5 Common Bulldog Questions (And Straightforward Answers)
Each week, we receive tons of questions from Bulldog owners—about food, health, behavior, training, gear… and yes, even whether Bulldogs might be aliens (we’re still investigating that one 🐶👽).
So we thought we’d take a few of the most common Bulldog questions and share some clear, experience-based answers.
Question 1: Can (or Should) My Bulldog Wear a Collar?
Can they? Absolutely. But in our opinion, only with a safe breakaway collar designed for Bulldogs. These collars loosen if they get caught, helping your Bulldog slip free safely.
Should they? That’s a personal choice. Ours do—for a few reasons:
- Reflective collars add visibility for night play or yard time.
- They hold ID and medical tags.
- Let’s be honest—they just look great in bold colors.
Just remember: never attach a leash to the collar. Use a Bulldog-safe harness for walks to protect the neck and airway.
Question 2: Can Bulldogs Swim?
In general—no, not safely on their own. Bulldogs’ heavy heads and short legs make it hard for them to stay afloat. They can tire and sink within seconds.
Their short snouts and compact airways (a condition called brachycephaly) make breathing difficult even on land, so keeping their faces above water is especially risky.
That said, some Bulldogs enjoy water play with a proper-fitting life vest and close supervision. Always use a flotation device and never assume they can swim safely without one.
Question 3: How Much Grooming Does My Bulldog Need?
Quite a bit! Bulldogs have more daily grooming needs than many breeds. Weekly brushing helps control shedding and keeps their coats clean, but the real work is in the details—wrinkles, ears, and tail pockets.
- Clean and dry wrinkles daily to prevent infections.
- Use pure organic coconut oil on the nose and folds to soothe and moisturize.
- Check and clean ears and tail pocket regularly to avoid irritation and odor.
A few minutes a day goes a long way toward keeping your Bulldog happy, healthy, and (mostly) stink-free.
Question 4: How Do I Know If My Bulldog Has Food Allergies?
Bulldogs are prone to sensitivities. Signs of possible food allergies include:
- Frequent gas or loose stools
- Red or itchy paws (especially between toes)
- Dry, flaky, or irritated skin
- Chronic ear infections
- Recurrent bladder infections
Many Bulldogs don’t do well with chicken, turkey, grains, or potatoes. If you switch foods, introduce the new one gradually over 7–10 days (start with 25% new, 75% old). If symptoms persist after two weeks, check with your vet.
Question 5: What Do Bulldogs Love the Most?
Easy: Your time, affection, and attention. Bulldogs live for companionship. Carve out time each day to play, cuddle, and just hang out together. Belly rubs, silly praise, and TV time on the couch mean everything to them.
And between us… many Bulldog owners (us included) might admit to liking our dogs more than a few humans we know. But we’ll never tell. 😉
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We hope you picked up something new and useful about your Bulldog today! If you'd like to learn more about Bulldogs, visit The Bulldog Blog, presented by Bulldog Grade.
