The Complete Guide to Big English Bulldogs

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Posted Oct 6, 2024

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White and Tan English Bulldog Lying on Black Rug
Credit: pexels.com, White and Tan English Bulldog Lying on Black Rug

Big English Bulldogs are known for their gentle nature, making them a great companion for families with children. They are relatively small in size, weighing between 40-55 pounds.

They require regular exercise to stay healthy, but their short coats mean they don't need to be bathed frequently. A short walk each day is sufficient to keep them active.

Their distinctive appearance, with their wrinkled skin and flat face, can make them prone to breathing difficulties. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to monitor their health.

Big English Bulldogs are generally easy-going and adaptable, making them a great choice for city or country living.

Characteristics

The big English bulldog is a gentle giant. They are known for their calm and affectionate nature, which makes them great companions for families.

Their sturdy build and short coats require minimal exercise, but they still need regular walks to stay healthy.

Physical Traits

English Bulldogs are known for their distinctive physical traits. Their small, thin ears are located at the back of the head, and they have deep folds of loose skin that start on the forehead and extend down to the jowl.

Credit: youtube.com, PHYSICAL APPEARANCE

Their brachycephalic anatomy features eyes set wide above a short muzzle, a broad, black nose, and hanging upper lips. A strongly undershot lower jaw is also a characteristic of this breed.

Bulldogs have large heads and broad shoulders, which give them a sturdy appearance. They tend to move slowly due to their short, sturdy, and wide-set legs.

On average, English Bulldogs weigh between 40 and 50 pounds. They stand between 12 and 16 inches tall at the shoulders, making them a medium-sized breed.

Their short, smooth coat comes in a variety of colors, including white, fawn, red, and brindle. White markings, piebald markings, and black masks are some of their distinctive accents.

Key Takeaways

English Bulldogs are known for their medium stature and distinct muscular appearance, making them a unique and recognizable breed. Their relaxed and easy-going temperament makes them an excellent choice for families with children.

In general, Bulldogs have short bursts of energy, but they tend to enjoy relaxing on the couch in a cool home. I've seen many Bulldogs snoozing away on a hot summer day, and it's a beautiful sight!

Man In Coat Holding Leash Of A English Bulldog
Credit: pexels.com, Man In Coat Holding Leash Of A English Bulldog

Bulldogs are originally bred for bull-baiting, which means they're naturally courageous and loyal. They'll protect their family no matter what, and that's a quality you can rely on.

Like all purebred dogs, Bulldogs are prone to certain diseases and conditions, including hip dysplasia and shoulder luxation. It's essential to research these potential health issues before bringing a Bulldog into your family.

If you're considering bringing an English Bulldog into your home, make sure to do plenty of research. Talk to rescue groups, other Bulldog owners, and reputable breeders to learn more about this wonderful breed.

Care and Maintenance

Bulldogs require a soft brush two to three times a week for grooming, as their short coat sheds relatively little.

Regularly checking the wrinkles on a Bulldog's face is crucial to prevent skin infections or irritations, as moisture can get trapped and cause problems.

Their skin folds can be kept clean with regular wiping as needed with a moist wipe or clean cloth.

Credit: youtube.com, What it's REALLY like caring for an English Bulldog

The ears and the area under the tail should also be kept clean, and the nails need to be trimmed regularly.

Bulldogs don't require a yard, making them suitable for city dwellers, but they thrive best in temperate climates to avoid overheating and breathing difficulties.

They are sensitive to cold weather due to their short snouts, so it's essential to keep them indoors during harsh weather conditions.

Bulldogs love to chew, so providing durable toys and ropes is a must, and training them to only chew on acceptable items is crucial.

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Grooming

Grooming is a crucial aspect of Bulldog care, and it's relatively easy to keep them clean and healthy.

Their short coat requires little grooming, and a soft brush two to three times a week should be enough to keep them looking their best.

Regularly checking the wrinkles on their face is essential to ensure the skin is dry and clean, as moisture and food can get trapped and cause skin infections or irritations.

You can keep their skin folds clean with regular wiping as needed with a moist wipe or clean cloth.

Their ears and the area under their tail should also be kept clean to prevent infections.

Trimming their nails regularly is a must to prevent overgrowth and cracking.

You might like: English Bulldog Grooming

Living With Them

Close-up of Adorable English Bulldog Puppy Outdoors
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of Adorable English Bulldog Puppy Outdoors

Living with English Bulldogs requires some special considerations. They thrive best in temperate climates as high temperatures cause them to overheat and have breathing difficulties.

Bulldogs aren't suitable for people who want an active lifestyle, but they make perfect companions for those who enjoy relaxing at home. They're great for city dwellers because they don't require a yard.

These dogs aren't known to be barkers, but they can make lots of noises, especially when they're sleeping. They snort, wheeze, and snore due to their short muzzle, which also causes them to drool.

To keep your Bulldog happy and healthy, be prepared for lots of chewing. Provide them with durable toys and ropes, and teach them what's acceptable to chew on and what's not.

Health and Wellbeing

Big English Bulldogs require regular veterinary check-ups to monitor their health, especially since they're prone to breathing difficulties due to their brachycephalic breed class.

