Bulldogs are a beloved breed known for their distinctive appearance and charming personalities. These stout, wrinkly-faced dogs have a unique set of behaviors that often leave their owners amused, puzzled, or sometimes concerned.
In this article, we’ll explore 15 peculiar yet endearing habits of Bulldogs, shedding light on the reasons behind these behaviors and what they mean for your furry friend.
From unexpected gas releases to human-like sitting postures, these quirks make Bulldogs the lovable companions we adore.
1. Farting while walking away
Bulldogs have a notorious reputation for releasing gas as they saunter away, seemingly unaware of their aromatic contribution to the atmosphere. This peculiar habit stems from their rapid digestive systems and tendency to gulp air while eating or drinking.
The combination of these factors often results in the accumulation of gas, which can be released at inopportune moments. While it may be embarrassing for owners, it’s a natural and harmless bodily function for these lovable canines.
To minimize this occurrence, consider feeding your Bulldog smaller, more frequent meals and using slow-feed bowls to reduce air intake during meals.
2. Reverse Sneezing
Reverse sneezing is a common yet often misunderstood behavior in Bulldogs. During a reverse sneeze episode, a Bulldog will rapidly inhale air through its nose, producing a snorting or honking sound that can be alarming to uninformed owners.
This behavior is typically harmless and serves as the dog’s way of clearing irritants from its nasal passages. It’s more common in brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs due to their shortened snouts and elongated soft palates.
While most episodes resolve on their own, gently massaging your dog’s throat or briefly covering their nostrils can help stop a prolonged reverse sneeze.
3. Head Tilting
The adorable head tilt is a behavior that melts the hearts of Bulldog owners worldwide. When you speak to your Bulldog, you might notice them cocking their head to one side, as if trying to comprehend your words better.
This charming gesture is believed to serve multiple purposes. It may help the dog better locate the source of a sound, adjust their ears to hear more clearly, or simply indicate their attempt to focus on you and your expressions.
Some experts also suggest that head tilting might be a learned behavior, reinforced by positive reactions from their human companions.
4. Sleeping with Their Tongue Out
One of the most endearing sights for Bulldog owners is catching their pet snoozing with their tongue slightly protruding from their mouth. This amusing sleeping habit is primarily due to the breed’s unique jaw structure and relaxed facial muscles.
Bulldogs have a shortened upper jaw and an underbite, which can make it challenging to keep their tongue fully contained within their mouth, especially when they’re completely relaxed during sleep.
While this trait looks unusual and might lead to a slightly damp pillow, it’s generally harmless and adds to the Bulldog’s charm.
5. Sitting Like a Human
Bulldogs often surprise their owners by adopting a sitting position that closely resembles that of a human. This peculiar posture involves the dog sitting upright with their back legs splayed out in front of them, rather than tucked underneath as is typical for most breeds.
This unique sitting style is likely due to the Bulldog’s sturdy build, broad chest, and flexible joints. While it may look uncomfortable to us, this position allows Bulldogs to distribute their weight evenly and find a comfortable resting posture that suits their body structure.
6. Spinning Before Lying Down
Many Bulldog owners have observed their pets performing a curious ritual before settling down for a nap: spinning in circles. This behavior is a fascinating remnant of their wild ancestors’ instincts.
In the wild, dogs would circle an area to flatten grass or leaves, creating a comfortable and safe sleeping spot. For domestic Bulldogs, this spinning habit persists as a comforting, instinctual act that helps them feel secure before resting.
It may also serve to check their surroundings one last time before letting their guard down for sleep.
7. Rolling in Smelly Things
Despite their adorable appearance, Bulldogs can sometimes engage in the less-than-pleasant behavior of rolling in smelly substances. This peculiar habit is believed to be an ancient instinct inherited from their wild ancestors.
In nature, covering oneself with strong odors could help mask a dog’s scent from predators or prey. For domestic Bulldogs, this behavior might be a way to mark themselves with an interesting scent or simply because they find the smell appealing.
While natural, this habit can be managed through training, redirection to more appropriate activities, and rewarding clean behaviors.
