How Much Do English Bulldogs Shed?

If you share your sofa with an English Bulldog, you already know that those stocky bodies and wrinkly faces come with plenty of personality—and fur. When I first brought my bulldog home, I was pleasantly surprised by his short coat and thought grooming would be a breeze. It didn’t take long to discover that English Bulldog shedding is real. Despite their short, smooth coat, Bulldogs have a soft undercoat that they shed regularly. Understanding why they shed, when shedding is normal, and what you can do to control it will make both your life and your dog’s life more comfortable.

Do English Bulldogs Shed? 

Many people believe that short‑haired breeds don’t shed much. In reality, short‑haired dogs often have dense coats and can be prolific shedders. English Bulldogs are average shedders.  They shed consistently throughout the year, with heavier shedding during seasonal changes. Unlike breeds with long hair that release big tufts at once, Bulldogs lose many small hairs that blend into your furniture, making it easy to underestimate just how much hair they are leaving behind.

So, do English bulldogs shed? Does an English bulldog shed? Absolutely. They don’t leave mountains of fur like a Husky, but they do lose hair regularly. Bulldog shedding becomes more noticeable in spring and fall, when their coat adjusts to changes in daylight and temperature. Puppies tend to shed more than adults because their coat is still developing, and older Bulldogs may shed modestly.

Why Is My English Bulldog Shedding So Much?

Normal shedding is one thing, but sometimes you’ll look at your couch and wonder, why is my English Bulldog shedding so much? Some extra hair loss during spring and autumn is normal. However,  excessive shedding may signal an underlying issue. Here are some common reasons:

1. Seasonal Changes and the Double Coat

English Bulldogs have a short topcoat and a soft undercoat. The undercoat acts as insulation and gets thicker in winter and lighter in summer. Seasonal shedding helps them regulate body temperature. Dogs often shed their winter undercoat for a lighter summer coat and shed their summer coat when preparing for winter. You might notice an uptick in fur on your clothes and floor during these transitions.

2. Diet and Nutrition

Just like us, dogs need balanced nutrition to maintain healthy skin and hair. A poor‑quality diet is one of the leading causes of excessive shedding. Food allergies or intolerances can also make your Bulldog shed more. In most cases, bulldogs develop allergic reactions to corn, soy, and by-products. Some pooches can also become allergic to chicken, so you need to carefully add it to your dog’s diet. 

When I switched my dog to a high‑quality, protein‑rich diet, his coat quickly became shinier and shedding slowed down. Be sure to choose food that meets recognized nutritional standards and talk to your vet if you suspect allergies. My advice is to always read the label on the back of the dry kibble you want to buy. Highly avoid diets rich in carbohydrates, artificial flavors and colors.

3. Parasites and Skin Conditions

Parasites such as fleas, ticks and mites irritate the skin and lead to itching and hair loss. When dogs scratch, they damage the hair and increase shedding. Likewise, skin infections, ringworm, or hormonal imbalances can cause abnormal shedding. If your Bulldog is scratching, has bald patches or inflamed skin, a vet visit is essential.

4. Grooming Habits and Bathing

Using human shampoo on dogs is a common mistake that can irritate their skin and lead to increased shedding. Bulldogs have sensitive skin, so they need mild, hypoallergenic shampoos. Over‑bathing strips natural oils and dries out the coat. Vets recommend bathing an English Bulldog every four to six weeks. Between baths, wipe their wrinkles daily to remove trapped moisture and debris. I also discovered that brushing before a bath removes loose hair and makes the job easier.

5. Stress and Environment

Sudden changes in routine, loud noises like fireworks, or trips to the vet can stress your Bulldog. Stress triggers the release of adrenaline, which can cause temporary hair loss. Additionally, indoor climate control can trick your dog’s body into shedding consistently. Creating a calm environment and maintaining a regular routine helps reduce stress‑induced shedding.

6. Underlying Health Issues

Hormonal imbalances (such as thyroid disease), certain tumors, and systemic diseases can cause excessive hair loss. If shedding comes with weight changes, lethargy, or other symptoms, see a vet for a full check‑up. As I learned the hard way, ignoring persistent shedding can delay diagnosis of a more serious issue.

How Much Do English Bulldogs Shed Compared to Other Dogs?

Bulldogs shed less than heavy‑shedding breeds like German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois or Siberian Huskies, but they are not hypoallergenic. A healthy Bulldog will drop a moderate amount of hair year‑round. English bulldog shedding is most noticeable when you brush them or sweep your floors. 

The density of their coat means many small hairs accumulate over time. If you don’t keep up with grooming, those hairs will find their way onto your carpets, furniture, and clothing.

Keeping Shedding Under Control – Tips from One Bulldog Parent to Another

After cleaning my vacuum filter one too many times, I developed a routine to keep my Bulldog’s shedding under control. Here’s what works for us:

Brush Regularly

Regular brushing removes loose fur before it falls off and distributes natural oils across the coat. Bulldogs should be brushed once a week, but during spring and fall I brush mine twice a week. Using the right tool makes a huge difference:

• Bristle brush – Great for Bulldogs with smooth coats. The short, soft bristles pick up loose fur and stimulate oil production. This English Bulldog Dog Brush uses gentle pins that won’t irritate the skin, making it perfect for weekly maintenance.
• Slicker brush – Ideal if your Bulldog has waves or areas where fur mats. Slicker brushes have fine metal bristles. The Self‑Cleaning English Bulldog Brush features coated pins to prevent scratching and a button to release collected hair. I love that I can clean it with a single click.

