Author: Reannon

Dog Show Tricks to Teach Your Bulldog

Post author By Reannon
Post date July 29, 2018
1 Comment on Dog Show Tricks to Teach Your Bulldog

Teaching your bulldog how to perform tricks on command is important even if you aren’t planning on entering your bulldog into a dog show. Bulldogs, like any dog breed, need mental stimulation in order remain healthy. Learning a new skill or command exercises your pup’s brain while strengthening the emotional bond between dog and owner at the same time. Your bulldog naturally wants to please you and will feed off your energy. If you’re happy he barked or sat on command, he will be, too. Training can also boost fitness, agility and confidence levels.

Whether you’re planning on having your bulldog compete in a dog show or you’re simply wishing to teach your dog a few new tricks, the dog show tricks listed below provide a solid foundation of tricks for beginner, intermediate or advanced skill levels.

How Dog Show Tricks are Categorized:

First, some details on how the American Kennel Club (AKC) evaluates trick dog titles and their corresponding tricks.

Dog show tricks are categorized by levels set forth by the AKC. Those wishing to earn official dog show titles must compete in the AKC titling event known as “Trick Dog.” There are currently five titles offered—Novice Trick Dog, Intermediate Trick Dog, Advanced Trick Dog, Trick Dog Performer and Trick Dog Elite Performer. In order for your bulldog to earn an AKC trick dog title, he or she must demonstrate mastery of a total of 10 tricks. The tricks must be performed in front of an AKC CGC Evaluator, with the exception of dogs competing for the Elite Performer title. Those entries are filmed and then evaluated via video submission.

You can learn more on the AKC Trick Dog FAQ page.

Below are further details on the titles and their required tricks.

AKC “Trick Dog” Titles:

1. Novice Trick Dog

To earn a Novice Trick Dog title, your bulldog must perform 10 skills from AKC’s Novice List. You must choose ten skills from the following list of 21 tricks:

High five
Bark on command
Walk on a beam (board is a few inches off the floor)
Crawl (must crawl on belly for five feet or more)
Fetch it (ball or similar item must be at least 10 feet away. Bulldog must bring it within two feet of the handler)
Hold (for at least three seconds)
Jump through a hoop or over a bar
Kennel up (go into crave)
Kiss
Paws up (place two front paws on a low stool or step)
Push-ups (sit, down, sit, down, sit, down)
Shake hands
Spin in circle
Touch it (hand or target stick)
Tunnel (must go through agility tunnel or child’s tunnel)
Find it (find item hidden under a cup)
Get your—(toy, leash, brush)
Get in (gets in box)
Sit in box on command
Get on low platform or step (all four paws must be on the platform or step)
Hand signals “Sit,” “Stay” or “Come” (Choose one hand signal)

2. Intermediate Trick Dog

In order to be eligible for the Intermediate Trick Dog title, your bulldog must already possess the Novice title. Additionally, your bulldog must also perform 10 intermediate tricks, which include the following:

Balance treat on nose or head
Carry a basket (or other object)
Catch (toy, ball, treat, etc)
Crawl (must crawl on belly for at least five feet. You may use food or a toy to lure dog)
Jump through handler’s circled arms or over handler’s leg
Weave around handler’s legs
Paws up (on handler’s arm)
Pull a toy on a string or rope
Push button/key to make a sound on a toy piano or other sound toy
Roll over
Find it game (must find treat or scented item under one of three cups)
Sit pretty (sit up or sit with head tilted)
Wave goodbye/hello
Weave through six poles (may use food or toy to lure)
Fetch it (20 feet away and your bulldog must deliver the item to the handler’s hand)
Game (Your bulldog successfully uses treat dispensing item—puzzle, Kong, etc.)
Go find (Your bulldog must find an item that handler has hidden)
Go to your place (bed, mat or crate must be 10 feet away or further)
Hand signals for sit, down, come, stand (Bulldog must be able to recognize three of the four hand signals).
Wobble board

3. Advanced Trick Dog

For the title of Advanced Trick Dog, your wrinkle-faced pooch must have the Intermediate title, plus demonstrate mastery of 10 of the following tricks:

Back up (walk backwards)
Balance treat on nose, flip to eat when handler says “OK”
Barrel (Bulldog rolls a barrel with two paws or stands on the barrel with all four paws).
“Take a bow” (or curtsey)
Circle right, circle left
Cover eyes (Bulldog covers eyes with paws)
Cover-up with a blanket
Go hide (under a table, for example)
Head down
Hide your head (under a blanket or pillow)
Jump into handler’s arms
Jump over handler’s back
Turn on light (use a pressure sensitive battery operated light)
Open the door of a toy mailbox or refrigerator and get an object
Play dead
Follow commands of “sit” or “down” from a distance of 15 feet
Find scented objects underneath cups (choose from five)
Take a tissue out of a box and bring it to the handler
Take a toy to a box and drop it inside
Weave through poles without a food or toy lure

4. Trick Dog Performer

To earn this title, your bulldog must perform a routine that includes 10 tricks. At least three of the tricks must include props. The choice of which tricks to use is left up to the owner/handler, but they must be intermediate, advanced or performer-level tricks. The goal is to use the tricks to tell a “story.”

