If you're considering bringing a White English Bulldog into your family, here are some essential things to know.
White English Bulldogs are a rare and beautiful breed, but they require regular grooming to prevent skin problems. They have a short, smooth coat that sheds minimally, but it still needs to be brushed several times a week to remove dirt and oils.
These dogs are known for their affectionate and gentle nature, making them a great fit for families with children. They are relatively laid-back and don't require a lot of exercise, but they do need regular walks to stay healthy.
White English Bulldogs can live up to 8-12 years with proper care, but they are prone to certain health issues like respiratory problems and skin infections. Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy diet can help prevent or manage these issues.
See what others are reading: Healthy English Bulldog
Health and Care
White English Bulldogs are prone to a range of health issues due to their unique physical characteristics. Hip dysplasia, a hip deformity that can occur before birth or during growth, is a common problem in this breed.
Additional reading: English Bulldog Hip Dysplasia
Bulldogs also have a higher risk of heatstroke due to their inability to cool themselves efficiently through panting. This means they need to be kept in a cool, shaded area with access to water at all times.
Their short snouts and narrow airways can lead to breathing difficulties, which can be exacerbated by heat and exercise. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) is an inherited condition that affects almost all Bulldogs, making it essential to keep them at a healthy weight to help them breathe more easily.
Skin infections are another common issue in Bulldogs, particularly in their wrinkled skin folds. Regular cleaning and drying of these areas can help prevent skin fold pyoderma, a bacterial or fungal infection that thrives in warm, moist environments.
Allergies can also cause skin issues in Bulldogs, leading to skin infections and pyoderma. Environmental allergies, food allergies, and flea and insect allergies can all contribute to these problems.
Some of the most common health issues affecting English Bulldogs include hip dysplasia, shoulder luxation, ventricular septal defect, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye). Regular eye examinations, skin scraping tests for allergies, and X-rays or other radiographic imaging can help diagnose these conditions early on.
Readers also liked: English Bulldog Allergies
To keep your White English Bulldog healthy and happy, it's essential to be aware of these potential health issues and take steps to prevent them. Regular veterinary check-ups, proper care and maintenance of their skin folds, and a balanced diet can all help minimize the risk of these problems.
Here's a list of common health issues in White English Bulldogs:
- Hip dysplasia
- Shoulder luxation
- Ventricular septal defect
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye)
- Skin infections (skin fold pyoderma)
- Allergies (environmental, food, flea and insect)
- Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)
Care and Maintenance
The white English Bulldog's grooming needs are a bit more involved than other breeds, but with regular care, they can thrive.
Their short coat requires only a soft brush two to three times a week, but their wrinkly skin needs to be wiped down daily to prevent dirt and moisture from getting trapped and causing infections.
To keep their skin folds clean, use a damp cloth or baby wipe to clean underneath all the hanging skin, especially the wrinkles around the nose and tail.
Moisture can create bacterial breeding grounds, so be sure to dry the exact same areas after cleaning.
Clean between the toes, as Bulldogs' paws are prone to infection.
Bathing should be done only once a month, unless your white English Bulldog has skin problems, in which case you should consult with your vet about bathing more frequently.
Nail trimming is also essential, and you may need to trim them about once a month.
Here's a quick rundown of the white English Bulldog's grooming needs:
Dental care is also crucial, as brachycephalic breeds like the white English Bulldog are more prone to gum disease and tooth decay. Brush their teeth every day with a specially formulated dog toothpaste and a dog toothbrush, and have their teeth professionally cleaned by a vet once a year.
Intriguing read: Black Mouth Cur Teeth
Diet
Diet is a crucial aspect of caring for your white English Bulldog. Bulldogs love to eat, which puts them at risk of becoming overweight. Work with your vet to determine the amount of food your dog should be consuming daily, monitor their calorie intake closely, and avoid feeding table scraps or extra treats.
Feeding your Bulldog at the right times is also essential. English 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 (AAFCO).
