english bulldogs

Question
I love English bulldogs.  I am wanting to get one for the family but my wife said she is allergic to dogs.  I think she is allergic to dogs that shed alot of hair and dander.  would an English bulldog be a good dog for a family dog.  

Answer
Hello Eric and thank you for your question.

Breed selection is a very personal issue, but I can give you some idea of the temperament of the English Bulldog.

EB's are very headstrong, determined, and bullish. They are great protectors and wonderful with larger children (>5yo). The reason I recommend them for older children is because of the bullish nature and the fact that they are very strong. Many can weight up to 50 - 60lbs and more and don't seem to understand they are so huge when they become very enthusiastic and wiggly. They are people dogs and love a lot of attention.

People are typically allergic to the hair and dander, as you said, but this can be overcome with regular grooming. Bulldogs can tend to get a bit stinky if not bath regularly with attention paid to the skin folds on and around the face & neck. There areas hold moisture which can then become a breeding ground for yeast and bacteria.

I have had the opportunity to work with several of these dogs and they are just the best, but boy, are they ever stubborn. My recommendation to you would be to do your homework (research) before making any decisions. If at that point (when you know all the quirkiness of the breed) you still decide this is the breed for you AND your family, you want to contact a good breeder, or find a breed rescue. There are so many dogs in rescues that need forever homes and you can give a dog another chance.

Hope this helps.