Training a English Bulldog? Start with the basics: start training
Training English Bulldog Start training

English Bulldog Training That Starts Day One

Bulldogs are affectionate, smart and sometimes stubborn. Here is how to build good habits with short, reward-based sessions, gentle exercise and a plan that respects the breed's limits in warm weather.

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English Bulldog Training That Starts Day One

The English Bulldog at a glance

From the AKC breed page and the national breed club, as they state it.

AKC groupNon-Sporting (stated on the Westminster page; the AKC page itself returned HTTP 403) source
Origin13th-century England source
Bred forBull baiting source
HeightUp to 15 inches (Westminster); 14-15 inches at the shoulder (PetMD) source
Weight40-50 pounds (Westminster max 50 lb) source
Life expectancy8-10 years source
Energy3 out of 5 source
Trainability4 out of 5 source
Barking2 out of 5 source
With children3 out of 5 (Westminster); PetMD says typically friendly and good with children source
Shedding3 out of 5 source
TemperamentFun-loving, affectionate and well-rounded; outgoing, playful, smart, friendly source

Bulldog Training Guides

Practical guides for the first weeks and months with your Bulldog, from manners to heat safety.

Puppy

From the first night home to adolescence: a English Bulldog puppy's training.

Training basics

Potty, crate and leash training, written for English Bulldogs.

Behavior

The English Bulldog problems owners ask about most, and the instincts behind them.

Exercise and jobs

How much a English Bulldog needs to do, and the sports and work the breed was made for.

What English Bulldogs do

Sports and work the breed is known for. source

ObedienceAgility TrialsRally TrialsScent WorkField EventsTracking Trials

English Bulldog health screening

Tests the breed's club and OFA recommend for breeding dogs. Ask a breeder for results.

Recommended screensCardiac (required for CHIC) | Patella (required for CHIC) | Trachea (required for CHIC) | Additional optional OFA tests exist, but the BCA page does not name them source
Health issues the club notesBreathing problems, Skin fold infections, Hip dysplasia, Entropion, Obesity source
National breed clubBulldog Club of America (https://bulldogclubofamerica.org/) source

English Bulldog Questions Answered

Are English Bulldogs easy to train?

Westminster Kennel Club rates trainability at 4 out of 5 for the breed, which it calls simply Bulldog. Orvis, a retailer, notes stubbornness. Individual dogs vary. PetMD says positive reinforcement works best, so keep sessions short, upbeat and rewarded.

How much exercise does an English Bulldog need?

PetMD describes gentle exercise only: short leashed walks in a cool environment, nothing strenuous. Orvis says a 20-minute walk is usually enough. Because Bulldogs are brachycephalic and heat intolerant per PetMD, ask your veterinarian what is right for your dog.

How do I use treats without overfeeding?

PetMD lists obesity among common Bulldog health issues and advises limiting treats during training to avoid weight gain. Use tiny rewards, praise and play, and ask your veterinarian how to balance them with meals. Puppies eat three or four times daily, PetMD says.

Which health screens should I ask a breeder about?

The Bulldog Club of America's health testing page lists cardiac, patella and trachea screens as required for CHIC. It says additional optional OFA tests exist but does not name them, so check with the club or OFA for the full list.

Can English Bulldogs do dog sports?

The Bulldog Club of America's home page lists obedience, agility trials, rally trials, scent work, field events and tracking trials for the breed. Ask your veterinarian whether your dog is fit for any activity, and check with the club or event organizers for entry rules.

General training information. Every dog is an individual; for health or behavior concerns, see your veterinarian.