Suddenly, you hear a loud, deep bark coming from outside your window.
It’s followed by another bark, and then another.
The dog sounds like it’s right next to your house.
Your next door neighbor has a bulldog and so you may be wondering, do bulldogs bark?
Well, the answer is yes and no.
Bulldogs are known for being a relatively quiet breed of dog, but that doesn’t mean they never bark.
In fact, bulldogs typically only bark when they feel it’s necessary, such as when they’re warning their owners of danger or protecting their territory.
So, if you hear a loud bark coming from outside your window on a quiet summer night, chances are it’s not a bulldog.
But if you hear a few soft barks during the day, it’s probably just a friendly bulldog trying to say hello.
This article will explore the barking habits of bulldogs in more detail, as well as touch on some other interesting facts about this unique breed.
Why do bulldogs bark?
You should study your bulldog’s behavior whenever they bark to identify what could be triggering their action easily.
For instance, if your bulldog barks because it’s excited to see you, it will raise its tail high and wag while displaying the urge to play.
Therefore, studying your bulldog’s actions is key to understanding why they are barking.
Here are the major reasons why bulldogs bark;
Excitements
Your bulldog may be happy to see you back home, hence bark when welcoming you.
This is normally because of the oxytocin hormone, which causes the thrill of seeing you back in the house.
Fear or anxiety
Bulldogs may bark out of fear or anxiety of something like strangers, other dogs, and loud noises.
You can identify your bulldog is barking out of fear or anxiety by checking on behaviors such as excessive barking and hair standing around the neck and the back.
Being territorial
Bulldogs are territorial and may bark to alert you about the presence of intruders or something unfamiliar around the house or yard.
If your bulldog’s barking is territorial, you will see it wagging its tail and focusing its attention on a certain direction.
Seeking attention
Bulldogs love being close to humans; therefore, they may bark when they feel ignored.
You can know your bulldog is seeking attention when it barks while facing your direction, and its body is relaxed.
It’s good to take time and understand why your bulldog seeks attention to maintain its happiness.
Loneliness
Your bulldog may be barking because of loneliness.
When dogs are left alone, they suffer from boredom, fear, and separation anxiety, causing them to bark to get a companion.
Common behaviors when your bulldog barks because of loneliness is being restless, reacting to everything around its environment, such as sounds of other animals, and destructive behavior.
What are other noises made by bulldogs?
Since bulldogs rarely bark, they have other sounds that enable them to communicate with you.
Here are other noises bulldogs make;
Growling
Whining
Grunt
Wheezing
Howling
Snoring
Snorts
Slurping
Panting
Snuffling
How to reduce unncessary barking instances in your bulldog
Understanding the reason for your bulldog barking makes it possible to find an effective way to stop it.
For instance, if your bulldog is barking due to loneliness, you can solve this problem by finding it a friend, exercising together, and letting it socialize with other dogs.
At times it’s challenging to know the cause of your bulldog barking making it difficult to find an appropriate solution.
In such situations, you should call your vet to ensure your bulldog is healthy and find professional help to stop your bulldog from barking.
You may also consider taking your bulldog for training to reduce uncontrollable barking.
For instance, your bulldog may be barking out of fear caused by traumatic experiences.
Training will enable your dog to regain its confidence hence stop barking.
Can health problems cause barking in bulldogs?
Bulldogs can bark usually deep and persistent due to pain or illness.
You will also hear your bulldog make sounds other than barking, such as growling, snarling, whining, and yelping.
If there’s a change in behavior, such as a lack of interest in playing, poor appetite, and unfamiliar body posture, your bulldogs barking could be due to health problems.
Unless you’re certain your bulldog is barking for a specific reason, such as excitement and seeking attention, you should call your vet to examine them and give guidelines to stop the barking.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How often do bulldogs bark?
Bulldogs rarely bark, meaning their barking is normally triggered by something like strangers approaching them or the presence of other dogs.
Bulldogs barking doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong as it may bark because of excitement, to seek attention or loneliness.
Are bulldogs noisy?
Bulldogs are playful and often make a lot of sounds when playing and resting.
Although they seldom bark, they make a lot of other noises, such as growling, snoring, and wheezing.
Some bulldog owners find the noise made by their pets pleasant, while others find it irritating; therefore, we can’t certainly conclude that bulldogs are noisy as owners’ opinions vary.
Why do dogs bark?
Barking in dogs is a way of expressing their needs or alerting their pet parents about something like coming visitors, intruders, the need for food or water, and if they want to go out.
You can quickly know what your dogs want by studying their body language and surrounding environment.
For example, a dog barking while standing at the door or window-watching could signify the need to go outside.
Why do dogs bark excessively?
Excessive barking isn’t a sign your dog is sick but could be a persistent need for something. Nonetheless, it is unusual for dogs to back a lot which means they could be suffering from health problems or facing serious complications. It would be safe to find a veterinarian to examine your dog and ensure it has no underlying issue.
Final thoughts
If you plan to get a pet, then bulldogs are one of the best canine friends to include on your list.
Bulldogs are friendly and have a strong affection for humans, making them great companions.
Considering they seldom bark unless they need something, it is easy to study bulldogs’ behavior and act upon their needs.
Living with bulldogs is exciting because you can effectively communicate with them.
Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
