English Bulldogs: The Reality of Care and Ownership

As an English Bulldog mama for almost 30 years, I have experienced both the joy and heartbreak that come with loving this breed. I have raised six bulldogs, laughed daily at their personalities, and endured losses that stay with you forever. I lost one bulldog to heat stroke while under a dog sitter’s care, and recently lost another to brain cancer. Those experiences change how you view ownership and responsibility.

English Bulldog ownership requires accountability, constant maintenance, patience, and the financial and emotional resources to provide consistent care. This breed is not for everyone. While they are undeniably adorable as puppies, reality sets in quickly once skin issues, food allergies, breathing challenges, and joint problems begin to appear.

I am writing this post to share with future and first time bulldog owners who may not fully understand what they are committing to. I do not consider myself an expert. Everything here is based on personal experience from raising six bulldogs over several decades. Take this advice with a grain of salt, but please understand the responsibilities that come with bulldog ownership.

Understanding the English Bulldog Breed

English Bulldogs are affectionate, loyal, and deeply bonded to their people. They are calm companions who prefer being close to their families rather than constantly on the move. Their physical structure, however, makes them a high maintenance breed by nature.

Their short snouts make it difficult for them to regulate body temperature. They are prone to overheating and breathing issues, even during mild activity. Their compact bodies and unique leg structure also make them susceptible to joint pain, arthritis, and mobility issues as they age. Bulldogs are not athletic dogs and should never be expected to keep up with long walks or strenuous play.

Food and Nutrition

Food plays a huge role in bulldog health, and finding the right diet can take time. We have tried many food options over the years including grain free, legume free, poultry free, and limited ingredient diets to reduce allergic reactions.

We currently feed Zignature Bison, which has worked well for our bulldogs. The food uses high quality venison or bison as the main protein, is naturally low in fat, and is formulated for dogs with food sensitivities. It also includes added vitamins, minerals, and probiotics to support gut health.

Our bulldogs have healthy coats, good energy levels, and fewer allergy flare-ups on this food.

We feed two cups per day and avoid overfeeding. They receive no table scraps and no processed human food. I also make bone broth from scratch using turkey, and they get a spoonful added to each meal. Keeping bulldogs lean is essential, as excess weight worsens joint problems and breathing difficulties.

Wrinkle and Skin Care

Bulldog wrinkles require daily care. Their facial folds can trap moisture, dirt, and bacteria, which leads to infections if not cleaned properly.

We clean their folds every day using wrinkle wipes and apply wrinkle paste as needed (see our bulldog products here). Drying the folds completely is just as important as cleaning them. Never leave moisture behind, as this can cause irritation and infections.

It is also critical to check tail pockets, paws, and skin regularly. Any redness, odor, or excessive licking should be addressed immediately before it becomes a larger issue.

Exercise, Sleep, and Joint Health

English Bulldogs sleep a lot, often between 14 and 16 hours per day. This is normal for the breed. While they are not high energy, they still require mental and physical stimulation.

We play gentle games like tug of war and provide plenty of toys to chew. Exercise should always be controlled and low impact. Bulldogs have fragile joints, so stairs, jumping, and excessive pressure on their back legs should be avoided. Preventing obesity is one of the best ways to protect their joints long term.

Heat Safety

Heat is extremely dangerous for English Bulldogs. Heat stroke can happen quickly and can be fatal.

We do not walk our bulldogs if the temperature is over 70 degrees. The air conditioning stays on at all times, and they are never left outside unattended. Shade and water are not enough protection for this breed. Bulldogs cannot cool themselves efficiently, so caution is always necessary.

Loving a Bulldog

Despite the challenges, English Bulldogs have the most wonderful personalities. They are affectionate, funny, and emotionally connected to their people in a way that is hard to describe.

With proper care, education, and commitment, it is possible to raise healthy bulldogs. The breed requires dedication, patience, and resources, but for those who are prepared, the bond is deeply rewarding. For our bulldog products, see our list here.

In the future, we plan to adopt rescues. For now, we continue to enjoy life with our English Bulldogs and love them for exactly who they are, challenges included.