---
title: "Bulldog Breed Guide: Size, Lifespan, Health Problems and Costs"
url: https://pawmultiverse.com/bulldog-breed/
description: "Bulldog: PDSA figures for size, lifespan (under 10 years), health problems to watch, exercise, grooming and cost, with the questions owners ask."
source: Paw Multiverse (https://pawmultiverse.com), free to cite with a link
---

# Bulldog: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care

Published by Paw Multiverse (A.I.T. Multiverse Consulting Ltd) · Last updated 7 November 2026

Quick answer

PDSA, the UK veterinary charity, puts the Bulldog at about 31-40 cm tall and 23-25 kg, living under 10 years. It suggests up to an hour a day, and lists 8 health problems to watch, including brachycephalic syndrome: narrowed nostrils and a long soft palate and elbow and hip dysplasia. Minimum running cost: at least £80 a month (PDSA gives no lifetime figure).

From PDSA, the UK veterinary charity. Not veterinary advice. Worried about your own pet? [See who to call](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-emergency-what-to-do-now/).

## Key facts

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Size | Medium |
| Average height | 31-40 cm |
| Average weight | 23-25 kg |
| Average lifespan | Under 10 years |
| Exercise | Up to an hour a day, never in the heat of the day |
| Grooming | A weekly brush and daily cleaning of the facial wrinkles |
| Cost | At least £80 a month (pdsa gives no lifetime figure) |

Source: [PDSA, Bulldog breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/medium-dogs/bulldog).

## Health problems to watch

PDSA lists these for the breed. A higher risk does not mean every animal will be affected; where a screening scheme or test exists, ask the breeder for the parents' results.

- brachycephalic syndrome: narrowed nostrils and a long soft palate
- elbow and hip dysplasia (screening schemes)
- entropion and ectropion
- dry eye
- cherry eye
- tail problems
- skin-fold infections
- difficulty giving birth, often needing caesareans

Source: [PDSA, Bulldog breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/medium-dogs/bulldog).

## Exercise and grooming

PDSA suggests up to an hour a day, never in the heat of the day. Grooming: a weekly brush and daily cleaning of the facial wrinkles. Source: [PDSA, Bulldog breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/medium-dogs/bulldog).

## Temperament

PDSA describes the breed as affectionate, gentle and very calm. PDSA describes the Bulldog as a severely flat-faced breed very likely to have serious health and welfare issues, and strongly recommends considering a healthier breed, crossbreed or mongrel. Source: [PDSA, Bulldog breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/medium-dogs/bulldog).

## Cost

PDSA's figure: at least £80 a month (PDSA gives no lifetime figure). These are minimums that leave out buying the animal and vet bills for illness or injury. More: [annual cost of owning a dog](https://pawmultiverse.com/annual-cost-of-owning-a-dog/) and [puppy first-year costs](https://pawmultiverse.com/cost-of-a-puppy-first-year/). Source: [PDSA, Bulldog breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/medium-dogs/bulldog).

## Questions people ask

How long do Bulldogs live?

PDSA gives an average lifespan of under 10 years.

How much exercise does a Bulldog need?

PDSA suggests up to an hour a day, never in the heat of the day.

What health problems do Bulldogs have?

PDSA lists brachycephalic syndrome: narrowed nostrils and a long soft palate; elbow and hip dysplasia (screening schemes); entropion and ectropion; dry eye; cherry eye; tail problems; skin-fold infections; difficulty giving birth, often needing caesareans.

How much does a Bulldog cost?

PDSA's estimate: at least £80 a month (PDSA gives no lifetime figure).

## Sources

- [PDSA, Bulldog breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/medium-dogs/bulldog), read 7 November 2026.

## Related pages

[All breed guides](https://pawmultiverse.com/dog-and-cat-breeds/), [everything for dog owners](https://pawmultiverse.com/dogs/), [human foods dogs can eat](https://pawmultiverse.com/human-foods-dogs-can-eat/) and [pet emergency: what to do now](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-emergency-what-to-do-now/).

## Keep reading

- [Siberian Husky](https://pawmultiverse.com/siberian-husky-breed/)
- [British Shorthair](https://pawmultiverse.com/british-shorthair-cat-breed/)
- [Sphynx: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care](https://pawmultiverse.com/sphynx-cat-breed/)

**Is your pet's food on a recall list?** Check the barcode on the bag against five official registers in the US, UK, Canada and France. [Check your bag](https://pawmultiverse.com/check-your-bag/) · [Recalls this week](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-food-recalls/this-week/)