Bulldog
Loyal, low-slung and in no hurry.
- Weight
- 40–55 lbs
- Height
- 14–15 in
- Lifespan
- 8–10 yrs
In short
The Bulldog is a non-sporting companion breed, bred in England from bull-baiting dogs and later selected for gentleness, weighing 40–55 lbs and standing 14–15 in tall, with a calm, courageous and affectionate temperament. It needs only short exercise sessions, careful heat management, airway care and strict weight control.
Is it right for you?
A great match if you…
- want a calm, low-key companion indoors
- live in an apartment with air conditioning
- can budget for above-average vet care
Think twice if you…
- live somewhere hot without reliable AC
- want a jogging or hiking partner
- can't clean skin folds several times a week
The daily plan
- Exercise
- 30–45 min a day
- Training
- 2–3 × 5–10 min sessions × length
- Treat limit
- 85–110 kcal all treats, 10% rule
At a glance
TrainabilityIndependent thinker5.0/10
EnergyEasygoing3.0/10
Calm at homeCalm indoors8.5/10
SheddingModerate shedder4.0/10
What sets it apart
-
01
Wrinkled face
Deep facial folds hold moisture and need daily cleaning to prevent infection.
-
02
Wide-set chest
A broad, muscular chest gives the breed its rolling gait.
-
03
Undershot jaw
The lower jaw projects past the upper jaw, giving the breed its distinct expression.
Size & coat
| Specification | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 50–55 lbs | 40–50 lbs |
| Height | 14–15 in | 14–15 in |
| Daily calories | 1,160–1,410 kcal | 980–1,310 kcal |
| Lifespan | 8–10 yrs | |
| Coat | Short, fine, smooth single coat | |
Personality
A calm, courageous companion with a stubborn, easygoing streak.
How it thinks
Mildly intelligent and slow to be moved, with a low drive and strong preference for comfort and company.
At home
Gentle with children, steady with other pets, and content with short play and long naps.
Training
-
How often
2–3 short sessions daily, 5–10 minutes each.
-
Socialize early (8–16 weeks)
Socialize between 8–16 weeks with people, noises and other dogs in cool conditions.
-
Self-control
Teach a settle and a polite leash walk; avoid overexertion and use food rewards generously.
-
What it works for
Small liver pieces reward effort without adding much weight to a breed that gains it quickly.
Exercise
Exercise a day
30–45 min
CouchModerateAthlete
Good outlets
- Short, cool-weather walks
- Light indoor play
- Slow sniffing outings.
Brain work
- Snuffle mats
- Short trick sessions
- Food-dispensing toys.
Feeding
Prone to weight gain, gas and food sensitivities. Feed measured meals of a single-protein diet and keep dogs lean for breathing and joints.
Puppy (4–12 Mos)
- Daily calories
- 910–1,740 kcal
- Protein
- 28%
- Fat
- 18%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 90–175 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 5–9 pieces a day
Adult Maintenance
- Daily calories
- 860–1,090 kcal
- Protein
- 26%
- Fat
- 15%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 85–110 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 4–5 pieces a day
Active / Working
- Daily calories
- 1,350–1,720 kcal
- Protein
- 30%
- Fat
- 20%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 135–170 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 7–9 pieces a day
Senior (8+ Yrs)
- Daily calories
- 740–940 kcal
- Protein
- 28%
- Fat
- 12%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 75–95 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 4–5 pieces a day
Compare every life stage
| Life stage | Daily calories | Protein | Fat | Treat limit (all treats) | Saylor's liver, suggested / day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (4–12 Mos) | 910–1,740 kcal | 28% | 18% | 90–175 kcal | 5–9 pieces |
| Adult Maintenance | 860–1,090 kcal | 26% | 15% | 85–110 kcal | 4–5 pieces |
| Active / Working | 1,350–1,720 kcal | 30% | 20% | 135–170 kcal | 7–9 pieces |
| Senior (8+ Yrs) | 740–940 kcal | 28% | 12% | 75–95 kcal | 4–5 pieces |
The treat limit is the 10% rule for every treat combined. Saylor's liver is suggested at about 2% of daily calories, as a small topper: liver is very rich in vitamin A, so it should not become a staple. Check with your vet if your dog has a health condition or a special diet.
