THINKING ABOUT ADOPTING AN ENGLISH BULLDOG?

An English Bulldog is not for everyone.   With their wrinkled mug, distinctive underbites and big slobbery jowls, few breeds are as easily recognized as the English Bulldog.  They are a short, sturdy dog with a bow-legged gait, weighing between 40 and 60 pounds on average.  Bulldogs may be perfect in spirit, but in the flesh, they are a different story.  If you are not familiar with the English Bulldog breed but are thinking about applying to adopt one, here is some information to help you make a more well-informed decision.  

A FEW THINGS TO BE AWARE OF

BREATHING:  English Bulldogs are a  brachycephalic  breed.  The term  brachycephalic  derives from the Greek word "brachy" meaning short and the word "cephalic" meaning head.  The term is therefore used to depict breeds that feature a short and wide scull and pushed-in face.  As adorable as their "squished" faces are,  a Bulldog's  brachycephalic  features cause them to be prone to a variety of issues. Bulldogs have narrowed nostrils (stenoic nares), narrow windpipes, and elongated soft palates which is what causes them to snore very loudly!  All of these physical traits mean that Bulldogs overheat very easily.  Bulldogs require air-conditioning even in the mildest of summer weather. Too much exercise or stress can make it difficult for them to breathe.   Bulldogs overheat very fast and have difficulty regulating  their body temperature. Therefore, they do not make good running or jogging companions. 

EYES: Eye issues are another common problem that is seen in Bulldogs.   Because of their wrinkled, squishy faces and slightly bulging eyes, Bulldogs can suffer from various eye conditions.  Cherry eye, entropion, cataracts, corneal ulcers, and dry eye are just a few of the eye abnormalities that can affect the English Bulldog.   

SKIN: Because their folds and wrinkles make a good breeding ground for bacteria,  many Bulldogs tend to be prone to various skin issues often causing itchiness.  Bulldogs will lick, chew, and rub various parts of their body, especially around the eyes, muzzle, ears, paws, and groin when itchy.  Prevention is your best treatment option for skin conditions in Bulldogs.  However, even with repetitive cleaning, some dogs are still prone to infection.  A good, high-quality diet as well as skin supplements and daily cleaning of folds and wrinkles will keep your Bulldog's skin in good shape.