Here are several examples:

Pretend to dig
Lift leg and pretend to urinate on a fire hydrant
Limp
Nod or shake head yes or no
Push a baby stroller
Paint
Pretend to dial phone
Walk with stuffed animal on back
Climb into suitcase and close the lid

You can find more examples and further details on the AKC Trick Dog Performer PDF.

5. Trick Dog Elite Performer

This is the highest level of the Trick Dog event. Your bulldog must perform a scripted routine that includes a “story,” 10 tricks, and at least five props. Evaluations are done via video submission.

You can find further details on the AKC Trick Dog Elite Performer PDF.

How to Teach Your Bulldog Show Tricks:

Bulldogs can be stubborn at times, so they may need extra encouragement and praise to perform tricks on command. Luckily, bulldogs amicable nature and quick wit make them good sports and fast learners.

If you’re new to dog training or a first-time bulldog parent, here are a few helpful tips to get you started.

Train with a clicker

Train your bulldog dog to associate the sound of a clicker with a treat. Clickers work better as a reward system than treats alone because your pup will know immediately if he’s done a good job, even if it takes a moment for you to get him a treat.

Keep in mind that it may take up to a week for your dog to start associating the sound of the clicker with the treat, so it’s recommended that you practice two to three times per day.

Be diligent about using commands

One way get your bulldog to start associating a command with a specific action is to say the command after your dog spontaneously does the action. For example, if your bulldog dog sits, say “sit” immediately after he does it.

Be patient and remain diligent. Your bulldog may need to hear a word anywhere between 10 to 100 times before he begins to understand it.

Arrange a practice schedule

It’s important to start off slow, especially if your end goal is to have your bulldog compete in a dog show. Have your dog practice her tricks in a low-stress environment free of distractions. Say a command and wait for her to do it. When she does, click the clicker and give her a treat.

After your bulldog has mastered performing the trick in a calm and familiar environment, start practicing in higher stress environments, like parks or in the presence of strangers. Show rings can be loud, crowded and overstimulating, so it’s important that your bulldog learn to obey your commands in a wide variety of settings.

Add more distractions every week until your dog is able to focus even in the most noisy or chaotic environments. Reward your bulldog with praise and treats each time she is successful.

Slowly wean your dog off treats

Start periodically eliciting a command without a treat. It’s vital that dogs do not get too accustomed to being treated because then they’ll only obey commands when a treat is involved.

About Cascade Bulldogs:

Cascade Bulldogs is a bulldog blog managed by Gail and Eddie Harris, a couple who breeds and raises bulldog puppies in Seattle, Washington. They are the proud parents of several celebrity bulldog show dogs, including Wildflower, Snow White and Declan.

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Health Tips

How to Tell If Your Bulldog Is Overheating

Post author By Reannon
Post date July 20, 2018

When bulldogs get hot, they cool off the same way all dogs do: They pant. But because a bulldog’s breathing system is shorter than the average dog’s, panting isn’t always easy and they may struggle to cool down quickly enough. It’s important that when your bulldog is walking or playing outside in hot weather that you monitor him or her closely to avoid missing the early signs of heat stroke.

How to tell if your bulldog is overheating:

Red ears—When a bulldog is beginning to overheat, the inside of his ears may flush red. If you notice this, there’s no need to panic. But know that it may be time to get your bulldog out of the sun and inside somewhere where it’s cooler.

Red, floppy tongue—If your bulldog’s tongue looks redder than usual and if it’s flopping out of his mouth while he’s panting, this may be a sign that your bulldog is in the beginning stages of heat stroke.

Heavy panting—One of the biggest signs your bulldog may be overheating is if he or she is panting heavily. Dogs do not sweat, so the only way they can regulate their body temperature is through panting. While panting during exertion is normal, heavy, labored panting is not.

Foaming—If your bulldog begins to pant so quickly that he or she starts to foam at the mouth, this is a sign that your bulldog’s temperature is dangerously high. If he shows signs of labored breathing followed by a “roaring” sound, this means the foam has now blocked his airway and your bulldog is struggling to breathe. If this happens, clear the bulldog’s throat by scooping out the foam with your fingers.

What to do if your bulldog has heatstroke:

Place your bulldog in a cool bath—Stand your dog up in the tub and wet him with water, paying extra attention to the head and tail. Rub her body with an ice pack or ice cubes.

If you don’t have a bathtub, pour water on him—Wet along his head, neck, underbelly and the inside of his legs.

Unblock the airway—Squirt lemon juice into her mouth, aiming for the back of the throat. This will help to clear away any foam that has formed. If lemon juice isn’t available, clear the foam away with your fingers. It’s important the bulldog’s airway remains unblocked.