Health & grooming
| Watch for | Ask the breeder or vet for | When |
|---|---|---|
| Brachycephalic airway syndrome | Veterinary airway exam and weight check | Yearly |
| Hip dysplasia and cherry eye | Orthopedic and eye exam | Yearly |
| Skin-fold dermatitis and heat stress | Skin and fold check | Every vet visit |
| Luxating patella (slipping kneecaps) | OFA patella evaluation | Once, from 12 months |
| Heart disease | Heart exam by a veterinary cardiologist | Before breeding; ask for the latest result |
| Tracheal Hypoplasia | OFA radiographic (X-ray) evaluation | Once, from 12 months |
Official health tests for breeding dogs
The OFA's CHIC program asks Bulldog breeders to test for these. Ask to see the results before you buy a puppy.
- Kneecap (patella) check
- Heart exam
- Tracheal Hypoplasia
Also recommended
- Breathing grade (RFGS)
- Eye exam (ophthalmologist)
- Hip evaluation
- Elbow evaluation
- Thyroid panel
- Hearing test (BAER)
- Hyperuricosuria
Grooming Moderate year-round
Wipe facial folds and tail pocket daily, brush weekly, bathe monthly, clean ears weekly and keep the dog cool.
History
Origins
Bull-Baiting Origins
Bulldogs were bred in England for bull-baiting before the sport was banned in 1835.
Standardization
Gentler Standardization
Breeders selected for a calm temperament and the breed's trademark wrinkled look.
Modern Companion
Mascot and Companion
Today it is a placid companion and a popular mascot with significant health needs.
Questions owners ask
Are Bulldogs easy to train?
Moderately. Bulldogs are willing but stubborn and easily bored, so short, food-rewarded sessions in cool weather work best.
How many calories does a Bulldog need per day?
An active adult Bulldog (40–55 lbs) typically needs about 980–1,410 kcal per day (1.6–1.8× resting energy requirement), while a neutered, low-activity adult needs about 860–1,090 kcal and a working dog up to 1,350–1,720 kcal. Adjust to body condition and your vet's advice.
What is the best diet and training treat for a Bulldog?
Small, fast-eaten, high-value pieces. Keep every treat inside the 10% limit: about 85–110 kcal a day in total for an adult Bulldog of typical size. If you use Saylor's freeze-dried liver, keep it to a small share of that, roughly 4–5 pieces a day: liver is very rich in vitamin A, so it should stay a topper, not a staple. Adjust for your own dog's size and body condition, and ask your vet if there is a health condition or special diet.
Are Bulldogs good for apartments or first-time owners?
Yes. Bulldogs suit apartments and many first-time owners, as long as heat is controlled and owners accept a high vet-care commitment.
How much exercise does a Bulldog require daily?
Plan for 30–45 minutes daily in short, cool outings. Stop at the first sign of heavy panting.
What health issues are Bulldogs prone to?
Bulldogs are prone to brachycephalic airway syndrome, hip dysplasia, cherry eye, skin-fold infections and heat stress. Keep them lean and cool.
Freeze Dried Beef Liver Dog Treats
Back in stock soon
We're restocking. When it's back, a Bulldog needs only 4–5 pieces a day, well inside the 85–110 kcal treat limit.
See the productWhere the Bulldog ranks
Health tests follow the OFA's CHIC program. The treat limit is 10% of daily calories for all treats combined. Every dog is different, so use this as a starting point and ask your vet about yours.
Breeds like the Bulldog
Closest in size, energy, trainability, calm at home and shedding.
