Thinking About Adopting a Bulldog? Here’s What You Should Know

Bulldogs are known for their squishy faces, stocky builds, and gentle personalities. They’re calm, loyal companions who love being near their people—and they do best in homes where life moves at a slower pace.

If you’re considering adopting an English Bulldog, here’s everything you should know to decide if this charming, low-key breed is right for you.

🐕 Temperament: Calm, Loyal, and Affectionate

Bulldogs are:

• Gentle, loving, and great with kids
• Loyal to their families and often a bit clingy
• Friendly with strangers but not overly excitable
• Low-energy and happy to nap most of the day

They’re couch potatoes at heart and make excellent indoor companions—but they also need boundaries to avoid stubborn behavior.

🧠 Trainability: Stubborn but Capable

Bulldogs are smart, but not always eager to please:

• Can be stubborn or slow to respond
• Do best with short, positive training sessions
• Food motivation helps a lot—but watch for overeating

Consistency and patience are key. They’re not built for advanced obedience, but they can learn the basics with repetition and rewards.

⚡ Energy Level: Low to Moderate

Bulldogs aren’t high-energy:

• Need 20–40 minutes of daily activity (short walks or playtime)
• Prone to overheating, especially in summer—avoid intense exercise
• Playful in short bursts, but not built for long hikes or agility

They’re best for families or individuals looking for a relaxed companion, not a running buddy.

🧼 Grooming & Shedding

Bulldogs are relatively low-maintenance but need regular care:

• Short coat that sheds moderately year-round
• Weekly brushing helps with loose hair
• Facial folds need to be cleaned daily to prevent infection
• Prone to drooling and slobber—keep a towel handy

They’re not heavy shedders, but their skin needs regular attention.

🩺 Health Considerations

Bulldogs are lovable—but they’re a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed with several health concerns:

• Breathing issues (especially in heat or after activity)
• Joint problems, including hip and elbow dysplasia
• Skin infections, especially in folds
• Bloat, eye conditions, and heart concerns

Most Bulldogs live 8–10 years. Responsible breeding and proactive care are essential for a healthy, happy Bulldog.

🏡 Lifestyle Fit

Before adopting, ask:

• Can you provide a cool, comfortable indoor space?
• Are you okay with a slower-paced dog who needs close human companionship?
• Do you want a dog that prefers cuddling over running?

Bulldogs are great for apartments, condos, and chill households. They thrive on routine, soft beds, and gentle attention.

🍗 Feeding & Nutrition

Feeding a Bulldog:

• Look for high-quality food with joint support and lean protein
• Watch calorie intake—they’re prone to weight gain
• Most eat 2–3 cups per day, depending on size and activity

Avoid overfeeding or free-feeding. Bulldogs gain weight easily, and excess pounds stress their joints and breathing.

🐾 Puppy vs. Adult Bulldog

Bulldog puppies are:

• Clumsy, cute, and full of wrinkles
• Prone to chewing and bathroom accidents early on
• More active than adults—but still slower than most breeds

Adult Bulldogs are often a better fit for first-time owners. They’re calmer, less destructive, and often already housetrained.

🧬 Adoption vs. Breeder

Adoption:

• Bulldogs are commonly surrendered due to health costs or lifestyle mismatch
• Breed-specific rescues (like Bullies In Need Ontario) often have wonderful dogs available

Breeder:

• Choose a breeder who tests for breathing, hips, and skin issues
• Ask about C-section history—many Bulldogs can’t whelp naturally
• Avoid breeders who overemphasize extreme wrinkles or ultra-flat faces

Responsible breeding is critical for Bulldog health and quality of life.

Final Thoughts

Bulldogs are sweet, loving, and low-maintenance in all the right ways—but they also need a lot of care behind the scenes. If you want a loyal sidekick who thrives on couch time and companionship (and don’t mind some snoring), a Bulldog might be a perfect match.

We know Bulldogs inside and out. They may not sprint through the backyard like a Labrador, but they’ll win you over with every slow tail wag and snort. If you’re thinking about adopting one, come meet a few and see how they fit in with our relaxed playgroups!