Living with an English Bulldog

Mini (pictured above) is my sweet, slobbery, butt-tootin' English bulldog. Now, don't get me wrong, I love that girl more than anything in this entire world...but she's super duper high maintenance. 

Mini is a little over 5-years-old and we've had her since she was about 8 months. If you aren't aware, her type of breed is expensive enough as it is. There's a whole back story as to how we got her, but I'll save it. Just know she was a gift to me.

So, throughout the last five years, Mini has been my responsibility. I didn't think it'd be a big deal to take care of a dog - I'd done this before. You let them out, you feed and water them, give them belly rubs and snuggles, and you're doing it right. Well, not when you have an English bulldog.

Turns out, they're one of the most known breeds for health problems. Mini is no exception. If it's not one thing, it's another...and it's always a pricey solution. Obviously, I wouldn't have ever gotten a dog if I wasn't prepared to take responsibility for whatever health concerns or needs she might have. However, I wasn't expecting just how many health issues bulldogs have.

For example, after a trip to the vet over the weekend, it turns out Mini has an infection in her eyes, ears, private area, and paw. Now, before you get it twisted, this isn't me being a neglectful pet parent. This is just what happens when you have a bulldog. Their skin is super sensitive, they have wrinkles and folds everywhere, which is a feeding ground for bacteria, and they typically have ear and eye issues.

The picture above is what resulted from this weekend's trip to the vet. This isn't the first time my counter has been this full. Many of the bottles are medicines and creams she is supposed to be given EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. FOR...EVER. She has an allergy pill just like a human that she is supposed to take daily, and cream for her dry eyes that I have to apply every day. I'm not complaining, cause I wouldn't give her up for anything, but I'm just being informative.

If you want to go out and get a fancy dog, be prepared to keep up with them. They're high maintenance. Along with their price tags come years and years of vet bills and upkeep. This is the same for any dog, but I hear people all the time say how much they want an English bulldog like Mini...and while I love her with my whole heart, I'd never recommend her breed. In fact, they're really not supposed to be a breed at all. They're kind of bred just for their look and "awww" reaction. They have a hard time breathing and can't be left outside or in hot weather for more than a few minutes at a time.

Like I said before, I wouldn't trade it for anything because Mini is my girl. She's my big 'ol baby and I love her dearly, but the girl has ISSUES. So, keep that in mind next time you want to run out and get a dog. I fully support the "adopt, don't shop" initiative. There are so many dogs out there that need you. But, don't get me wrong, I'll show off my Mini girl any chance I get. She's hilariously cute and makes my heart so full. You'll see more of her for sure...I'm kind of obsessed.