English Bulldog Limited Health Guide

     Statistics from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals indicate that of the 467 Bulldogs tested, 73.9% were affected by hip dysplasia, the highest amongst all breeds. Similarly, the breed has the worst score in the British Veterinary Association/Kennel Club Hip Dysplasia scoring scheme, although only 22 Bulldogs were tested in the Scheme. Patellar luxation is another condition which affects 6.2% of Bulldogs.

     Some individuals of this breed are prone to interdigital cysts, which are cysts that form between the toes. These cause the dog some discomfort, but are treatable either by vet or an experienced owner. They may also suffer from respiratory problems.

     Other problems can include cherry eye, a protrusion of the inner eyelid (which can be corrected by a veterinarian), certain allergies, and hip issues in older bulldogs. Puppies are frequently delivered by Caesarean section because their characteristically large heads can become lodged in the mother's birth canal during natural birth. However, it is not entirely uncommon for a bulldog to whelp naturally and successfully.

     The folds or "rope" on a Bulldogs face should be cleaned daily to avoid unwanted infections caused by moisture accumulation. Also, some bulldogs' naturally curling tails can be so tight to the body as to require regular cleaning and a bit of ointment.

     Like all dogs, bulldogs require daily exercise. If not properly exercised it is possible for a bulldog to become overweight, which could lead to heart and lung problems, as well as joint issues.

     Bulldogs are extremely sensitive to heat. Extra caution should be practiced in warmer climates and during summer months. Bulldogs must be given plenty of shade and water, and must be kept out of standing heat.

     In January 2009, after the BBC documentary Pedigree Dogs Exposed, the The Kennel Club introduced revised breed standards for the British Bulldog, along with 209 other breeds, to address health concerns. Opposed by the British Bulldog Breed Council, it was speculated by the press that the changes would lead to a smaller head, less skin folds, a longer muzzle, and a taller thinner posture, in order to combat perceived problems with respiration and with breeding due to head size and width of shoulders. The large head also means that cesarean sections are often required during birth.

Many people get a female Bulldog with breeding in mind. Or purchase a male Bulldog to attempt their hand at a stud service. Both of these decisions require much thought, research, time and money. Any time a Bulldog is used for breeding, extensive health testing should be done first to ensure no health problems be passed on. If you do breed the female she will require human intervention at the time of the breeding and at the birth of her puppies. This  includes Artificial Insemination (AI) which means someone will need to collect the male stud's semen and then artificially inseminate the female. This process is very costly at a veterinarian's office. Once bred the female will most likely need a C-section (cost average of $1500.00) at birth because the heads of her puppies are so large it causes problems birthing the pups.    

 Unwanted Bulldogs are surrendered every day to the Humane Societies and other shelters and if you let your Bulldogs reproduce, you are responsible to care for the puppies the rest of their lives if no one buys them. You must also be willing to take any Bulldog puppies back that are no longer wanted by those who bought them from you. Bulldogs will live healthier, longer lives if they are spayed or neutered. Neutering a male Bulldog is almost a "must" because he will constantly mark his territory until you do, and you do not want your home to smell like urine now do you? We hope this limited health guide has been helpful to you!