Bulldogs are prone to obesity, which makes breathing difficulties worse. To lessen these issues, feed your Bulldog small amounts at a time, and keep an eye on how much food and treats you and other members of your family might be giving them.
Here's a general feeding guideline for Bulldogs:
Treats should be given sparingly and mainly as training rewards. They should not make up more than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake.
Behavior and Training
Bulldogs are known to be gentle, sweet, dependable, and relatively predictable, making them great family dogs.
They're also good with kids and enjoy human attention, which is perfect for families with little ones. However, they can be aggressive to dogs they don't know without proper training and socialization.
Early socialization and puppy training classes are highly recommended to curb any undesirable behaviors and help your Bulldog grow into a well-adjusted adult dog.
Establishing a consistent routine, including feeding schedule, outdoor time, and training routine, will help your Bulldog learn quickly what is expected of them in your home.
Bulldogs can be strong-willed, so patience is key when training them. Good treats and positive reinforcement are also essential to keep them engaged and motivated.
Treats should never make up more than 10% of your dog's daily calorie intake to avoid unwanted weight gain.
Bulldogs typically don't need a significant amount of exercise, but daily exercise can be beneficial, especially for those that are overweight.
However, Bulldogs with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome might not tolerate any exercise without having breathing issues, so short, leashed walks in a cool environment are recommended.
Bulldogs bond with almost any kind of person and are known for their affectionate nature, outgoing personality, and devotion to their humans.
Intriguing read: English Bulldog Exercise
Exercise
Exercise is crucial for your White English Bulldog's physical and mental health. They may not be as active as other breeds, but they still need regular activity to stay fit and healthy.
White English Bulldogs are more energetic than traditional English Bulldogs, making them suitable for activities like agility training and swimming, but they still require a securely fenced yard to run in.
Moderate exercise is a great way to keep your dog fit and healthy, and daily outings and walks are a must. They might enjoy chasing a ball for a few throws or wrestling with a toy, but running is difficult for them.
Bulldogs have trouble with stairs and should never be allowed in water that is more than elbow deep without supervision and a life jacket. This is especially important in hot weather, as their short muzzles make breathing difficult.
To avoid the heat, limit your bulldog's walks to short outings in the early morning and evening when the temperature is over 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Provide them with access to cool, air-conditioned space so they can breathe comfortably.
Broaden your view: Ruby Short Hair Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Here are some fun and safe exercise ideas for your White English Bulldog:
- Walks
- Backyard and indoor play
- Tug-of-war
- Cuddling and snoozing
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.
Adopting or Buying a Dog
If you're considering bringing a white English Bulldog into your life, you'll want to think carefully about how to get one. The fact that Bulldogs deliver puppies via Caesarean sections makes Bulldog puppies quite pricey.
You may be able to find a more affordable option by adopting an adult Bulldog through various adoption and rescue groups. The Bulldog Club of America is a great place to start your search.
Before making a decision, do plenty of research to ensure you're making the right choice for you and your family. If you're interested in similar breeds, consider looking into Pugs, American Bulldogs, and Bull Terriers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How rare is a white English Bulldog?
White English Bulldogs are now less common due to breeder preference for rare colors, making them a relatively uncommon sight. Their rarity is ironic, considering they were once the traditional standard.
How much is a white English Bulldog?
The initial cost of a white English Bulldog is around $1500-$2000, similar to other English Bulldogs. However, total lifetime costs can range from $15,000-$18,000, depending on various factors.
Sources
- Altman White English Bulldog | Dog Breed Facts and ... (wagwalking.com)
- Bulldog Dog Breed Information (akc.org)
- Bulldog Club of America (bulldogclubofamerica.org)
- Bulldog Club of America (bulldogclubofamerica.org)
- official breed standard (bulldogclubofamerica.org)
- Bulldog Club of America (bulldogclubofamerica.org)
Featured Images: pexels.com