The bulldog’s ‘cute’ appearance has helped it become well-known throughout the world, but these same physical characteristics are also to blame for its health issues.
Some breeders of bulldogs have developed new varieties, such as the Australian bulldog, which has fewer health problems than the English bulldog.
Here are a few bulldog health problems that are common.
Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome
The shortened facial features and compressed face of the bulldog contribute to symptoms like:
- Breathing problems and panting
- Exercise intolerance
- Difficulty eating
Bulldogs must maintain good health because obesity will only make these issues worse.
If you own a dog of this breed, avoid burning incense at home to avoid giving them respiratory problems.
Dogs primarily control their body temperature by panting, and the bulldog is less able to pant effectively than other dogs due to its facial structure.
Bulldog owners must always make sure their dogs are kept cool and should avoid taking them for walks in the heat.
Watch out for these overheating warning signs:
- Excessive panting
- Foaming at the mouth
- Difficulty in breathing
On a hot day, always make sure your bulldog has access to cool water.
Bulldog skin folds are adorable to bulldog lovers, but compared to other breeds, they can lead to a variety of skin irritation issues.
Between and beneath the folds, sweat, and dirt can collect and lead to eczema, bacterial infections, and acne.
This breed of dog needs to be bathed and its skin folds cleaned more frequently.
The bulldog’s muscular appearance and gait are brought on by chondrodysplasia, a structural abnormality linked to abnormal cartilage growth.
Bulldogs who suffer from this develop hip dysplasia, ligament injuries, and arthritic joints.
These are the health issues that you will have to deal with if you own or want to own a bulldog for the duration of your dog’s life.
Even though it might not be possible to completely eradicate these problems, by avoiding puppy mills, you can make sure your dog is healthy.
Purchase your bulldog from reputable, licensed breeders who understand how to carefully breed healthy bulldogs.
Ensure that you enquire about the health of the breeder’s puppies.
Due to their comical appearance and facial characteristics, bulldogs have acquired the reputation of being intelligent dogs.
When it comes to obedience, bulldogs are among the worst dog breeds. In contrast to other, supposedly more intelligent breeds, like the Corgi, who some claim don’t make good first dogs, they require at least 80 repetitions to learn a new command.
But is there a link between a dog’s lack of obedience and intelligence?
No, not always.
The bulldog’s lack of obedience is more due to inborn stubbornness than low intelligence.
The second-most unyielding dog breed in the world is the bulldog.
They don’t go out of their way to please the owner like a golden retriever because they have very strong personalities.
Bulldogs are excellent students and prefer to study and solve problems on their own.
The bulldog is undoubtedly one of those canines that, like some humans, just prefer not to be told what to do.
Why Are Bulldogs So Expensive?
The bulldog is an expensive breed to purchase because normal childbirth cannot be used to deliver the puppies. The queen must deliver the bulldog via cesarean section because the bulldog’s enormous head prevents it from fitting through the birth canal.
A well-bred bulldog can cost you several thousand dollars, and the ongoing expenses can quickly mount.
This is because this breed suffers from a wide range of health problems, necessitating frequent checkups at the vet.
To protect the bulldog’s health, this must be carried out frequently. The breed of dog may not be right for you if money is tight.
The same is true for pugs, another well-liked dog breed that experiences many of the same health issues as the Bulldog. Pugs are expensive to own, so if you’re set on getting one, be prepared to lighten your wallet.
So Are Bulldogs Really Ugly?
Frankly, bulldogs don’t look like your typical cute dog, which can cause people to label them as ugly.
Many dog owners won’t find their large heads, saggy jowls, flat faces, and noses to be particularly attractive.
But for the many bulldog owners out there, it is these characteristics that give the bulldog personality and beauty. One of the few dog breeds with a floppy face is this one.
Additionally, many pet owners may find this breed of dog to be troublesome and expensive due to its high prevalence of health issues.
The proverb “Don’t judge a book by its cover” holds true in situations like this.
The bulldog may not rank among the top 100 cutest dog breeds in the world, but their loving, devoted, and hospitable nature more than makes up for that.