Don’t let your bulldog gulp water—If he drinks too much water at once, he might vomit. This may cause even further blockage.

Take her to the vet—If your bulldog still looks distressed after you’ve unblocked the airway and cooled her off with ice and a water bath, take her to the vet. Lay her on a cool, wet towel in the car and continue to speak to her in quiet, calming tones throughout the drive over.

Preventative measures:

Preventing heat stroke is easy if you remain vigilant and follow a few simple tips.

Take precautions when playing outside

If your bully loves to run and play in the park or backyard, make sure you periodically sponge him off with a wet sponge or towel to ensure he’s keeping cool. It can also help to wet his feet (particularly under his toes) and put ice cubes in his bowel. If your bulldog enjoys cool water baths, let him soak in a kiddie pool.

Limit exercise on hot days

When it’s extremely hot out, it’s best to exercise your bulldog in the early morning or evening. If you take your bully for a walk, be sure to carry water with you. If your bulldog has white-colored ears, know that he or she may be extra vulnerable to skin cancer.

Watch out for humidity

Extreme temperatures aren’t the only thing tough on bulldogs; humidity is, too. When bulldogs pant, they are working to remove moisture from their lungs so that they can keep cool. When the humidity is high, bulldogs have to work that much harder to eliminate the extra moisture, and that can also cause them to overheat.

Take their temperature

If you’re unsure if your bulldog is overheating, take his or her temperature. If the thermometer shows a temperature of 104 degrees or higher, your furry guy or gal may have heat stroke. You’ll then need to take immediate action to cool your bully down.

Don’t rely on a fan

Many dog owners assume if they turn on the fan before they leave the house, that will be sufficient for keeping their bulldogs cool. Dogs do not respond to heat the same way humans do, however. Since dogs often sweat through their feet, for example, an overhead fan won’t be of much help.

Provide a lot of shade and water

Keep your bulldog protected from the sun by providing ample amounts of shade. Trees, umbrellas, tarps or anything else that doesn’t block air flow is best.

Whatever you do, do not keep your bulldog outside in a dog house. While the dog house may provide shade, it restricts air flow. In fact, sitting in a shaded dog house is actually worse then sitting in the direct sun!

A final note:

Don’t assume your bulldog will know when he’s about to overheat. If you’re outside in the sun, your bulldog may continue running and playing until he collapses, and by then, heatstroke might have already set in. Take preventative measures by periodically hosing your bulldog down or wiping him with a cool wet cloth or icepack.

Remember: The best way to treat heatstroke is to prevent it from every happening.

About Cascade Bulldogs: Cascade Bulldogs is a bulldog blog dedicated to providing bulldog care and tips. The blog features two famous bulldog show dogs, Snow White and Wildflower.

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Bulldog Puppies

Photos from Cascade Bulldogs Annual Bulldog Family Reunion!

Post author By Reannon
Post date September 10, 2017

Each year at Cascade Bulldogs we hold a Family Reunion for all of Snow White’s adorable puppy offspring. Here are some of the photos from 2017’s big bulldoggy event.

Lounging in the pool.

Yes? May we help you?

Just taking a break.

What a happy pup!

Hey guys! Wait for me! I want to play, too.

We’re following the leader.

We’ll be having another family reunion next year so be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates!

About Cascade Bulldogs: Cascade Bulldogs is a bulldog blog that stars two champion show dog bulldogs, Snow White and Wildflower as well as Snow White’s puppy, Declan. The site is managed by Eddie and Gail, who breed, raise and show bulldogs in Seattle.

Related Posts:

Dog Shows

When You Lose a Dog Show: How to Start Winning

Post author By Reannon
Post date July 3, 2017
1 Comment on When You Lose a Dog Show: How to Start Winning

bulldogs and a judge at a dog show in Seattle

Training a dog for competition takes dedication and patience, which is why it can be frustrating when you lose a dog show, especially if the losses begin to stack up. Sometimes, no matter how much training time you put in beforehand and how well you prepare, you’ll arrive at the day of the show and your dog simply won’t be in the mood to compete. Unfortunately, when that happens, there’s not a lot you can do—Just know that everyone has an off day; it’s normal. Other times, however, there may be a few bad habits you or your dog have picked up along the way that may be hindering your chances of winning.

If you find yourself continually returning home with less-than-stellar performance marks, it may be time to reexamine your strategy. The following are a few tips to put into practice to help your dog turn his losing streak around and start bringing home some “Best in Show” wins.

Train without your dog

One key component to winning a dog show is confidence. While the dog must appear confident, so too must his handler! This is why it can help to first practice patterns such as heeling without your dog. You’ll likely feel a little silly at first, but running through the course on your own—paying particular attention to your speed, posture and facial expressions—will make you feel more confident, which can boost your dog’s confidence level as well. This will make him more apt to trust and obey your commands. Dogs are skilled at reading body language and will respond well if their handler appears calm and self-assured.

