Instructions
Take your new English bulldog to a veterinarian. English bulldogs are a brachycephalic, or small-nosed, breed, according to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, and as such are susceptible to a wide range of respiratory ailments. These include elongated soft palates, malformed nostrils and narrow windpipes. A veterinarian will advise whether surgery is necessary for your dog.
Start training your English bulldog when it is young. Bulldogs are among the gentlest of dogs, according to the Dog Breed Info Center, but can become dominant, stressed and aggressive when they don't understand their subservient place in the "pack" that is your family. Consider dog training classes if you are unfamiliar with training dogs.
Avoid giving your dog treats from the table, which could cause flatulence as well as weight gain and put extra stress on its heart. Feed it a commercially available dog food no more than twice a day, along with fresh water.
Walk your English bulldog daily. Although English bulldogs are content indoors, a little exercise will keep them fit and happy. Be careful not to over-exercise, however, as bulldogs become overheated very rapidly and have difficulty cooling themselves.
Keep your dog warm in winter and cool in the summer. Bulldogs cannot tolerate extreme temperatures, according to Carina MacDonald in her book, "Knack Dog Care and Training." Dogs may need air conditioning or fans in summer and dog coats in winter. Consider a different breed of dog if you live in an area that gets very hot or cold.
Use a damp cloth to clean your bulldog's coat weekly. Pay special attention to its wrinkles and use a damp cotton swab to remove any debris trapped there. Use another cotton swab to clean the ears, being careful not to insert it farther than the eye can see.
In addition, clean its face daily with a damp cloth to remove tear duct stains and prevent irritation.
How to Raise an English Bulldog
English bulldogs are relatively easy dogs to raise and make excellent family pets. They love human attention and indeed require it with their many health issues, so you'll need to be patient and attentive to your dog's needs. But with a little effort and training, your bulldog will be gentle, loyal, obedient and good with children and also will be an intimidating guard dog.