Bulldog

Coat & Grooming:

Bulldogs have a low maintenance coat that is short and easy to maintain. It is naturally oily, which provides them with an effectively waterproof outer layer. The hair is fine and glossy. A quick brush each day is all that is needed to remove the loose hair. Because Bulldogs typically have a significant underbite, they are especially prone to dental disease, so it’s important to brush their teeth 2 – 3 times per week with a canine toothbrush and toothpaste, available from your veterinarian. Bulldogs typically do not require frequent bathing.

Make sure you routinely trim or grind your Bulldog’s nails. The end of the nail should reach no further than just past the associated pad. Long nails can make it difficult for them to achieve proper footing, and can also get caught in gaps and be ripped out, which is incredibly painful. If you are not confident at cutting your dog’s yourself, take him to a veterinarian to have it done. If you do try yourself, be careful not to cut the quick. This is the blood supply to the nail and if it is cut, it is very painful and can bleed profusely.

Shedding:

Most Bulldogs shed all year round. Although short, this fine hair can easily stick to clothing and furniture. Brush them daily to remove loose hair with a grooming mitt or soft brush.

Training: Bulldogs have a reputation for stubbornness, but they are an intelligent breed and can learn basic obedience, if you are willing to employ both patience and repetition, as well as offer frequent rewards. Despite their stubbornness, many Bulldog owners state that this is part of their charm, and only adds to their character!

Barking: The Bulldog has a deep, husky bark that is an effective deterrent to most intruders. They will issue a warning to perceived intruders and other potential threats. Because Bulldogs are so closely accustomed to their home environment, they can also protest if their world is changed, barking at new furniture or items that have been moved!

Like many dogs, Bulldogs can become anxious if left alone for long periods of time, and will sometimes resort to barking when this occurs. The Bulldog is particularly sensitive to this, as it loves to spend time with its family, and is a very sociable breed.

Appropriately socialized Bulldogs rarely growl unless they feel threatened. They sometimes make groaning or purring noise when happy, which can be mistaken for a growl. Because of their anatomy and the associated breathing difficulties, Bulldogs are very loud snorers, so if you’re a light sleeper you might want to consider whether having one of them in your bed is a good idea.

Personality: The Bulldog is known for its affectionate nature, and prefers the company of its human family to spending hours alone. If properly socialized from a young age Bulldogs get on well with other dogs.

Temperament & Behavior: Bulldogs are loyal, affectionate dogs that adore their owners. Despite their bulky build, they are often known for being “clown-like,” providing their owners will hours of amusement. They are great with children, and are highly protective of the smaller members of the family. Bulldogs greet their owners with enthusiasm after a long day, wagging their stubby tails and backsides enthusiastically before happily spreading out on the sofa.

Behavior with Kids: Bulldogs love children! Responsible breeders take pains to make sure the puppies are well socialized and trained to play well with children when they go to their lifelong homes. Although not huge, Bulldogs are powerful animals, and care should be taken when they are around toddlers, as they may inadvertently knock them over.

Protection: The Bulldog’s loyalty is one of its defining characteristics. They can beinitially wary of strangers but soon warm up. Perceived intruders will be greeted with a deep bark, and a typical Bulldog will become protective if it feels its owner (especially children) is threatened.

Life span: On average, Bulldogs live to be about 8-10 years old.

Inherited Health Issues: There have been many conditions identified in Bulldogs that are either inherited or occur at increased frequency in the breed. Many of the latter are secondary to the Bulldog’s unusual conformation; namely the large head and short snout. They include but are not limited to: aortic and pulmonic stenosis, Tetralogy of Fallot, ventricular septal defect (VSD), Brachycephalic airway syndrome, hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament rupture, cancer, congenital deafness, entropion, Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS aka dry eye), cherry eye, urinary stones and dystocia.

Preventive Care: Many of the Bulldog’s common health problems involve the conformation of the head and nose. Brachycephalic upper airway syndrome, as it is commonly referred to, occurs in other breeds, but seems to be most profound in its expression in Bulldogs. The complications associated with the disease can become life threatening, especially when the dog becomes overheated, and this can happen in relatively mild temperatures. There are a number of surgical procedures that are designed to improve airway function in these dogs, and for severely affected patients owners are encouraged to consider these procedures to improve quality of life and lessen risk of respiratory failure.

Because Bulldogs can suffer from various joint issues, fish oil supplements may be useful in reducing the inflammation associated with the signs of arthritis. It is also useful to consider using a veterinary anti-fungal wipe product to routinely clean the inner aspects of the folds of skin on the face and near the tail to improve comfort and reduce the possibility of yeast infections.

Bulldogs have a propensity to become overweight, so pet parents should feed carefully and manage weight scrupulously. Frequent weigh-ins are important to gauging the amount of food that should be fed. Consider a food designed for healthy weight maintenance for this breed.

Daily Consumption: Average daily consumption for an adult Bulldog is 1.5 to 2 cups

Energy Level: Enjoys some moderate exercise every now and then

Habits and Exercise: Your Bulldog may protest that they are far happier on the sofa than going outside, but he does still need regular walks. Bulldogs do best in a house that has access to a small yard at least. Because they can suffer from a number of orthopedic issues, they can struggle with stairs, so multi-story houses and apartment complexes with stairs are not optimal. When it’s raining, or especially hot, your Bulldog with love spending time with you in the house.

Bulldogs love toys, although they have such powerful jaws that care needs to be taken when choosing the appropriate ones. Use highly durable hard toys that will not break. If they do break, then your Bulldog can easily swallow the pieces, and that could cause a life-threatening intestinal obstruction. As an alternative, provide a durable soft toy that is difficult for them to destroy. Toys with squeakers should be avoided, as dogs will often remove and swallow this piece.

Provide a comfortable sleeping area for your Bulldog as they can struggle sleeping on hard flooring. The pressure from the hard surface can create callouses and fluid buildup around the elbows.

Climate: Although Bulldogs are kept in a variety of climates, you should give careful consideration to yours when deciding whether to purchase a Bulldog. Bulldogs are known as a “brachycephalic” breed, which means they have a relatively short snout. This renders them unable to effectively cool themselves, and they can easily overheat on warm days, especially when exercising.