You didn’t land on the English bull by accident. This is a breed people seek out, and for good reason. The egg-headed original, fearless, devoted, and entertainingly eccentric, and built tough and bonded completely, they’re a natural fit for experienced owners who want a physically strong, deeply devoted, and entertainingly eccentric companion who want a fearless, loyal, and powerfully built companion who brings genuine character to every household lucky enough to have one. Let’s dig in.
What are the characteristics of a English bull?
Think you know what you’re getting into with a English bull? These scores will either confirm your suspicions or give you something to think about. Either way, good to know now.
Training
| Trait | Score | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| Trainability | 3 out of 5 | Intelligent but short attention span and independent. Short, fun sessions work best |
| Obedience | 3 out of 5 | Can be reliable with firm, consistent training. Their stubbornness tests patience |
| Focus | 2 out of 5 | Easily distracted. Their curious, mischievous nature competes with any training input |
| Stubbornness | 4 out of 5 | Stubborn and self-willed. A confident, patient handler is essential |
Friendliness
| Trait | Score | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| Good with family | 5 out of 5 | Deeply devoted to their family. Their attachment is intense and physical |
| Good with children | 3 out of 5 | Can be good with children who know them. Their exuberant physicality requires supervision |
| Good with strangers | 3 out of 5 | Friendly with familiar people. Variable with strangers |
| Good with other dogs | 2 out of 5 | Can be dog-aggressive, particularly same-sex. Multi-dog households need careful management |
Adaptability
| Trait | Score | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | 2 out of 5 | Their energy and destructive potential make apartment living difficult |
| Cold weather | 3 out of 5 | Handles cool weather reasonably well |
| Hot weather | 3 out of 5 | Tolerates moderate heat. Monitor in high temperatures |
| Routine flexibility | 2 out of 5 | Needs structured routine and daily vigorous exercise |
| First time owner | 2 out of 5 | Better for owners with bull-breed experience |
Physical needs
| Trait | Score | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy level | 4 out of 5 | High energy and physically powerful |
| Endurance | 4 out of 5 | Strong physical endurance |
| Exercise needs | 4 out of 5 | Needs at least 45 to 60 minutes of vigorous daily exercise |
| Mental stimulation | 3 out of 5 | Intelligent but their attention span limits training sessions |
| Grooming needs | 1 out of 5 | Short, flat, smooth coat requiring almost no grooming |
Personality
| Trait | Score | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| Playfulness | 5 out of 5 | One of the most playful and physically boisterous breeds. Their clownish behavior is legendary |
| Affection | 5 out of 5 | Deeply affectionate and physically demonstrative |
| Loyalty | 4 out of 5 | Devoted and intensely bonded |
| Independence | 2 out of 5 | Low independence. Wants constant company |
| Alertness | 3 out of 5 | Alert but their friendliness undercuts guarding instinct |
Behavior
| Trait | Score | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| Barking tendency | 3 out of 5 | Can be vocal when excited |
| Digging tendency | 3 out of 5 | Some digging tendency |
| Chewing tendency | 4 out of 5 | Moderate to strong chewing. Durable toys are essential |
| Prey drive | 4 out of 5 | Moderate to high prey drive |
| Guarding instincts | 2 out of 5 | Too friendly to be effective guard dogs |
What are common health issues of a English bull?
Like all breeds, English bulls are prone to certain health conditions. Here’s what to keep on your radar.
Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome
English Bulls have flat faces and narrow airways that make breathing a constant challenge. Heat, exercise, and excitement can all make symptoms significantly worse. Keeping them cool matters.
Read more about Brachycephalic Airway SyndromeHip Dysplasia
The hip joint develops abnormally, causing pain and stiffness. English Bulls are prone to it, and their heavy, compact build puts extra pressure on already compromised joints over time.
Read more about Hip DysplasiaCherry Eye
The gland in your dog's third eyelid pops out of place, appearing as a red mass in the corner of the eye. It is common in English Bulls and usually requires surgical correction.
Read more about Cherry EyeElbow Dysplasia
A developmental condition affecting the elbow joint during growth. It is common in English Bulls and often causes front-leg lameness that may need management or surgical correction.
Read more about Elbow DysplasiaAllergies
English Bulls are prone to skin allergies, often appearing as itching, redness, or infections in their skin folds. Food and environmental triggers are both worth exploring with your vet.
Read more about AllergiesWhat are the recommended health tests for English bulls?
Your English bull can’t tell you when something’s off. That’s what these tests are for. Here’s what vets typically recommend for them.
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BAER hearing test -
OFA patella evaluation
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Cardiac evaluation by a board-certified cardiologist
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CAER ophthalmologist eye exam
Do English bulls need pet insurance?
We’ll let the numbers do the talking, but spoiler: a lot of English bull owners are really glad they had coverage.
Those numbers aren’t hypotheticals. They’re real claims from real English bull owners in 2025.
The right pet insurance means you’re making decisions based on what your dog needs, not what you can afford.
