I’m not pro or anti bulldog and I have never owned one, but out of curiosity in seeing others descriptions of them (who have owned them) and in looking at wiki they appear to be fairly high maintenance physically, not too bright, lethargic drool machines that fart constantly, and often have severe respiratory issues and a host of medical problems.
Where exactly does the appeal lie?
Well, the ones I’ve met have been real sweethearts. I don’t think it’s right to be involved in the breeding of animals which are not physically sustainable, but I’ve read that many of those breeds have active and passionate breeders working for a more “historical” animal.
You might say the same about Pugs, French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, or any other brachycephalic dog. Or Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, who almost always develop serious heart problems.
I’m not a fan of these dogs either, and much prefer a healthy breed. It isn’t really hard to see the appeal though. People like some breed and think it’s cute, so the either a) don’t mind the health problems, or more likely, b) didn’t do the research before buying their dog.
They make you look good. 
flees
I don’t know but I often wonder the same thing about children for the same reasons. To each his own.
They are cute. They aren’t stupid dogs either, they just don’t respond as well to certain types of training as other breeds. Everyone I’ve met has been sweet as well.
I have a bulldog. She is a sweetheart to people, but she is doesn’t get along with other dogs very well. She loves everyone, especially kids, never barks, and has never ventured more than 30 yds away my house when let loose.
She just turned 11 and won’t live too much longer. She is showing sign of hip dysplasia and it is a struggle for her to navigate the steps from garage to the house. However, she has been relatively healthy except for a skin allergy that pops about every 9 months or so.
She is pretty dumb and stubborn but she was the easiest dog I have ever house-trained. She has a cast iron bladder and colon. I think I could leave her for 24+ hours w/o any trouble.
They have a very sweet disposition and do not require a lot of exercise.
They are sweet and cute. Unfortunately, I can’t have one here because there is a trend of breaking into houses to steal bulldogs and other brachycephalic pups. I love dogs but don’t have a choice to have the breed/type of dog I’d like to have. So sad.
Personally, I do :). With the partial exception of Boxers ( my family owned one when I was a child ), I’m not a fan of brachycephalic breeds. Or squish-faced Persian cats for that matter.
But each to their own. I’ve met a ton of Pug fanciers in my day, including a couple of close friends, and my dad owned a cherished English Bulldog in his youth. Really, virtually all dog breeds can make for sweet, happy companions.
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Yeah that is one thing that irks me about all the websites ranking canine intelligence. They only go by how quickly and adeptly they respond to training! That’s just one small facet of intelligence, just like we homo sapiens don’t limit human intelligence to an IQ test. I understand of course that measuring intelligence outside of scientifically-controlled training tests can be hard, but my skin bristles when I see the basenji being called stupid, merely because it is more feral and stubborn. My dog was part-basenji and was quite sharp most of the time.
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I took a test on AnimalPlanet.com that was supposed to match me with my perfect type of dog. I got English Bulldog and I’m quite happy with that. And anyone who says they aren’t cute doesn’t know what cute is.
Quite true. In reality there are many types of canine intelligence and general breed personalities that may or may not apply to each individual. Generally speaking, bully and mastiff breeds are the the type to sit and wait patiently observing rather actively responding and trying. They’ll surprise you with what seems to be a remarkable leap of logic for them, but they’ve really been working it out slowly. When they are in the right mood, (calm but playful) they will respond to the normal active training immediately.
The current English Bulldog is a far cry from the classic bulldogs of the past – as I understand it, they were crossed with Pugs, which added the wrinkles. Google “American Bulldog” to see a throwback breed supposed to embody the physical traits of the original bulldogs.
One of the reasons people like them is because they’re funny-looking. But they’re also (as Acid Lamp points out, a “bully breed.” All the bullies are big-time people-lovers. They are enthusiastic and can even be clownish. Their combination of physical strength and bravery with intense devotion has a way of winning hearts. (The same principle probably applies to the famous appeal of “strong man holding a baby” pictures in advertising.)
What we consider “dumb” in a dog, may actually be a selling point for some people. A smart dog often gets bored easily if left alone for long periods of time (like say, while you’re at work.) A smart bored dog can be extremely and creatively destructive. Once had a German Shepard eat a set of carpeted stairs. On the other hand, a bully who sits looking longing at the front door all day long while you’re gone, hoping you’re coming home soon…can be a good thing.
Also, a dog who basically considers a twenty foot walk to be the epitome of exercise might make a good companion for someone who can’t go long distances the way other dogs might require.
I also think they’re positively adorable, and the rude noises make me laugh.
Not sure if I’m missing something here… but WHY would people break into houses specifically to steal brachycephalic dogs?
Because they are popular and can be sold for thousands of dollars. The bulldog group I belong to for AZ and SoCal sends out at least one alert about a new stolen bulldog every week.
As noted above, bulldogs are intensely loyal and bond closely with their people. They are also well suited for people who aren’t abundantly active; so they’re great for people whose schedules don’t allow for an hour walk twice a day.
While they don’t do great in heat and are higher maintenance than most dogs, they aren’t the lazy slugs they’re portrayed to be. Their stamina is comparatively lower, but they’re great for a short walk or fetch session. My 5 YO bulldog plays intensely and wrestles with my Italian mastiff for a good half hour just about every night.
Their maintenance isn’t exactly demanding either. Clean the facial folds and ears every night and you’re pretty much good to go.
Their charming, goofy and affectionate personalities more than make up for any drawbacks. I was dead set against having one, but they’re my wife’s dream dog. I caved and, along with several friends, got her a puppy for her 30th birthday. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. That little girl has completely stolen our hearts.
But aren’t lots of purebred dogs popular and able to be sold for high sums of money?
I think a purebred English bulldog would be a lot easier to steal than a purebred German shepherd. 
People’s dog preferences are often set early and are not entirely rational: we have an exceptionally smart and sweet poodle-mix in our family (he’s 17 now!) and I will always have a soft spot now for poodle-mixes. My dad likes rat terriers because he grew up with them.