Bulldog pros and cons
Pros and cons of owning an English Bulldog include the following. One of the advantages to owning an English Buldog is the calm and lazy temperament of the dog. Bulldogs are very laidback and make perfect pets for less active people. Bulldogs make great animal companions for families with kids. Kind and affectionate Bulldog is a calm dog that can be happy in a country or in the city. Low exercise requirements allow Bulldogs to be comfortable living in an apartment and a few walks around the block every day keep this low energy dog happy. Other advantages to owning a Bulldog include the coat care requirements - which are minimal. Bulldogs have a short coat that needs a few brushings every week to stay in best shape.
Bulldog cons include his health - the breed has many health issues that include breathing difficulties. Bulldogs tend to wheeze during the day and snore during the night. Other disadvantages to owning a Bulldog include the dog's stubborness - this is a very strong minded breed that is difficult to train. Obstinate Bulldogs like to have things their way. Training an English Bulldog can be difficult and requires a positive and reward based approach in order to be successful. Bulldog cons include the necessity to keep the dog's facial wrinkles clean. Bulldog owners need to take good care of the dog's wrinkes to prevent any infections in these areas.
English Bulldog size
Bulldog's weight
Bulldog male weight: 50 to 55 lb (23 to 25 kg)
Bulldog female weight: 39 to 44 lb (18 to 20 kg)
Bulldog size
Bulldog male height: 12 to 15 in (30 to 38 cm)
Bulldog female height: 12 to 15 in (30 to 38 cm)
Bulldog coat: short, smooth, glossy and fine
Bulldog color: brindle, solid white, solid red, fawn or fallow, or piebald.
Bulldog's life expectancy:
Bulldog life span (English Bulldog lifespan): 8 to 12 years
How much does an English Bulldog cost?
English Bulldog prices start at $1,000 and up, depending on many factors.
 Bulldog temperament
Many English Bulldog owners agree that their dog is the sweetest and friendliest dog breed ever created. The once ferocious and tough breed conquered many hearts and became one of the most popular dog breeds. Bulldogs were originally developed for the sport of bull-baiting in England. To be successful in this sport, the dog needed to be low to the ground so that the bull wouldn't get his horns underneath the English Bulldog and throw it across the stadium. Bulldog's distinctive undershot bite allowed it to hang on to the bull with amazing strength, even as it was violently shaken and pounded on by the furious bull. Bulldog's scrunched up nose allowed him to breathe as his face pressed close to the bull's body until dog or bull finally fell. Some of the normal physical side-effects of the breed include wheezing and snoring because of their short snouts and outward protruding lower jaw. The Bulldog's wrinkles helped to channel the bull's blood away from the dog's eyes and nose. Certain temperament traits such as stubbornness and determination were treasured in the breed and are still present in the modern day Bulldogs even though the bull-baiting sport has long been outlawed. Despite the violent training in the early days of breeding, the Bulldog is known for his affectionate and laid-back personality. Calm and lazy dog breed such as Bulldogs can be stubborn and generally they aren't driven to work. Bulldog's stubborn temperament may be an obstacle during training, which can be a disadvantage to owning a Bulldog.
Are Bulldogs good with kids? When properly socialized from a young age, the Bulldog can be very patient and affectionate with children, making the breed an excellent family dog. As with any dog breed, very young children need to be supervised around dogs. Teach your kids to be gentle around dogs. This breed is also compatible with most household pets provided that the dog was properly socialized. Though a Bulldog can be described as calm dog breed, keep small pets out of harm's way when you can't supervise their interaction with the Bulldog.
The English Bulldog breed is perfect for you if the following list represents your behaviors and the kind of dog you want:
- You enjoy spending most of your time indoors. Bulldogs can be described as couch potato and they enjoy lounging around. This is not an athletic breed.
- You are looking for a low maintenance dog when it comes to grooming. Though Bulldogs have short hair that is easy maintenance, they do shed.
- You leave for much of the day and need a companion to hang out with after a hard day's work.
English Bulldog versus French Bulldog
The French Bulldog looks like a miniature English Bulldog with bat ears. At first, the French Bulldog had two ear types: the rose ear and the bat ear. American breeders preferred the bat ear variety and the French Bulldog Club of America was founded in 1898 to further the breed.
