Am I right for a Bulldog?
Bulldogs
can be described as extremely loyal, protective if
needs be, and they require human company. They do
not do well as kennel dogs and are NOT outdoor
dogs. You must commit to sharing your house with
them.
Ask yourself if this is the dog for you before choosing the Bulldog as your pet. If you are very active and enjoy walking and jogging with your dog, this is not the dog for you! Although it is possible to own an athletic, highly active Bulldog, most of them are most happy taking very short walks and sitting at your feet. They do require exercise and walks but you must respect their pace and not force them to your pace. In fact, they are similar to people who are susceptible to becoming overweight. They are fundamentally lazy but once you find an activity that excites them, you can exercise with them and keep them fit. Otherwise, you have to restrict their diet so that they don’t become overweight. Obesity in Bulldogs will shorten their life span and maintaining a healthy Bulldog requires a combination of diet and exercise.
As puppies...
As puppies, most Bulldogs are high maintenance! They don’t like spending hours alone and will require supervision as a result. Otherwise they will chew from boredom. Many Bulldog owners have had to replace furniture legs, baseboards or anything else that a Bulldog puppy can reach. Don’t overestimate their intelligence. Just because they have lots of chew toys doesn’t mean that they won’t lean over and chew something else at mouth-level. They are extremely active as puppies and will test your nerves until they are 18 months to 2 years old. They love to jump up and they don’t know their own strength or weight. You have to be careful with Bulldogs and babies because they can easily knock over toddlers with their enthusiasm.
Throughout their lives...
Bulldogs are a lifetime commitment. Not only do they insist on being with you at all times, they don’t enjoy going into boarding kennels. Not only that, most boarding kennels charge extra for a Bulldog or they won’t take them at all. So, you will have to get used to traveling with your Bulldog or you will have to find a good dog-sitter who will stay at your home. The good news is that they LOVE to go on road-trips and are extremely sociable. Many hotels happily take your Bulldog and we have had Inn owners volunteer to baby-sit our dogs while we are eating dinner. The only downside to their sociability is that they attract attention. If you are not an outgoing person and prefer not to be bothered, they are not the dog for you. People love to stop us when we are walking our Bulldogs and they ask tons of questions.
If you were to ask me the worst personality trait of a Bulldog I would tell you that they can be possessive over toys, food and people. It is amplified in a multi-bulldog home and many bitches (and to a lesser extent dogs) fight amongst themselves. With proper socialization however, they mix well with other breeds and adore children.
What to expect Care-Wise
This is not a low-maintenance breed grooming and care-wise. Because of the creases on the faces, they need daily care and their wrinkles can soon become sore if neglected. Ideally their tails should be straight and they shouldn’t interfere with their bowel movements. However, they can also be screwed and tight and they might require cleaning and creaming to be comfortable. Their nails grow very quickly and need to be regularly trimmed to keep their feet from becoming splayed and deformed. The shed year-round and require regular brushing to keep all of their dead hair off your furniture.
There are also health concerns that you should be aware of. Bulldogs belong to a group of dogs called Brachycephalic, ie short nosed. As such, these dogs do not do well in hot weather. You have to watch them constantly in hot weather and you have to be prepared to cool them down quickly should they overheat. Ideally, they should stay inside on hot summer days and they MUST have access to air conditioning or a cool living space. They cannot be left in a car during hot weather, even for 10 minutes. The rate at which they dehydrate and overheat is shocking and surprises even the most experienced dog owners.
To make matters worse, not all of them can swim. And the ones that can swim, can only swim for short periods of time before they exhaust themselves and start drowning. As such, they are not the dog for people who have accessible swimming pools or live near water.
They also are susceptible to skin problems and require owner patience in dealing with them. You have to keep several shampoos and ointments around the house just in case. Although most skin problems are isolated and localized, in a few cases, they can be a result of allergies and/or immune system problems. Troubleshooting these ailments can be frustrating and very expensive.
Where to find one?
When you have made up your mind to get a bulldog, start by finding a breeder. You will be surprised by how few Bulldog puppies are available. You will also be surprised by the interrogation you will have to undergo by the breeder. Thirdly, you will be surprised by the price of the dog. In the US, Bulldogs are between 1400 and 3000 US. In Canada between 1800 and 3500. In the UK over 1000 pounds and in the rest of Europe usually more than 2000 Euros.
If you are not interrogated, the price is cheaper than I have mentioned, or the breeder has lots available, there is a problem. Run away! You should be as selective in choosing the breeder as the breeder is in choosing you. It is also a very good idea to visit the breeder in person and to see how the puppy is raised. Check to make sure the adults are well looked after and the premises are clean. Try to gauge whether the breeder is in the business for financial reasons. You don’t want to select a breeder who may make breeding choices for the money. You want a breeder who is breeding to make great looking, good tempered bulldogs. Ask them about their breeding program, what they are trying to achieve, why they are breeding Bulldogs. Be selective. Even if you have to wait a year or more for that special Bulldog, it is worth it! You don’t want a Bulldog that is riddled with health problems just because you were impatient or didn’t want to spend the money that a reputable breeder is asking.
