If you’re new in Florida, or you just adopted your first bulldog there, you’ll be wondering can bulldogs live in Florida or not as it’s too hot there, “way too hot.”
Can Bulldogs Live In Florida? Yes, they can live in Florida, but as a pet parent, you’ve to take several precautions to keep them cool because bulldogs belong to a (brachycephalic family) that can’t tolerate the extreme temperature. Plus, avoid after-noon walks and do take them out early in the morning and late in the evening.
That is a pretty short answer, and there is much more we can dig into, obviously.
Here are more details and some good guidelines to follow.
The temperature between 80 to 85°F is pretty hot for the bulldogs and to every brachycephalic breed.
But veterinarians believe, when it’s sunny out and the temperature is in the upper 70°F can also be too hot for bulldogs, especially when you live in Florida-like states or near the equator because vets saw several cases where bulldogs overheating and passing away even in mild 70°F temperature.
So if your bulldog is out in hot summer for potty or pee breaks, or when you take him out for a walk, be sure to keep a close eye on him, as they get overheat quickly.
Take as many precautions as you can; first of all, do not take them out on a sunny day, if it’s necessary, only take them out for 5-10 min max, plus carry cool water with you.
And do encourage your dog to walk gently and occasionally stop to let him take short breaks so they can catch their breath.
However, If your bulldog shows any of these signs, such as excessive panting, increased salivation, confusion, it’s time to take him home.
As well as immediately keep the bulldog somewhere in a cool place and cool him down with water or (anything you have which is safe for dogs).
After a walk on a sunny day, isopropyl alcohol is the best and the veterinarian’s recommended way to keep bulldogs and other breeds cool.
Put isopropyl alcohol on a squeezable container and squeeze that on bulldogs paws. It will probably surprise your dog but is very effective in bringing down the temperature in the soonest possible time.
The Ideal Temperature In The House For Bulldogs
Veterinarians recommend 65 to 68°F is the ideal house temperature for bulldogs during daytime and 68 to 73°F at night time in the hottest months in tropical regions like Hawaii and Florida.
However, it also depends on the climate where you live, as some states have cool temperatures and some get outrageous in the summer.
So for those places, the average temperature should be between 70 to 78°F is enough to keep the bulldog cool.
Those Florida-like super hot and humid states can surely put your bulldog in danger of overheating, so make sure you always keep your AC on during the summertime.
Of course, you can also use other methods to keep your bulldog cool, such as water, best quality cooling mats, and collars, dog fans, wet rag, etc.
Quick Tip
Bulldogs don’t tolerate extreme temperatures, hot or cold. Too much swing in temps gives them lower tolerance. Some bullies can tolerate higher temps in the summer, while some can’t tolerate winter temps, so make sure you’ll always keep the temps between 68 to 73°F in both cases.
What Happens When A Bulldog Get Overheat
When it comes to overheating, bulldogs suffer more, including Heat Exhaustion, Collapsing, Heatstroke, and even Sudden Death, than any other breeds. Because they easily get overheated just within 10 to 15 minutes of a walk during a super sunny day.
That is why almost every veterinarian warns, don’t take your bulldog out when the temperature is above 70°F.
However, the most common reason for bulldogs to overheat quickly is because they have a condition called Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), which is caused by a narrowing of the upper respiratory tract.
Because of that small respiratory tract, they can’t pant like other dogs to regulate their temperature, which is why they get overheated quickly.
That often happens in hot weather or during exercise.
Although, heat stroke and heat exhaustion is a form of hyperthermia that occurs when heat-dissipating mechanisms of the body cannot accommodate excessive heat.
Hot Temperature Effects On Different 4 Type Of Bulldogs
Generally, all types of bulldog and brachycephalic breeds suffer from hot temperatures. But the point is who suffers the most, at least outside the house in hot summer.
No matter which bulldog breed suffers the most from high temps, but one thing you should always keep in mind. If your bulldog is in a yard, make sure he has access to water (fresh cool water), A bowl, or even better, a baby pool is excellent.
Let’s get into more detail about each specific bulldog breed.
