If you have been considering getting an English Bulldog, I assume you have done some research into the breed. There are many health issues associated with Bulldogs, but there are many Bulldogs with NO HEALTH ISSUES. Some of the common ailments found in Bulldogs are difficult breathing, skin problems, eye problems, bone problems and climate problems.
This is an INDOOR breed. I can't stress it enough that excessive heat will kill a Bulldog! They are very good inside and a patient trainer can have a completely house-trained bulldog in a few weeks.
They need a great deal of attention. These dogs are extremely loyal and loving. Ours love to go for drives, sleep on the bed and will always stay near me as I move about the house. They are great with kids. We have 5 kids and they rough house with our bulldogs all the time without any problem. If you are considering putting this dog on a chain and leaving it in the backyard, please look elsewhere. It will be sad and depressed.
Although this breed has a large head and neck, the airway is very small in comparison, also the nasal openings are a bit pinched or narrow. Inside the back of the mouth the soft palette is often a bit long and it causes a grunting or snoring sound. YES Your Bulldog will most likely SNORE!
SOLUTION Your veterinarian can perform a routine surgical procedure to correct the soft pallet or nasal obstructions. Ear plugs for you might help with the snoring.
SKIN PROBLEMS
The facial wrinkles will need constant cleaning. The eyes tend to tear up and run into the wrinkles on many Bulldogs causing the wrinkles under the eyes to stay moist. Also the body on this breed is often too short and thick for them to scratch themselves when they need. If you see them rubbing themselves on the wall or furniture, they are probably scratching.
There is a condition called "Red Mange" which is hereditary and can cause severe hair loss and open sores. The best prevention is good breeding. A breeder shouldn't breed a Bulldog with this condition.
SOLUTION Bulldogs will need alot of cleaning. The wrinkles especially! Use Advantix or some form of flea/tick treatment. This prevents the irritation that becomes alot of skin problems. If you find a bulldog has "Red Mange", dont panic. Your vet will give you a cream that will get rid of it. The only set back is that you should not breed the animal and should inform your breeder so that he may find the source and discontinue breeding with that bulldog.
Cherry Eye
EYE PROBLEMS
Many breeds have been known to have a condition known as Entropian when the eyelashes touch the eyeball and cause irritation. Another is called Cherry eye when a gland protrudes from the eye. Both these conditions are treatable or repairable.
BONE PROBLEMS
The most common known condition is "hip dysplasia" or bad hips. In Bulldogs, it is almost part of their design. It often appears in the knees as well. The bulldog has looser joints than most breeds. . This causes an abudance of misdiagnosed skeletal problems.
Dogs with these conditions can require a a range of treatment from an aspirin each day to extensive medical attention. It is important to know about the parents bone condition when purchasing your bulldog.
At NC English Bulldogs, We provide a written health warrantee with every pup we sale. We have our vet inspect each pup and will refund the full purchase price if our pups have any congenital defect. This offer is good for the first year.....all in writing.
