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The Black English Bulldog has become increasingly popular among pet owners due to their unique color.
In this article, I will discuss everything you need to know about the Black English Bulldog.
This breed has a rich history and is quite unique compared to other dog breeds. I will cover how it is created, its physical appearance, size, temperament, cost, and other questions commonly asked about the Black English Bulldog.
Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
What Is A Black English Bulldog?
The Black English Bulldog is a rare color variation of the English Bulldog.
It’s not a separate breed from the English Bulldog. The sole difference is it has two recessive genes that mask all other colors except black.
This breed is black all over, including the nose, lips, and eye rims. Sometimes, a Black English Bulldog will have white markings on its chest.
History Of The Black English Bulldog
The English Bulldog has been around since the 1800s.
In the early days of bull-baiting, black was one of the most popular colors for Bulldogs.
However, when bull-baiting was outlawed in 1835, black Bulldogs’ popularity dwindled and became increasingly rare.
Fast forward to today, and the Black English Bulldog is again becoming popular due to their friendly and sweet personalities.
Not to mention the sleek look of a black bulldog.
How Is The Black English Bulldog Created?
The black color pattern is created from a recessive black gene or piebald gene.
This black gene masks all other colors except black.
Both parents must carry the black gene for a Black English Bulldog to be created.
If only one parent carries the black gene, the puppies will not be black.
This is because it’s a recessive gene, so any dominant gene will mask the black gene. This is why there need to be 2 sets of recessive genes for the bulldog to become black.
11 Top Things You Need To Know About The Black English Bulldog
If you are considering getting your hands on a Black English Bulldog, you should be aware of a variety of things.
Below we will cover 11 of the top things you need to know about Black English Bulldogs:
#1 How Rare Is The Black English Bulldog?
Since the Black English Bulldog can only come when two parents contain the black recessive gene, this color is considered rare.
Black English Bulldogs make up a small percent of all English Bulldogs born.
This might seem confusing since there are a ton of commonly black dog breeds. However, with the English Bulldogs, the color black is one of the 5 most rare colors.
For English Bulldogs, the rarest colors are:
- Black
- Blue
- Lilac
- Chocolate
- Merle
However, black is the most common color of all these rare colors.
#2 Appearance & Build
This breed has a short and compact build with a wide chest, broad shoulders, and muscular hind legs. Their head is large and round with small, black eyes.
Their ears are small and floppy, and their black nose is short and stubby. As for their tail, it is short and thick and may be either straight or curled. It often looks like a little stump.
Some are entirely black, while others can have a black and white coat. This comes from the pied gene, which is another gene that can create Black English Bulldogs.
The black and white coats usually have the black color on most of their body with white markings on their chest and face. Though this can come in irregular markings.
In addition, black and white bulldogs can also have brindle markings. This is when the black color is mixed with brown or tan hairs, which creates a tiger-striped pattern.
#3 How Big Are Black English Bulldogs?
The Black English Bulldog is a medium-sized dog that typically weighs between 40-50 pounds and stands 14-15 inches tall.
Males are usually larger than females and can weigh up to 55 pounds.
Their short and stocky build makes them seem much larger than they actually are.
#4 Black English Bulldogs Shedding & Grooming Needs
The Black English Bulldog is an average shedder and will require weekly brushing to help remove loose hair. The AKC recommends 10-minute brushings 2-3 times weekly to keep them looking their best.
Many parents of this breed benefit from robot vacuums to help them stay on top of all their shedding. Since their hair is so short and small, it can be hard to see; that’s where the robot vacuum can be a lifesaver.
In addition, due to their jowls, they can be droolers, so you’ll want to keep a drool rag around.
Regarding other grooming needs, the Black English Bulldog is relatively low maintenance.
They will require bathing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, teeth cleaning, etc., just like any other dog.
Are Black English Bulldog Hypoallergenic?
No, English Bulldogs are not hypoallergenic. They produce an average level of allergen. So if you have mild allergies, you may be okay with this breed.
But if you have severe allergies, it’s best to steer clear of Black English Bulldogs and all other Bulldogs, for that matter.
#5 The Black English Bulldog Lifespan
The Black English Bulldog will live an average of 8 to 10 years.
This is on par with the average lifespan of all English Bulldogs.
However, some Black English Bulldogs have been known to live up to 12 years or more with proper care.
The key to a long and healthy life for Black English Bulldogs (and all Bulldogs) is to feed them a high-quality diet, get them regular exercise, and take them to the vet for regular check-ups.
Following these simple guidelines can help your Black English Bulldog live a long and happy life.
#6 Common Health Issues
Unfortunately, Black English Bulldogs are prone to several health problems.
Some of the most common health issues include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Allergies
- Skin problems
- Ear infections
- Eye problems (entropion, ectropion, cherry eye)
- Cleft palate
- Gastric torsion (bloat)
- Skin infections
- Patellar luxation
- Portosystemic liver shunt
While this may seem like a long list of health problems, it’s important to remember that not all Black English Bulldogs will experience these issues.
In fact, many Black English Bulldogs live long and healthy lives with no significant health problems.
The last thing I will mention is this breeds difficulty breathing.
They are classified as a brachycephalic breed, meaning they have a short snout. This can cause breathing difficulties, particularly in hot weather.
