Bulldog Original English Bulldogge Grooming

The Bulldog-Original English Bulldogge, like both its parent breeds, won't need a lot of grooming. The Bulldog-OEB mix is an average year-round shedder, so consistent brushing will be necessary to help with dead hair collection--but otherwise, maintaining their coats is pretty easy.

Brush your Bulldog-OEB once or twice a week with a bristle brush or grooming glove, moving in the direction of hair growth.

Bathing will be needed every couple of months or so. (Get instructions on how to bathe a Bulldog-Original English Bulldog in the section below.) In between baths, clean between the dog's wrinkles with a damp washcloth or baby wipe to keep them from collecting dirt and fungus.

And the Bulldog-OEB's coat is simply too short to sport any hairstyles other than its natural one. (See Styling & Haircuts to learn why shaving these dogs' coats short is never recommended.)

In addition to its coat, your Bulldog-OEB mix will need maintenance in other areas. Brush the dog's teeth 2-3 times per week; clean the ears monthly; and trim the dog's nails every 2-3 months.

Though owners can learn to perform all aspects of Bulldog-Original English Bulldogge grooming themselves, it's good to take the dog to a professional groomer at least once. The groomer can give the dog a nice makeover, and provide tips on how to groom a Bulldog-Original English Bulldogge at home.

Bulldog-Original English Bulldogge bathing is necessary every 2-3 months--unless, of course, the dog gets especially dirty or stinky and an "emergency bath" is in order.

When bathing a Bulldog-Original English Bulldogge, be sure to use shampoo made for dogs, as the human kind has a different pH and can irritate the dog's skin. The best shampoo for a Bulldog-Original English Bulldogge includes brands like Buddy Wash, Earthbath, and Vet's Best.

Before the bath, give the dog a good brushing. You can bathe your Bulldog-OEB in either a bathtub or in an outdoor plastic pool using a garden hose. First wet the coat thoroughly, then apply shampoo to the dog's back. Lather well, working downward and outward; don't forget the legs, underbelly, and tail! Clean the face, head, and ears with a washcloth, making sure to wipe in between the wrinkles there. Then rinse the coat completely.

Towel-dry the dog, then finish the bath by giving the coat another quick brush-through to make it look clean and neat.

These hybrids don't need haircuts at all. Even so, some owners think shaving a Bulldog-Original English Bulldogge coat short will help the dog stay cool in summer, and will reduce shedding. Simply put, both these ideas are myths.

One purpose of a dog's coat is to protect its body from the sun's rays. Yes, a shaved Bulldog-Original English Bulldogge may be cooler on a hot, sunny day--but only in the shade. In the sunlight, the shaved dog will be much more susceptible to heatstroke and sunburn. The dog will obviously get cold very easily as well.

Neither will a shaved Bulldog-OEB shed any less; the only difference is that the shed hairs would be shorter. And when the coat does grow back, it'll probably be uneven and softer in texture.

The only reason to shave any part of these hybrids' coats is in preparation for surgery or other medical procedures. Your vet will discuss this with you further.

So to anyone considering shaving their Bulldog-OEB: put those clippers away!