Is a Harness or Collar Better for Your English Bulldog?

Walking your English bulldog is one of the best forms of exercise, both for your dog and for yourself. However, unless you want your pup to be running off with you, you’ll need to attach their leash to a collar or harness to keep them nearby. But which is best for you to use?

While many English bulldog owners attach a leash to their dog’s collar, a harness is better for your pup in the long run.

Let’s take a quick look at why harnesses are the better option:

English bulldogs have small necks

English bulldogs, generally speaking, lack a neck. As a result, collars can become uncomfortable for them. This may cause them to become stubborn during their walk or try to slip out of their collar completely. For this reason, it’s better to use a harness for your English bulldog rather than just a collar.

Collars can restrict their breathing

Bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed. This means that they have short muzzles and a flat face. As adorable as bulldogs can be, their flat faces can cause them to have difficulty breathing. This can result in excess panting or overheating. A collar can worsen this problem by further restricting their breathing.

How to choose a harness

Not all harnesses are created equal. For a proper fit, you’ll want to measure your dog’s girth, or the broadest part of their chest. The number you get will give you a range of harness sizes appropriate for your bulldog. From there, you can choose between harnesses with adjustable straps, step-in straps, over-the-head straps, and more. Go to the nearest pet store and experiment with different types to see which will be easiest for your English bulldog.

Have further questions on how to care for your English bulldog? Then contact Bulldog Angels today!