English Bulldog Information
One of the most distinctive breeds in appearance, the Bulldog has changed
dramatically over the years. Originally bred for bull- and bear-baiting,
their origins have defined much of their appearance. Their strong jaws and
short muzzle were perfect for hanging tenaciously onto a bull, and their
front-heavy weight distribution and short back made it difficult for the
bull to shake them. Although today's Bulldog retains many of those physical
characteristics, the personality of the modern Bulldog is completely different.
They are loving, gentle dogs who live for human attention but demand very
little. Their docile, tolerant, and attentive nature makes them excellent
with children, although older Bulldog puppies can be a little too playfully
strong and clumsy for toddlers. As adults, they're more careful and passive
about play, but they never completely grow up.
It is a widely-held misconception that Bulldogs are not very intelligent.
However, if you can keep it fun, and willing to spend time they can learn
very well. Their true intelligence, though, is more subtle.
They are masters at figuring things out... most especially figuring out
how to get their way. In fact, they often think 'no' means 'wait until
I'm not looking' they are great at making you think they can't reach the
table, or the bed... until you're not looking and if all else fails,
they're masters of the guilt trip. They seem to know that the sad,
pouty face and the carefully-placed sigh can get them most anything.
They truly have a human-like quality, and their feelings are easily hurt.
But they're quick to forgive, especially with a treat and a hug!
The Bulldog is not a demanding breed by nature, but they do require a
family to have a strong knowledge of the breed and its healthcare.
If you aren't willing to commit to their proper care physically and
emotionally, then a Bulldog isn't for you.
The breed is essentially man-made, and they have been bred for specific
physical traits. Unlike most breeds, where nature has shaped their physical
characteristics to fit their function and their environment,
Bulldogs aren't built for thriving in any natural environment.
So before welcoming a Bulldog into your home, the first step is to
become knowledgeable about the breed, and the second step is to find
a vet that is experienced with Bulldogs.
Bulldogs simply rely on you to keep them healthy, and to care of them
in general. One critical note: Anesthetizing any dog has its risks,
but with Bulldogs, it is more serious.
Because of their unusual airways, the muscle relaxation that comes
with anesthesia can easily cause their airway to collapse.
Sadly, many Bullies have been lost in simple, non-emergency procedures
that involved anesthesia. That is but one reason for finding a vet
that is very experienced with the breed. It is also a reason that breeding is
undertaken by only the most knowledgeable, experienced, and committed
families... over 90 percent of litters are born via Caesarean section,
and care of the newborn puppies is extremely difficult.
Overall, the Bulldog can be a wonderful addition to your family,
if you are willing to commit the time to learn about the breed and
provide the proper health care.
Equally importantly, they need your time, companionship, and love.
In return, you will get unconditional affection (except for the
occasional pouting) and a delightful, often comical friend.
We strive to breed healthy Bulldogs; all of our Bulldogs are
routinely health examined by our veterinarian. As with any
living creature and ANY breed there is a possibility of health
or breed related issues. Bulldogs are not cheap, it is very
expensive and requires a knowledgeable dedication of the breed
to raise a healthy litter of Bulldog puppies (24/7).
Please do your research to make sure the Bulldog breed is the right
breed for you before purchasing a Bulldog, doing so will be more
rewarding for you and especially your new family member, your Bulldog!
Health Information
Bulldogs belong to a group of dogs known as "Brachycephalic"
breeds or "short-nosed" breeds. Since dogs do not sweat to cool
themselves as people do, they rely on panting to help disperse
excess heat. The short nosed breeds cooling mechanism and air
transfer is much less than other breeds making them very prone to
overheating, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
Stenotic nares - pinched nostrils
Elongated soft palate - excess tissue in the back of the throat
Hypoplastic trachea - small windpipe
Cherry Eye - A prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid results
in a pink to red mass in the inner corner of the eye.
Entropion/ Ectropion - rolling in/ rolling out of the upper
or lower eyelids.
Dystichia - hairs that grow out from along the eyelid margins
of the eye.
Hip Dysplasia- What would be considered "awful" hips on almost
any other breed will be acceptable on a Bulldog.
The Bulldog standard calls for the gait to be a "loose-jointed
shuffling sidewise motion "
Facial Fold Dermatitis - some Bulldogs have heavy wrinkling,
it is very important that Bulldog owners keep the face wrinkles
clean and dry. Many people have success with baby wipes, corn
starch powder, neo-predef powder, Desitin (diaper rash ointment)
or if a yeast infection exists Malaseb Pledgets.
Demodex mange - There are 2 forms of the skin disease localized
and generalized.
Dogs with generalized demodex should not be bred.
Another good reason to spay females with generalized demodex
mange is that during heat cycles, the condition worsens.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus ( GDV ) or Bloat - a very serious
condition that occurs in dogs when the stomach becomes distended
with air, and then twists on itself.
Pyometra - All unspayed female dogs are prone to pyometra,
but the bulldog is particularly prone. Pyometra follows a
heat cycle typically within 2 to 4 months. It is beneficial
for health reasons, pet females be spayed before first heat cycle.