Evanger's Breed Buzz: Bulldog

A muscular, heavy breed with a wide head, broad shoulders, wrinkled face and distinctive pushed-in nose, the Bulldog has a flat, short and sleek coat of white, brindle, fawn, red and piebald. They’re recognized by drooping lips and occasional under bite that accents pointed teeth. It’s one of the few breeds with a naturally short tail that can be either curled or straight. With roots as a sporting dog in England, the English Bulldog was eventually crossed with the pug and resulted in a new breed that is shorter and wider. While they maintained their signature tough look, the Bulldog was no longer able to handle the rigors of running or gripping.

Over the years, breeders worked to reduce the Bulldogs’ natural aggression. Today’s breed has a nice temperament and friendly, patient nature. These dogs are typically good with other dogs, pets and children. In fact, they often become so attached to their homes and family that they won’t venture away from their yard without their human companions. And while they’re by no means guard dogs, they protect those they love and will alert you of visitors.

According to statistics from the Orthopedic Foundation of Animals, Bulldogs have the highest percentage of hip dysplasia among all breeds. They are also prone to respiratory problems and interdigital cysts that form between the toes. The folds on their faces and curling tails require regular cleansing to avoid infections caused by the accumulation of moisture. Bulldogs are extremely sensitive to heat, requiring ample water and shade – especially during the summer and in hotter climates.

Naturally, Bulldogs require daily exercise. Otherwise, they tend to become overweight, which puts additional stress on their already overworked joints. To help these pets maintain a strong and healthy skeletal and muscle structure, consider Evanger’s Super Premium All Fresh Vegetarian Dinner for dogs mixed with Grain-Free Rabbit. This mixture offers fresh potatoes, carrots, peas, blueberries, cranberries and brown rice with grain-free, free-range rabbit. It’s a lower calorie, high protein meal that is easy to adjust to individual caloric needs by adding more or less Grain-Free Rabbit.