American Bulldog versus English Bulldog
The American Bulldog is recognized by the UKC but not by the AKC. The American Bulldog is a more athletic version of the English Bulldog. The American Bulldog has a large head but a well-defined stop and more muzzle than a Bulldog. Ears may be drop, semi-prick, rose or cropped. American Bulldogs range in height from 20 to 27 inches depending on sex. A male American Bulldog weights from 75 to 125 pounds and a female from 60 to 100 pounds. English Bulldog male weighs about 50 pounds and a female 40 pounds. The American bulldog has a topline that slopes slightly from the withers to the tail; a Bulldog has the distinctive roach or wheel back. The temperament is also different. The American Bulldog is protective and may be used as a guard dog, whereas the English Bulldog prefers a snooze on the couch.
Bulldog shedding
Do Bulldogs shed? Bulldogs feature a short coat, that does shed. To manage Bulldog shedding, brush the dog regularly. Good brushes for English Bulldogs include a rubber brush and a Furminator deshedding tool designed for dogs with a short coat.
Rubber brush
Furminator deshedding tool
English Bulldog care:
This breed needs extra care to keep the teeth clean. Bulldogs can develop plaque and if the plaque is not regularly removed by brushing teeth, it may harden and turn into tartar. Abscesses of the gums may result from tartar. Bacteria from abscesses can get into the dog's system and lead to various health conditions including pneumonia, heart, liver or kidney problems. Early dental care with daily brushing will help your Bulldog to get used to the procedure of having their teeth brushed.
How to clean Bulldog wrinkles
Owning a Bulldog requires keeping the dog's wrinkles clean and dry. Here's how to care for English Bulldog wrinkles and skin folds: clean folds around the tail and facial wrinkles with a damp cloth, cotton balls, or baby wipes with aloe vera every day to prevent buildup of dirt and moisture. If you notice a smell or any dirt in the wrinkles, you need to clean them more often. Failure to perform this regularly can lead to infection of the skin. Do not use baby powder or cornstarch on the wrinkles as these may irritate the skin. When wrinkles appear irritated, use a general antiseptic ointment or a diaper-rash cream to treat the area. You can also put a dab of petroleum jelly or vitamin E on your Bully's nose to help maintain the softness. Bulldog's coat is considered to be a low maintenance as it is short, fine and glossy. Bulldog's nose also needs to be cared for. If your dog's nose appears dry and chapped, try Bulldog nose butter to soothe the sensitive skin on his nose.
Bulldog wrinkle wipes
Brachycephalic dog
Bulldogs need to live indoors as this breed is not meant to be kept outdoors all the time. Bulldogs love their daily outings, however do not expect them to walk or jog long distances. English Bulldogs are not very active and moderate exercises are advised for healthy English Bulldogs. Disadvantages of owning a Bulldog include the fact that this breed is very sensitive to hot and humid weather because of the short snout (brachycephalic dog breed) and may even die when overheated. Keep your Bulldog in an air-conditioned room during hot weather and provide easy access to clean drinking water at all times. Also try to walk your Bulldog during early morning or later in the evening during hot summer days. Also Bulldogs do not swim and may drown in the pool. Bulldog's short legs and heavy bodies aren't built for the water. Be sure to keep your dog away from the family pool to prevent your Bulldog from drowning. Keep his ears clean and dry to prevent ear infections. You can use a little bit of hydrogen peroxide on a cotton ball to wipe the inside of the dog's ears to keep them clean.
Ear wipes for dogs
Bulldog's nail care
Get your puppy used to having his nails trimmed. Overgrown nails can split and get infected. Walking the dog on a paved road or on cement helps to keep the nails short. The easy way to find out if your dog's nails are too long is to let the dog walk on a hardwood floor. If you can hear the sound of nails hitting the floor whenever the dog walks, it is time to trim the nails. Use special nail clippers intended for dogs. If you are not sure which clippers to choose, check with your breeder or veterinarian for recommendations. Use treats when you are trimming the nails and stay calm. If the dog associates this procedure with positive things, it will be much easier for you to trim his nails. Never cut the nails past the pad of the foot. If you accidenally cut your dog's nail too much and the dog nail is bleeding, styptic powder can quickly help stop bleeding.
