Are English Bulldogs Good With Kids?

Although originally bred for bull-baiting, a sport which required these dogs to immobilize a vicious bull, English bulldogs have a reputation for being trustworthy and gentle animals. Adults are laid-back and very tolerant of children. However, like every dog, a bulldog's temperament changes somewhat with age and not every bulldog is suitable for every family. Here are some facts to consider when deciding whether an English bulldog is the best dog to live with your children.

  1. Puppies

    • Bulldog puppies love children and are more tolerant than many breeds of the abuse sometimes heaped upon dogs by well-meaning youngsters. This said, no child should be left unsupervised with a bulldog puppy. Although patient and understanding, young bulldogs are active, and like human babies, sometimes misjudge space and can plow their heavy bodies into the unsteady legs of a young child. They may also unintentionally rake their claws against a child's skin while pawing or jumping. Bulldogs are also notoriously slobbery, love to chew, and may decide to share your baby's rattle with him in an unappealing exchange of slime. However, these qualities are shared by many puppies, and as dog breeds go, English bulldogs are noted for their gentleness and understanding with children.

    Adults

    • Bulldogs do not mature as quickly as many other breeds and will remain active puppies until around age 3. However, once mature, bulldogs are very laid-back dogs that are noted for their wonderful companionship and exemplary treatment of children. However, unlike some breeds, adults do not outgrow their chewing habits and remain very slobbery. They also shed, and their short hair easily sticks to hands and clothing. If your goal is to maintain a very sanitary environment for your children, a bulldog may not be the best dog for you. Bulldogs also are very possessive of their food. This is one of the largest exceptions to their normally laid-back and permissive personality. Bulldogs should never be fed around children who may touch or approach them while they are eating. These normally placid dogs may growl or bite at a child who does so.

    Elderly Bulldogs

    • Bulldogs remain loyal and gentle with children throughout their lifetimes. However, although they may be trustworthy with children, much thought must be put into deciding whether they are the best option for your family. Bulldogs were bred primarily for their strength, the shape of their jaws and their stubbornness, all wonderful qualities for bull-baiters. But in the process of such selective breeding, the dog's longevity was shortened and their health problems multiplied. English bulldogs are highly susceptible to respiratory, cardiac, hip and skin problems and their average lifespan is only 7 to 9 years, as opposed to some other breeds, which may live from 12 to 15 years. If you want a lifetime companion for your child, an older bulldog may not be a good option. However, if safety and gentility is your main concern, the English bulldog meets these qualifications throughout his senior years.

    A Word of Caution

    • Although breed generalities hold true for the majority of dogs, remember that each dog will have a distinct personality. When deciding whether any particular English bulldog is right for your children, always speak to a reputable breeder before making your purchase. When deciding on an adult dog, never make an impulse purchase. Always observe the characteristics of each particular dog before making a decision.