Are Bulldogs Aggressive? Debunking Myths for Pet Owners

Bulldogs are some of the cutest pups you can bring home. If you want to spend your future kissing their sweet wrinkles and soft ears, you may also have heard some rumors about their temperament. Learning if English bulldogs have an aggressive nature could clarify if they’re the right dog for your lifestyle.

Are English Bulldogs Aggressive?

Bulldogs first appeared in recorded history in 1210. Medieval spectators would chain a bull to a stake and make it fight a bulldog, lending to the breed’s name. Although bullbaiting is no longer a popular sport, the idea that the breed is naturally aggressive has stuck around.

People may also think bulldogs are mean because they have bottom teeth that stick out. Although dogs bearing their teeth are typically warning people to stay away, bulldogs don’t always use their incisors to indicate defensiveness.

Issues That Cause Aggression in Dogs

The truth is that any dog breed can become aggressive under certain conditions. Learning what makes dogs more prone to confrontation could help you feel comfortable about bringing home an English bulldog.

Fear-Prone Thoughts

Some people are more anxious than others. Dogs are very similar. Some have more general anxiety due to their genetics. If your dog is more fearful, they could be aggressive because they’re always scared. There are ways to help dogs who feel that way because anxiety training and medications are available.

Territorial Protection 

Dogs are naturally protective of their territory, but how they defend their territory differs. Some dogs only get possessive about their food, bowls or crates. Others feel like any place they occupy is solely for them. 

Dogs typically need three to five bathroom breaks each day. If another dog relieves themselves in the same area, your bulldog may snarl because they use that spot frequently. Territorial training may help if your dog has those tendencies.

A History of Self-Defense

If you’re adopting an English bulldog who came from a previous home, they may have a history of owner abuse. Spending months or years living in a house where they experience physical abuse makes dogs aggressive because they’re constantly in self-defense mode. Professional training can ease their trauma-induced temperament with time.

Typical Bulldog Personality Traits

You can expect some standard bulldog personality traits if you bring one home. They’re eager to please, so bulldogs are typically easy to train. They can also have bursts of energy. Although they don’t match Siberian huskies that can sprint up to 30 mph, bulldogs still need space to run their energy off.

Renters with shared walls don’t have to worry about their bulldog being too loud, either. The breed typically isn’t vocal unless someone knocks at the door. Remember to give your bulldog toys to challenge their brain as well. They enjoy mental stimulation regularly because they’re more intelligent than many other breeds.

Ways to Raise Dogs With Good Temperaments

If you’re ready to adopt an English bulldog or any other variety, you can prepare for the experience by learning how to manage their temperament. Common strategies will help you raise a happy dog who interacts well with others.

1. Introduce New Experiences Slowly

Trying something new is a little scary, especially if you don’t understand what’s going on. Dogs can’t understand words if you try to prepare them for a new experience, so remember to do things gradually. If you want your dog to join you on nature walks, you wouldn’t want to start a 50-mile trail with them for their first experience.

Going to the dog park or visiting pet stores could be overwhelming and make them more aggressive if they’re doing too many new things at once. Introduce activities gradually and your dog will adapt to change better. 

2. Pet Your Puppy All Over

Whenever you spend time petting your bulldog, remember to pet them all over. Scratch their butt, pet their paws and play with their ears. If they learn to enjoy your touch, they’re less likely to be aggressive when someone tries to pet them in a random spot. You also won’t have to deal with any snarling when it’s time to trim their paws or bathe them.

3. Socialize Them Early

Dog socializing includes humans and other animals. You could invite a friend over so your dog can learn how to meet one person without getting surrounded by strangers. Try the same strategy with another puppy. Hanging out at a dog park will eventually be fun if your pup doesn’t feel surrounded by potential threats.

4. Provide Positive Reinforcement

Keep training treats nearby for continual positive reinforcement. When your dog interacts with someone nicely or plays well with another puppy, give them a treat and pet them all over. If they get positive reinforcement and social settings, your bulldog will associate people and other animals with happy times.

5. Start At-Home Training

Teaching your dog to sit and stay may not seem like it relates to their socializing skills, but it’s an excellent way to minimize aggression. If they learn to respect your commands, they’ll look to you for guidance. Only 58% of dog owners train their pups themselves, which is a missed opportunity. When your dog starts getting in situations that make them on edge, you’ll guide their behaviors if they know to respect commands like “settle.”

Bring Your Dream Pup Home

Adding a bulldog to your life can be so rewarding. Once you learn about their typical personality traits and the myth behind their supposedly aggressive nature, you can get the dog of your dreams without worrying about their temperament.

FAQs

What Is the #1 Most Aggressive Dog Breed?

The number one most aggressive dog breed is typically the Akita, which may surprise people. Although pitbulls and bulldogs have myth-based reputations for being aggressive, Akitas have protective natures that require more attentive training to reduce aggression.

Are English Bulldogs a Good Family Dog?

English bulldogs are good family dogs because they are loyal, affectionate and gentle. They form strong bonds with their families and don’t bark very much.

What Is Rage Syndrome in English Bulldogs?

Rage syndrome in English bulldogs isn’t a formal condition. People use the term to describe when their dog has unprovoked aggression, along with confusion and glazed eyes. The symptoms often indicate a developing brain tumor or other neurological conditions because English bulldogs don’t have aggressive natures.