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English Bulldogs for Dummies

Do you have what it takes to care for one of the cutest faces in the world?

By Sydney PaigePublished 3 years ago 4 min read
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English Bulldogs for Dummies
Photo by Juan Manuel Martinez on Unsplash

English Bulldogs.

You see them on commercials, in Adam Sandler's backyard and they used to be portrayed as the 'mean guard-dog' in 90s/early 20s cartoons. But are English Bulldogs as tough as they're portrayed? Or are they cuddly and goofy like on TV?

Maybe you're considering getting an English Bulldog. You've read articles of the pro-cons, learned the term 'Bully' and something about cleaning facial folds...but in all your researching of 'is an English Bulldog the right fit for me', have you taken a moment to ask "Am I the right fit for an English Bulldog?"

Bulldogs are cute, lovable, loads of personality, and act like they've haven't eaten all day. Don't even get me started on the mood swings of a dieting bulldog.

Are you the right fit for an English Bulldog?

Bulldogs are high-maintenance animals. Now you may get one that just likes to eat, sleep, lounge, repeat. HOWEVER, he/she is still going to be high maintenance. Do you have what it takes to take care of them and provide a loving home?

It isn't just facial folds that need cleaning. They've got tail pockets, anal glands that need expressing, can get yeast infections between the toes, inside the ears and around the nose. Are you ready for that early morning cleanse, midday wipe, and nighttime foot soak?

This is the tough love article. You've got to be prepared to handle a bulldog and you've got to be honest with yourself to know if you are a right fit for that cutie-pie. Your Bulldog needs love but he/she also needs to know who's Alpha—and he/she needs to know real quick. Start practicing your authorities voice, because it will be challenged. Bulldogs are clever but not the smartest breed; they take a bit longer to be trained and once they are trained, they then choose to decide whether or not to obey you. Can you handle being ignored?

You might be thinking the affectionate bundle of love will make all your hard work worthwhile. Yeah, well that's if you get a bulldog that shows his love for you through touch.

Just like humans, dogs have their own unique love language, and Bulldogs can be the hardest to figure out. Some are cuddlers but others squirm to get out of your grip and don't want to snuggle. HOWEVER, they love to lick your feet, sit beside you (unless you start rubbing them and they move away). That's how they show their care for you. Are you able to handle however your cutie-pie grows up to be?

If yes, then good. You're prepared.

To a degree.

Are you ready for the vet bills? Pet insurance will definitely come in handy for this animal because you may be going to the vet once a month, at least. If you can't commit to the time or the money, then you need to reconsider caring for this animal. Bulldogs need love and care, and not to be stuck with skin infections.

Bulldogs are known for allergies. It's good to get a dermatologist for your dog to help take care of their skin and ears (their ears can get clogged up easily with yeast infection and can be detrimental to their hearing). Dermatologist have allergy testing to help eliminate issues as well as create a serum that you inject (sometimes once a month, sometimes more). HOWEVER, medication can affect dogs moods and needs to be supervised by you and their vet. I for one hate putting dogs on medications because they can affect dogs' moods, but again, consult your vet.

Another thing to keep in mind: you may have to try a few different dog foods. Again, allergies. You'd be surprised how many dogs can't eat chicken and how many foods/treats contain chicken and chicken by-products (recalling any pet-food commercials yet? But seriously....). The right brand of dog food could range anywhere from $60 and up, and your dog may not even like the flavor so you'll have to keep trying. (Watch out for calories, though. Bulldogs gain weight easily).

Speaking of weight gain...are you prepared to exercise your bulldog every day? Even with a yard, he/she needs walks. They also get overheated easily but don't always know how to self-care, so you have to make sure they take a rest and know where the water is.

Does your life allow for that amount of time during the day or night? In my experience, bulldogs don't like being left alone, which brings us to another issue.

If you aren't working from home, how long will your bulldog be alone? I can't speak for all bulldogs but what I've experienced is bulldogs get anxiety when left alone for long periods of time.

Okay, so that's the tough love. Are you the right fit for a bulldog?

English Bulldogs are tough, loveable, stubborn (very, very stubborn and no amount of Jedi-Knight skills are going to change that), and they bounce back pretty well. The pros of an English Bulldog may draw you to get one BUT please think about your characteristics, lifestyle, work life, and if you are the right fit for this type of dog. They may add joy to your life (hectic, but joy) but will you give them the life they deserve to have?

It's a hard decision, especially after you've already gotten one and are hit with reality of caring for such a peculiar pet. And this article is barely the tip of the iceberg.

For those that have bulldogs now and are loving life, their dogs are loving life, that's fantastic. Well done! Share your experiences of these lovable animals and why they bring joy to your lives, and share what you've learned so that others see if they have what it takes.

All dogs deserve love. :)

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About the Creator

Sydney Paige

Ready for Springtime

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