Walk with enthusiasm

Your dog not only feeds off of your confidence, but your enthusiasm as well. Be mindful not to walk at a slow, dawdling pace. Put some pep in your step and exert excitement instead. Your dog will follow suit, and will have fun while doing so—and if you’re dog appears to be enjoying himself, the judges will take note.

Train in several different settings

If your dog perfects his commands at home but struggles to stay focused in the ring, it may be because he hasn’t gotten enough practice obeying commands in unfamiliar settings. Getting him accustomed to performing in new surroundings can help him feel more comfortable when it comes time to enter the ring.

Use your dog’s name sparingly

If your dog is struggling to follow a command, refrain from repeating his name over and over in hopes that he will catch on. This will likely only frustrate both you and your dog and it won’t win you any points with the judges. Instead, try to make the command simpler for the dog to understand, then say his name, but only to get his attention. Once you have his attention, make sure to follow it immediately with a command, so as not to create confusion.

Try switching up your commands

Pay close attention to your dog and become aware of works for him and what doesn’t. If he is having trouble with a command, this may mean that you need to switch your phrasing. For example, if your dog isn’t responding to the typical “Heel” command, you might want to change it to “Let’s go.” Some dogs also have trouble differentiating “Sit” and “Stay” (they both have ‘s’ and ‘t’ sounds), which is why some trainers prefer to use “Wait” instead to help eliminate confusion. No matter which phrase you choose, make sure to keep your tone warm and encouraging.

Walk through the course on your own first

Be sure to walk through the course on your own beforehand—and do so several times. The first time you do a walk-through, just focus on the general feel and flow of the course. On the second walk-through, focus on the stations and obstacles and plot how you’ll handle each move. Then, on the third walk-through, make note of any areas you believe may prove difficult, then practice the commands you would like to use in these areas.

After you’ve gotten a sufficient sense of the course and have developed a strategy, you can begin practicing with your dog by your side.

Re-read the event rules

If you’ve followed all these tips and find your losing streak still hasn’t improved, it could be time to reexamine the event rules. Every event is different and what may be considered acceptable in one event may not hold true for another. Study the rules thoroughly, paying close attention to which commands you’re allowed to use and how often you’re allowed to use them.

Cascade Bulldogs is a bulldog blog featuring Snow White, Wildflower and Declan, three show dog bulldogs who live in the Seattle, Washington area. Our blog features useful tips on how to care for, train and show bulldogs (also commonly referred to as “English” or “British” bulldogs) as well as cute photos of Snow White’s adorable litter of puppies.

For more information on showing bulldogs, read our posts:

Bulldog Breeding Pregnant Bulldog

How to Care for a Pregnant Bulldog

Post author By Reannon
Post date July 2, 2017

There’s a lot that goes into breeding a dog of any breed, but because bulldogs must be bred through artificial insemination, breeding a bulldog can be particularly complicated. Careful planning and education, as well as the time available to devote to caring for your bulldog before and during the pregnancy is vital.

While the best person to go for advice is always your veterinarian, here are a few tips to get you started:

Caring for a Pregnant Bulldog: 4 Tips for First-Time Bulldog Breeders

1. Take her to the vet before you begin the breeding process

If you want to start breeding your bulldog, you should be aware of any health and nutritional needs before you begin. Start by taking her to a trusted veterinarian to get a preliminary health check-up and make sure she is ready for motherhood. Next, set up a care plan for your dog that you can easily refer to during her pregnancy. You want to be sure to outline what kind of nutritional meals and health check-ups she is going to need.

You can mix up her diet a bit and feed her hamburger, eggs, or skinless white chicken meat. Just be sure that they are cooked thoroughly. Adding garlic to her food may be a good idea as well, as garlic is high in amnio acids, zinc and potassium. It also assists the liver and is a good detoxifier.

2. Thoroughly research the stud beforehand

Before breeding your bulldog, you want to research what kind of male dog to match her with. Take the time to get pedigree information on the dog and review his health records as well as the health records of his parents. Ideally, it’s best to find one that has sired healthy pups in the past.

You can find bulldog owners online or at dog shows. Once you have found a good match, you can start planning the breeding process with the dog’s owner. There are several breeding options to consider: trans-cervical implants, artificial insemination, or surgical implants.

3. Think strategically about what to feed her during pregnancy

When you’re preparing your dog for pregnancy, it’s important to keep her diet consistent so she remains at a healthy weight. Feed her only high quality premium dog food with an added daily supplement that includes folic acid. If you already use a high quality brand, stick to feeding her what she is used to.

After you confirm her pregnancy, begin to steadily increase her food portions. It may be necessary to split her meals up into 3 or 4 small meals per day so that she doesn’t get too full after one big meal. If she ends up carrying a huge litter, this will become important as she will need extra nourishment throughout the day.