• Rubber or silicone brush glove – Bulldogs are sensitive souls, and some dislike traditional brushes. A silicone glove removes hair while giving a gentle massage. The Silicone English Bulldog Brush Glove uses soft silicone bristles to lift loose hair and reach difficult areas. My dog thinks it’s playtime, so brushing becomes bonding time.

A key tip is to choose the right size brush for your dog. Smaller brushes suit petite Bulldogs, while larger brushes cover more area on adults. Always brush in the direction of hair growth to avoid irritation.

Feed a Balanced Diet

A shiny coat starts from within. Choose high‑quality dog food that meets nutritional standards and provides enough protein and fatty acids. If you suspect your Bulldog is allergic to certain ingredients, consult your vet. Omega‑3 supplements can help reduce inflammation and improve coat health. I feed my Bulldog fish oil occasionally, which seems to reduce shedding.

Maintain a Bathing Routine

Bulldogs don’t need frequent baths, but they do need the right bath. Over‑bathing can strip natural oils and worsen shedding. Aim for a bath every four to six weeks or when your dog is visibly dirty. Use a mild, hypoallergenic dog shampoo and avoid human products—human shampoo has a different pH and can cause dryness and flaking. The English Bulldog Shampoo is a great pick both for puppies and seniors.

In my house, bath day is “spa day.” I gather towels, a non‑slip mat, cotton balls for ear protection, and treats. Before wetting the coat, I brush out loose fur with the Self‑Cleaning English Bulldog Brush. During the bath, a silicone bath brush like the Bath Massage English Bulldog Brush helps work shampoo into the coat and removes dead hair. Afterward, I blot (not rub) with a microfiber towel and make sure the wrinkles are completely dry.

For wrinkles, you can also use Cleaning Wipes to remove bad odor, dirt and moist.

Care for Wrinkles and Nose

Bulldog folds can trap moisture, dirt, and hair, causing irritation and infections. Daily wrinkle care involves gently separating each fold and wiping with pet‑safe wipes. I follow up with a dog balm around the nose and paws to moisturize

Bulldogs also commonly suffer from crusty noses (nasal hyperkeratosis). Excess keratin builds up, forming a hard, dry layer. Keeping the nose moisturized helps prevent cracking and shedding around the snout. If you notice a crusty nose, use a dog‑safe nose balm; Silky Paws Balm or natural coconut oil can soften the crust and promote healing. Regular cleaning with warm water and ensuring your dog stays hydrated also help.

Reduce Stress and Maintain Routine

Stress and anxiety can make dogs shed more. Bulldogs thrive on routine. Keep a consistent feeding and walking schedule, provide plenty of mental stimulation, and minimize sudden changes. If your Bulldog becomes anxious during thunderstorms or fireworks, create a safe, quiet space or use calming products recommended by your vet.

Veterinary Check‑ups

Never ignore sudden or extreme shedding. Parasites, hormonal imbalances, or diseases like Cushing’s or thyroid disorders can cause hair loss. Regular vet visits allow early detection and treatment. Remember: dogs can’t tell us when something is wrong. Observing changes in their coat is part of being a responsible owner.

Choosing the Right Brush: My Experience

There are many brushes on the market, but not all are suited to the Bulldog’s coat. After trial and error (and a vacuum full of fur), these three stood out:

1. English Bulldog Dog Brush – This pin brush is gentle and versatile. It’s ideal for Bulldogs with in‑between coat types—neither extremely short nor long. The rounded pins glide through fur and massage the skin. I find it perfect for weekly brushing and for fluffing up my dog after a bath.
2. Self‑Cleaning English Bulldog Brush – The slicker brush’s coated metal pins detangle and capture loose hair without scratching the skin. The self‑cleaning mechanism is a lifesaver; I no longer spend minutes pulling hair out of the brush.
3. Silicone English Bulldog Brush Glove – For dogs who dislike brushes, this glove turns grooming into petting time. The soft silicone bristles remove loose hair and dirt. It’s also perfect for sensitive areas like the belly and legs. During shedding season I use the glove every couple of days, and my dog leans into it as if I’m giving him a massage.

Using these brushes has become part of our bonding routine. My Bulldog knows the sound of the drawer opening and happily trots over for his “spa treatment.”

Final Thoughts on English Bulldog Shedding

Learning about English Bulldog shedding has been part of my journey as a dog parent. Do English bulldogs shed? Yes. Does an English bulldog shed a lot? Sometimes it feels like it, especially during seasonal changes. But by understanding why they shed and taking proactive steps—regular brushing, proper nutrition, appropriate bathing, and monitoring their health—you can keep shedding under control and enjoy more cuddle time on the couch.

Shedding is a natural process that helps your dog’s coat stay healthy. If you notice unusually heavy shedding, don’t hesitate to consult your vet. With the right care routine and the proper tools, your Bulldog’s coat will stay shiny and healthy, and your vacuum will thank you.