Bulldog — Complete Breed Guide
Non-Sporting · from England · AKC rank #10 (2025)
Key facts
| Breed group | Non-Sporting |
| Origin | England |
| Weight | 18–23 kg (40–51 lbs) |
| Height | 36–40 cm |
| Lifespan | 8–10 years |
| Coat | short smooth |
| AKC popularity rank (2025) | #10 of 202 recognized breeds |
Trait ratings
Our editorial 1–5 scoring, based on breed-standard temperament data.
Monthly cost
Expect roughly $120–$250 per month (estimate: food, routine vet care, grooming, insurance). Smaller, low-maintenance breeds sit at the lower end. Price out the years, not just the day, with our monthly dog cost calculator.
Bulldog coat colors and varieties
Officially the Bulldog wears a short smooth coat, but ask around and you'll hear plenty of variety names — old english are the ones buyers ask about most. These are variations within one breed, not separate breeds, and they don't change the trait scores on this page.
A reputable breeder talks health testing before coat color. Treat color-first marketing as a red flag.
Don't confuse this breed with the Olde English Bulldogge — that's a separate, athletic reconstruction breed, not a color of the Bulldog.
Bulldog puppies: what to expect
Puppyhood is the expensive, exhausting, wonderful part. Plan for a first vet visit within days of bringing yours home, a vaccine series over the first few months, and training that starts the day it arrives — not at six months.
The first year costs more than the monthly estimate above suggests: vaccines, spay/neuter, a crate, and chewed shoes add up. Socialize early and widely; the temperament scores on this page assume a well-socialized dog.
Health issues to know
- brachycephalic airway syndrome (BOAS)
- hip dysplasia
- cherry eye
- skin fold infections
- Families with children
- Apartment / city living
- Nothing major — an adaptable breed for most homes
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Bulldog live?
Typically 8–10 years. Larger individuals and lines with known health issues tend toward the lower end.
How much does a Bulldog cost per month?
Roughly $120–$250 per month for food, routine vet care, grooming and insurance — an estimate that varies by location.
Is the Bulldog good for apartments?
It scores 4/5 for apartment suitability. Yes — a solid apartment dog with regular walks.
Is the Bulldog good with kids?
It scores 4/5 for kid-friendliness. Excellent family choice, with normal supervision.
Does the Bulldog shed a lot?
Shedding scores 3/5. Moderate, manageable shedding.
Bulldog or English Bulldog — is there a difference?
No — ‘Bulldog’ is the breed’s official name, and ‘English Bulldog’ is the informal label used to distinguish it from the French Bulldog and American Bulldog. Same dog, same 18–23 kg couch potato. If someone says ‘Bulldog’ without qualification, they almost always mean this one.
Which is better, a French Bulldog or an English Bulldog?
The Frenchie (8–13 kg, exercise 2/5, lifespan 10–12) is smaller, a touch more active, and far more popular — it ranks #1 with the AKC in 2025. The English Bulldog (18–23 kg, exercise 1/5, lifespan 8–10) is calmer but shorter-lived with heavier health baggage. For most pet homes the French Bulldog is the easier choice; compare both profiles before deciding.
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Health information is for general guidance only and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your individual dog. Cost figures are rough estimates and vary by location.