You can mix up her diet a bit and feed her hamburger, eggs, or skinless white chicken meat. Just be sure that they are cooked thoroughly. Meat-flavored baby foods also make a good substitute. Mixing garlic in her food may be a good idea as well, as garlic is a detoxifier and assists the liver with waste processing. Garlic is also high in amino acids, potassium and zinc. You can read more about the health benefits of garlic here, though as always, make sure to consult with your veterinarian before devising a diet plan.

If at any point she stops eating, take her to the vet right away.

4. Keep her healthy

Be sure to stay on top of her vaccinations and preventative heart worm medication throughout her pregnancy. If she lives in an area where ticks or fleas may be present, administer the proper medication monthly. There are specific medications that are best for pregnant dogs. You should talk about these with your DVM before you begin the breeding process.

When she first begins to bleed, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. They will examine her and give her a progesterone test to make sure that the pregnancy is going smoothly. The DVM will also likely measure her hormones during this visit. You should request a luteinizing hormone test to make sure she is ovulating normally. Most clinics will be able to do these tests the day of your visit.

About Cascade Bulldogs: Cascade Bulldogs is a website that provides info on caring for, training, breeding and showing bulldogs. It stars three celebrity bulldogs: Wildflower, Snow White and Declan.

Bulldog Puppies

How To Train a Bulldog Puppy: Tips for New Bulldog Parents

Post author By Reannon
Post date May 16, 2017
1 Comment on How To Train a Bulldog Puppy: Tips for New Bulldog Parents

Introducing a new puppy to your family, especially a bulldog, can be a fun and exciting experience. If you are not prepared and knowledgeable on how to train a bulldog puppy, however, that rewarding experience can quickly turn frustrating. A lack of proper training can cement bad habits and encourage stubborn behavior in your bulldog that will later need to be unlearned. After all, puppies are like children—They’re easier to teach and train when they’re young. Thus, if you want to save yourself time (and a few chewed shoes), it’s best to reenforce good behavior early on.

How to Train a Bulldog Puppy: The Basics

Your ultimate goal in puppy training should be to do what you can to make your puppy’s day-to-day life predictable and regimented. This will make her life (and yours) a lot less stressful. The best way to do this is to develop a daily routine.

Daily routines should include the following:

Designate a food and water location – Keep your puppy’s food and water bowls in the same designated area. This will teach your puppy where he can (and can’t) eat, which will help establish healthy boundaries.
Feed only during specific meal times – Decide on the specific times of day when your puppy will eat and only feed him at those designated times. Avoid “free feeding” because this may lead to your puppy overeating, which can cause weight problems later on. During theirfirst six months, puppies should be fed no more than 3-4 times per day. At six months of age, that number should decrease to twice a day. If you want to learn more, The American Kennel Club (AKC) provides details on how often you should feed your puppy as well as which types of foods are best for their growing bodies.
Stick to a regular sleeping schedule – Specify an area where your puppy will sleep and place his bed there. Also, be sure to establish a somewhat regular sleep schedule so your pup understands when it is time to go to sleep and wake up.
Begin house training at 12-16 weeks of age– Teaching your dog where it is acceptable to potty is vital so you can avoid accidents in the house and messes in your yard. Be patient. It typically takes puppies four to six months to become fully house trained, and sometimes it can take as long as a year.
Provide toys–Make sure you keep plenty of toys on hand for your pup and teach her where the toys are and what is acceptable to play with. This will help to ensure she doesn’t decide your shoes or throw pillows make for an interesting treat.
Start using basic command words at 7 weeks of age —Many assume puppies won’t be able to master commands until they’re older but that’s simply untrue! Puppies can understand basic commands as young as 7 to 8 weeks of age, so it’s smart to start training your pup to “sit” and “stay” as soon as you take him home from the breeder. What’s more, a good breeder will have likely already have started teaching your puppy basic socialization skills, so it’s possible your puppy will have already been introduced to those commands and others. Keep in mind, however, that puppies have short attention spans. Your puppy will likely only be able to focus on the commands for five minutes at a time, so make sure to keep your training sessions brief, but interspersed throughout the day. A good goal is to have three, 5-minute training sessions each day, for a total of 15 minutes per day.

4 Puppy Training Tips:

1. Avoid treat training if you can

Treat training can make teaching a bulldog puppy difficult because it may cause your puppy to only listen to commands when she is hungry or expects a treat. If you can, try to persuade your puppy to follow your commands using praise. Instead of feeding your puppy a biscuit each time she obeys a command, for example, tell her “good dog” and pet her head or scratch behind her ears.

2. Be firm and consistent with your commands

It’s also important to establish early on your role as an authority figure. Since dogs have a pack mentality, one of the first steps in bulldog puppy training is to clearly demonstrate that you are the pack leader.

You can do this by being firm with you commands and making sure to show your displeasure when your puppy misbehaves. Be careful to be consistent, however, as to not confuse your dog by accidentally rewarding the wrong behavior. For instance, if you are firm with your scolding but then, out of guilt, give your dog a pet, he may take this as a sign of reward. You should show your dog that the only way to gain your affection is to listen and obey your commands.

