3 Common English Bulldog Behaviour Problems (And How To Fix Them)

Remember: English Bulldogs are gentle, determined souls who've been drastically changed through extreme breeding. Accept their physical limitations, work within them, and they'll become the loving, devoted companions they were meant to be.

Where Do English Bulldogs Come From?

English Bulldogs were originally bred in England in the 1200s-1600s for bull-baiting, a blood sport where dogs attacked tethered bulls. The breed was specifically designed for this brutal purpose.

After bull-baiting was banned in 1835, the breed nearly died out but was saved by fanciers who bred aggression out and companionship in. Modern Bulldogs were refined in the late 1800s-early 1900s.

What were they bred to do?

English Bulldogs had a brutal original job:

• Bull-baiting - gripping bulls by the nose and holding on despite being thrown or trampled
• Extreme pain tolerance
• Complete determination (never letting go)
• Powerful jaws with undershot bite allowing them to breathe whilst gripping
• Low centre of gravity to avoid being tossed
• Ability to be handled by humans during matches despite their fighting drive

Key breeding traits:

English Bulldogs have extreme brachycephalic (flat face) causing severe breathing difficulties. They have massive heads and underbites from bull-baiting heritage and stubborn tenacity (once committed to something, they don't quit).

They're surprisingly gentle with humans (human-aggressive dogs were culled), have heat intolerance and exercise limitations from facial structure, and unfortunately, numerous health problems from extreme breeding. The modern Bulldog bears little resemblance to the athletic bull-baiters of old.

Why Do English Bulldogs Have These Behaviour Problems?

Your English Bulldog isn't being difficult. They're now exclusively companion dogs with the aggression completely bred out, though their stubborn temperament remains.

Modern breeding has created one of the most health-compromised breeds - many cannot breathe properly, reproduce naturally, or give birth without C-section. Their health issues directly cause behavioural problems as dogs in chronic discomfort develop behaviour issues.

Understanding that most behaviour problems stem from health issues is crucial.

Problem 1: Severe Health Issues Causing Behaviour Problems

What's happening: Your English Bulldog shows irritability, can't exercise normally, sleeps poorly, or develops frustration behaviours.

Why it happens: Extreme brachycephalic breeding creates breathing difficulties, overheating, joint pain (from massive heads and poor conformation), skin fold infections, and general discomfort. They're uncomfortable most of the time, leading to irritability, inability to exercise, poor sleep quality, and frustration behaviours. Physical limitations prevent normal dog behaviours.

The fix: Use "minimal exercise, maximum mental" stimulation through puzzle feeders and scent work in air-conditioned spaces. Structure life around their physical limitations with all activity in climate control, brief duration (10-15 minutes maximum), and frequent rest breaks.

Accept that many behaviour issues are actually health issues requiring medical, not behavioural, solutions. If behaviour changes suddenly, consult your vet before assuming it's behavioural.

Clean facial folds daily to prevent infections that cause discomfort. Use tear stain remover and ensure folds are completely dry - infected folds cause pain and irritability.

If you're considering getting this breed, you NEED TO FIND A GOOD BREEDER. Even the best bred dogs have issues but if you get a poor breeder you'll have a dog that struggles with day-to-day living, which is not ethical.

Health issues affecting behaviour? Many Bulldog behaviours are pain-related. Join our free Skool community to learn health management strategies and get advice on working within their physical limitations during weekly Q&As.

Problem 2: Stubbornness & Training Resistance

What's happening: Your English Bulldog ignores commands, refuses to comply, or digs in their heels when you ask them to do something.

Why it happens: Bull-baiting required extreme tenacity and determination - once they committed to gripping the bull, they wouldn't quit regardless of pain or commands. This same genetics makes them dig in their heels during training. They were never bred for biddability or handler cooperation, only independent fighting ability that didn't respond to pain or commands to stop.

The fix: Reinforce "choice-based training" where compliance feels like their idea. You're never going to force your Bulldog to do anything. Equally, males can be extremely strong and have a low centre of gravity. If they want to do something, they're going to try and do it.

Accept they'll never be eager-to-please dogs - celebrate small successes and focus on essentials only (sit, basic recall, minimal lead walking). Don't expect extensive obedience.

Avoid any physical corrections (e.g. tighter lead when walking) as these are dangerous with breathing issues and trigger their fighting genetics.

Make sure you manage their food well and leave nothing out. They need to understand that you're a good owner that provides, and they'll choose to follow you.

Stubborn Bulldog won't listen? English Bulldogs can't be forced. Inside our Skool community, you'll find choice-based training methods and can get advice on working with stubborn breeds during weekly Q&As.

Problem 3: Resource Guarding & Possessiveness

What's happening: Your English Bulldog guards food, toys, or spaces aggressively, or becomes possessive over people or objects.

Why it happens: Bull-baiting required them to hold resources (the bull) against all opposition with extreme tenacity. They can easily become obsessive around food, toys, spaces, and people. Breathing difficulties make eating and resting more important and valuable, increasing resource guarding. They were bred to never let go once they possessed something.

The fix: Remove high-value items (bones, bully sticks) as soon as they stop chewing them/playing with them if guarding is severe until trust is rebuilt.

They have immensely strong jaws. DO NOT let your children near them if they exhibit this behaviour (you likely need a trainer if this is severe).

Hand-feed all meals for 2-3 weeks to build trust around food handling: sit on floor with bowl, feed small handfuls from your hand.

Rotate items they play with. This can stop them becoming obsessive over one. You'll find they prefer a certain material. If this occurs, find multiple toys with that material and rotate them.

Never leave them with food or allow them to leave food lying around.

Resource guarding getting serious? Bulldogs never let go - it's in their DNA. Join our Skool community for hand-feeding protocols and get immediate advice if guarding behaviours escalate during live webinars.

Is an English Bulldog Right for a New Owner?

An English Bulldog might be perfect for you if you're looking for:

A gentle, laid-back companion - English Bulldogs are calm, gentle dogs with sweet temperaments. They're excellent with children and make wonderful family pets.

A low-exercise dog for less active lifestyles - These dogs need only 20-40 minutes of exercise daily in short sessions. They're perfect for people who prefer a relaxed lifestyle.

An ideal apartment dog - With low energy needs and minimal barking, English Bulldogs adapt beautifully to apartment living. They're quiet, calm indoor companions.

A dog excellent with children and pets - English Bulldogs are famously good with kids and very good with other pets. Their gentle nature makes them safe, patient family members.

A loyal, devoted friend - Bulldogs bond deeply with their families and are incredibly loving. They want to be near you and thrive on companionship.

If you can afford very high vet costs, have air conditioning, can commit to daily facial fold cleaning, and want a gentle, low-energy companion, an English Bulldog will bring love and devotion to your life (but please find an ethical breeder who prioritises health).

Get the Full Support System for Your English Bulldog

This guide gives you real solutions you can start using today. But raising a well-behaved English Bulldog is an ongoing journey, not a one-time fix.

That's why we created our free Skool community - to give you continuous support every step of the way.

Inside the community, you'll get:

• Weekly live Q&A sessions where you can ask about YOUR specific English Bulldog and get personalised advice from experienced trainers
• Full breed-specific courses covering everything from puppy raising to advanced behaviour modification
• A supportive community of other English Bulldog owners who understand exactly what you're going through
• Video demonstrations so you can see techniques in action, not just read about them
• Troubleshooting help when things don't go to plan (because they won't always!)
• Updated resources as we add new courses and training blueprints

Best part? It's completely free. No subscription. No catch. Just dog owners helping dog owners.

Join The Toe Beans Co community today and get the ongoing support you need to build the best relationship with your English Bulldog.