List of Bulldog Traits

Though the wrinkles on their faces may make bulldogs look cranky, they tend to be even-tempered dogs. Originally bred in England, early bulldogs were used to bait bulls and sometimes bears. This required the dogs to grab onto a bull's nose and refuse to let go. In 13th century England, this was thought to improve the taste of bull meat. According to Animal Planet, bull-baiting was outlawed in 1835, and bulldogs became family pets. Knowing some of the bulldog's traits can help you decide if it is a good breed for you and your family.

  1. Physical Traits

    • The bulldog is short and stocky, but muscular. The average bulldog stands only 15 inches tall but can weigh up to 50 pounds. Bulldogs are longer than they are tall, and their short, stubby legs give them a sort of waddling appearance when they walk. Their short fur is usually tan and white in color. They are famous for their distinctive wrinkled faces and short snouts. Watch out for those snouts. They can cause your bulldog to wheeze or snore.

    Lazy (Or Not)

    • There is some debate about whether a bulldog can be called "lazy." Puppies can be playful, but adult bulldogs are not energetic and enjoy a good nap more than exercise. A 10- to 15-minute walk each day is plenty of exercise to keep a bulldog happy and healthy. In fact, a bulldog's short snout makes it difficult for it to withstand vigorous exercise such as jogging, especially in hot temperatures. The short legs make it difficult for them to swim, and few can do it. A bulldog's apparent laziness may be credited to physical limitations. Don't think your bulldog is simply a couch potato, however. This is an alert and observant breed, and your bulldog will notice everything you do.

    Affectionate and Comical

    • The bulldog is an affectionate breed that loves human attention. Bulldogs typically get along well with everyone, including other pets. The breed has a violent history, however, and aggression toward other dogs can be a genetic trait. Not all bulldogs are dog-aggressive, but any bulldog should be socialized with other dogs as a puppy. Bulldogs have a sense of humor and can be comical. A true companion, a bulldog is sensitive to your moods and will have no trouble making you laugh and lifting your spirits.

    Stubborn

    • When they were used for bull baiting, bulldogs were expected to show their "toughness" by holding onto a bull, regardless of any pain they felt. This stubborn streak is still a breed trait, making some bulldogs difficult to train. They are intelligent, but often want to choose for themselves when and what to obey. It takes patience and positive reinforcement to train a bulldog.

    Patient But Protective

    • It may be their tolerance for pain or their laid-back, low-energy attitude, but bulldogs are famous for their patience with children. These dogs are ideal dogs for any families with young children. Bulldogs can become protective of children, however, sometimes even interfering when a parent scolds or disciplines a child. A bulldog will also protect its entire family if it feels threatened, though in most cases these dogs are friendly toward strangers as well.