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.
Constitution
Is this 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.
Things to watch for
What to look out 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
Tolerance to cold and heat
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
Prone to weight gain
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.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet 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 vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a English Bulldog need? Like all dogs, English Bulldogs should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial English Bulldog vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle 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 diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle 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 booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your English Bulldog need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing 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 for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