Buying the puppy
When choosing your puppy there are a few things to look for:
Ask yourself if this is the dog for you before choosing the Bulldog as your pet. If you are very active and enjoy walking and jogging with your dog, this is not the dog for you! Although it is possible to own an athletic, highly active Bulldog, most of them are most happy taking very short walks and sitting at your feet. They do require exercise and walks but you must respect their pace and not force them to your pace. In fact, they are similar to people who are susceptible to becoming overweight. They are fundamentally lazy but once you find an activity that excites them, you can exercise with them and keep them fit. Otherwise, you have to restrict their diet so that they don’t become overweight. Obesity in Bulldogs will shorten their life span and maintaining a healthy Bulldog requires a combination of diet and exercise.
As puppies...
As puppies, most Bulldogs are high maintenance! They don’t like spending hours alone and will require supervision as a result. Otherwise they will chew from boredom. Many Bulldog owners have had to replace furniture legs, baseboards or anything else that a Bulldog puppy can reach. Don’t overestimate their intelligence. Just because they have lots of chew toys doesn’t mean that they won’t lean over and chew something else at mouth-level. They are extremely active as puppies and will test your nerves until they are 18 months to 2 years old. They love to jump up and they don’t know their own strength or weight. You have to be careful with Bulldogs and babies because they can easily knock over toddlers with their enthusiasm.
Throughout their lives...
Bulldogs are a lifetime commitment. Not only do they insist on being with you at all times, they don’t enjoy going into boarding kennels. Not only that, most boarding kennels charge extra for a Bulldog or they won’t take them at all. So, you will have to get used to traveling with your Bulldog or you will have to find a good dog-sitter who will stay at your home. The good news is that they LOVE to go on road-trips and are extremely sociable. Many hotels happily take your Bulldog and we have had Inn owners volunteer to baby-sit our dogs while we are eating dinner. The only downside to their sociability is that they attract attention. If you are not an outgoing person and prefer not to be bothered, they are not the dog for you. People love to stop us when we are walking our Bulldogs and they ask tons of questions.
If you were to ask me the worst personality trait of a Bulldog I would tell you that they can be possessive over toys, food and people. It is amplified in a multi-bulldog home and many bitches (and to a lesser extent dogs) fight amongst themselves. With proper socialization however, they mix well with other breeds and adore children.
What to expect Care-Wise
This is not a low-maintenance breed grooming and care-wise. Because of the creases on the faces, they need daily care and their wrinkles can soon become sore if neglected. Ideally their tails should be straight and they shouldn’t interfere with their bowel movements. However, they can also be screwed and tight and they might require cleaning and creaming to be comfortable. Their nails grow very quickly and need to be regularly trimmed to keep their feet from becoming splayed and deformed. The shed year-round and require regular brushing to keep all of their dead hair off your furniture.
There are also health concerns that you should be aware of. Bulldogs belong to a group of dogs called Brachycephalic, ie short nosed. As such, these dogs do not do well in hot weather. You have to watch them constantly in hot weather and you have to be prepared to cool them down quickly should they overheat. Ideally, they should stay inside on hot summer days and they MUST have access to air conditioning or a cool living space. They cannot be left in a car during hot weather, even for 10 minutes. The rate at which they dehydrate and overheat is shocking and surprises even the most experienced dog owners.
To make matters worse, not all of them can swim. And the ones that can swim, can only swim for short periods of time before they exhaust themselves and start drowning. As such, they are not the dog for people who have accessible swimming pools or live near water.
They also are susceptible to skin problems and require owner patience in dealing with them. You have to keep several shampoos and ointments around the house just in case. Although most skin problems are isolated and localized, in a few cases, they can be a result of allergies and/or immune system problems. Troubleshooting these ailments can be frustrating and very expensive.
Where to find one?
When you have made up your mind to get a bulldog, start by finding a breeder. You will be surprised by how few Bulldog puppies are available. You will also be surprised by the interrogation you will have to undergo by the breeder. Thirdly, you will be surprised by the price of the dog. In the US, Bulldogs are between 1400 and 3000 US. In Canada between 1800 and 3500. In the UK over 1000 pounds and in the rest of Europe usually more than 2000 Euros.
