Bulldog | Description, Breeding, & Facts | Britannica

Care and upkeep

Bulldogs require more care than most breeds. They are prone to more health problems than most breeds due to their short muzzle and flattened facial structure. Bulldogs are prone to overheating, especially in warm environments and under circumstances where they can overexert themselves. The Bulldog’s shortened muzzle makes the breed especially prone to brachycephalic syndrome—a condition in which the nostril openings (nares) are too small, the soft palate is elongated, and tissue in the airway may partially obstruct airflow. When the dog pants, these tissues can swell, further obstructing airflow and reducing the dog’s ability to cool itself. To prevent overheating, Bulldog owners should provide air conditioning in the home and car and travel with fans and ice packs in summer in case of a vehicle breakdown.

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Extra care must also be taken when placing Bulldogs under anesthesia. Unlike other breeds, Bulldogs are unable to maintain passive respiration, so other measures must be used, such as stimulating the Bulldog’s upper airway muscles to maintain the animal’s breathing rate. Bulldogs should be monitored near open water, since most of them cannot swim, and they can drown easily.

Maintaining a Bulldog’s coat, however, is simple and requires only occasional brushing and bathing. Since the folds of skin within the wrinkles can remain damp, they can facilitate bacteria and yeast infections. These wrinkles should be kept clean and dry to prevent skin infections and bad odors.

A Bulldog requires little exercise. A short daily walk or a robust play session in the house or yard may be all that is needed. In warm weather, owners should curtail outings or shift exercise sessions to cooler times of the day. The Bulldog is a medium-size breed, albeit a heavy, thickset one that should be fed a high-quality dog food appropriate for the breed’s size and age. Research has shown that such foods result in a slower growth rate, which is associated with a reduced risk of hip dysplasia and possibly other joint disorders.