Bringing home an English or French bulldog puppy is exciting, and a little preparation makes the first weeks much easier for both of you. This is the checklist we gave families who took home our puppies.
Shopping list
| Item | Why bulldogs need it |
|---|---|
| Crate sized for an adult bulldog, with a divider | Safe sleep and house training; the divider lets it grow with your puppy |
| Harness, not a neck collar | Collars press on a bulldog's narrow airway |
| Unscented wrinkle wipes or soft cloths | Daily skin fold cleaning prevents infections |
| The breeder's current puppy food | Switching food suddenly upsets bulldog stomachs |
| Shallow, heavy food and water bowls | Easier for flat faces and harder to tip over |
| Cooling mat | Bulldogs overheat easily, even indoors |
| Durable chew toys | Puppies chew; bulldogs chew hard |
| Enzyme cleaner | For house-training accidents |
| Single-ingredient training treats | Small, simple treats are easier on sensitive stomachs |
Most of this is easy to find online. Our picks: crates with a divider, bulldog harnesses, unscented wrinkle wipes, cooling mats and shallow bowls on Amazon, or browse Chewy for the same gear. For treats, we make our own: Made by us Pawlistic Treats.
Get your home ready
- Block stairs and pool areas. Bulldogs are poor swimmers and heavy enough that falls cause injuries.
- Move electrical cords, small objects, and toxic plants out of reach.
- Set up a quiet, cool spot for the crate, away from direct sun.
- Keep the air conditioning plan in mind for hot days. California summers are hard on this breed.
Book these before pickup day
- A vet visit in the first week. Bring the breeder's vaccine and deworming records.
- Pet insurance. Start coverage before that first visit so nothing gets labeled pre-existing. See our bulldog insurance guide.
- Puppy classes, once your vet clears your puppy for them.
The first weeks
Feeding. Keep the breeder's food for at least the first couple of weeks, then switch gradually if you want to. Bulldogs gain weight easily, and extra weight makes breathing harder, so measure meals.
Skin care. Clean and dry the facial folds and tail pocket every day. Our skin care guide walks through it.
Training. Bulldogs are smart and stubborn. Short sessions, lots of praise, and small treats work far better than repetition or scolding.
Exercise. Short, easy walks in the cool parts of the day. Avoid long walks, hot pavement, and anything that leaves your puppy breathing hard.
Time together. Bulldogs love their people and don't do well alone for long stretches. Build up alone time slowly.
Know the warning signs
Call your vet right away for loud or labored breathing at rest, collapse, blue or gray gums, vomiting that won't stop, or a red swelling in the corner of the eye.