Imagine waking up in the middle of the night, twisting and turning, and unable to sleep. The culprit? The lazy beast next to you snorting, snuffing, wheezing and grunting. And don’t think I am talking about that lug you call a husband. We’re talking about your English bulldog and in all of his charming ways he has stolen your heart.

It takes a special person to have an English bulldog as a companion, but when you decide you are that person, you will find a hungry and lazy oversized lapdog that would rather cuddle up with you on the couch than take a run around the block. By the way, you’ll probably be helping him up on the couch.

So, what is it about English bulldogs that make people go crazy? Well, to start, bulldogs act the exact way that we humans feel – pretty much all the time. When they need to fart, they fart. A bowl of food is a reason to ignore everything around them. And, let’s face it, drool just comes with the territory.

Like a cuddly bowl of Jell-O bulldogs strut, or wobble as they run. Sloppy smiles greet you as they pass by, and all you can think of is, “Boy, do I love that little guy.”

If you’re not already sold on why English bulldogs make great pets, let’s look at some of the fascinating traits that make them one of the most popular dog breeds in America.

If you didn’t know, and if you have ever been near a bulldog you probably didn’t, bulldogs were bred in the 14th century to be fierce fighters and were forced to play a game called bull-baiting. That is, they would provoke bulls by latching onto their nose and ears. Quite a difference from the loyal and laid back companion of today.

Unlike many dog breeds, most bulldogs are not the jealous type. In fact, bulldogs tend to be great with kids. They are also good with other dogs, and funny enough with cats. You probably wouldn’t have guessed that watching Tom and Jerry in your younger years.

Bulldogs love company and attention and are one of the most laid back dogs you will ever find. They don’t bark much, and well if a burglar stops by, your bulldog is more likely to cuddle up than to alert you. But, it is this temperament that makes them one of the best dogs to have around your children and family.

While it is important to remember that dogs are like humans, each with their own personality, bulldogs are known to be very friendly and accepting companions. To a bulldog, there are two things in life. Food and toys – everything not food is a toy. That would be kids, dogs, cats… You get the picture.

If you have ever heard of people joking about their bulldog’s gassiness, drooling, and various noises, they are not kidding. Due to the stature of bulldogs, short, broad, with big heads, the dogs have some unique characteristics. For example, with flews along the upper part of their mouth, and a pronounced underbite bulldogs have a habit of drooling, and giving awfully slobbery kisses. This is especially so when they are eating.

Speaking of eating, diet and how a bulldog eats are major contributors to the stereotypical gassiness of the dogs. Bulldogs are voracious eaters, so much so that they eat so quickly they take in large amounts of air, which eventually contributes to what we like to call farting.

Remember me mentioning bulldogs being lazy? Well, this is a big contributor to their wheezing, grunting and snorting. Let’s just say that bulldogs would be more likely watching the Olympics on television this summer, than participating in the Olympics. Bulldogs would much rather lounge around on a soft little bed than they would go for a walk. This contributes to obesity in bulldogs. So, it is recommended to take your bulldog for a walk at least once a day, but don’t be surprised if they can’t go too far. However, with enough affection, you may be able to coax them farther than you think. Remember, bulldogs adore attention – especially from the big toy that feeds them.

When it comes down to it, English bulldogs provide a calm and gentle temperament that works for the whole family, including your furry feline, Garfield. They love attention, are affectionate, and provide an array of unique noises and behaviors to keep you and your family entertained all day.

Bulldogs were bullfighters

If you haven’t guessed, it’s all in the name. English bulldogs were initially bred in the 14th century for a popular sport called bull-baiting. Bull-baiting was the practice of harassing a tethered animal. The English bulldogs, low and broad stature made it an exceptional animal to harass bulls. They would sit low to the ground and when the time was right they would pounce, grabbing hold of a bull’s nose, and not letting go. This resulted in a lot of tossed, injured, and killed bulldogs, between the 13th century and 1835 when the sport was banned. While English bulldogs remain stubborn, the aggressive and tenacious behavior they were bred for is gone. Now, they are one of the most loyal and lovable dogs in the world.