With Lemonade, you can build a plan around your English Bull Terrier specifically. Start with accident and illness coverage as your base, then add on what makes sense for your dog, things like physical therapy, dental illness, or behavioral treatment, and skip what doesn’t. Coverage applies to conditions that aren’t pre-existing (AKA, a condition that occurs after your policy is active and your waiting periods have passed), and you’ll know exactly what’s included before you commit. No fine print ambushes, no surprises at claim time.
And when you do need to file? You can do it in the app in minutes. No paperwork, no hold music, no waiting around.
English bulls are worth protecting with proper coverage. Here’s how to do it right.
How much does pet insurance cost?
The cost of your premium is personal. It depends on your English Bull Terriers age, your location, and what you add to your plan. That said, here’s a realistic look at what other English bull owners pay with Lemonade:
| Age | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|
| 1 year old | $85-$90 |
| 2 years old | $80-$85 |
| 3 years old | $65-$70 |
| 4 years old | $90-$95 |
| 5 years old | $75-$80 |
| 6 years old | $100-$105 |
| 7 years old | $120-$125 |
Not sure if Lemonade is the right fit for your English Bull Terrier?
See how we stack up. Compare pet insurance options side by side and find the coverage that fits your English bull and your budget.
History of the English bull
The English Bull Terrier was developed in England in the early 19th century from crosses between Bulldogs and various terrier types, originally for bull-baiting and later dog fighting. When these activities were banned, James Hinks of Birmingham developed the modern Bull Terrier type in the 1860s, crossing the original bull-and-terrier with Dalmatians and English White Terriers to produce the all-white, egg-headed dog that became fashionable in Victorian England. The AKC recognized the Bull Terrier in 1885. A Miniature Bull Terrier variety is recognized as a separate breed. The breed's unique egg-shaped head, clownish personality, and Spuds MacKenzie fame have made them one of the more recognizable breeds in the world.
Caring for a English bull
Training
Training a English bull takes patience, but it’s worth the effort. They are stubborn and slow to respond to repetitive training, which means owners need to keep sessions short, fun, and richly rewarding to make meaningful progress. Short, upbeat sessions with irresistible treats and a patient, lighthearted attitude tends to work best, and getting started early makes a real difference.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or leveling up, these are worth the read.
Grooming
English bulls have a short, smooth coat that requires low grooming. Weekly brushing with a soft bristle brush manages shedding and keeps the coat clean, and the occasional wipe-down keeps them looking their best. Facial folds require regular cleaning to prevent moisture buildup and skin irritation.
From nail trims to professional care, here’s everything you need to keep your English Bull Terrier looking (and feeling) their best.
Exercise and mental stimulation
English bulls have low to moderate energy levels and need 20 to 30 minutes of exercise each day to stay happy and healthy. Short slow walks, gentle indoor play, and interactive puzzle games are all great ways to burn through that energy. But physical exercise is only half the picture. English bulls are moderately intelligent dogs, and mental stimulation is just as important as the miles you put in. Without it, they become lazy, overweight, and prone to stubborn and attention-seeking behaviors. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and scent work are all solid ways to keep their brain engaged between walks.
Here’s how to build an exercise routine your English bull will actually love.
Nutrition
English bulls are medium dogs with low to moderate energy, so they need a diet to match. Most adults do well on around 600 to 800 calories a day, spread across two meals. Depending on what you’re feeding them, expect to spend around $35 to $55 a month on food. Not the cheapest line item, but not the most expensive either.
What goes in the bowl is your call, and your vet’s. Kibble, raw, fresh, or a combination: there’s no single right answer. Focus on quality ingredients, the right portions for your dog’s age and activity level, and you’re most of the way there.
Get the full picture on feeding a English bull here.
English bull costs and adoption
What does it cost to bring home a English bull?
Before your English bull even sets a paw in your home, there are some one-time costs worth planning for. Here’s what to expect upfront.
| Category | Cost Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Adoption (Reputable breeder) | $500-$1,500 | Health testing, vaccinations, early socialization, pedigree |
| Adoption (Rescue/shelter) | $50-$300 | Basic veterinary care, spay/neuter, temperament evaluation |
| Initial veterinary care | $300-$600 | Exam, vaccinations, spay/neuter if needed, microchip |
| Essential supplies | $200-$400 | Crate, bed, leash, collar, food bowls, toys |
| Training classes | $150-$300 | Basic obedience, puppy socialization |
Unexpected costs have a way of showing up in year one more than any other. A starter emergency fund alongside a solid pet insurance plan is the best way to make sure they don’t catch you off guard.
What does it cost to own a English bull each year?
Once you’re past year one, ownership costs settle into a more predictable rhythm. Here’s what most English bull owners spend annually, though keep in mind these numbers can vary quite a bit depending on where you live, your dog’s individual health needs, and the choices you make along the way.
| Category | Annual cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Food and treats | $400-$700 | Based on the recommended portion for your English bull |
| Routine Veterinary Care | $500-$1,000 | Wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care |
| Professional Grooming | $100-$300 | Every Every 8 to 12 weeks, Short smooth coat needs very little professional grooming. |
| Toys and Supplies | $100-$300 | Replacement items, mental stimulation toys |
What are popular English bull names?
