So if you’re here you are probably a current or future owner of an English Bulldog. Congratulations, Bulldogs are wonderful dogs and a great addition to any family! I’m sure you are wondering what owning an English Bulldog is really like. Well sit back, relax, and hopefully in this article we can give you some information on this great breed of dog.
ENGLISH BULLDOG BASICS
Bulldogs have been a very popular dog breed for many years now, and for good reason. They are completely adorable with their wrinkly, smooshy little faces. They are friendly, sweet, and good with children. Even though they have a nice disposition, Bulldogs can be stubborn at times.
A Bulldog is a medium sized dog. The breed is stocky and heavy, so he is low to the ground for his weight. This is not the best breed for a very hot climate as they are very sensitive to heat and some have breathing issues.
English Bulldogs are a medium size – their shoulder height ranges from 14″ to 15″ and their weight ranges from about 40-50 pounds. Average life expectancy is 10-12 years.
WILL MY ENGLISH BULLDOG HAVE A LOT OF ENERGY OR BE A COUCH POTATO?
A Bulldog is a couch potato that loves to be around their family. They do need some walks or moderate exercise, but much, much less than most other breeds do. So when you and the family are hanging out on the couch,your Bulldog will happily flop down and join the group. One thing to remember is that your dog is going to be snoring and making lots of noises when they nap, due to their short face and respiratory problems. It’s alright though, just turn up the TV volume while your buddy sleeps and everybody will be happy!
IS MY BULLDOG GOING TO SHED A LOT?
Your Bulldog will shed a bit, but brush him a couple times a week and it shouldn’t be too overwhelming. In addition to brushing, make sure to clean your dog’s face wrinkles and folds daily if possible to keep infection out. Owning an English Bulldog can be a lot of work but those cute squishy little pups are worth it.
DO I NEED TO TRAIN MY BULLDOG?
Yes, it is very important to train your bulldog. It will teach him good manners and ensure that he listens when he needs to. Important things to teach a dog include sit and stay, not jumping up on people, and not rushing the door when it opens. Bulldogs can be stubborn so it is important to be consistent with training.
It is also important to make sure your dog is socialized with people and other dogs. The nice thing about Bulldogs is that they are usually pretty good around people. They sometimes do have dog aggression.
One thing to watch out for is guarding and possessiveness over food. Training to help your dog will be very important. If you have children, make sure that they are being watched over and do not trigger the dog’s possessiveness.
WHAT HEALTH PROBLEMS COULD MY BULLDOG HAVE?
Bulldogs have many health problems to worry about. Just some of the problems that your bulldog may have are hip and elbow dysplasia, skin problems and allergies, obesity, overheating and breathing problems, cherry eye, and arthritis. This can lead to a whole lot of time and money spent at the veterinarian.
Buying a cheap Bulldog puppy means you may not know the health history of your puppy’s parents. If you purchase your Bulldog puppy from a reputable breeder that tests their dogs, the odds of getting a healthy puppy are much higher. However, it may be inevitable that your dog will have health problems – it is just hard to avoid in this breed.
HOW CAN I FIND AN ENGLISH BULLDOG FROM A REPUTABLE BREEDER?
A great place to look is the AKC Marketplace. You can search those with Breeders of Merit and Bred with H.E.A.R.T., which are breeders that meet certain standards. You can never 100% guarantee that a dog won’t have health problems in the future, but going this route will increase the possibility of having a healthy dog.
It is certainly your choice if you decide to purchase a puppy from a local for sale ad. The puppy will definitely be cheaper upfront, but just remember you may be purchasing future problems that bring expensive medical bills.
WHAT IF I WANT TO ADOPT AN OLDER DOG?
A great place to start looking would be a Bulldog rescue organization. There are many rescues all over the country, and there are lots of wonderful dogs that need to be rehomed.