A Guide to Old English Bulldogs – Breed Information and Advice

Old English bulldogs are a relatively new breed that originated in the US. Although their exaggerated, flat-faced looks and stocky build may make them look tough, they're generally friendly, laid-back and good-natured dogs with a good dose of laziness.

Old English Bulldogs

If you’re thinking of getting an Old English bulldog, contacting local shelters is a good idea. They may have dogs in need of a new home. You could also take a look at the Old English bulldog page on Gumtree. It’s always advisable to do thorough research before getting any pet. This is particularly important before getting brachycephalic (flat-faced) dog breeds, which can be prone to health conditions. The Pet Advertising Advisory Group is a useful resource if you’d like to find out more about responsibly buying a pet dog. We’ve also put together a guide to buying a puppy or dog online to help you safely and sensibly assess your options.

Care and diet

Bulldogs are fairly low-maintenance dogs that tend to be affectionate with both adults and kids. As they’re not known for being an especially energetic breed, these dogs can be a good option for people who live in flats or homes without a garden. They can also be good pets for first-time dog owners, as long as their exercise needs are met. Bulldogs aren’t tolerant of very hot or cold weather. So it’s important to provide accessories to help regulate their temperature when needed. Items such as paddling pools and self-cooling blankets can be useful in warm weather. While turning on the heating and providing a coat when out walking in the winter can prevent Old English bulldogs from getting too cold.

This breed is considered medium-sized, with adults growing to around 30-38 cm high. Fully grown adults can be surprisingly heavy, with females weighing in around 18 kg and males often reaching around 22 kg. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on their weight and be mindful of the number of treats that you offer them. Weight gain can be an issue and lead to health problems. Because Old English bulldogs can easily become overweight, it’s helpful to feed high-quality dog food made especially for bulldogs and measure out their food for every meal. Your vet will be able to advise on how much food you should be dishing out each day.

Exercise

An Old English bulldog can be stubborn and lazy. This means it can sometimes be difficult for them to get enough exercise. They may enjoy playing outside or chasing balls but often don’t like to play for very long. Your Old English bulldog will probably want you to keep their place on the sofa free. It’s beneficial to exercise this type of dog for between 30 minutes and an hour daily. It’s best to go for a walk in the morning or evening rather than when the temperature is hottest in the middle of the day, to help stop bulldogs overheating.

Grooming

These dogs have short hair and need grooming just once a week with a firm-bristled dog brush. Old English bulldogs tend to shed a little. But if you can manage to brush them weekly you can cut down on loose fur left around the home. It’s a fantastic idea to clean the deep wrinkles of a bulldog’s face every day by wiping them with a damp cloth and drying them thoroughly. This helps to prevent irritation and skin infections. It can also be beneficial to bathe Old English bulldogs about once a month to make sure they’re clean and their fur stays in good condition.

Temperament and training

Old English bulldogs have a reputation for being courageous, particularly with other dogs, a trait that can make them useful guard dogs. In general, however, they’re typically very friendly and easy-going. Their laid-back nature does have one downside, in that they can sometimes be stubborn and make slow learners. Their love of food can help with training, but it’s useful to keep an eye on their treat intake when offering rewards, as they can easily put on weight. Bulldogs tend to chew, so it’s helpful to provide lots of toys for your dog to chew on before they start preferring things like furniture or shoes.

Like all dogs, good socialisation as a puppy will help Old English bulldogs become calm and well-rounded adults. This breed isn’t known for barking, but socialisation can often be beneficial in helping adult dogs be comfortable in new situations. If these dogs are raised with cats there’s a good chance that they’ll get on well together.

Health concerns

Like all dog breeds, there are conditions that Old English bulldogs are particularly susceptible to and, sadly, bulldogs can have a lot of health problems. As a very flat-faced breed, Old English bulldogs are prone to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) caused by narrow nostrils and an elongated soft palate. This creates breathing problems like noisy or laboured breathing and exercise intolerance. There are treatments available for BOAS and the condition may require surgery. Breeders should be able to screen a pup’s parents for some genetic conditions, but not all. Other problems that this breed can encounter include:

  • Joint disorders, such as hip and elbow dysplasia. These are caused by the joints not fitting together correctly and can lead to arthritis
  • Cherry eye, when the gland under the third eyelid sticks out and looks like a cherry. If this happens, the gland may need to be removed
  • Dry eye, which happens when not enough tears are produced. This can cause dry-looking or blue-coloured eyes and needs treating by a vet
  • Entropion, a condition caused by the eyelashes turning inwards towards the eye and rubbing
  • Tail problems, including issues with the formation of bones, which can cause trouble with nerves around the tail

Further health concerns

  • Problems giving birth. Because bulldogs have large heads and shoulders, a caesarian is often necessary to minimise the risk of complications
  • Skin infections such as skin fold pyoderma, a condition that occurs because Old English bulldogs have lots of excess skin, especially around the face
  • Head shakes that resemble a fit but involve only the head. The reason these happen isn’t completely understood, but it’s thought that low blood sugar may play a role
  • Demodectic mange, causing red, scaly bald spots on the body. This can be passed from the mother to puppies and can affect dogs up until they become a young adult

Thinking of buying a puppy? Take a look at what to expect in your puppy’s first year and the lifelong cost of owning a dog.

FAQs

When do Old English bulldogs stop growing?

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An Old English bulldog is considered fully grown when its about two years old.

How long do Old English bulldogs live?

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This breed of dog usually lives for around 8-10 years.