The English Bulldog is a robust cutie. With their short, sturdy frame and wrinkled face, these doggies tend to catch passerby’s attention, and they know it! They come in various colors, but they all have the same coat, no matter which color you have. This guide will assist current or future English Bulldog parents learn more about their grooming and shedding.
Bulldogs are pretty low-maintenance dogs, requiring only a moderate amount of grooming, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t shed. Although their shedding is lighter, they still require regular care and maintenance to ensure a healthy coat.
In addition to answering the question, “how much do Bulldogs shed,” we also explore the makeup of their coat, how to manage their coats, and much more.
At A Glance
Best Shampoo
ECOS for Pets!
Best Brush For Shedding
FURminator
Best Bath Brush
HandsOn Gloves
Bulldog Coats
English Bulldogs have a short, fine, smooth coat that doesn’t shed much. They do not shed their coat like other breeds. Bulldogs are single-coated, meaning they will shed about the same amount through an entire year. They are considered moderate shedders.
Bulldog Colors
When it comes to their coat colors, you can find English Bulldogs in various colors, including white, brindle, Piebald, fawn, and red. It is also common for all English Bulldogs to have a spotted coat with many colors.
Bulldog Shedding Frequency
The English Bulldog will shed about the same amount throughout the year. They do not have a heavier shedding phase where they lose their entire coat.
Other Reasons For Losing Fur
To ensure your doggy is healthy, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. The veterinarian will discern whether the shedding is normal or a result of a medical condition. Here are a few reasons that can cause excessive shedding:
- Improper Nutrition: It is essential to feed your Bulldog high-quality food so he gets the proper nutrients needed to sustain a healthy coat.
- Parasites: (fleas, lice, or mites): Always check your Bulldog for parasites. These critters can cause havoc on the skin and coat of your Bulldog.
- Fungal or bacterial infections: Bulldogs can be prone to yeast and bacterial infections. Undetected, these conditions can be uncomfortable and lead to constant scratching and increased shedding.
- Food or medicine-related allergies: If your Bulldog suffers from an allergy or is exhibiting symptoms of an allergy due to a newly introduced food or medicine, he could probably lose fur. This usually occurs in patches concentrated around the affected area. You may also see open sores and dry and itchy skin, sometimes accompanied by a strong odor. Consult with a veterinarian for diagnosis and care.
- Kidney, liver, thyroid, or adrenal disease (including Cushing’s): Imbalances or improper processing of systemic functions can cause your Bulldog to shed more than usual. A visit to the veterinarian will be necessary for confirmation.
- Pregnancy or lactation: When a mother’s hormones change, one of the effects could be additional hair loss. This reason is not usually anything to worry about, and it should return to normal after the litter arrives and her hormones settle.
- Sunburn: Bulldogs can be susceptible to sunburn due to their short coats. Sunburns can go unnoticed until the doggy’s fur starts to fall out. A doggy-safe sunscreen lotion can prevent sunburn.
Managing Bulldog Shedding
Brushing
Brush your Bulldog’s coat regularly so the shedding is more manageable. Brushing your Bully for 10 minutes with a soft brush two or three times a week will be beneficial for cutting down on shedding. If your Bully is shedding more heavily, he can be brushed with a rubber curry brush.
Types of Brushes
The brush is one of the most important tools required for grooming a Bulldog. Owners need to be extra careful when choosing a brush for their Bully. One of the main criteria is that it needs to be soft for their body. Brushing your Bulldog on a regular basis will help maintain a healthy coat and also control shedding.
Although Bulldogs tend to have a short coat, they can use different types of brushes to maximize their grooming and cut down on shedding. Specific brushes can be used depending on the amount of shedding.
Brushes that work well with Bulldogs are:
- Bristle Brush: A plastic bristle brush for your Bulldog helps keep your Bulldog’s coat shiny.
- FURminator: FURminator brushes are available for short coats. These brushes remove reasonable amounts of fur and are great for heavier shedding cycles.
- Shedding Blade: A shedding blade has small teeth on the comb side. Run it over your Bulldog’s short coat to pull out any loose hair. Shedding blades can be sharp so practice safety measures when using one.
- Slicker Brush: This brush removes dead fur and works well with short-haired breeds.
- Rubber Gloves: These gloves are soft, collect loose hair, and Bullys will feel like they’re being petted.
Shampoo
Bulldogs have sensitive skin and will need products made specifically for dogs. They should not be bathed with human shampoo as this can cause irritation and change their pH balance. Oatmeal baths are much gentler and healthier for Bulldogs. Using coconut oil in addition to the oatmeal bath will help keep the skin healthy. Coconut oil destroys viruses, fungi, and bacteria.
Here are some pointers to keep in mind when purchasing a shampoo for your Bulldog:
- Germicidal: Bulldogs carry a lot of germs in those folds that we want to minimize as much as possible. A germicidal shampoo will help with that.
- pH neutral: the skin of a bulldog needs to be balanced. Human shampoo should not be used.
- Fragrance-free: can irritate a bulldog’s skin.
Diet
Bulldogs love to eat, and if you let them, they will get chunky very quickly. Monitoring their intake and the types of food they eat will help with the upkeep of their coats. Bulldogs should have high-quality food. Dog food high in protein (at least 28% protein) will help their fur be thick and shiny. Grains, byproducts, artificial colors, or sweeteners should be eliminated from their diet. Sweeteners can lead to itchy skin and even skin infections. Look for foods that do not have these ingredients.
Supplements
Choose products and foods that are high in fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids offer various health benefits for your Bulldog’s coat. Some of the food products with Omega 3 fatty acids are spinach, kale, fish, and flaxseed. You could try adding flaxseed oil to your Bully’s food to help with shedding. Overall, flaxseed oil aids in maintaining healthy skin and coats in dogs. Probiotics can also be helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most frequently asked questions.
Do English Bulldogs shed a lot?
Although Bulldogs do shed, they don’t shed a lot like all dogs. English Bulldogs are not seasonal shedders. Instead, they lose hair all year round. They are moderate shedders.
Do I need to take my English Bulldog to the groomer?
You don’t have to take your Bulldog to the groomer to keep their coat healthy. However, many Bulldog owners bring their dogs to a professional groomer for a nail clip and bath once a month. Some doggies may even enjoy going to the groomers, and you have the added bonus of saving a little time.
When is it time to take my English Bulldog to the vet?
If your Bulldog’s shedding has increased significantly, there is likely to be an underlying cause that should be checked out. It could result from the typical hair loss reasons listed above or something different. Additionally, if your English Bulldog is shedding in patches or has inflamed skin or sores, you should seek medical attention.
Final Thoughts
Grooming is essential for general hygiene, preventing illness, and even potential injury. Regularly grooming your Bulldog will help him maintain healthy skin and coat. By brushing your Bulldog frequently with the right brushes and using a gentle doggy shampoo, you can minimize the amount they shed. Additionally, feeding them a high-quality diet goes a long way in promoting a shiny and beautiful coat.
Once you get into a routine of brushing and grooming, it will be relatively easy to look after your Bulldog’s coat. Although every dog is different, be sure to learn best practices for your English Bulldog. Good grooming habits are the basis for a healthy and happy Bulldog.
