Meet the Bulldog
Are you considering getting a Bulldog? Personally, I have always wanted one, but haven’t had the privilege of owning one. However, I have had the pleasure of training several Bulldogs. With that being said, I thought I would put some information together for people who are looking at adding a new member to their family.
Bulldog Characteristics and Temperament
Bulldogs are a part of the AKC Non-Sporting Group and one of the most popular breeds. You’ll find characteristics from several different breed groups in the Non-Sporting group. Their name “bulldog” originated with the dog being used for bull baiting though be it very cruel. Bulldogs tend to be very strong bodied, willed and calm. With them being so strong willed, you’ll want to begin positive training and socialization as soon as possible.
The Bulldog is a medium-sized dog that has short legs with very stout bodies. Bulldogs come in 10 different colors with a variety of four different markings. They have very short muzzles and wrinkled faces. It’s almost like they have wrinkles for you to grab while you get a nice big slobbery kiss from them!
With a short muzzle, you can pretty much guarantee snoring. Bulldogs have a soft upper palette that dangles a bit further down than longer nosed dogs, which creates a snoring sound. Plus, this makes them prone to heat stroke. There’s not much you can do about it, and most Bulldog lovers learn to love it.
Bulldog Grooming
Since Bulldogs have a short flat lying coat, you won’t be spending hours brushing them. However, all of those wrinkles can pose a little bit of a problem in the grooming department. You want to keep all of their folds, especially on their face and neck, nice and clean. A great way to tidy up dirty wrinkles is using cleansing wipes (approved for use on dogs) in between baths. Some Bulldogs are prone to severe allergies, so it’s important to find the right wipe and shampoo for your individual dog.
Nails
It’s important to keep a Bulldog’s nails trimmed on a regular basis. This will prevent overgrowth and splitting, which can be very painful for the dog. You can use traditional nail clippers or a grinder to keep them at a good length.
RELATED: Why Dogs Dislike Nail Trims
Ears
You should check a Bulldog’s ears regularly to avoid buildup and dirt that can cause infections. They have short floppy ears with several folds on their face and near their ears that need to be kept clean to prevent infection.
Teeth
Teeth brushing should be done on a regular basis. You want to make sure you use a toothbrush and toothpaste that are doggy safe. By keeping your Bulldog’s teeth nice and clean, you’ll help prevent tarter buildup, which can lead to heart disease.
Bulldog Dog Training
The key to training your Bulldog is keeping him motivated by using positive reinforcement training as well as keeping dog training sessions short. It’s best to begin potty and leash training as early as possible with your new puppy. This will facilitate boundaries and polite manners.
Finding the right collar and leash is also very important with this breed. As a dog trainer who has worked with several Bulldogs, I recommend a no-pull harness and a six-foot nylon leash for strong pullers. This will give you the best control with the least resistance until you can teach your Bulldog how to walk nicely on leash.
Exercise
Bulldogs have mild energy levels, which is great for busy families that don’t have a ton of time to exercise their dogs. I’m not saying these dogs don’t need exercise, as all dogs need exercise. A quick game of fetch or a nice walk in the morning or evening would be perfect for your Bulldog. It helps provide a healthy body and mind.
Due to their short muzzles, Bulldogs tend to overheat easily. You want to make sure it’s not too hot when exercising your Bulldog. It’s also important to pay attention to the length of time you are engaging in these kinds of activities. It’s always a good idea to have water for your pup just in case!
Conclusion
I hope this article gave you some insight on this awesome fun-loving dog breed! Below I have provided some links so you can get even more information on Bulldogs. Check them out!
You may also like: Finding a Dog Breeder: How to Find the Right One