The Merle Debate: Why Bruiser Bulldogs Takes a Different Path Some Context From Mitch  An experienced breeder’s perspective on responsible merle genetics After 15 years of breeding bulldogs, I’ve seen just about every trend come and go. But few topics generate as much controversy—or confusion—as merle. At Bruiser Bulldogs, we’ve developed a clear philosophy on this striking but complicated pattern, and I want to share why we approach merle the way we do. Let’s Talk Genetics (Without the Headache) First,...

Crates and Bulldogs – Our Practical Guide Some Context From Mitch  15 years of lessons learned about crate training bulldogs at Bruiser Bulldogs After raising countless bulldog puppies and guiding new owners through the process, we’ve developed a straightforward approach to crate training that works. At Bruiser Bulldogs, we start crate exposure early, which is why our puppies transition to their new homes more smoothly. This guide reflects what actually succeeds with bulldogs, not generic advice that ignores breed-specific needs....

The Problem with Alternative Bulldog Breeds: A Personal Opinion Some Context From Mitch  Why Bruiser Bulldogs chose a different path Alternative bulldog breeds deserve credit where it’s due. The Olde English Bulldogge, Continental Bulldog, and Victorian Bulldog have successfully addressed one of the English Bulldog’s most pressing problems—health. Through strategic outcrossing with other breeds, they’ve created dogs that breathe easier, move better, and live longer. In many ways, these alternative bulldogs mirror what we’ve achieved at Bruiser Bulldogs: more athletic...

Why Your Bulldog Needs Omega-3 as a Food Topper (Not in Their Food) Some Context From Mitch  The simple solution to your bulldog’s itchy skin might be sitting in your refrigerator ***Over the years I have grown substantially more invested in dog nutrition education.  In 2024 I decided to pursue professional training and studied to become a canine focused nutritionist.  I have been able to apply 15 years of hands-on experience to formalized nutrition education.  Many of the things I...

This is What’s Wrong With Wrinkly Bulldogs Some Context From Mitch  As someone who has been dedicated to breeding healthier English Bulldogs since 2010, I’ve spent years studying the evolution of this beloved breed and the health consequences of certain physical traits. I’m Mitch from Bruiser Bulldogs, and today I want to share my perspective on why the heavily wrinkled modern bulldog is facing serious health challenges and what we can do to address these issues. I actually started breeding...

Best Dog Foods for English Bulldogs: High-Protein, Real Ingredient Options Some Context From Mitch  An English Bulldog thrives on a diet rich in real, high-quality protein sources. Avoiding fillers like corn, soy, and wheat can help with the breed’s common skin, digestive, and joint issues. English Bulldogs are a beloved breed known for their stocky build and sensitive health needs. As a responsible Bulldog owner (or breeder), choosing a high-protein dog food with real, whole ingredients – and no cheap...

The Differences Between Male and Female Bulldogs Some Context From Mitch  After 15 years of breeding English Bulldogs at Bruiser Bulldogs, my wife Erica and I have lived with dozens of males and females. We’ve observed consistent differences between the genders that go beyond simple stereotypes. While every bulldog has their own unique personality, understanding these general differences can help you choose the right companion for your household. Temperament: The Affection Factor Males: The Velcro Dogs Male bulldogs are the...

Why We Don’t Breed for Blue Bulldogs Some Context From Mitch  A breeder’s perspective on color-blind breeding and the future of English Bulldogs We’ve been dedicated English Bulldog breeders for over 15 years, focusing our program on improving the health, structure, and athleticism of this beloved breed. Throughout our years in the breeding community, we’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges facing English Bulldogs and have committed our efforts to producing healthier, more functional dogs with improved breathing, lighter facial wrinkles, and...

Probiotics and Bulldog Health: A Breeder’s Perspective Some Context From Mitch  Understanding the gut-health connection in bulldogs At Bruiser Bulldogs, we’ve spent 15 years working to breed healthier bulldogs with lighter wrinkle sets, improved breathing, and better athleticism for joint health. These genetic improvements have increased our bulldogs’ average lifespan by over 1.5 years—a significant achievement in a breed known for health challenges. While we continue making genetic advancements, we believe the next frontier in bulldog health is nutrition. Over...

