Breed Spotlight: Bulldogs

Bulldogs are beloved for their charm and distinctive looks. With multiple Bulldog breeds to choose from, there’s sure to be one that fits your lifestyle!

Whether you’re drawn to the affectionate French Bulldog or the courageous English Bulldog, this guide will help you understand and find the right Bulldog for you.

The History of Bulldogs

Get a quick history lesson about your breed before adopting your new furball of love:

• Bulldog Beginnings: It’s not a pretty origin, but the bulldogs were initially bred in England for bull-baiting, which displayed their strength by controlling bulls. Don’t worry, though, bull baiting has been outlawed and since then, the breed has evolved to have a much gentler temperament.
• Evolution of the Bulldog: The origin starts with the aggressive Old English Bulldog, but since its extinction, breeders have focused on a more temperamental approach, which resulted in new breeds such as the English Bulldog, French Bulldog, and American Bulldog.

Understanding your Bulldog Breed

It’s important to understand the differences between Bulldog breeds when selecting the perfect puppy for adoption. Below, we provide a breakdown of popular Bulldog breeds, including a few mixed varieties of the breed.

American Bulldog

• Personality Traits: American Bulldogs loyal and protective family dogs, especially when trained properly. They form strong bonds with their families and are known for their courage.
• Physical Characteristics: American Bulldogs have short hair coats and come in a variety of colors. With their muscular physique, they look like they hit the gym regularly!

French Bulldog

• Personality Traits: If you’re looking for a playful companion with a side of charm, the French Bulldog is a great choice. They love human interaction, so be sure to take them on adventures with you.
• Physical Characteristics: French Bulldogs are the smallest of the pure bulldog breeds and have a thin coat that comes in a mixture of colors. There’s also a popular color variation known as a Blue French Bulldog that dons an attractive bluish gray coat.

English Bulldog

• Personality traits – They look tough, but English Bulldogs are full of love. Sometimes stubborn which can make them act in silly ways but ultimately a great companion dog for families.
• Physical characteristics – An English bulldog’s Distinctive wrinkles with a cute underbite will make you fall in love. They’re also a muscular breed like the American bulldog and have a thin coat that comes in various colors.

Other Bulldog Varieties

Like many dogs, they can come in varieties that display the best of both dog breeds. Here’s a list of a few popular mixes of the bulldog.

• Bullboxer – American Bulldog and Boxer
• Corgi Frenchie – Pembroke Welsh Corgi and French Bulldog
• Beabull – Beagle and English Bulldog
• Bully Basset – Basset Hound and English Bulldog

Grooming and Well Being

• Grooming Tips: Since Bulldogs have short hair, trips to the groomer for haircuts aren’t really required. On the other hand, baths and nail trimming is important and shouldn’t be neglected. Don’t forget to brush your puppy’s teeth!
• Nutrition: It’s best to ask your veterinarian on what food they recommend for your puppy but a good base for Bulldogs would be dog food that includes proteins and fat. The requirements vary from puppies to adults. Here’s a list of foods your puppy should avoid.
• Lifespan and Health Issues: All 3 of the bulldog breeds can live to between 8-15 years so it’s important to monitor their health and address any concerns to your veterinarian to ensure a healthy and happy pup. Below are common troubles bulldogs experience:
  • Breathing Issues: Their cute short nosed faces can lead to breathing difficulties. Make sure your bulldog isn’t exposed to long periods of hot weather.
  • Hip Dysplasia: Arthritis and mobility issues are common in this breed with age. Make sure your dog gets proper exercise and maintains a healthy weight.
  • Skin infections / Allergies: A Bulldog’s short hair coat can make them prone to skin infections and allergies. Monitor your Bulldog for signs of itching or discomfort, and address any affected areas immediately to prevent further issues.
  • Cherry Eye – Bulldogs are prone to a condition known as Cherry Eye, where the gland in the third eyelid protrudes. This condition often requires surgical correction.

Pros and Cons of Having a Bulldog Breed

• Pros: If you love affectionate dog breeds with a unique look, you found one in a bulldog. Even though the Frenchies are high energy, bulldogs don’t require tons of exercise making them great homebody dogs. Do you have kids? Bulldogs are known to be great with children.
• Cons: Bulldogs are prone to various health issues and obesity, which can lead to frequent veterinarian visits. They don’t handle heat well, making humid areas a challenging environment for them.

What Makes Bulldogs Unique?

These woofers are also known to do some interesting things that will surely fill up your phone’s image gallery. Here are a few funny dog moments featuring bulldogs:

• Wedding Ring Bearer: We’ve heard of kid ring bearers, but how about ring-bearing bulldogs!
• Photogenic: There’s always one person in the family who makes silly faces in photos. In this case, it’s the bulldog.
• Alarm Clock: How cute it is to wake up to a wrinkled face full of love and excitement!
• Napping Pro: Bulldogs can nap just about anywhere—just check out the photo for proof!

We hope this guide on Bulldogs assists you in deciding whether this breed is the right fit for your family. Whether you’re seeking a loving companion or a dog with a distinctive personality, Bulldogs are an excellent choice that you won’t regret!

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