English Bulldog experiences and advice?

[HVani]

Not enough wrinkles for me on an American. They are great dogs and are much like OEBs but I would say they have more energy. Not like a Boxer but more than a EB or OEB.

Have you ever had an AB? If so, could it swim?

Yeah they are not as wrinkly. But still so sweet. I have not owned one but I have worked with them in rescue and daycare. Just super silly happy dogs.

[JoshSloane]

I was definitely thinking of getting the dog a lifejacket. We go to lakes only a couple times a year, so I don't think its a major concern. My fiancé and I are dog fanatics, so we would go to ANY length necessary to keep the dog happy and healthy.

[KMG]

Mine a few weeks before pickup.


At a rest stop on the way home from up near Dallas. She slept beside me all the way home.


A couple years ago.


And then current out on the lake. 3.5yrs now.




Then after the lake at home.

[JoshSloane]

Oh my god what a cute dog. I used to not like bulldogs at all but now im totally into it.

[KMG]

I have always had a thing for them but my lifestyle is just not suitable for a EB right now. An OEB was the closest I could get and now Im very happy with my choice. A EB just doesn't have the battery life I require and I have enough outdoor to carry without adding a 60 pound bulldog. LOL!

[JoshSloane]

Yeah I hear ya. Out here in CO we go backpacking frequently, but would leave the bulldog home with grandma in that case.

[Lizardlicks]

Most of your brachycephalic dog breeds are going to have breathing problems to some degree or another, which can slow them down and make them prone to other problems. English and french bulldogs have taken the brunt of inbreeding; quite frankly, those dog are deformed to the point that I feel breeding more in an act of cruelty, and the kennel associations of the various countries need to start implementing stricter standards.
Of the other types of bulldog breeds, American and Catahoula bulldogs seems to exhibit the least amount of crippling deformation. For friendly, medium-energy dog breeds, you'll find some surprising candidates. You may want to try investigating into some spaniel breeds.

[Daigga]

I'd just like to point out that your inching up in size with each new recommended breed, here. I know your were originally looking at dachshunds because you said you wanted a smaller breed, but most bully dogs are in the medium to large range with the exception of the French bulldog, which it doesn't sound like you're considering. Bully breeds are all great with children and most tend to get along well with strangers, but if you're really wanting a small dog then you might need to turn in a different direction.

[JoshSloane]

Thanks, I will look into that. I'm not expecting any English bulldog to be able to keep up with my labs in any outdoor activities. We would make any separate accommodations necessary to keep them cool and healthy

[JoshSloane]

I'd just like to point out that your inching up in size with each new recommended breed, here. I know your were originally looking at dachshunds because you said you wanted a smaller breed, but most bully dogs are in the medium to large range with the exception of the French bulldog, which it doesn't sound like you're considering. Bully breeds are all great with children and most tend to get along well with strangers, but if you're really wanting a small dog then you might need to turn in a different direction.

The woman in my life wants a small breed. I think the max we would want to go up would be a medium sized dog, probably no bigger than a female English bulldog. When it comes to dogs we will consider any and all breeds.