1. Alano Español (Spanish Bulldog)
Alano Españols are bred in Spain, as the name indicates.
Spain has a pretty mild climate all year round; the Alano Españols can easily regulate their body temperature there.
Plus, this is a very resistant and healthy breed, not prone to suffer from any disease in particular.
Even sometimes, these bulldogs can also cure themselves of the Parvovirus without vaccination and treatment.
Along with the Cane Corso, the Alano Español is one of the very few molosser breeds that do not drool, slobber, or snore.
As well, in Spain, Alano always sleeps outside and adapts to all the climates easily.
So the long and the short is that Alano Español can live indoor & outdoor and can stand hot and cold temperatures, dryness, and humidity with no problem at all.
2. Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog
These bulldogs belong to the US same as like American Bulldog.
They are also what we call Cowdog, which basically means that they are bred primarily to catch, hold and drive cattle and hogs.
The breed can easily live in average to warm weather conditions like Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, etc.
However, like English bulldogs, Alapaha Blue also suffers from many health problems such as hip dysplasia, congenital deafness, entropion (eye-related issue).
Even though sometimes they can have skin problems too, which are commonly caused by the hot temperature.
As well as if you are a first-time owner and you want this beautiful breed, there is a tip for you.
Quick Tip
Experts say it is crucial to train these breeds properly and socialize with humans and other animals from an early age. Because they’re not suitable for small children and pets or first-time dog owners if the dog isn’t well trained.
3. American Bulldog
I don’t think I need to say anything about the origin of this breed because its name says it all.
The breed is well-balanced athletic that demonstrates great strength, endurance, agility, and a friendly attitude.
They also have short snouts like English bulldogs, that’s why it is also difficult for them to tolerate extreme hot weather, especially while exercising. Well, they are good at neutralizing their temperature faster than E. Bulldogs.
So it is essential to make sure they have enough water to drink and monitor them to make sure they are not struggling to breathe.
If they’re struggling to breathe, keep them cool immediately.
Of course, due to the short snouts, they suffer from many health-related problems, such as (NCL) Ichthyosis, hip & elbow dysplasia, ectropion, ACL tears; these health problems are common in the American Bulldogs.
However, American Bulldogs also suffer from some other health problems that are often found within certain genetic lines and are not general to their entire breed.
4. Olde English Bulldogge
These dogs are the cross between a purebred English Bulldog, American Bulldog, American Pit Bull Terrier, and Bullmastiff.
That’s why Olde have a pretty similar face to English bulldogs except for their body and wrinkles.
The Olde is well-balanced and proportioned while appearing capable of performing without any breathing restrictions in either hot or cold climates.
But extreme hot and cold climates can do cause some problems.
If we talk about their health, this breed is the healthiest breed of dog than many modern bulldog breeds. That means “freedom from discomfort” and “freedom from pain, injury, & disease.” The common problems that other bulldog breeds suffer every day.
And there is one thing which some people know, but most people wouldn’t know, which is that the United Kennel Club (UKC) announced that the Olde English Bulldogge is a fully recognized breed now.
Are Bulldogs Indoor Or Outdoor Dogs
It depends on the climate where you live and the bulldog breed you have because only in the US there are 6-well known bulldog breeds, such as:
French Bulldog
American Bulldog
Olde English Bulldogge
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog
English Bulldog or (Bulldog)
Alano Español (Spanish Bulldog)
So in case you have an English Bulldog or French Bulldog, they are great indoor dogs because of their small size and friendly nature.
But they do love playing outside as well, so if the weather outside is not too hot or cold, you should take them out to the dog park or in the backyard.
Although Alano Español, Alapaha Blue Blood, American, Olde English Bulldogges are excellent outdoor and indoor breeds. But they can be stubborn if kept inside all the time.
If you have a big backyard surrounded by a protective fence, you should let these breeds spend their time more in the backyard than inside, as these are the large, athletic, strong breeds who love to play in open space.
But don’t let them out on a sunny day, and make sure you always keep their water bowl full of fresh cool water (not cold).
And do keep a close eye on them to avoid any unfortunates.