Bulldogs almost went extinct

Yes, it’s true. One of the most popular dogs in America almost went extinct. It goes back to their effectiveness at bull-baiting. Once, the sport was banned, few saw use for these animals. However, thanks to people who realized how lovable these dogs really were, they survived. Americans and Germans in particular had an affinity for the dogs as herding dogs, and soon after English bulldogs were being bred to have kinder and gentler dispositions. It wasn’t long after banning bull-baiting that English bulldogs were one of the most beloved companions.

Bulldogs are not the Greatest Swimmers

Ever see muscle-bound Mr. Universe try to swim? Probably not, which is the same reason you won’t find many English bulldogs swimming. Their short, stocky, and broad, and none of these things help make bulldogs good swimmers. So, I guess you could think of them as the body-builders of the dog world.

Bulldogs are a popular team mascot

English bulldogs make great mascots. Whether you consider them cute and cuddly, or sturdy and powerful, we love to call them our mascot. Consider the number of teams that have had a bulldog mascot:

• Professional sports teams: 33
• Universities: 41
• High schools and middle schools: 284

Bulldogs are one of the most popular breeds in America

Calm, courageous, and friendly the English bulldog is also one of the most popular dog breeds in America. According to the American Kennel Club, bulldogs rank only behind Labradors, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers. That’s pretty good company, considering it was only a few years ago that they almost went extinct.

Bulldogs can run

English bulldogs tend to spend their time eating, sleeping, and being social. Their bodies were designed to be protective and aggressive, not to be sprinters like greyhounds. However, bulldogs can reach speeds of up to 15 m.p.h. which isn’t bad for such small guys. How does that equate to humans? Well, our fastest human to date, Usain Bolt has clocked in close to 28 m.p.h. That’s fast! However, the average human runs at about 15 m.p.h., the same speed as a bulldog. So, who’s the lazy one?

Bulldogs love to eat

There may be few things an English bulldog loves to do more than eat. In fact, if you ever want to bring a bulldog back to its gloried past, pull him away from his bowl of food. Not surprising, these voracious eaters are prone to eat too fast which can be bad for digestion and lead to stomach aches and vomiting. They also eat like a hungry toddler by swallowing all their food without properly chewing. When they do this they swallow large amounts of air, resulting in a bulldog’s popular distinction of a gas-passer.

Bulldogs are not big barkers

While English bulldogs are not big barkers, you might find it surprising that they are one of the noisiest dogs on the planet. Bulldogs, for a variety of reasons, are noisy. Their lifestyle and body shape are the biggest contributors to their snorts, snores, snuffles, wheezing, and grunts. Let’s not forget about their gas-passing abilities. So, while bulldog owners consider these noise endearing, others may prefer to hear barking instead.

Snores, farts, and drools

Bulldogs have some down-right endearing characteristics such as farting, snoring, and drooling. But why does this happen? Well, we’ve touched on the gassiness a little bit already. They are voracious eaters which can often lead to swallowing too much air while they eat. Food is often a contributor, and the farting can be limited with a healthy diet.

Their snoring, grunting, and wheezing are all contributed to their body shape, and the lack of exercise, which tends to leave bulldogs overweight. While these are common characteristics in this breed, abnormal changes should be looked into with the vet as they can be a result of underlying problems.

Drooling is due to the dog’s extreme under-bite. The dog’s flews (upper lips) hang over their lower lips, not providing a seal for the mouth. The end result is drool, especially after drinking water and eating. Remember, falling asleep in algebra class and waking up to a desk of drool? Well, same thing.

Bulldogs have an affluent background

While English bulldogs started out life as gladiators, they also have an affluent background.

Two bulldogs, Strathtay Prince Albert and Kippax Fearnought have respectively won “Best in Show” at Westminster. In addition, United States Presidents Warren Harding and Calvin Coolidge had English bulldogs as pets.

