Can you say, “sweetheart”? While this dog breed makes an above-average watchdog because of their courage, this breed is a loving companion at heart. Some facts about English Bulldogs are that they are absolute sweethearts and fantastic companion dogs.

The Bulldog is excellent with kids when socialized and should be very agreeable with guests of the house. In fact, they are considered one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. The English Bulldog breed as a whole is heralded as one of the most well-liked companion breeds in the world.

The Bulldog should do well with other family pets as long as they are properly introduced and socialized. Owners should be aware of the breed’s stance on unfamiliar dogs. They need to be socialized early and often to curb any negative feelings towards strange dogs.

This breed is generally agreeable to most environments. Although they easily adapt to noisy and chaotic households and are a good fit for apartments as well as larger homes, they are not very tolerant of extreme weather, whether it be hot or cold. As a snub-nosed breed, they are particularly sensitive to heat and are prone to overheating.

They will also greatly appreciate it if you do not leave them alone for extended periods of time. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds and as known as a “People Puppy,” they crave human interaction and do not like to be left alone for long periods of time.

Potential health concerns to be aware of in English Bulldgos can include Cherry Eye, Entropion, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia. Good breeding practices and the health of the parents make a difference in the health of Bulldog puppies.

Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to make sure they are not passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. The Bulldog Club of America recommends a cardiac exam, a patella evaluation, and a tracheal hypoplasaia radiographic evaluation.

Although Bulldogs can sometimes be “bullish” and a little stubborn, overall they are easygoing and eager to please. These dogs thrive on consistent training based on rewards and praise. In general, they are a good fit for owners of all experience levels and are considered one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. Puppy training classes are still a good idea. Not only do they help reinforce training, but they also offer a lot of opportunities for socializing a puppy.

The English Bulldog has a short coat that will shed moderately year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week and a bath as needed are usually enough to keep this dog’s coat looking great. A soft brush, a curry brush, and a grooming glove are good types of dog grooming brushes to have on hand.

Also, these dogs can have a tendency to drool. Make sure you check their wrinkles and wipe their face off every day to help ensure they do not suffer irritation on their faces and between their wrinkles. Because of the amount of wrinkles they have, it is recommended that you clean between the wrinkles fairly often to avoid irritations.

In addition to coat and wrinkle care, you will also need to take care of your Bulldog’s nails, ears, and teeth. Nail trimming once or twice monthly is usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning them as needed can help prevent ear infections. Brushing teeth every day, in addition to cleanings at the vet when needed, is a good start for dental care for dogs and can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life.

The English Bulldog is a generally low-energy breed. Although some Bulldogs compete in dog sports, they can be one of the laziest dog breeds if you let them. They do not require a lot of exercise, but when they do play, they play hard! Because they can be intense when they do have an energy burst, it’s important to keep an eye on them and make sure they are not overheating.

They can be very playful, but do tend to tire out quickly. Taking breaks when needed and doing activities in short bursts throughout the day are safe ways to exercise flat-faced dogs that you can use to make sure your Bulldog gets enough daily exercise without overdoing it.

Fully-grown English Bulldogs usually stand 14-15 inches tall and weigh 40-50 pounds.

English Bulldogs generally live for 8-10 years on average.

English bulldogs have been popular presidential pups! Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Warren G. Harding both owned English Bulldogs.