How long do Bulldogs live?

The average lifespan for an English Bulldog is 8 to 10 years.

Are Bulldogs a good family dog?

English Bulldogs are docile and gentle, making them a good choice for families with children. They have low exercise needs, so it’s likely they can fit in around your routine. Once fully grown, Bulldogs often spend much of their time snoozing and love some family time.

How much exercise do Bulldogs need?

Bulldogs don’t have high exercise needs. Around 20 to 40 minutes per day is often enough, and even this can be broken down into short, low-impact walks. They also need some mental stimulation, such as games and training.

Can I exercise my Bulldog too much?

Yes. One of the biggest reported health problems with Bulldogs is respiratory issues. Keep walks short and sweet and don’t let them over-exert.

You can expect some shedding with a Bulldog, but they are not heavy shedders.

Can I groom a Bulldog at home?

Bulldogs have short hair and can be <a href="/pet-insurance/guides/dog-grooming-at-home/" target="_self">groomed at home</a>. As part of your grooming routine, you will need to clean their wrinkles to prevent infection.

Can you insure a Bulldog?

Yes. At MORE THAN we insure many Bulldogs.

How much is pet insurance for Bulldogs?

To find out the cost of insuring your Bulldog, get a quote for <a href="/pet-insurance/" target="_self">pet insurance</a>.

Bulldog insurance

Stocky, yet soft at heart - the Bulldog is a lovable and courageous family dog.

At a glance

20 to 40 minutes of exercise a day

Life expectancy of 8 to 10 years

Medium, between 18kg and 25kg

Docile, loyal, friendly

Silhouette of a Beagle dog showing they can be between 33 and 40cm tall

20 to 40 minutes of exercise a day

Life expectancy of 8 to 10 years

Medium, between 18kg and 25kg

Docile, loyal, friendly

Bulldog – your tender but tenacious companion

Sweet and gentle, the Bulldog is a nice mix of courage, love and loyalty. Due to their low exercise needs and love of children, they often make a fantastic family dog. They can live with a small, or no, garden, and love to spend most of their time relaxing on the sofa.

Buying or rehoming a Bulldog

It’s possible to buy a Bulldog puppy from a reputable breeder, or you can rescue one. Either way, you’ll want to prepare before your new dog’s arrival. Consider the following:

Make sure there is a safe environment for your dog at home, and somewhere for them to relax
Have a look at the best diet for your Bulldog and get some food
Buy a lead, collar, ID tag and some durable toys
Prepare your family, especially children, to learn how to interact with your new pet
Secure your garden, checking for holes in fencing or bushes
Bulldogs can shed moderately year-round so read up on grooming routines and techniques. You may need to clean their wrinkles to prevent bacteria build-up
Plan the best way to exercise your Bulldog. This can include walks, play with other dogs or playing fetch. It's important not to overexert your Bulldog when planning their exercise routine
Bulldogs are prone to certain health issues, and any dog can get into an accident. Consider your pet insurance options.

Fun fact

Bulldogs are often referred to as ‘gentle giants’ and are known for being great with children.

Top 5 health conditions in Bulldogs

We’ve put together the most common claimed for conditions for Bulldogs, based on MORE THAN pet insurance customer claims

Condition	Number of claims	Average paid out
	16	£1,867.72
	14	£1,216.61
	4	£1,183.40
	5	£766.21
	4	£724.64

Condition

Number of claims

Average paid out

£1,867.72

Condition

Average paid out

£1,216.61

Condition

Average paid out

£1,183.40

Condition

Average paid out

£766.21

Condition

Average paid out

£724.64

Based on MORE THAN data 1 January 2021 to 1 November 2023. Average cost paid out includes excess.

Common health issues and problems in Bulldogs

A Bulldog's head shape and skin folds can make them prone to certain health issues. This includes respiratory illnesses and skin infections. The average lifespan for a Bulldog is between 8 and 10 years.

Click on the hotspots to find out more about the Bulldog’s most common health issues. Data provided by our in-house vet team (November 2023).

This is a chronic, lifelong condition that can occur in brachycephalic dogs. Their flat facial structure can obstruct the airways causing breathing problems.

Symptoms:

Noise when breathing (sounds like snoring)
Clear nasal discharge
Difficulty or increased effort when breathing
Shortness of breath
Coughing
Prolonged recovery from exercise
Reduced or poor exercise tolerance
Gastrointestinal issues, including regurgitation, excessive salivation, vomiting and gagging
Sensitivity to heat
Sudden collapse

BOAS can be mild, or severe enough to impair your dog’s life and behaviour. It’s important you see a veterinarian as soon as possible if you notice any of these symptoms

Bulldogs are prone to skin problems. These can be caused by allergies, or moisture and debris getting stuck in their skin wrinkles.

Symptoms:

Red, irritated skin
Hair loss
Increased itching
Scratching or rubbing their face or ears
Pustules (inflamed around the edges with a raised pus-filled centre)

If you think your dog has allergies, or is showing signs of a skin infection, contact your vet straight away.

A genetic condition where the hip doesn’t develop properly. This can lead to pain and arthritis.

Symptoms:

Stiffness
Intolerance to exercise
Difficulty changing position
Struggles with climbing stairs or getting in and out of the car
Abnormal gait (often looks like swaying)
Limping on hind legs
Protection of the hip area when being stroked, groomed or bathed

If your Bulldog is showing any signs of hip dysplasia, contact your vet straight away.

Cherry eye is a condition that affects a dog’s third eyelid (nictitating membrane). It is caused when the tear-producing gland becomes displaced.

Symptoms:

The appearance of a pink ‘blob’ in the corner of the dog’s eye
Eye dryness and irritation
Redness and inflammation
Abnormal discharge from the affected eye
Rubbing of the face and eye

If you notice cherry eye on your dog, contact your vet. Surgery can be required.

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)

Allergies and skin problems

Hip dysplasia

Cherry eye

"Bulldogs may have a tough looking, muscular exterior, but they are loyal, brave, gentle and loving dogs that are great with kids. Due to their flat faces (brachycephalic) they can struggle with exercising, especially in warmer months, so keep exercise moderate"

Luke Mangion, MORE THAN Vet

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Bulldog temperament and family friendliness

Bulldogs have a reputation for being great with families. They are gentle and affectionate and enjoy spending time relaxing at home. Suitable for families with limited time to get out on dog walks, or with a small to no garden.

Children must be taught how to safely interact with dogs, and to give them space. Although naturally good-natured, the temperament of any dog must be nurtured.

Family friendly

Loyal
Gentle
Friendly
Docile

Related guides

Bulldog insurance

At a glance

Bulldog – your tender but tenacious companion

Buying or rehoming a Bulldog

Fun fact

Top 5 health conditions in Bulldogs

Common health issues and problems in Bulldogs

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS):

Allergies and skin problems:

Hip dysplasia:

Cherry eye:

Are you looking for insurance for your Bulldog?

Ready to insure your Bulldog?

Bulldog temperament and family friendliness

Family friendly

Bulldogs as a breed

How long do Bulldogs live?

Are Bulldogs a good family dog?

Are Bulldogs aggressive?

Bulldog diet and exercise

How much exercise do Bulldogs need?

Can I exercise my Bulldog too much?

Bulldog grooming

Do Bulldogs shed?

Can I groom a Bulldog at home?