Bulldog

A Bulldog does require regular bathing and grooming.  This kind yet courageous dog can be bathed as frequently as every week up to no more than every six weeks depending on his lifestyle.  With this smooth coated breed, regular bathing is essential to maintain healthy skin and coat.  Selecting the correct products to match your pet’s skin and coat is essential to achieve optimal results.

Before bathing your Bulldog, it is recommended to go over the dog’s entire body with a high velocity dryer in order loosen any dirt and dander from the skin and remove any excess loose coat.  Lightly card the coat to help accelerate shedding.  Once you have selected the best products for your Bulldog, it is bath time! One area to pay particular attention to detail is the facial area.  A facial cleanser allows you to focus on the entire facial surface as well as any facial wrinkles.  Any wrinkles, however minor they may be, can hold bacteria.  It is imperative to pay particular attention to those areas.  The facial scrub can be used in between baths in order maintain freshness and good hygiene while helping to lift fresh stains. 

This kind, courageous, yet dignified dog should be bathed and groomed on a regular basis. In order to keep the short, smooth coat in prime condition, it is always beneficial to use a hydrating spray following the bath and drying process.  This allows the skin and coat to lock in moisture in order to maintain perfect hydration.  As a finishing touch, before using a hydrating spray, use a grooming mitt and massage in a circular motion to stimulate the release of natural oils in addition to the removal of any excess loose hairs.  Then finish with a hydrating spray.

Prep work is the foundation of all grooming.  Prep work includes ear cleaning, nail trimming, anal glands, and proper dental hygiene.  Mastering these skills sets the professional pet stylist apart from the rest.  Prep work should be done before every bathing and grooming appointment.  All dogs need to have their ears checked and cleaned on a regular basis.  Proper nail care is also very important.  Long, unsightly nails are uncomfortable for the dog, as well as anyone they might jump on.  Long nails also compromise the shape of the foot.  Trimming the pads of the foot helps give the dog good traction on different surfaces and can minimize the amount of dirt the dog tracks into the house.  It also affords the opportunity to treat and condition the paws from cracks and abrasions.  Anal glands should also be checked and expressed if they are full.  Some caring pet owners prefer to have the anal glands done by their veterinarian. Good dental hygiene is essential for a healthy pet as well.

In order to maintain healthy skin and coat as well as overall health, it is important to provide good nutrition to your dog through a well-balanced diet, vitamins, and healthy treats.

If you are not a fan of cutting hair, then you have made the right selection of choosing a Bulldog.  This smooth, short haired bundle of joy requires minimal grooming.  However, weekly brushing is recommended.  It is important to wash their face and pay particular attention to the wrinkles at least weekly if not twice a week.

The Bulldog is a member of the brachycephalic breed class, meaning that is has a short head and snout. This physical characteristic can lead to a number of possible health challenges, including those of the nose, eyes, teeth, and respiratory system. The nostrils are narrower, and the soft palate longer in the Bulldog, creating the potential for severe breathing problems, especially when the dog is overheated or over excited. Heat is a special concern with this breed, since it is not able to cool itself efficiently through panting, as other breeds do. Some of the major health problems the Bulldog is susceptible to are keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), ventricular septal defect, canine hip dysplasia (CHD), shoulder luxation, internalized tail, stenotic nares, and elongated soft palate. The Bulldog has also been known to suffer from urethral prolapse or vaginal hyperplasia occasionally. Some minor problems affecting Bulldogs include entropion, cherry eye, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, distichiasis, ectropion, and demodicosis.

Bulldogs do shed, but not as much as other breeds.  Allergies are caused by various proteins found in the dog’s dander, hair, and saliva.  There are breeds that produce less dander than other breeds.  However, Bulldogs are not one of those breeds that produce less dander.

Bulldogs are dependable and predictable.  Because of this, the make a wonderful family pet and actively solicit human attention.  Like any breed, you should never leave your Bulldog unattended with small children.

Whether you have a show dog or a companion quality dog, the same basic care is given regarding nutrition, socialization, and hygiene.  The difference is the conditioning of the dog and conformation training.  It is always quite helpful if your breeder can help mentor you to lead you in the right direction upon entering the wonderful world of dog shows.  A great place to start is with the national breed club like the Bulldog of America, www.bulldogclubofamerica.org.