Let’s not forget the countless number of celebrities, such as Brad Pitt, Adam Sandler, and David Beckham, who call bulldogs their companions.

English bulldogs are the mascots of choice for many colleges, organizations, and even military branches. Their muscular, stout appearance and massive jaws give them an intimidating look, although it’s misleading. Bulldogs are mostly docile and well-behaved, choosing sleep over other popular canine activities. For those looking to purchase a bulldog, there are several considerations that must be made beforehand. Below are some tips on how to shop and buy a Bulldog puppy, what to look for in a breeder, and what to consider when purchasing a dog.

Many are surprised to find out that bulldogs are an expensive breed. In fact, quality puppies will set you back anywhere from two to four thousand dollars. But, there is a reason for this. Bulldogs are the result of specific and selective breeding process especially when it comes to champion dogs and bulldogs that represent the breed well. There are huge expenses for the breeder as well such as progesterone testing, stud fees, c-sections, milk formula, vaccinations, de-wormings, puppy checkups, special diets, whelping gear, etc. While it is tempting to look for the cheapest puppy you can find, that’s not a good idea with this breed. Choosing a dog because of a smaller price tag could cost you more in the long-run. You should search for a reputable English bulldog breeder. 

But where to start?

A great place to start looking for a breeder is through the breed’s parent club. In the case of the bulldog breed, the parent club is The Bulldog Club of America or “The BCA”. The BCA also has a Breeder Referral Listing, which has within it, a list of Breeders who have fulfilled the requirements of the BCA. One of these requirements is health testing. This way at least you know that you are dealing with Breeders who are conscientious about producing healthy puppies.

Do not look to purchase puppies through Craigslist, Social Media Sites, Pet Stores or the Walmart parking lot (yes, I have seen them for sale in parking lots!) Breeders who sell thru these venues are generally profiting and are not truly dedicated to the breed. These puppies are often poorly bred which results in an unhealthy puppy. A reputable breeder will be available to you for the long haul and eager to help with any questions or concerns throughout your bulldogs life.

Look for breeders who can provide you with a complete pedigree of your dog, a health guarantee, and a bill of sale. Also, look for breeders who have been breeding for several years and can provide information about the puppy’s parents. Finally, never have a bulldog shipped to you. Since they are brachycephalic (flat-faced), they are less likely to survive the shipping process compared to other breeds.

You should know beforehand bulldogs can have minor but common health concerns, including cherry eye and skin allergies and require excellent veterinary care so before buying a puppy make sure to have the puppy checked out by a Vet. A reputable and responsible breeder will have a clear and transparent health guarantee listed on their website and give you 24-72 hours to get the pup examined at your own vet just in case there are any costly or life-threatening conditions outside the minor issues common to bulldogs that can be easily treated. Check to see if they will replace the puppy; refund you in the event something is untreatable. A responsible breeder will not only make sure your puppy has a clean bill of health but they will also have a screening process to make sure they are going to a good home

Once you’ve found a quality breeder, think about the type of dog you want. Most reputable breeders will only sell their puppies on spay/neuter contracts if the puppy is not being sold as a show prospect. Caring for a female dog in heat is messy and time consuming, and male dogs with their testicles intact tend to be more headstrong and have more of a tendency to lift their legs (and mount yours) than neutered males. Finally, decide on appearance. White bulldogs resembling the University of Georgia mascot are very popular, but the breed standard also allows for dogs to be brindle or red. Black or blue colors however, are not part of the breed standard.

The English bulldog is a great breed, but be sure to know what to look for in a breeder and in a puppy before purchasing. Don’t be afraid to ask other bulldog owners for advice, and always seek references for breeders. Finally, if a puppy is not your thing, there are many bulldog rescues throughout the country that can provide you with an adult dog. Whatever method you employ, remember to take your time, do your research, and always opt for quality over cost. For detailed information or to have a question answered by a breeder click here.