English bulldog for active ish family?

[Windsweptly]

Sorry, I'm not sure where to post about dogs! Just wondered if it is unreasonable to consider an English bulldog as a dog for a family that is fairly active? Not hiking active but country park walks etc? Online varies between saying they are fine to walk in cool weather to some saying they just sleep all day? Help! Obviously doing huge amount of research before considering any dog breed. So far have ruled out high energy breeds as we live in a city and can t commit to 3 hrs exercise a day. Thanks in advance!

Please, please go back and read the advice from the Vet. I feel you may have dismissed it somewhat. I look after dogs for a living, and would not consider a bulldog to be what you need, if you are active. And, do you really want to be slipping over in pools of slobber?

Once you introduce a dog to your family, you will love it as one of your own, and if you go for a breed that suffers from a lot of health problems, not only will it cost you ££££, the mental anguish when you see it suffer, will really take it's toll.

The hardiest breed is a Border Terrier. Personally, I love Huskies, but with your situation (small/no garden), that's no good. In your circs, and knowing what I do about dogs, I'd go for a Jack Russell/Border Terrier/Bichon/cockerpoo. I'd say to avoid Shih Tsu, I've never met one yet that wasn't snappy.

Bichon Frise? We have one. He is a fab family dog. Small non-shedding not needing 10hrs walk/ day!

Depending on your preferences my list for you would look something like...

Border terrier
Cavalier king Charles spaniel (although potential for health problems - you'd need a very good breeder who health tests to the max)
Miniature schnauzer (can be noisy)
Beagle (if you want a dog that can be out and about with you a lot of the time but don't mind it not being off lead)
Staffordshire bull terrier

Don't discount rescue centres. Rescues have puppies and the good ones will have stringent temperament checks prior to rehoming any dog. You will also get rescue support and back up following adoption.

I have a dog that I have had from a puppy (7 weeks) and raised with children. We have always had dogs and have had dogs since this one - we know what we're doing - but there is absolutely no way he can be around people, dogs or children of any age safely. Getting an adult dog of known temperament certainly has its benefits.

Cocker spaniel?

Please don’t buy a bulldog. They are not fit for purpose, they will have breathing issues. Listening to a couple of anecdotes of ‘Well, I know one that runs round’ is bollocks compared to the vet who has seen multiple dogs and knows what the issues are.

They will suffer because they cannot breathe properly. I can’t understand why anyone would want a dog that can’t breathe properly and you know will suffer in heat.

I’ll link you the KC what dog shall I get quiz, it’s useful to narrow down what is suitable for you.

The quiz.
www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/findabreed/Default.aspx

Lhasa or Shih Tzu spring to mind or Havanese

All require daily grooming though. Italian greyhound might give you another option to a whippet but watch for nervy lines.

This is my boy, we got him from a good breeder, tested for everything and very healthy considering he's a bulldog. We have the highest insurance as we know problems could come along but luckily so far he's fine. He walks fine and usually take him on walks for an hour but you couldnt do more than 2.

It's very rare to see a bulldog that isn't obese as "that's how they're supposed to look". It's refreshing when you see one at a good weight. Being obese, having breathing issues and cherry eye cannot be a good quality of life. However that is how the majority of bulldogs are unfortunately.
The attached image is one of how a fit bulldog would look. Very few about. It is not too skinny at all, it has a waist as dogs should do :)

We have what would typically be a high-energy breed who are notorious for being hard work, and he is the laziest dog I’ve ever met. He’s a Lab x Springer Spaniel, we fell in love with him and had to have him but I was so so worried that he would be too much. I would highly recommend them as a family pet and I’m not sure I would ever have another breed again

He loves walks and is active and excitable when we take him out but in the house he is so calm and relaxed. It is more about mental stimulation than anything, Kongs, food puzzles, being taught tricks/commands etc tiers them out a lot more than any exercise ever will with most breeds.

I’m sure you’ll love whatever you pick, it is so rewarding

Why some people seem to think that flat faced dogs from a breeder are even a remote consideration is completely beyond me when we know what we have done to the breeds and heard vets urging people to stop the demand. It makes me mad. Not even sorry.

We have a rescue bully, our third one
She loves to run about and walk
If you're thinking of getting a puppy please please do your research! There are far too many people out there breeding just for the money and no conscience
Have a look at bulldog specific rescues, there are many bullies that need a new home that love a good hike!
They suffer in the heat, but then no dog should be walked in the heat we've been having in the uk
Any dog can die from heatstroke not just bulldogs!

We have two whippets and two rescue cats. One cat came first, then the whippets, then another rescue kitten. All four get on with no issues, the cats are absolutely the boss and the whippets know it 😀

I've had whippets (and GSDs) since a teenager, with and without small furries, and we've never had any problems. Also - they are the best dogs for children. Very even tempered and small enough to be handled by children.

I think they give us the best of both worlds, they come camping, enjoy forest walks and love the beach. But, hate the cold and rain and snow, so require minimal exercise when the weather is shite 😂

They can be buggers for shredding paper/pencils etc. But this has encouraged my "leave everything at their arse" children to stop leaving their crap all over the house. I would also say that dogs seem, in my experience, to be more obedient than bitches. I would absolutely choose a whippet over a bulldog (or any other breed which struggles to breathe or run).

A bichon frise would suit you. Lovely sunny little dogs.

I think bulldogs are cute but I would never get one. I don't see how you can narrow suitable dog breeds to just that one

Please don't get a bulldog. They cost about £3k for a starry plus all the heap bills. They have been bred to the point of being disabled.

Bull terriers are not suitable as a first dog at all they are aggressive and hard work.

I reckon based on your activity level either an old tyme bull dog - very very docile or a much smaller breed would be best.

Thank you very much for all the advice. I think we will focus on a whippet.

I watched a docu on bulldogs ans would now never buy one despite loving the breed previously. Due to so much inbreeding to achieve the squashed, flat face, most now have awful breathing issues and often require surgery. There are people who are actively breeding out these characteristics to attempt to bring healthier dogs to the breed. I'd do a lot of research if I were you.

We have a French Bulldog and I am amazed by the energy. I had assumed they would be pretty lethargic as online they are recommended as 'apartment dogs'. My frenchie could not be considered that! Although ours is more french than bulldog and very small.
I'd recommend this bread over the english bulldog for your needs - but would look into the mum and dad to see the 'version' you may have.

I have a rescued mongrel with an incredible personality. I would strongly advise going the rescue route

Please don't buy a dog because you like the way it looks.
Boxers are fab dogs but are prone to hip problems.
A quick look at a leading dog rescue site and there are 80 pages of dogs looking for home, including a bulldog and an EBT, all of them gorgeous.

@Windsweptly you might want to look at Italian greyhounds, they’re very similar to whippets but even smaller.

Don’t discount something like a show cocker, very family friendly, active, trainable or a poodle.

We had a Victorian bulldog he was gorgeous but very prone to health problems and life expectancy is short. He sadly passed away at 8yrs old.

Thank you. I did consider Italian greyhound but everywhere says no good for small children.

I would just second the poster who suggested a Tibetan Terrier. They are lovely dogs. Small but not yappy, we had one growing up and her bark used to make delivery people think she was a big dog. Then they would see this small, cute hairy thing and laugh.

They are friendly, loyal, enjoy walks but aren’t very high energy. They can be very stubborn but I would have one in a second if I could. Ours was a fantastic family dog and loved our cats to distraction.