The Best Age to Get an English Bulldog

Whether you live in the city or out in the country, English bulldogs are an excellent pet that can offer you loyalty and companionship. They are smart, loving dogs that would be a great addition to any family. When considering purchasing an English Bulldog, you may wonder if it is easier to get a puppy or an older bulldog.

What is the best age to get an English Bulldog? In most cases, it is best to get an English Bulldog puppy. English bulldogs are intelligent dogs but can be stubborn, especially when they are older. You can train bulldog puppies to behave appropriately, but it is hard to teach an older bulldog that has not been trained. So, if you do decide on an older English Bulldog, make sure that it has been trained before purchasing.

English bulldogs are friendly with all people, both young and old. No matter what age you decide on, it is essential to know all about bulldogs and how to take care of them. This article will explain the challenges of different bulldog ages, how to train them, and how to care for them once you have brought one home.

What is the Best Age to Get an English Bulldog

Many people love to get a puppy so that they can watch their new furry friend grow and live life alongside them. Other people rather the companionship of an older dog – one that doesn’t come with all the needs of a puppy.

Getting an English Bulldog Puppy

If you want to get a bulldog puppy, one thing to keep in mind is that they are going to be lots of work. Puppies need constant care. They are a blank slate, and you will need to teach and train them on how to behave. While being able to train them from the beginning is a huge perk and will save you much frustration in the future, the training is time-consuming.

Training a puppy takes patience and consistency. However, a significant benefit of training your English Bulldog pup is that you can teach and train them from puppyhood with your expectations and rules. Not to mention, there are no learned bad habits for you to break.

When purchasing an English Bulldog puppy, make sure you buy them from a reputable breeder. Do not just go with the cheapest option. Good breeders will spend money on testing, deworming, and medications to help ensure your puppy’s health.

Getting an Older English Bulldog

An older dog can be a great option, especially if they are already house and obedience trained. When you find an already trained adult English Bulldog, you get to skip the tedious stage of training. The bulldog can easily fit right into your family’s routine without any issues.

It is still imperative to know the history of your bulldog. Make sure you have the proper paperwork and certifications to ensure that your dog came from a certified breeder.

However, there are some disadvantages to getting older English Bulldogs. One disadvantage is health concerns and complications. Bulldogs can experience health problems in their later years, and these can come with costly medical bills. It is a good idea to get a veterinarian check-up of the dog before you finalize the purchase to be aware of health issues.

Older English bulldogs can also be quite stubborn. If the dog was not properly trained, it will be much harder to break some of their bad habits.

English Bulldog Supplies

English Bulldogs might seem like a low maintenance dog with their calm demeanors. They do, however; require special attention in several aspects of their care. It is essential to have the right supplies, whether you are getting an older dog or a puppy.

There are several things you will need to purchase right away for your bulldog, such as:

Leash and collar
Crate
Bedding
Food and Water container
Dog brush
Dog Shampoo
Food and Treats
Dog toys
Doggie Gate

It is also crucial to dog-proof your home before you bring your dog home. Make sure to gate off unsafe areas and any areas you do not want the dog in. All areas your dog will be in need to be free of small toys or objects because they can be a choking hazard.

Training Your English Bulldog

If you are purchasing an English bulldog puppy, one of the first things you want is to begin once you bring them home is house training. This requires time, patience, and consistency. English Bulldogs are smart, but just like any puppy, this is a new concept for them and can take time.

Some training tips from the American Kennel Association are:

Take your puppy outside right after they wake up and every 2 hours throughout the day because they cannot hold their bladders for very long. Praise them or give them treats every time they “go potty” outside.
If your puppy has an accident inside, take them outside right away. They will learn that they have to be outside to use the bathroom.
Remember that praises and rewards will train your dog more adequately than punishments.
Puppy training classes are an excellent way to help teach your bulldog correct behaviors.
Bulldogs love to chew on things. Teach them right away what they can and cannot chew on.
Get your puppy used to having food taken from their bowls, so they do not become overprotective of their food.

English Bulldog’s Health

English bulldogs typically live 6-10 years and can experience health issues in their later years. They often have difficulty breathing in the heat and humidity because of their short faces. You should never leave them outside in hot weather for long periods. If they become overheated, you need to cool them off immediately.

Bulldog’s short legs and heavier bodies can cause them to easily hurt themselves when trying to climb up on something taller than themselves. If you are going to allow them on your bed or furniture, have a small step stool that can help them get up safely.

Cleaning and Grooming

English bulldogs are known for their wrinkles and chubby bodies. However, they often have sensitive skin and can have skin allergies. Washing all their bedding and towels in a perfume-free detergent can help limit any skin reactions.

According to the Bulldog Club of America, English bulldogs should be brushed around three times a week. It is best to use a soft bristle or rubber brush on them. It is also important to spot clean them daily between their wrinkles, under their tail, and on their bottoms.

Purchasing some fragrance-free wipes can be a great way to keep up with their daily cleanings. You can also use a cotton ball dipped in peroxide. You must make sure that their folds and wrinkles are completely dry; using diaper rash cream or baby powder after cleanings can help with that.

English Bulldog’s Diet

There isn’t a specific brand of dog food that is best for an English bulldog. However, you do want to make sure it is a high-quality dog food that is not full of “fillers” and is appropriate for their age since all dogs have different dietary needs at various stages of their lives.

Treats can also be given, and they are especially helpful with training. If you are feeding your bulldog both treats and dog food, you must be careful not to overfeed them. Bulldogs have a higher risk of becoming overweight because of their body type.

Exercising Your English Bulldog

Because English bulldogs are more prone to being overweight, it is vital to make sure your dog gets the proper amount of exercise. They might seem like lazy dogs, but English bulldogs do enjoy playing and moderate exercise. It is important to make sure that you walk them each day or get them to move around in some way.

In Conclusion

English bulldogs can make an excellent pet for your family at any age. Just remember that, whether your bulldog is an older dog or a puppy when they join your family, it is essential to be prepared with both supplies and knowledge.