Their short head and snout can lead to respiratory problems, so it's essential to keep an eye out for signs of distress, such as panting or difficulty breathing.

Credit: youtube.com, ENGLISH BULLDOG HEALTH AND LIFE EXPECTANCY

Bulldogs are also more susceptible to heatstroke, so it's crucial to provide shade and plenty of water, especially during hot weather.

Their facial and body wrinkles need to be kept clean and dry to prevent skin fold dermatitis and other skin issues.

To prevent overeating, work with your vet to determine the right amount of food for your Bulldog, and monitor their calorie intake closely.

Some common health issues in English Bulldogs include hip dysplasia, shoulder luxation, and ventricular septal defect, among others.

Here are some common health issues to watch out for:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Shoulder luxation
  • Ventricular septal defect
  • Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS or dry eye)
  • Stenotic nares
  • Internalized tail
  • Elongated soft palate

The average cost to diagnose and treat common English Bulldog health issues ranges between $300 and $7,500, making pet insurance a worthwhile investment to cover up to 90% of these costs.

Nutrition

Bulldogs have a tendency to overeat, which can lead to weight gain.

Their love for food puts them at risk of becoming overweight.

Work closely with your vet to determine the right daily food intake for your Bulldog.

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Monitor their calorie intake closely to prevent overeating.

Avoid feeding table scraps or extra treats to keep their diet in check.

Feed only measured meals at scheduled times to maintain a healthy routine.

Treats should make up no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake.

Clean, fresh water should be available to your Bulldog at all times.

Many Bulldogs exhibit resource guarding behavior when it comes to their food, which can be serious if not controlled.

Talk to your vet or a professional dog trainer about reducing or preventing this behavior.

Don't let other people, especially children, or other pets approach your Bulldog while they're eating.

On a similar theme: Yorkshire Terrier Treats

Common Health Issues

As an English Bulldog owner, it's essential to be aware of the common health issues that can affect your furry friend. Bulldogs belong to the brachycephalic breed class, which means they have a short head and snout, leading to potential respiratory system problems.

Heat is a significant concern for this breed, as they can't cool themselves efficiently through panting, making heatstroke more common. This is especially true during hot summer months or when exercising your Bulldog in warm temperatures.

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Some of the most common health issues affecting English Bulldogs include hip dysplasia, shoulder luxation, and ventricular septal defect. These conditions can be inherited or occur during growth.

Bulldogs also tend to suffer from complications while under anesthesia due to their unique airways. This is why it's crucial to work with a reputable breeder who screens their genetic stock for conditions that can affect the breed.

Here are some of the common health issues affecting English Bulldogs:

  • Hip dysplasia (a hip deformity that can occur before birth or during growth)
  • Shoulder luxation (when the shoulder bone is displaced or completely removed from the joint socket)
  • Ventricular septal defect
  • Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS or dry eye)
  • Stenotic nares (part of the brachycephalic syndrome, malformed nostrils that are narrow or collapse inward during inhalation)
  • Internalized tail (a heritable abnormality where fused tail causes excessive skin folds, an immobile tail, and/or anal obstruction)
  • Elongated soft palate (a soft palate that is too long for the length of the mouth)

Other health issues that can affect English Bulldogs include elbow dysplasia, distichiasis, patellar luxation, and ectropion. These conditions can cause discomfort and pain for your Bulldog.

English Bulldog Walking in Autumn Park
Credit: pexels.com, English Bulldog Walking in Autumn Park

It's essential to keep your Bulldog's facial and body wrinkles clean and dry to prevent skin fold dermatitis and other skin issues. Regular grooming and veterinary check-ups can help identify potential health problems early on.

The average cost to diagnose and treat common English Bulldog health issues ranges between $300 and $7,500. Having pet insurance can help cover up to 90% of these costs, making it a worthwhile investment for Bulldog owners.

Ownership and Adoption

If you're considering bringing a big English Bulldog into your life, you'll want to think carefully about the costs involved. Bulldogs deliver puppies via Caesarean sections, making them quite pricey.

Before making a decision, do plenty of research to ensure you're making an informed choice. If you're interested in similar breeds, consider looking into Pugs, American Bulldogs, and Bull Terriers.

If you're set on adopting, start by contacting the Bulldog Club of America, which can connect you with various adoption and rescue groups.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is a full size English Bulldog?

A full-grown English Bulldog typically weighs between 40-55 pounds and stands 12-16 inches tall. Males are slightly larger than females, with a height and weight difference of 2-4 inches and 10 pounds.

What is the maximum weight for an English Bulldog?

For English Bulldogs, the maximum weight for males is 55 pounds, and for females, it's 50 pounds. Exceeding these weights can result in serious faults.

Erma Pacocha

Lead Writer

Erma Pacocha is a dedicated and passionate writer with a knack for crafting engaging content on a wide range of topics. Her expertise lies in the realm of animal care and welfare, where she has honed her skills in researching and writing about various breeds and their unique characteristics. With a focus on mixed-breed dogs, Erma has written extensively on the Pitbull Lab Mix, exploring its temperament, health, and training needs.

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