The Pet Atlas

Breed Dogs Non-Sporting

Bulldog

Heavy wrinkles with stubborn charm and calm confidence

At a glance

Basic requirements and commitment level

Daily requirements

Activity
Medium
Exercise
Medium
Mental stimulation
Low
Trainability
Medium
Vocality
Low
Health sensitivity
Medium
Grooming
Medium
Shedding
Medium
Temperature sensitivity
High

Context & compatibility

Size
Medium
Lifespan
8–10 years
Body weight
40–55 lb
Height
12–14 in
Apartment suitability
Well Suited

Is this right for you?

Common scenarios where this breed tends to fit well or less well

A good match

  • Are comfortable with a less tidy dog presence with drool and snoring in the mix
  • Want a lower-energy, home-centered companion and steady short walks

Not ideal

  • Want an athletic dog for long hikes and hard daily workouts
  • Prefer warm-weather exercise to be easy and unlimited

Social & behavior

Temperament and interaction style

Personality & activity

Calm, sturdy, and routine-loving—often happiest doing life at their own pace. Many have a stubborn “not worth it” streak about unnecessary effort.

Handling & social style

Usually tolerant, but dislikes being hurried or physically pushed around. Easiest when handling is slow, gentle, and predictable.

Care & health

Setup, routines, and health considerations

Care overview

The Bulldog is calm, stubborn, and affectionate in a grounded way—often more “steady companion” than athletic sidekick. Their quality of life is closely tied to comfort management, especially temperature and overall conditioning.

Environment & space

Usually very comfortable in smaller homes, as long as short outings and indoor comfort are reliable. They don’t need lots of space, but they benefit from a predictable, paced lifestyle.

Daily routine

Short, steady walks and low-impact play generally suit them best. Consistent moderate days usually work better than occasional big activity spikes.

Health sensitivities

Common owner priorities include breathing comfort (especially in warmth), skin-fold comfort, and weight stability. Mobility and stamina are practical long-term watch areas.

Grooming / coat

Moderate shedding with practical upkeep focused on skin and wrinkles. Basic brushing plus fold care is usually part of routine maintenance.

Background

Origins and how that history shapes what you see today

Origin region

England

Background

By the 1800s in England, bulldog-type dogs were being reshaped away from tougher working roots and toward a calmer companion style. The modern Bulldog is more about steadiness and presence than athletic output. Today, many are affectionate and laid-back, with comfort, heat, and pacing being more relevant than “big exercise plans.”