Exercising your dog

Most English Bulldogs benefit from regular, but not very strenuous, exercise.

Lead walking when it is not too hot is ideal, but watch your dog closely for breathing problems and/or overheating during any type of exercise.

Unless closely supervised, swimming isn’t a great activity for English Bulldogs because their bulky front end makes swimming much more difficult.

Invest in a good quality harness and lead.

Training your English Bulldog

English Bulldog training can focus on basic skills such as sit, down and coming when called, but given their size and strength, it’s also important to teach these dogs to walk politely on lead. A good harness, can help prevent excessive pulling while your English Bulldog is learning how to walk on leash.

English Bulldogs are smart, thoughtful and strong enough to resist force, which has given them a reputation for being stubborn. If you try to make your English Bulldog do something, you may not get very far. English Bulldogs respond very well to positive reinforcement training, though, so make sure they get something good in exchange for doing the correct behaviour. Once they figure out that they can “make” you give them the good stuff, they’ll be much more interested in doing what you want.

For best results, keep English Bulldog training sessions short (especially at first). Use high quality tasty treats, to help keep your English Bulldog’s attention throughout the training session.

Your dog's health

Unfortunately, the English Bulldog is prone to several serious health problems which sadly means their lifespan can be much shorter than other breeds.

By recognising health problems in a Bulldog early you can seek advice and treatment from a veterinarian.

Reduce the risk of health problems by purchasing a puppy from a responsible breeder. Always inspect breeding facilities and breeding dogs, and never buy from a distant online seller.

Health Issues to watch out for:

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome

Skin Problems

Eye Problems

Orthopaedic Problems

Heart Problems

Grooming your dog

To care for their coats, English Bulldogs should be brushed a few times a week and bathed approximately monthly to keep them clean. English Bulldog shedding isn’t excessive, although you can expect to see a bit of their short hair littered around the house.

Skin folds may need to be cleaned a few times a week using wipes.

Brush their teeth daily to remove tartar buildup and the bacteria that lurk inside it. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath.

Buy good quality dental toys and some healthy dental treats to aid in their dental health.