Dog nail clippers
English Bulldog lifespan
Bulldogs have a life expectancy from 8 to 12 years depending on many factors that include the health of the dog, the nutrition and care. Caring for an older Bulldog is different than caring for a puppy or a middle aged dog. As the dog is maturing, his needs are changing. Older dogs tend to have less energy to run around and they are more laid back. In some cases the dog may start losing his vision or hearing. This doesn't mean that the dog can no longer function. Knowing how to help your dog to continue enjoying his life in his senior years can make all the difference.
Bulldog puppies
When you are selecting a Bulldog puppy, be sure to check the way the puppy is breathing. A healthy Bulldog puppy does not make wheezing sounds when it is breathing. Be aware that any issues with breathing in a Bulldog puppy will result in an unhealthy adult dog with plenty of health issues to deal with and the dog will likely grow up to be slow and lethargic. If you are getting the puppy from a breeder, ask if you can see the parents of the puppy. Pay attention to every detail when you are meeting the puppy's parents. They should be friendly, not shy or fearful. The puppy needs to stay with is mother until he is at least eight weeks old. Ask to see the puppy area. The surroundings should be clean and well lit. Puppies must be healthy. If the breeder is refusing to show you where the puppy lives, find another breeder. Choose an active puppy with clear eyes and healthy nose. Ask for the health records for the puppy. An updated shot record and worming history should be provided. Ask whether the parents were tested for any health problems. If you are getting a purebred Bulldog puppy, be sure to get a three-generation pedigree that will list your dog's father, grandfather and great-grandfather on the top half of the pedigree. The dogs listed on the bottom half are the mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. The pedigree also tells which dogs are champions and if the dogs earned performance titles. Bulldog puppies can cost from $2,000 to $3,000. Owning a dog requires financial responsibility and expenses associated with dog ownership will include the cost of food, toys, bedding, veterinary services and emergencies, traveling expenses and much more. In addition to financial responsibility, the dog will also require your time. Before you get the puppy, be sure that you have the time to train, walk, play and care for your bulldog. His wrinkled face will need to be cleaned every single day to prevent skin infections.
If you want an older Bulldog, consider getting a dog from an animal shelter or from a Bulldog rescue group. There are many advantages to getting an older dog. The dog may already be housetrained. An older Bulldog doesn't need the same high level of concentrated effort that a puppy needs. He still needs love and attention, but if you don't have the time or energy to deal with puppy's socialization or training, an older dog may be perfect for you. Older bulldogs also are less likely to chew on your favorite shoes as the dog is past the teething stage. Don't worry that the older dog won't bond with you. It's amazing how quickly that bond can form.
Bulldog supplies
When people bring a new baby home, they usually have all the baby supplies ready before the baby arrives. The same approach works great when you are bringing home a new Bulldog. Whether you are getting a full grown bulldog from a rescue center or a young Bulldog pup from a breeder, it is important to have all the supplies in place before the new puppy arrives so that you can dedicate your time to the puppy rather than to searching for all the Bulldog accessories.
Bulldog Crate
Get a crate for your puppy. It will serve many purposes. A crate gives your puppy a snug place of her own. Traveling is easier with crate. Crates are small and easy to clean areas. If the puppy has an accident in the crate, clean up is easier. Ask your breeder for an advice on the size of a crate that your Bulldog will need. Your dog needs to be able to stand up in the crate, turn around easily, and lie down stretched out. Cramped crates can make your Bulldog uncomfortable and unhappy. On the other hand, a crate that is too large isn't the cozy den your dog wants, and may encourage the dog to sleep at one end and turn the other end into his bathroom. Some owners have several crates. One for the car, one for the family room and one for the bedroom. Crate your puppy when you can't watch her.
There are three different types of crates: plastic, wire and solid metal. Plastic crates or pet carriers provide more protection when traveling with your dog. They offer more impact resistance than other types of crates. Wire crates are good stay-at-home den for your dog. In winter, cover the top and sides of the wire with a blanket or a custom-made crate cover to create a cozy den and in warm weather, flip the sides up to provide air circulation. Solid metal crates tend to hold heat and your Bulldog can become overheated. Stay away from metal crates.
