Bulldogs are one of the most recognizable dog breeds that have won the hearts of millions with their unique appearance and wonderful character. These massive, solidly built dogs have their own unique history, idiosyncrasies, challenges and care needs.
The history of the breed originates from England and goes back to ancient times. Bulldogs share roots with Bullmastiffs, also known as Molossians. Dogs were used for a variety of purposes: working with cattle, in particular with large bulls, guarding, and even participating in dog fights. In the 19th century, with the ban on fighting, a new era begins for bulldogs. They could be seen more and more often at exhibitions and in the circle of families with children. Over time, the classification of bulldogs was formed. Each species has its own characteristics and history, so let’s get acquainted with the most popular:
- English bulldogs have a massive body, a short muzzle with distinct folds of skin, a wide chest and short legs. They come from Great Britain and were used for bullfighting.
- French Bulldogs have a compact body, a short muzzle with large ears, a thick coat and a short tail. They come from France and were used as companions for the working classes.
- American Bulldogs have an athletic build with a longer muzzle similar to an English Bulldog and fewer skin folds. They come from the United States, where they were used for farm work.
What makes bulldogs so attractive and why have they become so popular?
First of all, they have a unique appearance. A massive muzzle with deep folds of skin, a strong body with short legs and a wide chest, smooth and short hair that can have different colors, such as tan, sand, spotted, chocolate, black or gray – all this is about the bulldog.
They are also known for their friendliness and loyalty to their owners. Get along great with children and other pets. They have a calm temperament, although they can be stubborn.
Compared to other dog breeds, bulldogs require less physical activity. They are more inclined to lounging on the couch than to active games. They will feel great in the apartment. Short walks and light exercise will help keep them fit and minimize health problems. And bulldogs can have a lot of them, so carefully familiarize yourself with the most common ones.
Bulldogs may have health problems
Problems with breathing. Bulldogs have a short muzzle, and the throat and airways are narrowed and flattened, which can lead to breathing problems, especially in the heat or during intense physical exertion. Obstructive breathing syndrome can be a serious ordeal.
Skin diseases. Dogs have short, thick fur with a lot of folds, so you need to follow hygiene carefully to prevent irritation, allergic reactions and more serious skin diseases. Their fur does not fully perform a thermoregulatory function, so hypothermia and overheating also pose a threat to their health.
Joint problems. Due to their massive bodies, bulldogs can have problems with joints and arthritis. These complications can be especially dangerous for older or overweight bulldogs.
These diseases do not necessarily occur in all representatives of the breed, but it is important to be informed about them and visit the veterinarian regularly.
Recommendations for the care of bulldog puppies
If you have weighed all the pros and cons and decided to buy a bulldog puppy, then we congratulate you. Ahead of you is a rich life and an ocean of love from the baby. In order for the growing up process to take place organically and for the dog to please you from the first stages of life, we share with you some care tips:
Systematic visits to the veterinarian. They will help you monitor the health and development of your puppy. The veterinarian will carry out the necessary vaccinations and tell you when you can go out for the first walks.
Socialization. Provide your baby bulldog with opportunities to interact with other dogs and people. This will help him develop social skills and become a friendly and friendly dog in the future.
Physical activity. Give your baby enough opportunities for physical activity and play. This will help strengthen their muscles and develop coordination, as well as reduce the likelihood of boredom and destructive behavior.
Training. Start training and training early, use positive training methods, and be patient and consistent.
Regular hygienic care. It is almost identical with caring for an adult bulldog. The main difference is the frequency of bathing, as the baby gets less dirty, and the choice of cosmetics, which should be soft, non-aggressive, hypoallergenic.
Bulldog grooming
Grooming a French, English or American Bulldog, both small and adult, is an important part of caring for it, so let’s look at the main components of grooming.
First of all, hygienic procedures should start with trimming the claws. This is a must for every bulldog, especially if he spends little time in the fresh air and does not have enough physical activity, because the claws are not sharpened naturally. In this case, it is necessary to cut them more often (once every 1-2 weeks) to avoid discomfort, injuries and problems with the musculoskeletal system.
Do not forget about oral hygiene. A dog toothbrush and special toothpaste will help remove plaque. It is recommended to brush your dog’s teeth every day or at least several times a week. Dental-labeled chew toys and treats can reduce tartar build-up and support gum health.
Ear cleaning is important for the prevention of various diseases. It is important to check the ears for irritation, unpleasant odor, excessive production of earwax and use special products to avoid trauma to the auricle.
Monitoring the condition of the eyes is another important stage of caring for this breed of dog. Bulldogs are prone to swelling and irritation in the eye area due to their short muzzles and prominent skin folds. If the Tail has persistent eye problems, such as redness or discharge, it is best to consult a veterinarian immediately.
Because bulldogs have short, thick coats, proper brushing helps keep them looking healthy and comfortable. Start combing the hair from the head and neck, moving in the direction of the hair growth. Be careful around sensitive areas such as ears and eyes.
If the wool continues to shed and you cannot do anything about it, then express shedding will come to the rescue. This procedure is used to quickly and effectively remove dead fur. Bulldogs, like other breeds, periodically shed, when the old coat falls out and the new one grows. This can be especially noticeable during the transition periods between seasons.
The main difference between bulldogs, as we already know, is the specific skin folds on the head and neck. These areas easily accumulate dirt and moisture, which can lead to skin irritations and unpleasant odors. Regular cleaning of these areas using soft wet wipes or special products will help to avoid problems. The main rule is to ensure that the folds remain dry and clean.
The last stage, but no less important, is bathing and drying the wool. Shampoos specially designed for dogs with sensitive skin should be used to avoid irritation and allergic reactions. Regular bathing helps to get rid of dirt, unpleasant odors, avoid inflammation and other skin problems.
The price of caring for a bulldog in Kyiv
The cost of grooming for a bulldog in Kyiv may vary depending on various factors, such as the size of the dog, its behavior, the assortment of professional cosmetics in the grooming salon, the qualifications of the groomers, etc. In general, grooming a bulldog can cost from UAH 250. up to 2500 hryvnias depending on the selected procedures.
The cost of grooming may include clipping and grinding of claws, cleaning ears, wiping eyes, brushing, bathing with shampoo and balm, drying the coat. In addition, salons provide additional services, such as teeth cleaning, express shedding, cleaning of paraanal glands.
At V.O.G DOG, we understand that each bulldog has its own unique needs and characteristics. Therefore, we guarantee an individual approach to each client and his pet, ensuring maximum comfort and satisfaction.
Don’t put off caring for your bulldog! Make an appointment with our chain of salons right now, and we’ll be happy to do everything we can to make your Pet look and feel their best.
