Bulldog Health

First let me say - it is totally false to think that all Bulldogs have health problems. I have heard this statement made many times, sometimes by veterinarians, and it always makes me cringe when I hear it. It is just TOTALLY FALSE!

I have owned Bulldogs for almost 30 years and I have had very few with serious chronic health problems. They do exist, you just need to investigate carefully and avoid them. 

It is true that some Bulldogs, just as with any breed, do have health problems. This is especially true in purebred dogs because of controlled breeding. However, if a breeder is consistently producing Bulldogs with health problems this is from BAD BREEDING! A reputable breeder should give you a written health guarantee against congenital health defects. This should include a reasonable amount of time for you to have your new friend examined, normally two or three days, and it should specify the length of time this guarantee covers, sometimes up to a year. That is always our policy at Alpha Bulldogs  and we put in writing. 

Not all veterinarians are knowledgeable about treating Bulldogs and their idiosyncrasies. It is best to use a veterinarian who has experience with Bulldogs, especially for any procedure that requires anesthesia. If at all possible, you should try to get a veterinarian referral from an established Bulldogger in your area. 

Bulldogs do have some special needs and do require some special care. If you are looking for a dog that you can just throw out in the yard and forget, except to provide food and water, look elsewhere! That kind of treatment just will not work with a Bulldog. However, if you are looking for a loveable, loyal companion who needs, craves and enjoys the daily care you must give him, and if you enjoy having someone dependent on you in that manner, a Bulldog just may be right for you. 

First and foremost, let me say that Bulldogs are NOT yard dogs! Living in Florida, this is something we must be especially aware of. Bulldogs require a climate controlled environment. You must know that, to a Bulldog, heat is a killer! Our dogs have their own heated and air conditioned house. Of course, they get lots of time outside, but only at appropriate times of the day. If it is at all warm we monitor them closely and bring them in before they get overheated. Heat stroke can happen quickly and suddenly with a Bulldog. 

Here are some areas you need to be especially aware of with any Bulldog you are considering adding to your family. 

BREATHING - One of the major potential problems with a mature Bulldog is airway obstruction. This can be influenced by any of the following conditions, as well as some others, but is often a combination of more than one. Tracheal Restriction: You would think that a dog with this size head, neck and mouth would have a large and free-flowing airway, but this is often not the case. Stenotic Nares: This means that the nasal openings are pinched or partially closed rather than open wide. Elongated Soft Palate: This involves the soft tissue at the back of the throat. Often, raspy noisy breathers have this condition, however, a certain amount of this is expected in any Brachycephalic (smashed face) dog. Breathing difficulties are especially important in selecting a puppy as any problems will only intensify with age. 

SKIN PROBLEMS - This is especially important because, although not life threatening, it can be a constant headache and a real challenge to keep under control. The best thing to do is to investigate thoroughly and avoid those bloodlines that have shown tendencies toward skin problems. Unfortunately, this is reported in even a couple of the most well-known and respected bloodlines in Bulldogs today. The best thing to do, in my opinion, is to avoid them totally. No matter how good they look, how strong the pedigree, or how good the deal it just isn't worth the trouble it brings. One of the main things to be aware of is Demodex: This is commonly called "Red Mange." It is an immune deficiency to hair follicle mites. All dogs have these mites, but most are not affected by them. This reduced resistance causes severe hair loss and in more severe cases can lead to raw weeping lesions. This condition is hereditary and is passed down from the parents to the puppies. Again, investigate thoroughly and avoid those bloodlines who are having problems as treating this condition can be costly and is often an ongoing situation.

EYE PROBLEMS - Bulldogs, as do many other breeds, sometimes have Entropian: This is the rolling in of the eyelid causing the eyelashes to rub the eyeball and irritate it. Ectropian: This is the rolling out of the eyelid leaving the eye exposed to collection of foreign material. Another condition to be aware of is "Cherry Eye" which is the protrusion of the gland in the inner corner of the eye. All of these conditions can be repaired with a very minor and relatively inexpensive surgery, but it is better to avoid them.

SKELETAL DISORDERS - I consider this and breathing difficulties the most life threatening and serious of the conditions to be concerned about. Luxating Patella: This is a looseness of the knee joint and is potentially crippling. Dogs with this condition almost always require major and very expensive surgery to have a lengthy active life. Avoid this condition! Hip Dysplaysia: This is a structural deformity of the hip joint and like knee problems is crippling and requires major and expensive surgery. It is to be avoided also. Bulldogs do have a somewhat looser joint structure than many other breeds and this can be misdiagnosed as a problem by those who are not experienced with the breed. This is one area where experience is very valuable. 

As I said before, these conditions are not rampant in the breed of Bulldogs if you deal with a reputable breeder, and it is not intended that you should expect to be forced to face them. However, you should be aware of them and educate yourself about them. Investigate, ask questions, and avoid those bloodlines that are having these conditions occur. 

We have been blessed at Alpha Bulldogs  and have not experienced any abnormal health problems. I believe this is because we have been very selective about our foundation stock and what we breed to. Getting healthy show quality Bulldogs with great temperament is very expensive. Cheap Bulldogs are just that; CHEAP. Be sure that they will have a deficiency somewhere; either in quality, health, pedigree, or temperament. If you cannot afford to make an investment to get a quality Bulldog right now you are much better off to wait and save up some more money.