Grooming
It’s fairly easy to meet the Bulldog’s grooming needs, especially if you pay particular attention to all those wrinkles and folds.
Brushing: A Bulldog’s short coat is usually simple to maintain with a once-weekly brushing using a slicker brush.
Skin Care: Bulldogs’ characteristic wrinkles need to be rinsed every day to avoid dirt and moisture getting trapped inside the folds and causing infections. Use a damp cloth or a baby wipe to clean underneath all the hanging skin, especially the wrinkles around the nose and tail, and then be sure to dry the exact same areas; moisture can create bacterial breeding grounds. Look for signs of skin irritation as you go, and, if you notice any redness or flaking, talk to your vet. They may recommend applying a soothing ointment to the areas for a few days while keeping an eye on the condition. And just like your parents told you, don’t forget to clean between the toes! Bulldogs’ paws are prone to infection, as well.
Bathing: If your Bulldog pup has healthy skin, they shouldn’t need a bath more than once a month. If they have skin problems, talk to your vet about bathing more frequently. Be sure to start grooming your Bulldog puppy as soon as they come home to get them used to being touched and groomed.
Nail Trimming: Speaking of paws, be sure to keep their nails trimmed. You may need to trim them about once a month. You’ll know it’s time when you hear them clicking as they walk across hard surfaces.
Dental Care: Brush their teeth every day to keep their teeth and gums healthy and reduce the risk of dental disease down the road. Use a specially formulated dog toothpaste and a dog toothbrush. You’ll also want to make sure your vet professionally cleans your pup’s teeth once a year.
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Training
The key to training a Bulldog? Patience. Oh, and good treats, of course! Why? Bulldogs can be strong-willed. So if you’re looking for a dog who will jump through hoops on command, a Bulldog is probably not for you. But don’t mistake this for a lack of intelligence. Bulldogs can learn all the important commands—sit, come, stay, leave it—to keep them safe. Use positive reinforcement (treats, cuddles and special toys) to reward your Bulldog for listening. It may seem like it takes a long time for the training to “stick,” but don’t give up! Pup parents say that once a Bulldog learns a command, they never forget it.
As with all breeds, early socialization is key for Bulldogs puppies to grow up to be well-adjusted, confident adults. Proper socialization involves safely exposing your dog to new people, places and experiences. (Get the how-to here.) Just be sure to talk to your vet about when it’s safe to bring your Bulldog puppy around other dogs.
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Diet
Bulldogs typically do well on a high-quality commercial dog food. Make sure the food you choose meets the nutritional standards of the Association of American Feed Control Officials. (Look for the AAFCO statement on the package.) Be sure to factor in your dog’s age and choose a formula that fits their stage in life (puppy, adult, senior).
As mentioned above, Bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed. It’s a fancy word that means these dogs have shortened snouts—the flat, pushed-in face that gives Bulldogs so much character—and skulls. Unfortunately, their facial structure leads to a condition called brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) and causes breathing difficulties (see the Health section for more information). But BOAS can trigger digestive issues, too, including vomiting, gagging or regurgitation. To lessen these issues, feed your Bulldog small amounts at a time (they are speedy eaters who will gulp down whatever is in front of them in seconds!) and keep an eye on how much food and treats you and other members of your family might be giving them. Bulldogs are prone to obesity, which makes the symptoms of BOAS worse.
Talk to your vet about an appropriate feeding schedule for your Bully and their appropriate weight. Your vet is in the best position to help you pick the best food for your pup based on their individual needs.
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Exercise
The breathing difficulties caused by their flattened snouts makes vigorous and extended exercise a no-go for Bulldogs. So, don’t attempt to take your Bulldog on your morning jog—Bulldogs aren’t known for their speed, anyway. (And won’t it be great to have an excuse to stay in bed?) Although they will get a burst of energy and run around in circles from time to time (aka the zoomies). Thankfully, their low energy level means they don’t need hours of exercise every day. Three easy-going, 15-minute walks a day, mixed in with a few dog-park play sessions or doggy playdates throughout the week is plenty.
Overexertion—especially in hot weather—can actually be dangerous for this breed. Be sure you schedule outdoor exercise in the cooler parts of the day and avoid the heat at all costs.
In addition to physical exercise, Bulldogs require mental enrichment. Offer up dog puzzles to engage them mentally, and play a quick game—they love tug-of-war!—whenever you have a minute or two to spare.
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Environment
Bulldogs don’t need fancy digs or a big backyard to be happy. When it comes to the safest, most comfortable environment for this breed, it comes down to one thing: air conditioning. They have a more difficult time breathing (see the Health section for details); therefore, it’s easier for them to overheat. They don’t like to be in the sun or left home alone without the air on. Bulldogs do best in temperate climates where it doesn’t get too hot or too cold. Other than that, Bulldogs are adaptable and social pups who would love to be in a home with lots of people—kids and other animals included—to give them attention. That said, Bulldogs can be just as happy bonding with one doting pet parent.
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