April 21st marks National Bulldogs Are Beautiful Day, a nationwide celebration of one of the most beloved dog breeds in history. The holiday is inspired by Drake University’s annual Beautiful Bulldog Contest, during which they crown the school’s new real-life mascot.
Whether you have a beautiful Bully of your own or just want to get to know this cherished historic breed, read on to learn what we love about Bulldogs.

How The Bulldog Came To Be

The AKC-recognized Bulldog breed, also known as the English Bulldog, dates back to 3th-century England. The classic Bulldog is short and stocky, weighs about 50 pounds, and has a smooth, white coat with brown, brindle, and/or black markings.
The original English bulldog was bred in England for the sport of bull-baiting, in which dogs were set loose to fight a tethered bull. They were selectively bred to have a flat, wrinkled face and wide jowls that enabled them to latch onto the bull’s nose. Their rosebud ears and deep-set eyes helped them stay safer from attacks.
By the mid-19th century, the barbaric sport of bull-baiting was banned. However, Bulldogs had long proved themselves to be much better companions, farm workers, hunting partners, and family dogs than bull baiters. Though determined and focused when it came to chasing prey, the Bulldog is gentle and loving towards their favorite humans, with a laid-back, stable temperament that makes it a wonderful family dog.

What Makes A Bulldog A Bulldog?

Since the end of bull-baiting, the classic Bulldog took off in popularity around the world, where the breed was selectively bred and cross-bred to create new, unique breeds. In France, the Bulldog was miniaturized and became a fashion icon, the modern French Bulldog we know and love today.
In the United States, the Bulldog was developed into the American Bulldog breed to be larger and better suited for hunting and heavy duty farm work.
Over time, the Bulldog breed branched off to create dependable working and companion dogs like the Bull Terrier, Pit Bull Terrier, American Bully, and more.
Many dogs that are considered “pit bulls” are referred to as a Bully Breed Mix, made up of one or more Bulldog-descendant breeds.

Common Health Issues in Bulldogs

The Bulldog’s adorably squishy face - thanks to a short, wide jaw, rolls of loose skin, and compact skull - is their most distinct physical trait. Like other brachycephalic or short-headed dogs, the Bulldog is prone to certain health issues and needs special care to help them stay healthy.

Breathing Issues in Bulldogs

Due to their short, wide skull, a Bulldog may have a long soft palate that can partially block their windpipe. An elongated soft palate can make your dog more prone to snoring, snorting, and reverse sneezing.
Some Bulldogs are born with stenotic nares, which means their nostrils are too narrow. This can make it difficult or impossible for your dog to breathe through their nose, and the defect may need to be corrected with surgery.

Allergies in Bulldogs

Bulldogs are also known to be at an increased risk for developing environmental allergies and food sensitivities. Look out for symptoms like itchy skin, hair loss, recurring ear infections, a yeasty body odor, and excessive paw-licking, all of which can be signs of flare-up. Allergies and intolerances can also manifest as excessive gas, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Common Eye Issues In Bulldogs

A Bulldog’s deep-set eyes are also susceptible to issues. Some dogs are born with multiple rows of eyelashes, may develop an entropion, or an inward-rolling lower eyelid, or an ectropion, or outward-rolling lower eyelid. These issues can cause painful eye irritation and may need to be corrected with surgery. Bulldogs can also get cherry eye, in which a gland located on the third eyelid can prolapse
Be on the lookout for symptoms like watery eyes, redness, swelling, discharge, and signs of pain or discomfort. Your dog might paw at their eyes or rub their face on the floor
Seek veterinary care as soon as possible if you notice any signs of a potential health issue in your Bulldog. If your dog is suffering from a painful or potentially life-threatening symptom like difficulty breathing, collapsing, loss of consciousness, fatigue, and severe or repeated bouts of illness, seek emergency veterinary care.

Bulldog Health & Care

Preventative care can help keep your Bulldog healthy and keep them free of serious health issues, especially those that are common in the breed.
A Bulldog’s wrinkles can trap moisture, creating an environment that allows bacteria and fungus to fester. Keep your Bulldog clean and dry, making sure to dry them off completely after a bath, swimming, or a walk in the rain. Dog wipes are great for keeping your dog’s folds clean between baths. Pay special attention to those rose-shaped ears, which can also be prone to infection.
Environmental allergies and food intolerances sometimes manifest as yeast overgrowth. A yeast infection can cause red, itchy skin, patchy hair loss, and a popcorn-like body odor. If you suspect your Bulldog is suffering from allergies, see your veterinarian, who might recommend allergy medication for your dog. You can also use an at-home allergy and intolerance test. In the meantime, a medicated antifungal shampoo and leave-in conditioner for dogs can offer instant relief.
Most Bulldogs have some level of compromised breathing. Snoring, snorting, and some reverse sneezing is to be expected, but your dog should be evaluated by their veterinarian at least once yearly to check for any serious issues.

Certain factors can exacerbate existing breathing issues, and can potentially be life-threatening. To protect your Bulldog’s fragile respiratory system, make sure to avoid:

• Obesity - excessive weight can place greater pressure on your dog’s respiratory system.
• Hot weather - Bulldogs are prone to overheating because they cannot pant efficiently
• High impact-exercise - Like all dogs, Bulldogs need exercise but they’re prone to overheating. Take frequent breaks and monitor your dog closely, especially on hot days
• Wearing a collar- Bulldogs can have a narrow larynx and trachea that’s prone to collapse, especially if they wear a collar on walks. Always attach your Bulldog’s leash to a comfy harness that does not apply pressure to their neck and throat.
• Avoid flying in planes - some airlines have banned brachycephalic animals like Bulldogs. If possible, drive or travel by train. If you must fly with your dog, plan your trip during moderate weather conditions. Accommodations like a crate fan, cooling pad, extra water, or in-cabin travel may be possible.

Feeding Your Bulldog

Bulldogs are prone to weight gain, especially after spay or neuter surgery. They can also struggle with exercise tolerance, making it more difficult for them to burn calories. A reduced calorie dog food can help your Bulldog maintain a healthy weight.
A Bulldog’s short muzzle may make it more difficult for them to eat from most dog bowls. Your dog may prefer a flat, elevated dish that makes it easier for them to reach their food, and can make them less likely to swallow air, which can result in flatulence and indigestion.

Why We Love Bulldogs

The Bulldog is one of the oldest and most well-loved dog breeds. Their charm, their sense of humor, and their gentle nature with children make them easily one of the most wonderful family dog breeds, not to mention highly respected working dogs and mascots.
If you’re thinking of bringing a Bulldog into your life, consider adopting through a breed-specific rescue or seeking a reputable breeder that is committed to preserving the breed while producing puppies with fewer hereditary health issues

VISION

Every pet deserves to live a long, happy, healthy life.