British Bulldog

Breed History

Did you know that the British Bulldog is one of the oldest British breeds and has been around since the 17th century. They were bred for bull-baiting and dog fights, hence their muscular body and confident nature.

General Appearance

The British Bulldog is a medium breed with short fur with a distinguishably strong head and shoulder and short snout. The British Bulldog will reach between 31-40cm in height and can weigh 20 - 25kg on average. 

Temperament

Although this breed was initially bred as a fighting dog, the traits associated with their history have long been bred out of them. Modern British Bulldogs make wonderful family pets with loving personalities. They are described as having a ‘calm dignity’ about them and have been described as stubborn but loveable by some owners. 

Health Considerations

The British Bulldog has an average lifespan of 8 - 10 years. Due to the flat face and wrinkly skin of the Bulldog, they can experience trouble breathing and aren’t well equipped for the heat. Owners need to be on high alert for early signs of heat stroke during the summer, including excessive panting and drooling. Cooling mats can be useful and we should keep these dogs out of the mid-day sun.

Trainability

Despite the odd tendency to be stubborn, the Bulldog is relatively easy to train and will respond well to positive reinforcement methods. 

Exercise

Their size and stature is contradictory to the bursts of energy we sometimes see from Bulldogs. As owners of British Bulldogs, we should aim for at least one hours exercise daily. Try mixing up shorter walks, with some off-lead play time in a secure area.

Grooming

We should aim for a good brushing once or twice a week to keep our Bulldogs looking fresh and to help with shedding. We can also wipe between any wrinkles to remove bacteria that may have become trapped.

Feeding Considerations

These dogs are known for experiencing frequent digestive upsets, especially if not fed a high quality diet. It can help to feed daily probiotics and stick to a specific diet such as food and treats for sensitive stomachs. In some cases, having your Bulldog assessed for a food sensitivity or allergy may be worthwhile.

You'll find a handy feeding calculator on every product page here at Pooch & Mutt to help you identify how much of our health led recipes are right for the age, size and weight of your dog.