Why I Believe in Single-Ingredient Raw Dog Treats As a canine nutritionist—and someone who has raised, bred, and worked hands-on with puppies for years—I’ve watched trends in dog treats come and go. Fancy packaging. Buzzwords. “Functional” claims stacked on top of sugar, starch, and fillers. But when it comes to treats, especially for puppies, my philosophy is simple: The best treat is the one that does the least harm—and ideally, some good. That’s why I believe so strongly in single-ingredient...

Top 4 Dog Foods for Bulldogs: Personal Recommendations from a 15-Year Breeder Some Context From Mitch  Bringing an English Bulldog into your home means caring for their unique nutritional needs. After 15 years of breeding bulldogs focused on health and lighter wrinkles, I’ve learned that while genetics play their role, nutrition has a massive impact on skin health, coat quality, and digestive function. The right diet can transform a bulldog struggling with chronic issues into a thriving, energetic companion. Many...

Raising A Cleft Palate Bulldog Puppy No pup left behind! We believe that all puppies, even one born with a cleft palate deserves to be given a chance! Enjoy our video and learn how we raise our cleft palate puppies!

The 4 Most Common Eye Problems in English Bulldogs and How Breeders Can Avoid Them Some Context From Mitch  As dedicated English Bulldog breeders, we’ve spent over 15 years researching, documenting, and addressing the health concerns that commonly affect this beloved breed. One area that demands particular attention is eye health. In fact, eye issues rank as the second most frequent health issue we see in English Bulldogs (breathing issues are always #1) But here’s the good news: these problems...

Interdigital Cysts in Bulldogs: What I’ve Learned About Treatment Hi there! I’m Erica from Bruiser Bulldogs. After years of working closely with bulldogs and their owners, I’ve gained considerable insight into the various health issues that can affect this wonderful breed. Today, I want to share what I’ve learned about interdigital cysts—those troublesome growths that appear between a bulldog’s toes. As someone who’s helped countless bulldog owners through these issues and consulted with some of the leading bulldog specialists in...

Infected Tail Pocket Treatment for Bulldogs Those cute wrinkles on your Bulldog’s face make you want to snuggle with them forever. But as a Bulldog owner, you also need to be on the lookout for their health, especially when it comes to the tail pocket, a common trouble spot. We at Bruiser have many goals, but our most important ones are healthy Bulldogs and happy pet parents!  An infected tail pocket in Bulldogs is more than just a simple problem....

English Bulldog Health Issues – A Comprehensive Ranking of Major Health Problems Our Ranking System For English Bulldog Health Issues – Based On Our 15 years of Data and Experience To give a more understanding, each health issue will be rated according to three separate factors on a scale of 1 to 5.  Tragedy Level – The severity of the health issue to the bulldog’s quality of life.  1 = low tragedy, 5=high degree of tragedy Fixability – The ease...

Coccidia and Giardia in Your Puppy: A Complete Guide Designed for survival If your puppy tests positive for a parasite – most commonly coccidia or giardia, you are probably wondering how an infection like this is possible, who or what is to blame, and what the best treatment is.  It’s quite the surprise to suddenly learn your sweet pup could be infected with an intestinal parasite.  The following information outlines how a parasite like coccidia or giardia behaves and the...

Why Head Size Is Important To Maintaining Proper Bulldog Aesthetic Buddah Stud Review – Buddah = Big head + Clean Breathing After 15 years breeding English Bulldogs we have learned a thing or two about the breed. We have learned what patience looks like. Diligent dedication to improving one’s craft – which in our case is our bloodlines. Steady improvement made by wise, informed decision making, generation after generation. The improvement of our Bruiser Bulldog genetics is made by stacking...

Do English Bulldogs Thrive In City Life? English Bulldogs have a moderate temperament that makes them ideal for city life and apartment living. They also have lower exercise needs than other breeds, which allows them to thrive in small homes. However, even with a dog well suited for apartment living, there are a few things to consider. Helping your Bulldog thrive 1. Daily exercise Even though bulldogs are low-energy, they still need daily exercise to stay mentally and physically healthy. ...