3. Use lots of praise

If you have a puppy that constantly jumps on people and you want to stop this activity, simply guide the puppy back to the floor and firmly say “no.” When the puppy listens and stays seated, you can then reward him with praise. Praising with words such as “good”, “good boy” or “good dog” in a friendly tone will show your puppy that you are proud of him and approve of his behavior.

4. Only teach one command at a time

In order to avoid overwhelming your bulldog, stick with teaching one command at a time. Do not move on to a new word until he has mastered the previous one.

About Cascade Bulldogs:

Cascade Bulldogs is a bulldog blog managed by Gail and Eddie Harris, two bulldog enthusiasts who live in the Seattle, Washington area. Their bulldogs, Wildflower, Snow White and Declan, are celebrity show dogs who compete in dog shows across the country. You can follow all of their adventures on the Cascade Bulldogs Facebook page.

Bulldog Puppies

Snow White’s First Litter Turns 1! Happy Birthday, Cute Puppies!

Post author By Reannon
Post date March 28, 2017

One year ago this month, in March 2016, Snow White the Bulldog delivered a litter of adorable bulldog puppies.

Here are the puppies in March 2016:

And here they are in March 2017, all grown up!

They’ve all gone to live in their forever homes, where they are well loved and cared for by their families. We recently asked several of those families to send us pictures of their pups and they happily obliged. As you can see from the photos, all the puppies appear to be healthy and happy! Although we miss them dearly, we’re grateful to know that they’re doing so well and have found a cherished spot in each of their new family’s hearts and homes.

Without further ado, meet Snow White’s first litter.

Rubble The Bulldog

Rubble’s Birthday Party

Vince The Bulldog

Vince’s Birthday Party

Emma The Bulldog

Bernice The Bulldog

Rory the Bulldog

Seamus the Bulldog

And, of course, Declan The Bulldog!

Declan is one of Snow White’s puppies that we couldn’t bare to part with, so we decided to keep him. He’s grown up to be quite the champion show dog! We’re very proud.

About Cascade Bulldogs: Cascade Bulldogs is a bulldog blog starring Wildflower, Snow White and her litter of bulldog puppies, which includes Declan (Search #DeclanTheBulldog on Facebook and Instagram to see more photos).

Bulldog Puppies Dog Shows

How to Pick a Show Quality Bulldog Puppy

Post author By Reannon
Post date March 1, 2017
1 Comment on How to Pick a Show Quality Bulldog Puppy

Looking to bring home the next champion bulldog? Read this first

Although Snow White and Wildflower grew to become Grand Champion-show dogs and Snow White’s puppy, Declan, is proving to be a top-notch show dog, we haven’t always been so fortunate. When we were first starting out in the world of competitive dog shows, we weren’t familiar with the qualities that show judges look for and it was only after competing in several dog shows that we developed a critical eye for spotting a show quality bulldog puppy. Here are a few things we wish we’d known when we’d first gotten started.

1. Thoroughly familiarize yourself with the Bulldog Breed Standard

The official Bulldog Breed Standard is a set of guidelines published by the American Kennel Club that detail the appearance, movement and temperament qualities that make the “ideal bulldog”. These guidelines are what dog show judges use when they evaluate bulldogs in the show ring. Thus, before you begin looking to purchase a new bulldog puppy, you must study the skeletal and facial feature photos provided in the Standard first. This will help you develop a strong base line to use when evaluating a litter.

2. Know that there’s no such thing as a “perfect bulldog”

The Standard only provides the minimum requirements; beyond that, a breeder’s personal look preferences can play a big part. Every breeder has a slightly different interpretation of how the “perfect bulldog” looks and acts. Some breeders may prefer all-white bulldogs while others prefer brindle, for example. Some breeders may think breeding for the perfect head shape is most important while others may choose to emphasize angulation. Before choosing a breeder, make sure you have a thorough understanding of not only your breeder’s preferences but your own preferences as well.

Also, read: 9 Important Questions to Ask Your Bulldog Breeder

3. Finding an experienced breeder is vital

A show-quality pup rarely happens by accident. Experienced breeders who are trying to breed the next Grand Champion will place a lot of thought and careful-planning into the bulldog breeding process. They’ll research the pedigrees of the sire (or dam) and a lot of attention will be paid towards making sure the dam receives proper nutrition and care. Once the puppies are born, a reputable breeder will take care to ensure the puppies remain well-fed and are weaned at the appropriate times.

In addition to guaranteeing the health and genealogy of a puppy, a knowledgeable breeder will be able to recognize which puppies are most likely to grow into show-quality dogs. Though they’ll never be able to predict with full certainty, they’ll be able to pin point which dogs have the most potential based on the shapes of their heads, their bone structure and and how “short-backed” the dogs are.