If you live in a hot climate, it’s essential to take extra care of your Black English Bulldog during the summer months.
Make sure they have plenty of water and shade and avoid taking them on long walks during the hottest part of the day.
#7 The Black English Bulldog Trainability & Intelligence
The Black English Bulldog is an intelligent breed that is easy to train.
They are eager to please their owners and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods such as treats, praise, and belly rubs.
Keep training sessions short and make sure to start them from a young age.
Like all dogs, they will need early socialization and obedience training to prevent behavioral problems from developing later in life.
They are one of the easier breeds to train with an easy-to-please personality.
#8 Activity Level & Exercise Needs
The Black English Bulldog requires medium exercise.
While you might think these dogs are your classic couch potato breed, they need moderate exercise to stay healthy and happy.
A daily walk or short play session will suffice for most Black English Bulldogs.
However, some Black English Bulldogs may need more exercise than others.
It really depends on the individual dog.
#9 Black English Bulldog Temperament & Behavior
The Black English Bulldog is a gentle and loving breed that makes a great companion for families with children.
They are known for being patient, good-natured, and affectionate.
Black English Bulldogs are also generally good with other pets. However, some individual dogs may be more prone to aggression than others.
The black and white English Bulldog temperament is described as relaxed, good-natured, and people-oriented.
Do Black English Bulldogs Bark A Lot?
Black English Bulldogs are not known for being particularly vocal dogs.
They may bark to alert their owners of something, but they are not known for being yappy or barky dogs.
However, that won’t stop them from making noises. Due to their squished face, Black English Bulldogs are known for snorting, grunting, and snoring.
Do Black English Bulldogs Like To Cuddle?
Yes, Black English Bulldogs love to cuddle! They are very affectionate breeds that love nothing more than being close to their human companions.
The Black English Bulldog is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a snuggle buddy.
Are Black English Bulldogs Good With Kids?
Yes, Black English Bulldogs are generally good with kids.
They are a patient, dependable, and gentle dogs known for being great family pets. This people-oriented breed loves nothing more than being close with their human companions, including children.
Are Black English Bulldogs Good With Strangers?
The Black English Bulldog can be suspicious of strangers and may bark at them when they first meet.
However, most often, they will be friendly or just politely reserved.
Are Black English Bulldogs Good Apartment Dogs?
Yes, Black English Bulldogs are great apartment dogs.
They don’t need much exercise and are not particularly active inside the home. Instead, they prefer to lounge around with their family.
#10 Food & Diet
High-quality dog food formulated for small to medium-sized breeds is the best food for Black English Bulldogs.
Since they are a short and stocky breed, Black English Bulldogs are prone to weight gain.
Therefore, it’s important to avoid giving them too many treats and measure their food carefully.
It’s best to ask your vet or dog nutritionist what they recommend.
My father, Dr. Littlejohn, and our head veterinary consultant recommend these four brands above all else:
#11 What Is The Price Of A Black English Bulldog?
English Bulldog puppies can cost anywhere between $1500 to $4000.
A Black English Bulldog puppy is rare for this breed, contributing to an even higher price tag. So expect to pay on the higher end of that price range for a Black English Bulldog puppy.
When looking for a Black English Bulldog for sale, be very careful when you see a cheap Black English Bulldog puppy.
There are many breeders out there who are looking to make a quick buck by selling sick or unhealthy bulldogs.
Where Can You Buy A Black English Bulldog?
There are several reputable websites where you can buy healthy Black English Bulldog puppies.
Here is a list of Black and White English Bulldog breeders:
- BigBullDogs (BigBullDogs.com): To reduce the risk of genetic issues, they do genetic testing to ensure the quality of their puppies.
- Shrinkabulls (Shrinkabulls.com): These breeders are eager to answer any queries or concerns, including the bloodline of the pups.
- Lancasterpuppies (Lancasterpuppies.com): This is a site that connects buyers with breeders of Black English Bulldogs
These are just a few options, but please do your own research to find a reputable breeder near you.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Black Bulldog Called?
A black bulldog is called a Black English Bulldog, the black Bully, or the “black tri.”
However, a black tri often refers to an English Bulldog with a black and white coat with tan-colored points.
Tri pattern bulldogs can also come with points of a third color, golden brown or fawn.
What Is The Rarest English Bulldog Color?
The rarest English Bulldog color is the merle English Bulldog. Merle is a coat pattern found in a wide variety of dog breeds but is very rare.
It is characterized by irregular patches of color in the coat.
The merle gene is actually a mutation and is thought to be responsible for many health problems in dogs, including deafness, blindness, and cardiovascular problems.
For this reason, many Kennel Clubs do not allow merle English Bulldogs to be shown in conformation events.
Further Readings: Merle French Bulldog: Everything You Need To Know
What Is The Rarest Bulldog Breed?
The rarest bulldog breed is the Campeiro Bulldog. This breed is native to Brazil and rare outside its home country.
There is only a handful of Campeiro Bulldogs in the United States.
How Much Is An Akc English Bulldog?
The price of an AKC English Bulldog varies depending on the breeder. But, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2000 to $5000.
Other posts you might find interesting:
French Bulldog Colors (Common & Rare): W/ Prices & Pictures