The OG Bulldog – English Bulldog is a compact, muscular and stubborn dog breed that does shed. But don’t worry - they’re not about to turn your home into a fur snow globe. More on this soon. Let’s get to know this breed a little more first.
English Bulldog comes from the Old English Bulldog that was used for bull-baiting. It is a cruel sport that has not been banned under the Cruelty to Animals Act in England. The old breed is not extinct. However, we’ve now got a softer, more like a companion version of the breed in the form of English Bulldog, also known as the British Bulldog. (1) They are kind and courageous but come with a bit of stubbornness and a lot of snoring. You’ll also find them chewing almost anything they get their hands on.
Now, to know about their shedding, let’s look at their coat type. They have a straight, short, fine-textured, single-layered coat. It comes in a variety of colors, including red brindle, other brindles, solid white, solid red, fawn, fallow and piebald. These dogs are considered light to moderate shedders, which is usually the case with dogs that have a single-layered coat. It’s the double-layered ones that shed heavily. (2)
Bulldogs shed due to changes in temperature and daylight hours. And because they have shorter coats, they have more hair follicles per square inch than dogs with longer coats. More follicles = more shedding. These dogs shed lightly all year round. During spring and fall, the shedding increases to cope with the increased temperature. This period is called the ‘shedding season.’ (3)
How Do I Stop My English Bulldog from Shedding?
You cannot stop your Bulldog from shedding. More than that, you shouldn’t as shedding is a natural process, and it is healthy for them. However, you can minimize shedding and keep their coat healthy using some practices. They include – (3)
Brush their coats regularly. It helps remove loose hair and prevents matting and tangling. It also stimulates the skin, which can promote new hair growth. If your dog has short hair, once a week brushing can work, but if it is longer then you may need to brush daily.
Bathe your dog once every 2-3 weeks. Bathing helps remove dead hair and of course clean all the dirt they’ve got from playing in the park. Don’t bathe too frequently though as bathing too much can remove the good oils and irritate the skin.
You can use de-shedding tools that have special bristles to remove loose hair from their coats. Avoid using them daily and limit it to once or twice a week.
Add omega-3 fatty acids to your dog’s diet. They have anti-inflammatory properties and can also help reduce shedding by keeping the skin healthy. It can be found in fish oil and certain plant oils as well.
Ensure regular vet visits. While environmental changes cause natural shedding, conditions like allergies, infections, etc., can also cause shedding. Routine vet visits will ensure early detection of any kind of skin conditions and hence a better treatment.
Are English Bulldogs Hypoallergenic?
Bulldogs do not shed as much as the big Golden Retrievers, but they do leave a few hairs lying around all the time. So, no, they are not hypoallergenic. In case you’re allergic to pet dander, Bulldogs may not be the best option for you.
Which Bulldog Breed Sheds the Least?
There are 3 versions of Bulldogs –
English - The original one
French – The compact and more charming version of their English counterpart.
American – The rugged, larger and more athletic version of the English one.
While all three of them shed, French Bulldogs are seen to be the least shedding among them.
More About Spot Pet Insurance
There’s a very important factor that affects shedding in dogs – their overall health. You’ll see dogs shedding more or unusual amounts than normal when they are sick. While not all conditions may directly impact shedding, they can bring stress to the dog, which can eventually lead to more shedding. The common health conditions that Bulldogs are prone to include – (1)
Brachycephaly – This is the deformation of the upper airway tract because of the shortened snout. It results in obstruction of breathing.
Hip dysplasia – This happens due to an abnormal formation of the hip socket that can lead to lameness and arthritis.
Patellar Luxation – This is when the kneecap or patella dislocates or moves from the original place.
Skin Fold Dermatitis – This is a skin condition (of course) that comes in the form of an inflammatory rash when the skin folds. When you look at a Bulldog, you’ll know why this is common in them.
It is important to keep checking your dog for any kind of symptoms and treat them as soon as you see any. The cost of treatment for some of these conditions though can easily reach upwards of $5000. With pet insurance, you can save up to 90% of the costs. With Spot Pet Insurance, you can save the treatment costs, other associated costs and much more.
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Audrey Halfen: Beta fish whisperer - whopping 9 months and counting! Once had a dog named Max, who I assertively claim is the cutest dog ever. Ready to throw down in a cute-off, if necessary.
Creative manager by day, pet enthusiast all the time! After 19 years with my dog (hopefully he wins the award for oldest pet in the world), I enjoy spending my days brainstorming tail-wagging content, and sniffing out the latest trends in the pet world.
Wikipedia contributors. (2024, December 1). Bulldog. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulldog
Boswell, E. (2024, October 23). Bulldog. DogTime. https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/bulldog
Face, S. (2024, June 10). Why do English bulldogs shed so much? Squishface. https://squishface.com/blogs/blog/why-do-english-bulldogs-shed-so-much
