Having had the honour of qualifying and competing at Bulldog of the Year multiple times, judging the 2024 event was an absolute privilege. This prestigious competition is a highlight of the Bulldog world, bringing together the finest examples of our beloved breed for a day of top-tier competition and camaraderie.

What many don’t realise is that the excitement of judging Bulldog of the Year starts long before stepping into the ring. Judges are invited two to three years in advance, a moment that is both thrilling and humbling. However, from that point on, it must remain a closely guarded secret until the club formally announces the judging panel just a few months before the event. Keeping that kind of news quiet is no easy task, but it’s all part of maintaining the integrity and anticipation surrounding this prestigious competition.

You'll read within our breed, 'head nods' or 'tremors' aren't uncommon. However, in my decades of Bulldog ownership, I've only had one female suffer from these. I used to keep a packet of Custard Cream biscuits in the cupboard with her name on them (fortunately one of my least favourite biscuits, so I was never tempted to dip into them!).

I found no pattern or triggers for her head shakes, and after blood tests that showed no precise diagnosis, the vets ruled out poisons, toxins, pain, or infections. It's widely accepted that these tremors could be due to low blood sugar or calcium. Offering her a Custard Cream used to snap her out of the shaking ‘habit’, if nothing else!

​However, this same female did go on to show early signs of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), signalled by poor memory and unnecessary barking - so I have no doubt the two were connected. As dogs age, they may require additional care and attention to maintain their health and well-being. Just like humans, senior dogs can experience various age-related issues, including joint problems, decreased mobility, and cognitive decline. In this blog, I’ll share the common symptoms in ageing dogs, how to manage canine cognitive dysfunction and supplements that can help prevent the onset of age-related issues.

Judging the Raduno Dell'Anno for the Circolo Italiano Bulldog was an honour on 19th October 2024. As always, the event was marked by Italian hospitality's signature warmth and friendliness, which never faltered despite the less-than-ideal weather conditions. Unfortunately, the chill in the air and persistent rainfall resulted in severe weather warnings, which may have impacted some exhibitors' ability to attend. Additionally, some of us also faced difficulties departing from Bologna Airport due to the unusual flooding in the region. I guess this all adds to the fun!

It was a truly delightful day at the Bulldog Rescues and Rehoming 2024 Annual Picnic Fun Show. I was deeply honoured to be asked to judge such a significant event, especially considering my many years of attendance. What I initially thought might be a relatively easy day turned out to be a challenging and thoroughly enjoyable experience.
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The show was packed with wonderful Bulldogs, and I had the pleasure of judging various classes. Here's a glimpse into each one:

Have you ever been captivated by Bulldogs' endearing wrinkles and charming snorts, only to wonder what's behind their cute exteriors?

If so, you're not alone.

As a dedicated Bulldog enthusiast, I longed for a platform where I could delve deeper into the realities of this beloved breed, sharing authentic insights with fellow admirers, owners, and breeders around the globe. This longing gave birth to the Bulldog Broadcast, a podcast dedicated to exploring the true essence of Bulldogs beyond the stereotypes and misinformation.