Why bulldogs?

We know what you’re probably thinking: “Why on earth would a groomer specialize in a breed that doesn’t even need to be groomed?!” Well- to put it frankly- because they DO. (All dogs require at least minimal grooming from time to time!) Believe it or not, while they’re not usually thought of as high maintenance in the grooming department, the bulldog’s unique anatomy makes specialized grooming absolutely essential to their wellbeing. All of those distinct traits that make our bullies so different from other breeds actually require special grooming tools and accommodations in order to help keep them safe.

We’ve all undoubtedly heard the heart-breaking tales of grooming gone wrong. Rough handling, overheating, unbelievably high levels of stress. And it seems more often than not, these stories involve bulldogs.

But why is that?

Well, because the unfortunate truth is, most grooming salons just aren’t set up for bulldogs.

Some of the more traditional tools (such as grooming loops) and old school techniques still applied in many grooming facilities today are downright dangerous when used on these breeds and the sad reality is that many professionals and even owners are simply unaware of the extreme limitations and safety risks associated with bulldogs.

So what makes bulldogs so different? Let’s explore that, shall we?!

Bulldogs are….

• Brachycephalic!
• Highly sensitive to heat!
• Covered in wrinkles!
• Prone to skin issues!

Brachycephalic

According to Merriam-Webster:

brachy•ce•phal•ic / short-headed or broad-headed with a cephalic index of over 80

Basically, the term refers to any dog whose head is wider than it is long…. in other words, the smoosh-faced variety (though some breeds considered bracycephalic DO have a small snout, such as the boxer and the chihuahua!)!

And while that smoosh-face is undeniably adorable, with it comes an array of complications….

Bulldogs have an elongated soft palate which obstructs their airway. This, combined with the narrow nares (nostrils) that some have, contributes to the loud, snorty breathing that bulldogs have unfortunately become well known for.

Compromised airway of a French Bulldog:

See that tiny hole? That’s it. That’s all the room he has to breathe. Crazy, right?!

This is why a traditional grooming loop should NEVER be used on a bulldog. It is way too easy to cut off the already extremely limited air intake, promoting lack of oxygen and higher stress levels. This is also why avoiding stress in bulldogs is so incredibly important: limited air intake plus a worked up animal is absolutely a recipe for disaster.

Heat Sensitivity

The bulldog’s short muzzle not only means less room for air, but less room for regulating the temperature of that air. The graphic below shows the difference in the portion of the nasal cavity designated for temperature regulation between a bullie and a German Shepherd.

This is why bulldogs are so prone to overheating and why a cage dryer should never be used on a brachycephalic dog.

Wrinkles

Although those irresistible wrinkles are often touted as the most adorable part of bullie ownership, the truth is…. well, they can get a bit gross. Dirt and bacteria tend to harbor in the folds, which frankly can get quite stinky and even cause mild to severe irritation for your bullie.

Around the tail is another trouble area…. the corkscrew shape of a bulldog’s tail creates a fold known as a “tail pocket”, which is prone to bacterial build-up and infection.

Skin Issues

A few other common bullie issues include allergies, yeast, and Seasonal Bulldog Flank Alopecia (though this one is a benign condition, SBFA causes hairloss on the sides of the torso. As always, if you notice anything new going on with your bullie, please be sure to consult your veterinarian to rule out other possible causes! Never assume!)

We know…. it’s a lot. As a long-time bullie lover, owner, and advocate, our groomer saw the need for a bullie-centric grooming experience. Where safety and comfort are of the utmost priority. An experience promoting education, trust, and peace of mind for bullie families. That’s why she developed our special “Bullie Bath”- a unique, customized grooming experience just for bulldogs! To learn more about this one of a kind service, please visit our “Bullie Bath” page!

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