 | How to care for your Bulldog |
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Although the English Bulldogs appearance can be somewhat intimidating, it is among the gentlest of dogs. Just the same it will see off any intruder, and few would risk a close encounter with a dog brave enough to bait a bull. It is described as a very affectionate and dependable animal, gentle with children, but known for its courage and its excellent guarding abilities. Bullheaded and determined, this breed can be very persistent. They do not give up easily. Bulldogs are very much a peoples dog seeking out human attention and loving every bit it can get!! A lot of human attention is required for the breed's happiness. Some English Bulldogs can be a bit dominating and need an owner who knows how to display strong leadership and understands alpha canine behavior. A Bulldog who understands it's *place* in the human pack, is nice to, and reliable with all people. This breed is good with family pets, but some can be scrappy with strange dogs if they do not see themselves as followers in their pack. When Bulldogs are young, they are full of energy, but slow down as they get older. They snore very loudly, and most have drool and slobber tendencies. Bulldogs who display guarding, behaviors, such as guarding furniture, food, toys, or other spots in the house, or who are dog aggressive, do not have humans who are being the dogs pack leader. This behavior only happens when dogs are allowed to take over. These behaviors can be corrected when the owners start displaying the proper leadership. Dogs who feel they need to run the home are not as happy as dogs who know they are human followers, as it is very stressful for a dog to need to keep "his" humans in line.
Bulldog Size and Weight- Height: about 12-16 inches (31-40 cm.) (there is no prescribed height, but shorter Bulldogs are more prized when being shown)
Weight: Dogs 53-55 pounds (24-25kg.) Bitches 49-51 pounds (22-23kg.)
Typical Health Problems-Breathing problems; some have small windpipes as well. Also poor eyesight, very susceptible to heat stroke in warm weather or hot rooms and cars. Very cold sensitive. Puppies often delivered by caesarian section because of their broad heads. Its digestive system is very active and may be offensive to people with sensitive noses. Susceptible to skin infections. Also hip and knee problems.
Living Conditions:The English Bulldog is good for apartment life. They are very inactive indoors and will do okay without a yard. This breed is an indoor dog. Bulldogs do best in temperate climates as the breed can chill easily in cold weather and have trouble cooling off in very hot weather.
Exercise:Some adult Bulldogs would just as soon not take any exercise, while others are full of energy. In any case all Bulldogs need to be taken on daily walks to fulfill their primal canine instinct to walk. Fit English Bulldogs are capable of moving very quickly for short periods of time.
Life Expectancy: Sad but true An average of 8 years. Some live longer while others live shorter lives, Better care and Diet will add to the 8 year end.
English Bulldogs
What's good about 'em
What's bad about 'em
And why we love them soooo Much!
If you want a dog who...
* Is moderately-sized -- built low to the ground but very heavy
* Has a short easy-care coat that comes in many colors
* Is easygoing and dependable with most of the world
* Doesn't need much exercise and spends much of the day snoring on the sofa
* Seldom barks
An English Bulldog may be right for you.
If you don't want to deal with...
* Tenacious stubbornness if he decides he really, really doesn't want to do something
* Serious food possessiveness -- Bulldogs should not be fed around small children or other pets
* Shedding
* Snorting, snuffling, wheezing, grunting, loud snoring
* Slobbering and drooling
* Gassiness (flatulence)
* A multitude of health problems, a short lifespan, and sky-high vet bills
* High cost ($1000 and up)
An English Bulldog may not be right for you.
If I were considering an English Bulldog...
My major concerns would be:
1. Stubbornness. Despite their sweetness, English Bulldogs are not Golden Retrievers. They are not pushovers to raise and train. Most Bulldogs are extremely stubborn. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say. (Food rewards help a great deal!)
To teach your Bulldog to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. My Bulldog Training Page discusses the program you need.
2. Occasional animal aggression. Some male Bulldogs may act aggressively toward other male dogs. Some Bulldogs do not get along with cats. Never feed an English Bulldog in the presence of other animals.
3. Shedding. Bulldogs shed much more than you might think. Their short, coarse hairs come off on your hands when you pet them, and stick tenaciously to your carpeting, upholstery, and clothing.
4. Bulldog sounds. Though they seldom bark, English Bulldogs are far from silent. Because of the short face, they snort, snuffle, wheeze, grunt, and snore loudly. The sounds are endearing to some people; nerve-wracking to others.
5. Slobbering. Most people are not prepared for how much English Bulldogs slobber and drool, especially after eating or drinking. When they shake their heads, you will literally be toweling saliva and slime off your clothes, furniture, and walls.
6. Gassiness (flatulence) that can send you running for cover. Fortunately, Bulldogs who are fed a natural diet of real meat and other fresh foods have much less trouble with gassiness. See my Bulldog Health Page for more information.
7. High cost. English Bulldog breeders charge $2000 to $4500. They explain that this is to cover their costs of artificial insemination (because most English Bulldogs can't mate without assistance) and C-sections (because the puppies' heads are too large to be born normally). But that's just the beginning of your money outlay, because typically you'll be spending a great deal of money on veterinary care for this breed.
8. Serious health problems. Make no mistake about it, English Bulldogs are grossly deformed and modern breeders, especially show breeders, perpetuate the health problems with every litter they produce. It's been said that if you feel like supporting your vet with great chunks of money, get an English Bulldog. They suffer from hip problems, heart problems, and skin problems. Their compromised respiratory system makes it very risky to anesthetize them.
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