Bulldog harness, leash and collar info
You will also have to decide on other items that your Bulldog will need, including a collar and a lead. A harness is an option but be warned that a strong and determined Bulldog will be able to pull you along wherever he wants to go. With a harness the owner has no control over the Bulldog. A collar and a thin leather lead work best. The wider the lead, the less flexible it can be. For a growing Bulldog a simple, flat nylon buckle collar works best. It can be easily adjusted to fit the size of the growing dog. A slip collar should only be used when training your Bulldog to not pull too hard on the leash. A slip collar is not recommended for daily wear and there's a chance that the dog may choke himself if he is continuing to pull very hard and the collar gets too tight around his neck. The prong collar looks intimidating but properly fitted and used, it won't hurt your Bulldog and will help you better communicate to him what you'd like him to do. This collar may help to have a better control over stubborn and undisciplined Bully. Check with your dog trainer to see which collar is best for your Bulldog and learn how to use it. Keep in mind that a slip collar, Martingale and other types of training collars should never be left on your dog when he is not training to avoid injuries.
A comfortable orthopedic dog bed will help your dog to get a good rest and he is more likely to sleep on his bed rather than try to take over yours. This type of bedding works better for older dogs that have outgrown the chewing stage. A dog bed with a removable cover is easy to keep fresh and clean.
Both, the outside and the inside of your home needs to be ready for the arrival of a Bulldog. Take a look at your yard. If it's already fenced, be sure that the fence does not have gaps large enough for the puppy to wiggle through. Check the indoors for puppy safety. Look around rooms at puppy level and remove anything that poses a danger or can be destroyed.
Protect the dog from the electrical cords in the home. A chewed electrical cord is a deadly hazard. Consider locking doors under sinks where cleaning supplies are stored. Puppies can easily damage or destroy things. Remove any valuable collectibles to areas where the puppy can not reach them. Make a spare room off limits to the puppy and put the precious things in that room.
Training English Bulldog:
Having a Bulldog is a pleasure, having a well-trained Bulldog is pure joy. A strong minded and determined Bulldog is not the easiest breed to train. But with patience and consistency you will get results. Basic obedience is especially important for establishing rules and having control over this strong animal. The more rules your dog knows, the more secure he will be, knowing that you are in charge. Rules need to be established even before your dog enters your home. Everyone in the family needs to understand what the rules are and why they are necessary. There should not be exceptions. For example, if your dog is not permitted to a certain area of the home, the rule should be enforced at all times without exceptions. Creating rules and breaking them from time to time will only be a source of confusion for your dog.
Start training early, when your dog is still young. Training an English Bulldog puppy that is more flexible is much easier than training a full grown Bulldog that can be set in his ways and more difficult to train. Keep training sessions short and frequent. For example a five minute training session a couple of times each day is better than a long session but once in a while for this lazy dog breed. Always end training sessions on a positive note. For example, you can finish training with a command that your Bulldog is already familiar with and will be easy for the dog to perform. Then reward him for good behavior once he successfully performs the command. Be consistent with the command words that you use with the dog and do not repeat the command many times to minimize the confusion. If you consistently say the same command many times before the dog performs it, the dog will not perform the command unless you repeat it several times. Use positive reinforcement. Punishing your English Bulldog or treating the dog in a harsh way during training will only make the process more difficult and less productive for both of you.
A good Bulldog training advice is to never ever call the dog to come up to you if you are planning to punish the dog. For example, if your dog chewed your favorite shoes, do not call him to come up to you. Instead come up to the dog. Otherwise the dog will associate coming up to you with a bad experience and may not react to your calling him in the future.
Begging is a bad habit that dogs can develop very quickly because there's an immediate reward given in the form of a bit of food from the family table. The habit is very difficult to break and once you give in to your dog's begging, expect the begging behavior to continue even if you do not provide the dog with more food. The best way to stop this bad habit is to never give in. All family members need to follow that same rule and your dog will never learn to beg for food because you resisted the temptation of letting him have a piece from the start.
Showing a Bulldog
If you decide to compete in any of the performance events, your dog needs to be registered. If you own an unregistered purebred Bully, submit a form and pictures of your dog to the AKC. If the AKC agrees that your dog is a purebred, the club assigns an Indefinite Listing Privilege (ILP) number that allows you and your Bully to compete in all performance events. You may not compete in conformation.
