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Find out all about British Bulldogs and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

Written by , updated on September 15th, 2023

Price range

$1,500–$4,500

Height

30cm - 40cm

Weight

22kg - 25kg

Personality

Docile, gentle, friendly

Coat length

Short, wrinkled

Exercise needs

Low

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Life expectancy

8 - 10 years

Overview

The famous British Bulldog, known for its distinctive wrinkled face and loose skin, is an iconic breed from England, which is why they are also known as English Bulldogs. The first references to Bulldogs are from around 1209, so they are an ancient breed. They were originally bred for bull baiting, and their loose skin was considered an advantage when fighting bulls.

Bulldogs are short, stocky, tough-looking dogs that have a reputation for never giving up, which is why they were known as ‘The Churchill Dog’ during World War Two, and became the national mascot of Britain. They are also used as club mascots by many football teams both in Australia and the USA.

Despite their tough looks, bulldogs are sweet-natured cuddly dogs who are affectionate, loyal, and make excellent companions. They are known for their calm and gentle nature, making them great family pets. While they are not highly active, and prone to obesity, they do enjoy short walks and playtime. Bulldogs do well in homes where they receive lots of love and attention, and are safe with children and other pets.

Common diseases and conditions of British Bulldogs

Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome: Brachycephalic means ‘short-nosed’ and breeds that have this characteristic (flat, or ‘pushed in’ faces) tend to suffer from difficulty breathing due to narrowed nostrils. It is a common condition in many breeds of terriers, pugs, bulldogs and English Boxers.
Hip Dysplasia: This is a common orthopaedic condition affecting the joint's development. It can lead to discomfort and mobility issues. Responsible breeding practices and regular veterinary check-ups are essential to prevent and manage this condition.
Skin problems: The extra folds of skin on a British Bulldog can hide several skin issues, including allergies, yeast infections and skin irritations. Keep an eye out for dermatitis and folliculitis in the skin folds too.
Eye issues: English Bulldogs also suffer from genetic eye disorders, including Cherry Eye, dry eye and entropion.

Breed-specific issues:

The short noses of British Bulldogs make them sensitive to heat, so they should be protected from hot weather and provided with cool water and shade. They are known to have a high number of genetic health issues due to their short muzzles and skin folds, so pet insurance is highly recommended for this breed. Around 80% – 90% of Bulldogs are born by caesarean section due to their large heads.

How much does pet insurance cost for a British Bulldog?

Most Australians can expect to pay between $20 and $60 a month for pet insurance. There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your British Bulldog, including the following:

Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.   
Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type of insurance available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most. 
The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.  
Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.  
Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for the best policies available.  
Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do. 
Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.
Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Accident-only

This is the most basic type of pet insurance, covering costs for accidental injuries such as car accidents, poisoning, burns, fractures, snake and spider bites, but not illnesses and other conditions.

Accident and illness

This type of insurance provides cover for accidental injuries as well as illnesses like cancer, gastrointestinal problems and eye, ear and skin conditions, but not routine care for your pet.

Comprehensive

This offers the highest level of protection, covering accident and illness and potentially routine care such as vaccinations, dental care, worm and flea treatments and microchipping.

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Common questions about British Bulldogs

Are Bulldogs safe with young children?

Bulldogs are generally considered safe and affectionate companions for young children. They are known for their gentle and easy-going nature, making them well-suited for families. Bulldogs are patient and tolerant, which can be especially beneficial when interacting with kids who may be curious or energetic. However, it's essential to supervise any interaction between dogs and young children to ensure both the child and the dog are comfortable and safe.

Should I get a genetic test before buying a British Bulldog?

Yes, genetic testing is recommended for British Bulldogs. This breed is susceptible to various hereditary health issues, including hip dysplasia, heart disease, and respiratory problems. Genetic testing can help identify potential health risks early on, allowing for proactive care and informed breeding decisions.

How can I prevent skin-fold dermatitis in my Bulldog?

To prevent skin-fold dermatitis, it's essential to regularly clean and dry the facial wrinkles on your British Bulldog. Use a soft cloth or baby wipes to gently clean the folds and ensure they remain dry. This can significantly reduce the risk of skin problems.

Should I use sunscreen on my Bulldog's skin?

Bulldogs with exposed skin areas, particularly those with white or light-coloured fur, can benefit from pet-safe sunscreen. Protecting their skin from harmful UV rays can help prevent sunburn and potential skin problems.

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Disclaimer and important things you should know

Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd (ABN 78 660 493 194) trades as Savvy and operates as an Authorised Credit Representative 541339 of Australian Credit Licence 414426 (AFAS Group Pty Ltd, ABN 12 134 138 686). We are one of Australia’s leading financial comparison sites and have been helping Australians make savvy decisions when it comes to their money for over a decade.

We’re partnered with lenders, insurers and other financial institutions who compensate us for business initiated through our website. We earn a commission each time a customer chooses or buys a product advertised on our site, which you can find out more about here, as well as in our credit guide for asset finance. It’s also crucial to read the terms and conditions, Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or credit guide of our partners before signing up for your chosen product. However, the compensation we receive doesn’t impact the content written and published on our website, as our writing team exercises full editorial independence.

For more information about us and how we conduct our business, you can read our privacy policy and terms of use.