An Introduction to Bulldog Breeds

Bulldog breeds are one of the oldest registered breeds in the world. They’re a medium-sized dog, with a life expectancy of eight to fifteen years. It’s known that Bulldogs are extremely loving and loyal breeds, which can make them an ideal choice for almost any family.

The bulldog is one lovable medium size dog with some inherent traits that may turn prospective owners away. Let’s explore what you need to know about Bulldog breeds before welcoming one into your home.

One thing that stands out about the Bulldog breed is their strong jaws. This makes them excellent guardians since they have more than enough power to take down intruders in an instant – but this trait can also cause some damage if not properly trained early on. Regular brushing and dental check-ups are essential for making sure your bulldog pup stays healthy and happy.

Another unique trait of the Bulldog breed is their loose skin or wrinkles around their face and neck area. The loose skin on a bulldog can cause problems when not maintained properly. Make sure you clean between the folds and dry the area after a bath to prevent skin infections from developing.

Also, the breed is most recognizable by the stocky bulldog stance, broad forehead, and legs that appear straight when viewed from behind – similar to those of an American Pitbull Terrier or Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Despite their intimidating looks, however, Bulldogs make great household pets with plenty of energy and loyalty to spare.

Bulldog Health Problems

When it comes to health issues, Bulldogs are prone to breathing difficulties due to their short muzzle shape which can impede airflow into their lungs. Keeping an eye on your Bulldog’s weight is also important as excess weight can put additional strain on their respiratory system. Some common health problems related to overweight Bulldogs include joint pain, eye problems, back issues, and skin diseases too.

Do Bulldogs get Hip Dysplasia?

Yes, Bulldogs can suffer from hip dysplasia just like other larger breeds. Hip dysplasia is a condition where the ball and socket joint of the hip does not fit together properly, resulting in inflammation and pain around the leg area. It can be caused by genetics, diet, or environmental factors such as exercise intensity or type.

Hip dysplasia can lead to chronic pain and lameness in your Bulldog if left untreated. It’s also important to note that it is a progressive condition which means that it will worsen over time without proper management and treatment. Some common signs include stiffness after rest, difficulty rising up from lying down on their side, limping after exercise, or difficulty jumping up onto furniture.

If your Bulldog shows any of these signs, then it’s best to take them to the vet for a diagnosis as soon as possible. Treatment options may include medications such as anti-inflammatories and supplements; physical therapies such as hydrotherapy or acupuncture; and surgery in severe cases. All of these will help reduce any discomfort experienced by your pooch.

But while bulldogs may have more than their fair share of health issues and strong tendencies towards territorial behavior – Bulldogs offer so much more in terms of loyalty, affection, and companionship! As long as you train them correctly from a young age and monitor their well-being regularly, your Bulldog will surely be a trusty companion for many years to come!

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has classified bulldog breeds as Non-Sporting dogs under the “Bulldogs” category with all kinds of variations such as French or English, American or Olde English. So if you want an adorable yet tough pup by your side, then look no further than this loyal canine friend – from protecting your family home from intruders, playing fetch all day long, and snuggling up in bed at night; there’s nothing a bulldog won’t do for those he loves.

Types of Bulldog Breeds

By now it is evident that bulldogs have distinct characteristics from their signature flat face, stocky stature, and powerful jaw. These dogs are unmistakable – but there are actually quite a few different types of bulldogs. Let’s take a look at several types of bulldogs below.