We’ve crunched the numbers, and found the top 10 most popular names for English bull we see at Lemonade.
More names where those came from. If none of these are clicking, we’ve done the digging for you. Go find the one that sticks.
English bull puppies
Puppy veterinary needs
The first year matters a lot. What happens between 8 weeks and 12 months shapes who this dog becomes. Here’s what to focus on.
The first few months are the most important window for your puppy’s health. Core vaccines start at 6–8 weeks and continue through 16 weeks. After that, its annual boosters and routine screening as they grow into adults.
It’s a lot to keep track of. That’s why we made it easy.
Puppy socialization
English bull puppies are clownishly devoted, physically exuberant, and genuinely entertaining in a way few breeds can match. That a total physical and emotional commitment to their person that is simultaneously demanding and deeply endearing is part of what makes them experienced bull-breed ownership, vigorous daily exercise, durable toys, consistent training, and early socialization, and it’s also why early socialization matters so much.
Between 8 and 16 weeks, get them in front of as much variety as possible. Different people, animals, sounds, surfaces, and locations. Keep every experience positive. Puppy classes are great for this: supervised, controlled, and full of exactly the kind of novelty a English bull brain needs to learn that the world is mostly fine.
Where are English bull’s most popular in the United States?
Based on Lemonade’s own policyholder data, English bulls are most popular in these five states. We’ve also thrown in a few things local pet owners should keep an eye on, so your pup can get out there and explore safely.
1. California
Foxtail grass is one of the sneakiest hazards for California dogs. The barbed seeds can embed in paws, ears, and noses from late spring through early fall, so check your dog after any outdoor time. Wildfire smoke is also a real seasonal concern; when air quality alerts are in effect, it's best to keep walks short and stay indoors as much as possible.
2. Texas
Texas heat is intense and sets in early. Hot pavement can burn paws from late spring through early fall, and heatstroke risk is high during midday walks in cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. Rattlesnakes, scorpions, and fire ants are also common hazards, particularly in suburban and rural areas.
3. Florida
Florida's heat and humidity make heatstroke a real risk, especially in summer. Keep walks to cooler parts of the day and always bring water. Blue-green algae blooms in freshwater lakes and ponds can also be toxic to dogs, so it's best to keep pups out of standing or slow-moving water, particularly from late summer into fall.
4. Ohio
Ohio's mix of farmland, suburbs, and wooded parks creates consistent tick and flea exposure, particularly in spring and summer. Coyotes are also well-established across the state, including in suburban areas, so being aware of surroundings during dusk and dawn walks is a good habit.
5. Arizona
The desert heat is the biggest thing to watch year-round. Pavement in Phoenix can reach dangerous temperatures in summer, so early morning or evening walks are best for your dog's paws. Arizona is also home to rattlesnakes, scorpions, and desert toads, all of which are more active in warmer months, so stay alert on trails and in the yard.
Breed comparison
Already leaning toward a English bull? These breeds often get compared, here’s a quick snapshot of how they stack up.
English Bulldog
These are the same breed. English Bull is simply a shortened name. Both share the same heavy build, flat face, and gentle, stubborn temperament that defines the breed.
Read more
Bulldog
These all refer to the same breed. Bulldog and English Bull are both shortened names for the English Bulldog. All share the same stocky build, low energy, and affectionate personality.
Read more
Olde English Bulldog
Both are muscular, heavy-set breeds. Olde English Bulldogs are more athletic and have fewer breathing issues. English Bulls are more widely recognized and better known as companions.
Read more
American Bulldog
Both are bulldog breeds. American Bulldogs are larger, more athletic, and more energetic. English Bulls are more compact, lower energy, and better suited to less active owners.
Read more
French Bulldog
Both are stocky, flat-faced breeds. French Bulldogs are smaller, more playful, and more adaptable. English Bulls are heavier, more stubborn, and better for very low-key households.
Read moreIs a English bull right for you?
English bulls reward the right owner with a clownish exuberance that makes every day genuinely entertaining and a physical devotion and unique appearance that makes them unlike any other breed. They just need consistent training, vigorous daily exercise, durable toys, early socialization, and experienced bully-breed handling in return. If you’re ready for that, you’re ready for a English bull. Make sure they’re protected from day one.
A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of the policies issued, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage may not be available in all states. Please note that statements about coverages, policy management, claims processes, Giveback, and customer support apply to policies underwritten by Lemonade Insurance Company or Metromile Insurance Company, a Lemonade company, sold by Lemonade Insurance Agency, LLC. The statements do not apply to policies underwritten by other carriers.
Insurance claim data is based on Lemonade pet insurance claims that were settled and paid in 2025.
Average insurance premium data is based on Lemonade’s internal data and reflects the average premium over the last 12 complete months, accurate as of June 2026.
Top pet names are sourced from Lemonade’s database of pet names associated with submitted quotes and purchased policies.
Top states for each breed are based on the number of active Lemonade pet insurance policies for that breed in each state as of June 2026.