If you are not interrogated, the price is cheaper than I have mentioned, or the breeder has lots available, there is a problem. Run away! You should be as selective in choosing the breeder as the breeder is in choosing you. It is also a very good idea to visit the breeder in person and to see how the puppy is raised. Check to make sure the adults are well looked after and the premises are clean. Try to gauge whether the breeder is in the business for financial reasons. You don’t want to select a breeder who may make breeding choices for the money. You want a breeder who is breeding to make great looking, good tempered bulldogs. Ask them about their breeding program, what they are trying to achieve, why they are breeding Bulldogs. Be selective. Even if you have to wait a year or more for that special Bulldog, it is worth it! You don’t want a Bulldog that is riddled with health problems just because you were impatient or didn’t want to spend the money that a reputable breeder is asking.
Buying the puppy
When choosing your puppy there are a few things to look for:
- look at the nostrils - ideally they should be wide and not pinched
- There shouldn’t be too much overhanging nose roll this makes for unrestricted breathing and is difficult to clean
- too many wrinkles although attractive can be a long term care issue
- Check to make sure the puppy has a good tail that isn’t missing (can be growing inside the anus) or too tight to restrict bowel movements and make things messy.
- Check the eyes of the puppy and make sure they are clear, not too droopy, and don’t have too much overhanging skin.
- Meet the mother (and preferable Sire if possible) of the puppy and see if she is of good temperament
- Make sure your puppy is outgoing and has been properly socialized in a home environment.
What do I need to have in the House?
- Diaper Rash Ointment - to protect wrinkles (if not infected) from moisture. Also reduces redness
- Benadryl “topical and oral" - in case your dog has an allergic reaction or hives
- Ear cleaner (e.g., Novalsan Otic)
- Neosporin/Panalog - in case of skin irritation or infection
- Lemon juice (e.g., Plastic RealLemon) - Must have!!! Quickly reduces foam buildup in the mouth or throat. Can save a Bullies life if the dog overheats or becomes agitated!
- Neo Predef - for Hot Spots
- Anal thermometer
- Baby wipes - to clean wrinkles (make sure you dry them after)
- Vaseline - Vitamin E (liquid form) - for those dry noses
- Nail trimmer
- Brush
- Stainless steel dishes - plastic can dullen the nose and harbour bacteria
- Wire crate
- Pepto-Bismol (tablets work better) - occasional diarrhea
- Eye drops
- Bag balm - skin irritation
- Ice
Do you have any puppies at the moment?
Sorry -
we do not currenly have Bulldogs.
How much are your puppies?
Our
puppies are 2500$
Do you sell for Show?
No. We
try to place our puppies in pet homes.
Do you sell breeding rights?
No. We
do not.
Do you have a health guarantee?
Yes. We
have a 2 year health guarantee.
Do you take reservations?
No. We
do not but once a litter is born, we sell on first
come first serve basis.
How do I get to choose my puppy?
Typically,
I will choose for you depending on the number of
puppies in the litter. I take temperament, colour,
sex and activity level into consideration after a
thorough interview with the prospective
owner.
Do I need to give a deposit?
Only
once I have determined that I have a puppy for you.
It is refundable in the event that something
happens.
Do you ship your puppies?
No.
Will you offer support to me once the puppy arrives home?
Yes I am
available all the time.
Should I breed my Bulldog?
Is your
new puppy breeding material? Some breeders may give
you the impression that your Bulldog should be bred
or that he/she is show material. (Warning - I
am generalizing here) Although that might be the
case, if he/she was easily recognizable, chances
are the breeder would try to hang on to the puppy,
especially if the breeder is a regular exhibitor at
dog shows.
When you get him home and start walking outside many people may tell you what a lovely dog you have and that you should show him or her. This may start you thinking that of course you must breed this wonderful specimen and as he/she grows you think this is the natural thing.
You may well have been lucky and really bought a champ but you need to check out the standard of your dog with the published one from the Kennel Club and visit a few dog shows at championship level and look objectively at the dogs there. If your dog looks to be a good comparison then by all means look for training and give showing a try. Hopefully you will get talking to breeder/exhibitors and if your dog /bitch is good enough you will receive expert advice from someone who can match up pedigrees and help you in the future.
Unfortunately, more often than not, your dog falls short of the ideal dog and you must consider the possibility of castration /spaying. For a pet this is a good idea because bitches bleed sometimes profusely every 6 months while in season. Its hard to keep the house free from staining and unwanted attention from stray males. This makes life a constant worry for the 3 weeks the season takes to run its course on average. Male dogs as they mature can become sexually active increasing their aggressive tendencies and some make a real nuisance of themselves mounting things, cushions, and legs and worst of all pinning small children to the ground.
Mistakenly we are often told that the bitch should have one litter to fulfil her or the dogs needs to have a go at mating. This is actually quite cruel as what they have never had they never miss no dog should start being studded occasionally and if you were to investigate your breed you would find there is a vast choice of show winning males all active at stud! Bitches do enjoy a litter at first but grow very tired of the constant care puppies need and as they develop teeth like needles the pleasure they get feeding those babies disappears fast and is avoided and met with growls if they come too near .