French Bulldog Perhaps one of the most popular types of bulldogs, the French Bulldog is known for its unique looks. These pups have short snouts, round faces, and small ears pointing outwards from their head. They are great companions who love attention and can be quite playful when they feel comfortable around you.
English Bulldog An old-time favorite, English Bulldogs were traditionally used in bull-baiting back in the day! Today, these pups are gentle giants who will do anything to please their owners – and make excellent family pets.
British Bulldog Another classic choice amongst dog owners, British Bulldogs are strong and sturdy with an instantly recognizable build. They love nothing more than cuddles and belly rubs, so if you’re looking for an affectionate companion, look no further.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers were originally bred for fighting in 19th-century Britain before being banned by law (thankfully!), Staffordshire bulls now get on famously with people – young ones included! With short coats that come in any color imaginable, plus sleek bodies built for agility, it’s easy to see why these little cuties are so popular today.
Australian Bulldog As its name implies, this ‘down under’ variety has been specially bred to work alongside sheep farmers Down Under – making them highly intelligent canines capable of herding livestock without any prior training needed.
American Bulldog This is another hardworking breed designed especially for farm life (as well as protection). These medium-to-large sized dogs boast dense muscle mass thanks to generations of selective breeding – along with plenty of loyalty too!
Victorian Bulldog A relatively new variety, Victorian Bulldogs have been specifically bred since 2004 to bear resemblance to what once was known as a “real” English Bulldog during its heydays centuries ago – before all those years of human interference took place… making it one particularly attractive breed.
Catahoula Leopard Dog Believed by many experts (and enthusiasts alike!) To be related directly or indirectly with the modern day American Pitbull Terrier, Catahoula bulldogs took origination way back in Louisiana during Native American times, where they were used primarily for hunting wild game such as deer or even cattle, lending them an extra layer of athleticism compared to other breeds.
Modern English Bulldog As the most recent iteration across all bulldogs we have today, modern English Bulldogs have been specifically bred over time yet again in order to reduce some brachycephaly found within larger breeds thus resulting in smaller builds with wider heads overall than longer snouts seen on earlier counterparts thus far.
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is an incredibly loyal and protective breed. Originally bred as guardians of livestock in Georgia, USA, these muscular pooches are known for their intelligence, boldness, and strength. With square jaws and short noses, they can often appear intimidating to unfamiliar faces but trust us – those who know them best will tell you that Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs make for devoted and loving companions that are eager to please with their tenacity and willingness to learn new things! They take commands well and respond with obedience, making them perfect for novice owners and experienced trainers looking for a more challenging pup.

The beloved Bulldog, some might be a little nervous around them, but this cute, stocky breed puts a smile on our faces! We asked one of our Dogsized fans, Tracy, to tell us about her Bulldogs:

How did your Bulldogs come to join your family?

I have always been drawn to bulldogs! Many years ago, I went on a job with my husband and the customers had two bulldogs. While I should have been helping with the job, those Bulldogs were so cute that I ended up playing with them instead.

The customers told me their daughter had a bulldog and she needed to find a home for her because they recently had a child and no time left for the dog. I immediately took her up on the offer!

Lola the Bulldog

Chloe was an amazing Bulldog! Unfortunately, just a few years after getting her, we found out she had very advanced congestive heart failure. When Chloe passed away in August 2008, I was completely devastated.

A couple weeks later, my husband showed up with a Bulldog puppy – Zoe. I told him I didn’t want another dog…it was too much too soon. He said he couldn’t stand seeing me crying constantly (about Chloe) and a puppy would make me put my thoughts and efforts into raising this little life. Once I held Zoe, there was no turning back.

Zoe

Zoe was completely different from Chloe – she was a handful. A month or so later, I came across an older Bulldog in a rescue shelter. I know how hard it is to place an older dog, so I took Zoe to meet her and that added Della to the household.

Della was a wonderful old girl and was a big help in teaching Zoe the ways of the world. Della passed away a couple years ago. Last June the rescue called me and said they had another girl that would fit perfectly with Zoe. So we all met Lola and she fit right in.

Zoe in the pool

What do your Bulldogs love to do?

Zoe loves to swim. Most bulldogs are not good swimmers due to their unique shape, but Zoe will go until you take her out of the pool. She is completely obsessed with the pool.

If she sees someone out there she will scream and carry on until she gets to go in the pool too. She also loves to ride in the car. If you don’t let her sit in the front seat, she will cry and bark the entire ride. When she doesn’t get her way the “bull” part of Bulldog comes out full force.

Lola loves toys. She almost always has a toy in her mouth – even when she is sleeping. She also loves to go on car rides, but she is perfectly content wherever you put her. They both sleep in bed with us and Zoe is usually a quiet sleeper, but Lola snores like a freight train (like most
Bulldogs).

Any specific tips you’d like (potential) Bulldog owners to know?

Zoe at sink

Bulldogs are fantastic dogs, but they are not for everyone. They need a strong yet sensitive leader. Bulldogs are very strong willed and stubborn. They are not large in size but are extremely strong physically.

They require daily care – cleaning their nose folds, eyes and tail folds to prevent infection and clean their ears weekly. They are a brachycephalic breed and because of those smushed noses they can’t take the heat and are not going to be your running partner. They don’t know their own limits and need you to set those limits or they may literally go until they drop.

I can’t imagine life without a bulldog… or two!

Of course the Bulldog is another favorite amongst celebrities.

One Christmas, Victoria Beckham gave her husband David this beautiful Bulldog, Coco. She’s one of four dogs owned by David and Victoria Beckham. Coco has famously been pictured with her nails painted pink!

We can’t resist Jon Hamm’s Vaniety Fair photo shoot with this super cute Bulldog and Brad Pitt with his dog Jacques.