Lewis Hamilton is known worldwide for his racing prowess, but off the track, he shared his life with Roscoe, his beloved English Bulldog. Roscoe wasn’t just a pet; he was a celebrity in his own right, capturing hearts with his regular presence in the F1 paddock and on social media.
English Bulldog Facts: Body and Breed
English Bulldogs are lovable, medium-sized dogs known for their broad shoulders, stocky build and signature wrinkled faces. Adult males usually weigh 50-55 pounds and stand around 14-15 inches tall at the shoulder. With their short, smooth coats and calm, friendly demeanor, they’re perfect companions for city life or a cozy home. More about charm than athleticism, English Bulldogs win hearts with every waddle and snore.
Disposition and Life Expectancy
English Bulldogs are big-hearted goofballs wrapped in a stocky, wrinkled package. Affectionate, playful and social, they form deep bonds with their families and love being the center of attention. They can be a little stubborn - just enough to keep life interesting - but their patience and charm more than make up for it. Bulldogs typically live 10–12 years and while their flat faces give them those iconic smooshed expressions, they also mean extra care is needed for breathing and heat sensitivity. Cozy naps and gentle walks are their kind of adventure!
Roscoe swapped kibble for a plant-based diet and the results were paw-sitive! More energy, a shinier coat, improved mobility and a happier pooch convinced Hamilton to invest in Bramble, a New York-based vegan dog food brand. Roscoe even earned the title of “Chief Taste Officer”, LOL.
This documentary film inspired Lewis Hamilton to become a vegan:
Breed Origins and Popularity
English Bulldogs originated in 19th-century England, bred from larger bulldog-type dogs into stocky, gentle companions. With their wrinkled faces and big hearts, they’ve won fans worldwide, including celebrities. David Beckham has shared his home with Coco, Adam Sandler famously had Meatball (his bulldog and wedding ring bearer), and Joe Jonas owns Winston, a rare blue English Bulldog.
Have you ever heard of Tillman the skateboarding and surfing English bulldog?
Roscoe’s Popularity and Social Media
Roscoe’s popularity soared through Instagram, where he was featured on Hamilton’s account. He had over 1.5 million followers on Instagram. He was also regularly seen at F1 Grand Prix events, appearing in the paddock and media content, which added a personal and relatable dimension to Hamilton’s high-profile life. Other F1 drivers share pet moments, but generally do not bring their pets to races; the exception is Leo Leclerc, a miniature longhaired dachshund, who was adopted in 2024, has his own F1 VIP pass and 191,000 Instagram followers so far.
A Heartfelt Farewell
Sadly, Roscoe passed away several days ago after contracting pneumonia. His death was publicly mourned by Hamilton and fans alike, emphasizing the deep bond between a pet and his owner. Tributes poured in from the Formula 1 community, showing just how beloved Roscoe had become.
Legacy
Roscoe’s life as a rescue dog-turned-celebrity-pet highlights the power of adoption, the joy of companionship and the universal appeal of English Bulldogs. With his charming looks, affectionate personality and social media presence, Roscoe will be remembered not just as Lewis Hamilton’s dog, but as an icon in the world of celebrity pets.
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