White English Bulldog: Health, Training, and Fun Facts

We all agree that English bulldogs are famous for their grumpy faces and gentle natures. So, in case you want to own one of them, you’re probably thinking which bulldog color to choose Besides in rare coat colors, English are available in AKC-recognized coat colors as well and white English bulldog is one of them. 

A Few Words About English Bulldog History

The English Bulldog is thought to have descended from the ancient mastiffs brought to the British Isles by Phoenician traders. They were bred for the first time for the brutal sport of bull-baiting, and the breed has changed radically since the 19th century ban on this sport. Modern Bulldogs are much kinder and friendlier, which contrasts with their aggressive forebears.

What is a White English Bulldog?

White English Bulldogs are medium to large-sized dogs. This breed is recognizable by its beautiful white coat, its broad face, and its muscular body. It usually weighs around 40 to 50 pounds. These are really lovable features, but the downside is that they also create certain health problems for the breed, as they have a nose and build that are unique.

Temperament and Character

The White English Bulldogs are known to be loyal but rather headstrong. They deeply attach to members of the family and, in most cases, they are great with children and other pets. Their calm nature is what makes them perfect for less active homes.

Common Health Issues of White English Bulldogs

Some of the most common health problems that White English Bulldogs have are those associated with respiratory, skin, and joint problems such as hip dysplasia. They usually live between 8 to 10 years, but measures of proactive health care are necessary in managing the specific problems that this breed might have.

Diet and Nutrition

A well-balanced English bulldog diet that suits their requirements is crucial, particularly with their predisposition to obesity. Foods that may be allergenic or otherwise hazardous to health should be kept well away from them. It is best to consult with a qualified veterinarian for devising a diet plan. Many owners of English bulldogs are not aware of the fact that they can suffer from allergies. Allergies in bulldogs can be very difficult to determine and make a difference between food and environmental allergies. In fact, allergies are common in almost all brachycephalic dog breeds and Pugs, Shar Peis, and Frenchies are only some of them. Just like in English bulldogs, allergies in French bulldogs can also be triggered by food and the environment.

Exercise Needs

Although the dogs are not highly spirited, they do need exercises each day to ensure good health and prevent obesity. The intensity in the activities should not be high in order not to exceed the respiratory needs, e.g., short walks and not long runs.

Human resources

Socialization of this breed is important in helping them to become well-adjusted adults, comfortable with different people and situations. Early training has to start with a component of patience and consistency. In addition, training should be done early due to the nature of their stubbornness.

Grooming Requirements

They have a short coat, therefore requiring much less grooming, but cleaning is done regularly, especially around its facial wrinkles to avoid infections. Brushing is also more essential during the shedding seasons to handle hair that is loose.

I. Breeding and Genetics

Potential owners should therefore seek and ensure responsible breeding, which includes testing for genetic makeup to minimize possible hereditary health complications. One can be able to predict and identify problems with the genetic information about the puppy and make proper health care measures.

Breeding White English Bulldogs

When choosing a puppy, confirm that it has the features of being healthy and well-tempered. A good breeder will be willing to discuss the health history of the puppy as well as any health information regarding the parents.

Living with a White English Bulldog

The process of taking care of the White English Bulldog in making an environment habitable includes a way to manage their health in order to keep the environment cool and to avoid overheating. Close monitoring of their health can be done by visiting the vet regularly.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Ownership of a Bulldog is also likely to be regulated by many laws and, in some locations, potentially breed-specific legislation. Prospective owners should also understand the ethical concerns regarding the breed’s health issues and dedicate themselves to doing all they can in order to take care of their Bulldogs.

Coat Color Variations of the White English Bulldog

The English Bulldog’s coat comes in a range of colors, but here we’ll focus on those variations that include significant amounts of white. Below are the most common types:

1. Pure White:

   • Description: A completely white coat without any markings. These bulldogs often have sensitive skin so you should consider buying a dog-safe sunscreen. Besides, we recommend you to protect his back from UV rays by dressing him in breathable or cooling summer vest.
   • Genetic Basis: The pure white coat typically results from the expression of recessive genes that suppress other colors. In bulldogs, this is often due to the double recessive “ee” genotype, which masks the expression of darker pigments.
   • AKC Recognition: Yes, pure white is recognized by the AKC.

2. White & Brindle:

   • Description: Predominantly white coat with patches of brindle. This type of a White bulldog is often higher in price. 
   • Genetic Basis: This coloration involves a combination of the white spotting gene and the brindle gene (Kbr). The white areas are typically caused by the piebald or extreme white piebald gene (S gene), which limits the areas where the brindle coloration can appear.
   • AKC Recognition: Yes, this color combination is recognized by the AKC.

3. White & Fawn:

   • Description: Mostly white coat interspersed with fawn-colored patches.
   • Genetic Basis: Similar to white and brindle, the fawn patches are influenced by the presence of the fawn color gene (ay), combined with the piebald gene affecting the distribution of white and colored areas.
   • AKC Recognition: This variation is also recognized by the AKC.

4. White & Piebald:

   • Description: White base coat with spots or patches of another color.
   • Genetic Basis: The piebald gene plays a crucial role here, causing random patterns of white and colored patches. The specific color of the patches depends on other genetic factors present in the dog.
   • AKC Recognition: Recognized by the AKC, provided the other color is also an accepted breed color.

5. White & Red:

   • Description: A white coat with red patches, often seen around the ears and face.
   • Genetic Basis: This involves the red pigment gene (e), expressed alongside the white spotting gene, which dictates the red and white distribution.
   • AKC Recognition: Red and white bulldogs are acknowledged by the AKC as well.

6. White & Black:

   • Description: Predominantly white coat with black patches or spots.
   • Genetic Basis: The black patches are typically the result of the dominant black gene (K), combined with a gene for white spotting that restricts the black pigment to specific areas.
   • AKC Recognition: While black is not a preferred color in English Bulldogs, black and white bulldogs can be registered.

AKC Recognition and Breed Standards

The American Kennel Club has specific guidelines for English Bulldogs, including acceptable coat colors. The AKC recognizes several color patterns, including those with substantial white areas, provided they are combined with other standard colors. It is important for prospective bulldog owners to consult the AKC’s official standard for detailed information on acceptable and disqualifying coat colors.

The Most Expensive Type

Among the various types of White English Bulldogs, the most expensive are typically those with rare color patterns. Currently, the rarest and thus most costly are those featuring the Merle pattern, which is not recognized by the AKC due to the genetic health concerns associated with the Merle gene. However, among the recognized patterns, Bulldogs with an unusual distribution of standard colors or those that come from particularly prestigious bloodlines can fetch higher prices.