Looking to get a bulldog

[wilson2468]

Hi,

I am looking into getting an English bulldog in a few months time and was hoping for any advice/tips beforehand? I always hear that they cost a fortune health wise and was hoping for more info on this. Thank you

 

[KillRbee18]

Wilson,
First and foremost, you picked a killer breed — but please do your homework. Bulldogs can be extremely expensive when it comes to medical care. I rescued mine when he was two years old, and I’m already about $18,000 in. He had cherry eye removal in both eyes, got fixed, and had his airway enlarged in one setting ($6,000). The second round was CCL surgery on both legs ($11,000).

If you can afford it, PLEASE get pet insurance—it saved our you-know-what. They covered about 90% of the bills.

As for the breed — they’re AWESOME. I’m hooked. I’m a one-dog kind of guy, so when Gunny-SGT eventually passes, I’ll be getting another bulldog. Their attitude (stubbornness included) is hilarious, and they’re incredibly chilled out. If I allowed it, Gunny would sleep 23 hours a day.

At first, his snoring and tooting made it hard for me to sleep, but I got used to it. They’re just great dogs to have, and if you like attention, trust me — you will get stopped. I can’t tell you how many people ask to pet him, and luckily he loves the attention.

For exercise, he’s good after a 20-minute stroll. Sometimes he’ll just sit down and refuse to move. We literally have to bribe him with treats to keep going.

If money is tight, I would seriously think about whether this is the right breed for you. I see bulldog owners posting photos of their dog’s medical issues, and it tears me up knowing how much pain these dogs can be in. Please keep that in mind.

Knowing what I know now, would I do it again? ABSOLUTELY.

The way Gunny makes me feel after a long, hectic day makes every expense worth it. They’re an incredibly loving breed. He showers me with licks, thinks he’s a lapdog, and always stays close to either my wife or me. And yes—he sleeps in our bed, usually snuggled right in between us.

THINGS I DO DAILY:
Morning (daily):

• Brush his teeth
• Wipe his eyes
• Quick brush of his fur followed by a baby-wipe wipe-down
• Give him a dental stick, probiotic, and his allergy medication

(Note: When my wife does his routine, she also puts balm on his nose and paw pads.)

AFTER HE POTTIES:
I wipe his butt with a baby wipe when he’s done — and again before he gets on our bed at night.

EVERY OTHER FRIDAY:

• Bath
• Clean his ears
• Nail trim (as needed)
• Doing all this helps keep him out of the vet’s office. Seems like a lot? It’s really not.

I would like to say he’s on a strict diet… but I’d be lying. This dog eats junk food. I’ve been told to stop giving him cheeseburgers and fries. I listened… but then I got told to stop giving him Subway roast beef sandwiches too. So now he mostly gets beef jerky sticks and a variety of dog treats.

He’s allergic to chicken, so no poultry in his kibble.

He’s also overweight—about 70 lbs.

PATIENCE:

Bulldogs can be extremely stubborn, and some can be aggressive. Gunny is aggressive toward any animal with fur, a tail, and four legs (including moose, lions, tigers, and elephants). He’s scared of nothing. They were bred to take down bulls, after all.

When he acts out around other dogs, patience and understanding are key. Bulldogs require patient owners.

I’m sure some bulldog owners will agree with me and some won’t, and that’s okay. I just want to give my baby the best life possible.

SUMMARY:
At the end of the day, owning a bulldog is absolutely worth it. Yes, they can be expensive, stubborn, quirky, and sometimes a lot of work — but the love, loyalty, and personality they bring into your life makes every challenge worthwhile. If you’re prepared for the responsibility, the vet bills, and the extra care they need, a bulldog will reward you with years of companionship, laughter, and unconditional love. For me, despite every hurdle, I wouldn’t trade Gunny for anything. They are truly one of the most rewarding breeds you can own.

I hope this has helped! I’m excited to see what direction you are willing to take…

 

[Lennie. U.K.]

Could not have given a better answer to this question. totally agree

 

[2BullyMama]

Best breed for me by far, but yes be prepared for expensive food and care. The more you research and prepare to care you could potentially spend less at the vet