When you picture a Bulldog, do you see him running around in the backyard or lounging on the couch? Bulldogs are not known for being particularly athletic and many of them are content to laze the day away. What many people don’t know about Bulldogs, however, is that they are a fairly intelligent breed and they can be trained to engage in certain dog sports – keep reading to learn more.

A Word About Bulldogs and Exercise

The Bulldog is classified as a non-sporting breed by the American Kennel Club, though that doesn’t mean these dogs can’t participate in sports. You should keep in mind that Bulldogs have a moderate energy level and lower requirements for exercise than many breeds. In fact, most Bulldogs would prefer to laze the day away on the couch than to go to the dog park or venture out for a day-long hike. You should also be aware that the Bulldog’s facial anatomy makes rigorous or extended periods of exercise dangerous. Bulldogs are what is known as a brachycephalic breed. Brachycephalic syndrome is not a disease but a set of anatomical abnormalities which can interfere with normal breathing. Because Bulldogs have a compressed face, if they exercise too rigorously or they start to overheat, they may not be able to take in enough oxygen and it can quickly become a dangerous situation.

Bulldogs and Dog Sports

There are many different dog sports out there, some of which may not be a good fit for your Bulldog. Flyball, for example, involves running through a series of hurdles to chase down and return a tennis ball – your Bulldog is unlikely to be able to clear any hurdles and running is not his strong suit. Something like competition obedience, however, could be a good option. This sport simply involves training a dog to execute a specific set of tasks while being judged on his performance.

If you don’t think that dog sports are in the cards for your Bulldog, there are still some other options to consider. For example, Bulldogs are a friendly and people-loving breed that may do well as a therapy dog. You can take your dog to training classes to become certified as a therapy dog and then you will be able to take him to nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, and other institutions where he can interact with people. Choosing the right sport or activity for your Bulldog requires that you know your dog well enough to know what he is and isn’t capable of doing. It is also about what you and your dog want to do together.

The Bulldog may not be the most athletic dog breed out there, but that doesn’t mean that you should allow him to be nothing more than a couch potato. Regular exercise is important for all dogs but especially for the Bulldog who has a compact body and a stout build. Training your Bulldog for dog sports, even if he never competes, is a great way to give him some extra exercise while also giving the two of you time to bond.

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