4. Not all breeders are skilled at determining which puppies are show-quality

Evaluating which dogs fit The Standard and which don’t is a real skill. It takes a lot of experience and a certain amount of innate ability. Some breeders simply have not developed a critical eye for spotting show quality. It’s important to know this so that you don’t blindly trust “the experts”. You can take their opinion into consideration, of course, but when it comes to picking a show quality bulldog puppy, make sure you have the education to be able to make an objective assessment on your own.

5. Don’t let “puppy cuteness” influence your ability to be objective

Every bulldog puppy is adorable, and if you aren’t careful, it can be easy to let a bulldog’s spunky or precocious personality get in the way of you being able to make a rational, objective evaluation of their appearance. A bulldog puppy can have the best, cutest disposition in the world, but none of that will matter if it also has several qualities that don’t meet Breed Standards. If you’re looking for a bulldog puppy that you will one day be able to show in the ring, looks matters—and they matter a lot.

6. Wait until the puppy is at least a month old before making a decision

At a minimum, you want to wait until a puppy has learned how to “stack” so that you can you evaluate their angulation and bone structure. You also want to wait a few weeks to see which puppy has a more assertive personality, as outgoing dogs tend to love showing more than more timid dogs.

7. Conduct a thorough examination of the pup’s shoulders, neck, front legs, head, ears, tail, bite and teeth

Evaluating a puppy for show quality can be difficult because the puppy is still growing and changing; the three-week old standing before you may look perfect now but may morph into a very different-looking dog at the six-month mark. This guide from the American Kennel Club (AKC) goes into much greater detail on what to look for, but in general, try to choose a bulldog puppy that is proportional, short and “heavy boned”. When you stack the puppy, pay attention to the puppy’s skull shape. Look at the head from every angle; it should look broad and square. Also, make sure the pup’s ears aren’t too small.

8. Stay open-minded

One of the easiest mistakes to make when choosing a bulldog puppy is to go into the selection process with your mind already made up. If you’ve already decided that you’re only going to get a red and white bulldog before you’ve even met the litter for instance, then you’re setting yourself up for tunnel vision. This can cause you to overlook what may be the best puppy in the litter. Try to remain impartial.

9. Know that not every litter will have a show dog

In fact, many litters do not produce a single winning show dog, let alone a champion. Even if both bulldog parents were champion show dogs, that doesn’t mean their puppies will be. It’s important to keep this in mind so that your judgement doesn’t become too clouded by the pedigree parents.

10. Temperament is important, too

Although Standard-quality appearance and movement are essential, temperament shouldn’t be overlooked either. If you want your bulldog to stand out from the competition, he or she has to be happy and well-tempered as well.

When attempting to pick a show-quality bulldog, many people are drawn to the puppies that display the most energy and enthusiasm. However, puppies that are running circles around their siblings, jumping on visitors’ legs and wagging their tail and barking frequently tend to grow up to be equally hyperactive adult dogs. Hyper dogs can be harder to train and may be thinner-than-ideal because they burn so much energy throughout the day that they have trouble staying within the Standard-recommended weight.

Instead, look for puppies that seem even-tempered. These might be the puppies who hang back and observe their siblings when a new person walks into the room or who wait patiently by the food bowl when dinner time approaches. A bulldog with the ideal temperament will be, for the most part, “emotionally stable”. You don’t want a moody or restless dog or one that seems overly timid or nervous. A show-quality dog will also appear to be curious in the world around them.

11. A bulldog who doesn’t match the Standard as a puppy likely won’t match the Standard as an adult

Many make the mistake of thinking that the puppy will “grow out of” any discrepancies they notice that deviate from the Standard. Most of the time, however, it doesn’t work that way. Small, barely-noticeable faults in appearance that are apparent in puppies will often grow to become extremely obvious defects as the dog ages.

A few defects to watch for include:

Heads positioned directly on top of shoulders—This may be a red flag that the dog will grow up to have a short neck
Slightly-bowed legs—The legs should be straight. If they’re turned in slightly, know that this will only become more extreme in the passing weeks and months.
A curved top-line—The top-line should be level. This article has several photos that illustrate well the difference between a good and bad top-line.

12. Notice how the puppy moves

When the puppy walks towards you, you should pay close attention to his or her elbows. Do you see them jutting in and out as the puppy moves? If the answer is yes, then this is not a good sign. Also, watching the dog move can help you spot any issues with the dog’s hocks, which you may have missed when examining them while the dog was stacked. If the puppy moves in a stilted manner or if their legs seem to bow close together when they run, then this could be a sign that the puppy has sickle or straight hocks. This article provides several photos to show you what a healthy bulldog’s legs should look like.

13. Don’t forget to evaluate the dog as a whole

Oftentimes people can get so hung up one feature or fault that they lose all perspective. Sure, the puppy you’re looking at might have a perfectly-shaped head, but what will that matter if their gait is off? A show-quality puppy should be well-balanced and should not have any major faults or overly-exaggerated features. Often times what this will translate into is a somewhat boring or “plain-looking” puppy. But some of the most ordinary-looking puppies grow up into show-winning adults. Before you make your decision, step back and take a look at the puppy as whole.