8. Licking the Air
Air licking is an intriguing behavior observed in some Bulldogs. This action, where the dog appears to be licking nothing, can occur when they are excited, anxious, or experiencing an itch they can’t reach. In some cases, it may be a way for the dog to explore scents in the air or a self-soothing mechanism.
While occasional air licking is usually harmless, excessive or compulsive licking could indicate an underlying issue such as allergies, dental problems, or gastrointestinal discomfort. If you notice frequent air licking in your Bulldog, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any health concerns.
9. Leaning on You
Bulldogs are known for their affectionate nature, and one way they express this is by leaning on their owners. This endearing behavior is more than just a physical act; it’s a sign of trust and affection.
When a Bulldog leans on you, they’re seeking comfort and showing that they feel secure in your presence. This close physical contact is mutually beneficial, as it can help strengthen the bond between dog and owner.
However, it’s important to ensure that this behavior doesn’t become overly demanding or a sign of separation anxiety.
10. Staring Intently
Bulldogs have a knack for fixing their gaze upon their owners with an intensity that can be both endearing and slightly unnerving. This intense staring is often a form of non-verbal communication, indicating that your Bulldog wants something – be it food, a walk, or simply your attention.
In many cases, it’s also a sign of the strong bond between dog and owner, as prolonged eye contact releases oxytocin, the “love hormone,” in both humans and dogs. However, it’s important to distinguish between affectionate staring and potentially aggressive staring, which is accompanied by different body language cues.
11. Zoomies (Sudden Burst of Energy)
Despite their reputation for being laid-back and somewhat lazy, Bulldogs can surprise their owners with sudden bursts of energy known as the “zoomies.” During these episodes, a typically calm Bulldog might suddenly start running around the house or yard at full speed, often in circles, for seemingly no reason.
This behavior is completely normal and is usually a way for the dog to release pent-up energy or express joy. Zoomies are more common in younger dogs but can occur at any age. While amusing to watch, it’s important to ensure your Bulldog has a safe space to zoom without risk of injury.
12. Snuggling into Tight Spaces
Bulldogs often exhibit a peculiar fondness for squeezing themselves into small, cozy spaces. This behavior, known as den-seeking, is an instinctual throwback to their wild ancestors who sought out safe, enclosed areas for rest and protection.
You might find your Bulldog wedged between furniture, curled up in a tight corner, or burrowed under blankets. This preference for snug spots helps them feel secure and comfortable.
To cater to this instinct, consider providing your Bulldog with a cozy crate or a covered dog bed where they can retreat for some peace and quiet.
13. Barking at Nothing
Sometimes, Bulldog owners might find their pets barking at what appears to be thin air. While it may seem like your dog is responding to nothing, there’s usually a reason for this behavior.
Bulldogs have sensitive hearing and may be reacting to sounds that are inaudible to human ears, such as high-frequency noises from electronic devices or distant outdoor activities. In some cases, barking at nothing could also be a sign of cognitive changes in older dogs or a response to visual disturbances.
If this behavior becomes frequent or distressing, it’s worth consulting with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying issues.
14. Pawing at Food and Water
Some Bulldogs exhibit an interesting behavior of pawing at their food or water bowls before eating or drinking. This action resembles digging or scraping and is thought to be an instinctual behavior inherited from their wild ancestors.
In nature, some canines would scrape at the ground to bury excess food for later consumption or to create a clean eating area. For domestic Bulldogs, this pawing might be a vestigial instinct or simply a learned behavior that they find satisfying.
While generally harmless, excessive pawing could lead to spills, so you might consider using heavier bowls or placemats to minimize messes.
15. Doing “The Sploot”
Bulldogs often surprise their owners with a peculiar lying position affectionately known as “the sploot.” In this pose, the dog lies flat on their stomach with their hind legs stretched out behind them, resembling a frog or a flying squirrel.
This adorable posture serves multiple purposes for Bulldogs. Primarily, it helps them cool down by maximizing contact with the cool floor surface, which is particularly beneficial for a breed prone to overheating. Additionally, the sploot can be a comfortable stretching position for Bulldogs, whose stocky build and flexible joints allow them to assume this pose with ease.
While not exclusive to Bulldogs, their propensity for splooting adds to their charm and often results in endearing photo opportunities for their owners.
