Longevity
Life expectancy
Its usual life expectancy is between 8 and 10 years. A stable body condition, gentle activity, prevention of heatstroke and regular veterinary follow-up help preserve its quality of life.
Build
A robust breed?
Its powerful appearance must not conceal an overall limited robustness. Its breathing, its wrinkled skin, its eyes and its back require regular attention, and intense exertion is not recommended.
Watch points
What to watch for
The morphology of the breed requires particularly monitoring breathing, the skin, the eyes, the locomotor system and tolerance to exertion. An early consultation makes it possible to take care of any discomfort before it worsens.
Brachycephalic syndrome : The very short muzzle can cause stenosis of the nostrils, noisy breathing, exercise intolerance and an increased risk of heatstroke.
Eye irritations : Exposed eyes can become irritated easily and require monitoring as well as appropriate cleaning.
Skin fold dermatitis : Moisture and heat trapped in skin folds promote irritation and infections if the skin is not cleaned and then thoroughly dried.
Back and joint disorders : Any back pain, lameness or reduced mobility should lead to a prompt veterinary consultation.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Very sensitive to cold as well as to high heat, the English Bulldog must not be exposed to extreme temperatures. In hot weather, outings must take place during the cooler hours, remain brief and be interrupted at the slightest shortness of breath. In cold weather, short outings and suitable protection may be necessary.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
The low endurance and sedentary temperament of the breed promote weight gain. Meals should be weighed, treats limited, the silhouette regularly monitored, and the ration adjusted with the veterinarian according to age, activity and body condition.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Clean the eyes regularly with a product recommended by the veterinarian.
- Inspect, clean and carefully dry the skin folds.
- Clean the ears about once a week with a suitable product.
- Wipe the mouth and lips when salivation is abundant.
- Avoid intense exertion and outings in extreme temperatures.
Vaccination
English Bulldog vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a English Bulldog? Like all dogs, the English Bulldog receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for English Bulldog is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on its lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All pets |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughLifestyle-based Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisLifestyle-based Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseLifestyle-based Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisLifestyle-based Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult English Bulldog vaccine boosters are annual for leptospirosis and rabies; for distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your dog’s actual risk.
Which boosters for your English Bulldog?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy English Bulldog
Before adoption, it is prudent to request the health tests and history of the breeding dogs, notably regarding breathing, eyes, skin, joints and the spine. A regular veterinary check-up must then include weight, respiratory quality, skin folds and mobility.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
