English Bulldog
Despite its bloody history as a bull-baiting dog, the British Bulldog is a well-known and loved family companion. As a super kid-friendly, gentle, and kind breed, the Bulldog is undoubtedly a favourite amongst dog lovers.
English Bulldog At A Glance
| Lifespan | 8-10 years |
| Temperament | A docile and very friendly breed of dog who is known for their funny antics and sweet disposition. |
| Suitable | For all households, small or large; however, care needs to be taken regarding health and heat. |
| Health | Being a brachycephalic dog (squish face breed), the British Bulldog can be prone to health complications. |
| COMMON CLAIMS | MAXIMUM CLAIM |
|---|---|
| Skin Conditions Allergy | $2,544.73 |
| Ear Conditions | $1,821.55 |
| Eye Conditions | $6,311.31 |
| Cruciate Ligament | $5,952.30 |
| Skeletal Condition | $1,648.55 |
| Gastrointestinal Condition | $1,806.19 |
| Brachycephalic Airway Disease | $8,339.85 |
| Urinary Disorder | $4,348.02 |
| Patella Luxation | 2,954.58 |
| Skin Condition Lumps | $1,819.20 |
*Pet Insurance Australia Data 2022/2023
Trainability
The British Bulldog or English Bulldog is more known for his clowning than for training conquests. Bulldogs are intelligent dogs, but they do require a little patience when it comes to training. They are a stubborn breed, so consider fun and upbeat training methods with ample praise and love. Consistency is the key, as well as reading if your British Bulldog is becoming bored and non-responsive. If you are open to it, crate training also works well on the British Bulldog. Training at a young age is paramount, as with any breed. Some owners find training difficult with this breed because of their unbelievably adorable nature. So be firm, fair, and consistent with what rules you expect your loveable English Bully to follow. They love food and affection, which is a great combination when training.
Grooming
As a short coat breed, the British Bully requires little grooming but will benefit from a weekly rub with a rubber mitt. Shedding is very minimal. However, they do love to drool! Keeping an old towel handy will help keep the drool to a minimum. Your English Bulldog will also benefit from a monthly or fortnightly bath, depending on how much they smell. If you notice a pungent smell, it could be health-related (ears or coat), and a vet check is in order.
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Common Health Complaints – English Bulldog
British Bulldogs may be prone to specific health issues like many dog breeds. Being a part of the squishy face club, AKA brachycephalic dog breed, they can suffer from many respiratory problems.
- Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) - English Bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed, meaning they have short noses and flat, pushed-in faces. This facial structure can lead to respiratory issues such as difficulty breathing, excessive snoring and heavy panting, especially in hot or humid weather. Owners should be cautious about strenuous exercise and always provide a cool environment. Surgery and weight management are recommended for many of these breeds to open up the airway.
- Skin Fold Dermatitis – Those cute wrinkles and folds common to the British Bulldog can lead to skin fold dermatitis and infections. Regular cleaning and drying of the skin folds are essential to prevent infections.
- Hip Dysplasia – Like many dog breeds, the British Bulldog can also be prone to Hip Dysplasia, a genetic condition caused by hip joint malformation. This condition can lead to pain, lameness and eventual arthritis. Surgery may be required depending on the severity of the condition, alongside weight and exercise management and medication.
- Cherry Eye – English Bulldogs are susceptible to cherry eye, a condition where the gland in the third eyelid prolapses, causing a red or pink mass in the corner of the eye. Surgery may be required to correct this issue alongside veterinary monitoring.
- Entropion - Due to their pushed-in facial structure, British Bulldogs may experience entropion, a condition where the eyelids roll inward, causing the eyelashes to irritate the eye. Depending on the severity of the condition, surgical intervention may be required.
- Ear Infections – British Bulldogs, like many breeds with beautiful floppy ears, can be prone to ear infections. Regular cleaning, correct drying after bathing and swimming, and regular inspection can help prevent issues.
- Obesity – Being a laid-back breed, the English Bulldog can tend to gain weight quickly. Obesity can accelerate other health conditions, such as joint issues and respiratory difficulties. A balanced diet and regular exercise are fundamental for maintaining a healthy weight. Treatment may include a specialised diet alongside consistent veterinary care.
- Allergies – British Bulldogs can also develop allergies, such as skin issues, itching, reoccurring ear infections and digestive issues. Identifying and managing allergens may be necessary with the guidance of a veterinarian. Treatment typically involves a diet change, avoiding the allergen, medication and medicated shampoos depending on the diagnosed allergy.
- Heart Problems - Some British Bulldogs may have heart problems, including valve disorders. Regular veterinary check-ups, especially as the dog ages, can help monitor heart health. Treatment can involve medications and close veterinary observation.
- Joint Issues – English Bulldogs can be prone to common issues such as arthritis, particularly as they age. Providing joint supplements, managing weight, and regular veterinary check-ups can help alleviate some of these concerns.
Exercise Requirements
British Bulldogs do not require vast muscle flex to keep them well-behaved and happy. Remembering they are a brachycephalic breed and care must be taken during hot weather, please research the importance of looking after this breed. Two short walks per day at a nice, even pace is perfect to keep your Bully happy and fit. The English Bulldog loves to play and clown around, and much of its exercise and entertainment is used up bowling around with family and friends. They tend to gain weight, so the breed requires a daily walk to beat the bulge and keep trim.
Intelligence
One thing is for sure: British Bulldogs do have great memories, and once they have been trained. It’s just having the patience to get them to do what they are asked. Known for their stubbornness, they can have some questioning the breed’s intelligence levels. However, anyone who has had the pleasure of owning a British Bully can only agree that stubbornness and intelligence are two completely separate things.
Family Friendly
The English Bulldog is super family-friendly and one of the most loving and loyal breeds. They are a chilled-out and cruisey breed that makes them perfect companions for children and busy households. However, like with all breeds, please teach your child how to behave around a dog and always supervise interactions.
Indoor/outdoor?
The British Bulldog should be a primarily indoor breed. It is a brachycephalic breed, so care must be taken during warmer weather. This breed will have problems cooling down due to the shape of their skull. They should not live outdoors as it can cause severe problems with their health and wellbeing. They struggle in hot, humid weather. If you notice your Bulldog overheating or struggling to breathe, it is essential to seek veterinary care quickly.
Responsible Breeding
It is vital to only source your new British Bulldog from a reputable dog breeder to help prevent many congenital issues. During your search for a good breeder, it is necessary to ask all the crucial questions about hereditary problems and ask to view the parents of your puppy’s litter. Contacting your local British Bulldog or English Bulldog breed club can also help you find the right breeder. The breeder should have proof that they regularly test their dogs for genetic diseases and to ensure that the dogs they are breeding from have sound temperaments. This process does take a bit of time. However, it can save you a lot of pain and heartache a sick puppy or dog can bring.
Contact PIA to Get Pet Insurance for English Bulldogs
PIA is a family owned pet insurance company for Australia, and we have a long and successful history of helping owners care for their English Bulldogs. Contact us today to learn more about our range of simple, flexible and affordable cover options.
Sources
https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/dog-breeds/english-bulldog
https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/bulldog
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bulldog/