14. If your dog isn’t winning, you may need to re-evaluate your choice

After you’ve chosen your bulldog puppy and begun showing, if he or she consistently doesn’t place, it may be time to re-evaluate whether or not you’ve chosen the right dog. While the temptation may be to place blame elsewhere (like favoritism among judges or unfair competitive advantage), try to step back and take another objective look at your dog. While it could be that the judges are biased, more often than not, it’s because your dog is lacking in an important quality. This may be a point where you’ll need to retire your dog or sell him or her as a pet. Ask a few experienced breeders or dog show participants to give you an honest evaluation of your dog. It can be difficult to objectively evaluate a pup you’ve grown attached to, so you’ll need all the help you can get.

About Cascade Bulldogs: Cascade Bulldogs is a bulldog blog managed by Gail and Eddie Harris, a couple who breeds and raises bulldog puppies in Seattle, Washington. They are the proud parents to Wildflower, Snow White and Declan, three celebrity bulldog show dogs.

Dog Shows

5 Dog Show Tips for Beginners (Infographic)

Post author By Reannon
Post date January 12, 2017
2 Comments on 5 Dog Show Tips for Beginners (Infographic)

When you’re first starting out in the world of competitive dog shows, the entire process can feel overwhelming and intimidating. Though there are many things to learn—which we’ll be covering in future blog posts—we thought we’d put together a quick list of a few of the most helpful dog show tips we wish we’d had when we were first getting started.

About Cascade Bulldogs

Cascade Bulldogs is a bulldog blog that provides info on training, showing and caring for bulldogs. It stars three “English” bulldogs in Seattle, Snow White, Wildflower and Declan. For weekly updates and photos, be sure to follow Cascade Bulldogs on Facebook. The blog is managed by Eddie and Gail Harris, who first fell in love with the world of competitive dog shows back in 2009.

Owning a Bulldog

5 Myths about Owning a Bulldog

Post author By Reannon
Post date November 2, 2016

While bulldogs are a beloved and extremely popular breed, they’re also a frequently a misunderstood breed as well! Perhaps due to their complicated history (they were once bred as bull fighters) or the wealth of inaccurate information on the internet (many bloggers are well-intentioned but undereducated about the facts), bulldog myths are common and widespread.

In an effort to help better educate the public and would-be bulldog owners, we’ve compiled a list of common myths about our favorite wrinkly canine.

It’s true: Well-bred bulldogs are healthy!

One of the myths we hear most frequently is “bulldogs are unhealthy”. People think it’s cruel to breed bulldogs because of their shorter-than-average life-spans and because they require c-sections in order to give birth. But the truth is that you can avoid most—if not all—major bulldog health problems by purchasing a bulldog from a reputable breeder and insuring that the bulldog hails from a solid lineage.

In the video below, a veterinarian spokesperson from the American Kennel Club (AKC) disputes the idea that bulldogs are inherently unhealthy, saying: “Not all bulldogs have breathing problems. There are many healthy bulldogs.”

Why the myths?

1. Bad breeders

Because bulldogs are so in demand, some unethical and dishonest breeders have seen this as an opportunity for a “get rich quick” scheme. They’ve resorted to breeding bulldogs that don’t come from quality genetic lines, resulting in an uptick in the number of unhealthy bulldog puppies being born and sold in the US and elsewhere in the world (for more information on how to discern between the honest breeders and the fakes, read: 9 Important Questions to Ask Your Bulldog Breeder). Because bad breeders are frequently uninformed, they’re largely responsible for adding to the misinformation and perpetuating the myths.

2. A skewed version of reality

The people who are quoted as sources in articles that focus on the bulldog health debate are frequently veterinarian surgeons. As the AKC explains in the video above, these veterinarian surgeons opinions are often colored by their experiences and don’t paint an accurate picture of reality. For the most part, surgeons treat bulldogs who are experiencing major health problems because healthy bulldogs generally don’t require surgery. While it’s only natural that these veterinarians would develop a bias, it’s important that the public doesn’t mistake fact for opinion.

3. Bulldogs are popular! Maybe even TOO popular!

Bulldogs are the 4th most popular dog breed in the US. Because they’re in fashion at the moment, numerous bulldog websites, documentaries and magazine articles have surfaced in recent years in order to meet the demand for education by would-be bully owners. Some of the information that is being shared is accurate, but much of it is not. Unfortunately, one of the side effects of fame is the spread of misinformation.

Want to learn more? Read our bulldog care page for more information about how to keep your bulldog healthy.

CALL : (206) 595-2821

Train with a clicker

Be diligent about using commands

Arrange a practice schedule

Slowly wean your dog off treats

Train without your dog

Walk with enthusiasm

Train in several different settings

Use your dog’s name sparingly

Try switching up your commands

Walk through the course on your own first

Re-read the event rules

2. Thoroughly research the stud beforehand

3. Think strategically about what to feed her during pregnancy

4. Keep her healthy

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