English Bulldogs can be shown for the following competitions:
Conformation. Can also be described as a "beauty contest for dogs".
Obedience. The dog is judged by how well he performs basic commands in basic obedience level. At advanced obedience levels the dog must also retrieve, jump high and broad.
Rally. In a rally the dog is judged by the same behaviors as in obedience but you perform the behavior posted on each sign on the course, not the commands of a judge.
Agility. This activity is good for active Bulldogs. An agility course consists of several jumps, a teether-totter, a tunnel, an elevated dog walk and an A-frame. Your dog must run the course in a specific amount of time.
Tracking. The Bulldog follows a track with a specific number of turns and must find one or more specific articles on the track.
Bulldog food
Feed your Bulldog a high quality age appropriate dog food. Check the first five ingredients listed on your dog food. These should be an animal-based protein source: beef, chicken, or lamb. Ideally, one of these ingredients should be in the first position, because this position indicates the main ingredient. Another factor to consider when purchasing dog food is the filler, which is what the manufacturer uses to bulk up the food. Not only should the food be mostly meat instead of filler, but also some dogs are allergic to certain fillers because fillers often consist of additives that dogs aren't designed to eat. Here are some common fillers:
Corn is a cheap filler and frequently used in dog foods. Some dogs may be allergic to it.
Wheat and soy grains are also popular but may also cause problems due to allergies.
Rice causes fewer allergic reactions and has become popular for that reason.
You also will have to choose whether to feed your dog dry, canned or semimoist dog food. There are many pros to feeding a Bulldog dry food. Dry food is easier on your budget and has a long shelf life. Dry food also is less likely to stick to your dog's teeth and cause dental problems. Canned food is preferred by many dogs because it tastes and smells more appealing. You can try to mix dry and canned food to give your dog a yummy meal. Semimoist food is the most expensive dog food option and potentially less healthy for your dog. This food is frequently formed into attractive shapes though dogs don't care about the shape, so that it looks like a beef patty. Read the label. Prominent animal proteins and vitamins may be abound, but so do sugar and preservatives. Avoid food that is not healthy for your dog.
Don't let your Bully get too heavy. An overweight dog has even more trouble breathing and may develop hip problems and arthritis. There are other health issues associated with extra weight that include heart and lung problems. Extra weight can also aggravate any existing problems and cause others.
Bulldogs health issues
One of the cons to owning a Bulldog is the multitude of health problems associated with the English Bulldog breed. Bulldog's physical characteristics can lead to a number of possible health issues, including those of the nose, eyes, teeth, and respiratory system. This brachycephalic dog can not efficiently cool himself during hot weather through panting as other breeds do. Heat stroke is more common with this breed. Keep your Bulldog in normal weight as being overweight can result in various health issues. English Bulldogs are prone to food allergies. Consult with your Veterinarian about the best dog food options for your English Bulldog.
Bulldogs are prone to skin ailments and allergies. Check for hot spots and bald patches. Hot spots are red and inflamed sores caused by dogs biting their own skin. Check with the vet about the best way to handle this issue.
Bulldogs are more predisposed than other breeds to develop bladder or kidney stones. This condition is very painful and if your dog has blood in his urine or has trouble urinating - take the dog to the veterinarian immediately as this is a medical emergency.
English Bulldogs require a Caesarean delivery for giving birth - consult your veterinarian before considering breeding your Bulldog. Also keep in mind that this breed can suffer from complications while under anesthesia because of their unusual airways. When the dog has any kind of surgery, he may be in danger during the recovery period. If the dog is not fully awake - the palate can fall over the opening of the trachea, cutting off the air supply. Do not leave your dog alone as someone needs to make sure that the dog can breathe.
Bulldog origin
Ancient Bulldogs were so fierce that they were banned on the streets of Rome. The English Bulldog originated in England and from 1200s until mid 1800s this small statured, medium-sized dog breed was trained and bred to fight bulls for sport. Many Bulldogs did not survive in the sport and only the strongest survivors were selected to help create the Bulldog breed that we are familiar with today. The breed was created by a cross between the pug and mastiff.
During the recent years the breed experienced growth in popularity and as a result more people discover the warm and full of affection spirit that a Bulldog brings into a home.
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