Bulldog

Bulldogs are one of the better choices for a family with children. Expect a medium-sized dog that is low-energy, sheds a normal amount and needs very little grooming. The big catch is running cost — this is one of the pricier dogs to keep well.

Source: American Kennel Club breed standard.

The Bulldog was bred for bull-baiting, a blood sport banned in Britain in 1835, and the entire modern breed is the product of deliberately re-engineering a fighting animal into a companion. That project succeeded on temperament — Bulldogs are placid, friendly, stubborn and famously fond of sleeping — and much less well on health. The flat face brings serious breathing difficulty, the heavy build and short life expectancy of 8–10 years are linked, and the deep facial and tail folds need cleaning and drying or they become infected. They cannot regulate heat, cannot swim, and most are born by caesarean. A wonderful, gentle housemate; also a breed whose shape is the subject of ongoing veterinary welfare concern.

Day to day. Low-energy — short walks and a warm spot to sleep suit this breed fine, which makes it one of the easier dogs to fit around a busy family. On noise, it is quiet.

The coat, honestly. This breed sheds a normal amount and needs very little grooming. A brush a few times a week and the occasional tidy-up keeps it in good order.

Being left alone. Fine alone for a few hours. A few hours is fine; a full working day, every day, is asking a lot.

Training. Needs an experienced handler. That does not mean badly behaved — it means this breed thinks for itself, and it will not do something just because you asked. First-time owners often find it frustrating.

• You want a dog with a reputation for putting up with children
• Your idea of a walk is twenty gentle minutes, not five miles
• You want a dog whose coat looks after itself

• You want a dog that does as it is told the first time
• A surprise vet bill would be a real problem this year
• Drool on your trousers would bother you every single day

Every animal is an individual, and plenty of Bulldogs live long, healthy lives. This is here so nobody is surprised — ask a vet, and ask whoever you get the dog from what they have tested for.

Rough running cost: $$$ (one of the pricier dogs on our list) — because the breed has known health issues that can mean extra vet visits.

Those are relative bands, not live prices. For real numbers across every pet we cover, see the pet cost study and the cost calculator.

Rescues do have Bulldogs and Bulldog crosses, usually adults whose size, coat and temperament you can see rather than guess at.