must be careful to understand their limitations and protect them from their own enthusiasm.

What we love about English Bulldogs

Instantly recognizable breed is a popular team mascot

As with many short-nosed breeds, English Bulldogs are heat-intolerant and may require surgery to improve their ability to breathe. Their short, easy-care coats come in a variety of colors, but their skin folds need daily attention to keep from becoming infected.

Energy level

25% energy level

Energy level: 25% (Low)

Bark level

  • Very vocal
  • Talkative

Bark level: As needed. This breed only barks when necessary

Size

14 to 15 inches tall
Medium breed size

Size: 14 to 15 inches tall. This is a Medium sized Dog.

Lifespan

8 to 10 years

Lifespan: 8 to 10 years average

Weight

40 to 50 lbs

Weight: 40 to 50 lbs typical range

Energy level
Low (25%)
Bark level
As needed
Height
14 to 15 inches
Lifespan
8 to 10 years
Weight
40 to 50 lbs

The English Bulldog stands 14 to 15 inches tall and weighs 40 to 50 lbs. English Bulldogs have a lifespan of 8 to 10 years. They are known for a low (25%) energy level and a as needed bark.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do English Bulldogs get?
English Bulldogs stand 14 to 15 inches tall and typically weigh between 40 and 50 pounds.
How long do English Bulldogs live?
The average lifespan of a English Bulldog is 8 to 10 years.
Are English Bulldogs good for first-time dog owners?
English Bulldogs have lower energy levels and can be a good choice for first-time dog owners looking for a calmer companion.
Do English Bulldogs bark a lot?
English Bulldogs typically only bark when necessary — they are not known to be excessive barkers.

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My pet’s health plannerSM

This English Bulldog health planner outlines the most common medical conditions at each life stage — from puppy through senior — along with their relative risk levels. Understanding these risks can help owners plan preventive care and choose the right pet insurance coverage.

Mature adult English Bulldog

4 years

Risk level for common English Bulldog conditions

Mid-life English Bulldogs should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Entropion poses very high risk. Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is at high risk.

80% on risk scale
Entropion
Very High Risk
70% on risk scale
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)
High Risk
40% on risk scale
Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
Above Average Risk

Senior English Bulldog

5+ years

Risk level for common English Bulldog conditions

Senior English Bulldogs face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Entropion and Heart cancer pose very high risk. Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is at high risk.

80% on risk scale
Entropion
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Heart cancer
Very High Risk
70% on risk scale
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)
High Risk

English Bulldog puppy

0 to 9 months

Risk level for common English Bulldog conditions

English Bulldog puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid) and Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) and Pneumonia pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid)
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Pneumonia
Very High Risk

Young adult English Bulldog

10 months to 3 years

Risk level for common English Bulldog conditions

As English Bulldogs grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Entropion and Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Entropion
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)
Very High Risk
60% on risk scale
Pneumonia
Moderate Risk

Mature adult English Bulldog

4 years

Risk level for common English Bulldog conditions

Mid-life English Bulldogs should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Entropion poses very high risk. Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is at high risk.

80% on risk scale
Entropion
Very High Risk
70% on risk scale
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)
High Risk
40% on risk scale
Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
Above Average Risk

Senior English Bulldog

5+ years

Risk level for common English Bulldog conditions

Senior English Bulldogs face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Entropion and Heart cancer pose very high risk. Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is at high risk.

80% on risk scale
Entropion
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Heart cancer
Very High Risk
70% on risk scale
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)
High Risk

English Bulldog puppy

0 to 9 months

Risk level for common English Bulldog conditions

English Bulldog puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid) and Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) and Pneumonia pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid)
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Pneumonia
Very High Risk

Young adult English Bulldog

10 months to 3 years

Risk level for common English Bulldog conditions

As English Bulldogs grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Entropion and Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Entropion
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)
Very High Risk
60% on risk scale
Pneumonia
Moderate Risk
English bulldog standing — health planner for puppies through senior dogs

Nationwide can help you save on your English Bulldog's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.

Puppy (0 to 9 months)
Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid): Very High Risk, Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS): Very High Risk, Pneumonia: Very High Risk
Young Adult (10 months to 3 years)
Entropion: Very High Risk, Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS): Very High Risk, Pneumonia: Moderate Risk
Mature Adult ()
Entropion: Very High Risk, Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS): High Risk, Cruciate ligament tear (knee): Above Average Risk
Senior (5+ years)
Entropion: Very High Risk, Heart cancer: Very High Risk, Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS): High Risk
nglish-bulldog-gettyimages-146927148

British Prime Minister Winston Churchill earned the nickname "British Bulldog" because of his steadfast and resolute personality, which mirrored the characteristics associated with the English Bulldog breed. Churchill did own a Bulldog named Dodo in his youth, but famously loved another breed - Poodles!

English Bulldog coat care and colors

Keeping an English Bulldog’s short, sleek coat in good shape is the easy part of grooming these dogs. It's important to ensure the nose wrinkles, skin folds, and tail area are regularly cleaned and checked often to prevent infections. Infections in these nooks and crannies can be so severe in some dogs that folds needs to be checked daily, and often cleaned daily as well.

The English Bulldog comes in 10 recognized color and pattern combinations, including white and a fawn shade called “fallow.” Acclimating puppies to having their feet handled and nails clipped or ground down is key to making future nail trims easier on everyone.

English Bulldog exercise & training

Exercise level

Exercise level

The English Bulldog is up for any activity. But they’re prone to heat exhaustion and need pet parents who’ll protect them from overdoing it. Easy walks on cool mornings are ideal.

Trainability

Trainability

English Bulldogs are game for anything, but their bodies sometimes are not. Keep training sessions short and cool, heap on the praise, and go easy on the treats.

Group 7540

English Bulldog fun facts

Top girl names for English Bulldogs

100%

of English Bulldogs are female

0%

of English Bulldogs are male

Top boy names for English Bulldogs

Nationwide loves English Bulldogs of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

English Bulldog gender distribution
GenderPercentage
Male0%
Female100%

Among English Bulldogs insured by Nationwide, 0% are male and 100% are female.

English Bulldog statistics: Gender ratio is 0% male and 100% female.

Other breeds like English Bulldogs

Best. English Bulldog insurance. Ever.SM

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