English Bulldog health: what owners should know

The English Bulldog is known to be predisposed to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), heat intolerance, skin fold infections, eyelid and third-eyelid problems such as entropion and cherry eye, hip and elbow dysplasia, and spinal malformations associated with the corkscrew tail. In the UK, a responsible breeder will have the parents assessed under the Respiratory Function Grading Scheme and should also be able to show hip results, eye checks and heart examinations.

Good habits make a real difference: a lean body, a harness, weather-aware walks and regular fold care. Snoring during sleep is common, but loud noise while awake and resting, gagging at meals or struggling after mild exercise all deserve a vet appointment. See a vet the same day for any collapse, blue gums, a squinting or cloudy eye, or a red swelling appearing in the inner corner of the eye.