Financially having a litter of puppies is all too often exhorbitant. The more expensive breeds that need constant care and veterinary treatment are unlikely to bring in much, if any profit. The cost of an emergency C. Section due to a stuck puppy can happen to any breed and is averaging from £250 (500 US) to £400 (1500 US) depending on where you live. The easier breeds to rear are in plentiful supply as puppy farmers churn them out and the price is low compared to the cost of a well reared puppy , correct feeding ,worming and vaccinating can be very expensive and this is without counting the time spent by the owner. Parting with the cuties is hard too but they grow extremely fast and that vunerable phase goes by fast !
If you don't have your bitch spayed you may encounter a condition called Pyrometra. It is very serious, common in older bitches who have not been bred from and is life threatening. A heavy thirst about 6 weeks after their season is often the only clue and many bitches die from this before the vet can perform an emergency womb removal.
In Entire males urine marking can be a nuisance and if the dog has been castrated before becoming sexually mature this trait can be curbed. It is thought to reduce this behaviour by up to 80% Also the stronger smell of this is diminished by the castration.
If you consider all of the above and still find you have a stunning specimen that has much to offer the breed you will find people asking to use the dog for stud or have a puppy from you. If this is the case you will soon become hooked on the show world. It is exciting to win with something you bred yourself ! however do think about the vast number of less than perfect dogs that end up in breed rescues or worse still the local dogs home on the 7 days to rehome.
This article was written for the Central School of Dog Training ,Braintree,it is not breed specific to bulldogs.
When you get him home and start walking outside many people may tell you what a lovely dog you have and that you should show him or her. This may start you thinking that of course you must breed this wonderful specimen and as he/she grows you think this is the natural thing.
You may well have been lucky and really bought a champ but you need to check out the standard of your dog with the published one from the Kennel Club and visit a few dog shows at championship level and look objectively at the dogs there. If your dog looks to be a good comparison then by all means look for training and give showing a try. Hopefully you will get talking to breeder/exhibitors and if your dog /bitch is good enough you will receive expert advice from someone who can match up pedigrees and help you in the future.
Unfortunately, more often than not, your dog falls short of the ideal dog and you must consider the possibility of castration /spaying. For a pet this is a good idea because bitches bleed sometimes profusely every 6 months while in season. Its hard to keep the house free from staining and unwanted attention from stray males. This makes life a constant worry for the 3 weeks the season takes to run its course on average. Male dogs as they mature can become sexually active increasing their aggressive tendencies and some make a real nuisance of themselves mounting things, cushions, and legs and worst of all pinning small children to the ground.
Mistakenly we are often told that the bitch should have one litter to fulfil her or the dogs needs to have a go at mating. This is actually quite cruel as what they have never had they never miss no dog should start being studded occasionally and if you were to investigate your breed you would find there is a vast choice of show winning males all active at stud! Bitches do enjoy a litter at first but grow very tired of the constant care puppies need and as they develop teeth like needles the pleasure they get feeding those babies disappears fast and is avoided and met with growls if they come too near .
Financially having a litter of puppies is all too often exhorbitant. The more expensive breeds that need constant care and veterinary treatment are unlikely to bring in much, if any profit. The cost of an emergency C. Section due to a stuck puppy can happen to any breed and is averaging from £250 (500 US) to £400 (1500 US) depending on where you live. The easier breeds to rear are in plentiful supply as puppy farmers churn them out and the price is low compared to the cost of a well reared puppy , correct feeding ,worming and vaccinating can be very expensive and this is without counting the time spent by the owner. Parting with the cuties is hard too but they grow extremely fast and that vunerable phase goes by fast !
If you don't have your bitch spayed you may encounter a condition called Pyrometra. It is very serious, common in older bitches who have not been bred from and is life threatening. A heavy thirst about 6 weeks after their season is often the only clue and many bitches die from this before the vet can perform an emergency womb removal.
In Entire males urine marking can be a nuisance and if the dog has been castrated before becoming sexually mature this trait can be curbed. It is thought to reduce this behaviour by up to 80% Also the stronger smell of this is diminished by the castration.
If you consider all of the above and still find you have a stunning specimen that has much to offer the breed you will find people asking to use the dog for stud or have a puppy from you. If this is the case you will soon become hooked on the show world. It is exciting to win with something you bred yourself ! however do think about the vast number of less than perfect dogs that end up in breed rescues or worse still the local dogs home on the 7 days to rehome.
This article was written for the Central School of Dog Training ,Braintree,it is not breed specific to bulldogs.
What is the Breed Standard
The best
places on the net to get information about the
Bulldog breed standard are:
The
Bulldog Club of America
UK
Standard
The
Bulldog Club of AmericaUK
Standard