1. High-Quality Puppy Food

A balanced diet is essential for your English Bulldog’s growth and development. Choose a high-quality, breed-appropriate food that provides the right balance of protein, fats, and nutrients to support their unique build. Bulldogs are muscular, and they need food that supports their energy needs without overloading on fat. We recommend opting for foods that are free of fillers, artificial preservatives, and harmful ingredients like corn, wheat, or soy.

Our recommended brands are Puring Pro Plan - Sensitive Skin and Stomach with Salmon for puppies or Royal Canin for Bulldogs. At a year old, they can transition to the adult formula. This brand has worked very well with the finicky stomachs of Bulldogs, which offer excellent formulas for Bulldogs. We’ll send a sample or transition bag home with your puppy to ensure a smooth food switch when they arrive.

2. Food and Water Bowls

A durable, non-tip food and water bowl is crucial for your new Bulldog puppy. We recommend stainless steel bowls, as they are easy to clean, long-lasting, and help avoid issues like "acne" or irritation that can occur from plastic bowls.

For Bulldogs, who tend to gulp their food down, we recommend a slow feeder bowl. This will encourage your puppy to eat at a more relaxed pace and help with digestion. However, Bulldogs are known for chewing on anything they can get their paws on, so be sure to remove the slow feeder once feeding time is over.

3. Crate for Your English Bulldog Puppy

A crate is a must-have on your new puppy checklist. It provides a secure, safe space for your Bulldog puppy and supports house training. It’s an excellent tool for curbing destructive behavior when you're away. We recommend choosing a crate with a divider that allows you to adjust the space as your puppy grows.

Your Bulldog puppy should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably in their crate. A crate that’s too big can encourage bathroom accidents, while one that’s too small may be uncomfortable. We suggest a collapsible crate with a divider, and pairing it with a cozy crate pad for extra comfort. For longevity, select a size that is 40" or 42" which will allow your baby to "sploot" comfortably as he or she gets older.

4. Cozy Dog Bed

A Bulldog needs a comfy bed where they can relax and nap. Choose a supportive, spacious bed to ensure that your puppy’s joints are well-cushioned as they grow. A washable, removable cover is ideal, as Bulldogs are known to drool and shed. You can also add a soft throw blanket for extra coziness.

5. Collar and Leash

\A durable collar and leash are essential for walks and training. A flat collar with a quick-release buckle and an ID tag (with your contact details) should be part of your checklist. Bulldogs typically have a neck circumference of about 12” to 14” at 8 weeks old, so an

adjustable collar will ensure a good fit.

For leashes, we recommend a 6-foot nylon or leather leash for training and daily walks. Teaching your Bulldog puppy to walk calmly on a leash from an early age will set a solid foundation for walks in the future. Avoid using extendable leashes, as they can encourage pulling, which isn’t ideal for Bulldogs.

Due to the facial structure of bulldogs and some prominent underbites, we recommend keeping a collarless home with more than one dog in the home. Use harnesses when on walks or car rides and remove any collars and harnesses immediately upon your return.

6. Toys for Chewing and Play

English Bulldogs are notorious for chewing, especially during the teething phase. It’s important to provide them with safe and durable toys that can withstand their strong jaws. Look for rubber chew toys, rope toys, and chew bones that can keep your Bulldog entertained while also helping with teething discomfort. As your Bulldog grows, be sure to switch to tougher, more durable toys to match their chewing strength.

Please STAY AWAY FROM bully sticks and antler chews, which are healthier and safer alternatives to rawhide, but not for Bulldogs. Bulldogs can be particularly tough on toys, so regularly inspect and replace any toy when necessary. Kongs and Benebones have withstood our 7 Bulldogs better than any other brand.

7. Training Supplies for Your English Bulldog Puppy

Training your English Bulldog is essential for their development. Bulldogs are intelligent, independent, and sometimes a bit stubborn, so patience and consistency are key when training. We recommend starting with positive reinforcement techniques and using high-value treats like Charlie Bear and Greenies or other small, tasty bites to reward your Bulldog during training.

Although Bulldogs aren’t overly excitable, early training will help them understand boundaries and develop positive behaviors. Bulldog puppies tend to learn quickly when food is involved, so keep training sessions short and fun!

8. Grooming Supplies

Regular grooming is crucial for your English Bulldog’s health. Bulldogs have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal brushing, but they do shed and can benefit from a rubber grooming mitt to help remove loose hair. During the shedding season, use a shedding blade

for more thorough grooming.

Additionally, Bulldogs are prone to skin folds and wrinkles, especially around the face. Make sure to clean these folds regularly to avoid infections or irritation. We recommend using a gentle, dog-safe cleansing wipe for the folds around their face and body.

Lastly, be sure to brush your Bulldog’s teeth regularly. Start with a puppy-sized teething brush and transition to a specialized dog toothbrush as they grow. Regular brushing will help keep their teeth clean and their breath fresh.

9. ID and Microchip

Ensure that your English Bulldog has proper identification. A collar with an ID tagis essential, and you can easily slide an ID tag

over your Bulldog’s collar. We also offer complimentary microchipping for all our puppies to ensure they can be identified if ever lost. We will make sure to register your puppy through a microchip database to keep your contact information updated. However, our veterinarian and Bulldogzilla Breeders' contact information will remain on the microchip as an added precaution.

10. Health Supplies

It’s always good to have basic health supplies on hand. We recommend a pet-specific first aid kit and styptic powder to stop bleeding in case of minor accidents while trimming their nails. We also suggest scheduling a vet check-up within 72 hours of bringing your puppy home to ensure they’re healthy and discuss vaccinations and preventative care.

It would benefit you and your dog greatly to have a bottle of alcohol, lemon juice, and microfiber towel on hand both at home and in the car. Should your dog become overheated, timing is critical to help combat the symptoms of heatstroke. A squeeze of lemon juice in the mouth helps with the foam that might be accumulating from their saliva and the alcohol is cooling on their skin, but evaporates well so that it doesn't have counter effects on your pet. Use the towel to help wick away any added alcohol or to aid in its application which should be on the stomach and pads primarily.

11. Baby Gates!

Baby gates are essential when it comes to keeping your Bulldog puppy safe and contained. These gates are great for restricting access to areas such as stairs or off-limits rooms, especially as your puppy learns the house rules and begins potty training. Look for adjustable gates that require no installation and can easily be moved from room to room.

We hope this New Puppy Checklist helps you gather everything you need to welcome your Bulldog puppy into your home! We’re excited that you’ve chosen to start this journey with Bulldogzilla Breeders. If you have any questions or need additional guidance, feel free to reach out. Your new furry friend will be lucky to have you as a parent!