After many months of researching and about these loveable dogs, I think I'm finally ready to take the plunge and purchase one. Just wondering if any Terb members are bulldog owners that could offer some advice or tips on these great dogs. Thanks!
Anyone own an English Bulldog?
- Thread starter Love Technician
- Start date
Yes I do know something about them. They cost $2500, they snore and are prone to respiratory problems so you need to get pet insurance.
I want one too. They are sooooo cute. I met one last summer at the Fenlen Falls fair. He was 6 months old and his name was Hank. I fell in love with him and have wanted one ever since.
If I get a girl then I think I will call her Harriet and if I get a boy I think I will all him Norton.
I want one too. They are sooooo cute. I met one last summer at the Fenlen Falls fair. He was 6 months old and his name was Hank. I fell in love with him and have wanted one ever since.
If I get a girl then I think I will call her Harriet and if I get a boy I think I will all him Norton.
Bull Dogs great pets. Downsides: respiratory problems, back problems, back leg problems, need cleaning on a regular basis, quite expensive, and they tend to be overbred, shorter life span than other breeds. Up side: Very warm and cuddly animals, very loyal, very friendly, child friendly, love to play especially using thier jaws and mouth holding onto a rag or object and towing them around the room. Hope this helps.
Just do a Google search for English Bulldog ...
I saw an English Bulldog puppy in a pet store and wanted to bring him home .. I was going to call him "Grumpy" ..
http://bulldogbreeds.com/breeders/pics/thebulldogexchange.jpg
I saw an English Bulldog puppy in a pet store and wanted to bring him home .. I was going to call him "Grumpy" ..
http://bulldogbreeds.com/breeders/pics/thebulldogexchange.jpg
today toronto star
I too love Bullies. Instead of getting 1 bullie I have 2 male pug (my boyz). Today in the Toronto Star there is an ad for a 41/2 month Female $1500. If some picks her up please let me know. If I see that ad there much longer I'll have to make her mine
Kasey
I too love Bullies. Instead of getting 1 bullie I have 2 male pug (my boyz). Today in the Toronto Star there is an ad for a 41/2 month Female $1500. If some picks her up please let me know. If I see that ad there much longer I'll have to make her mine
Kasey
Pet insurance doesn't cover Bulldogs, I'm afraid.miss lake said:
In addition to respiratory problems, Bulldogs have a raft of other issues to worry about::
* tracheal and palate related problems (part of Heather's mention of respiratory issues)
* dermatitis and mange
* eye problems (cherry eye, inverted lids, corneal ulcers, etc)
* heart defects
* joint and hip defects
If possible, you're going to want to look for a breeder who is doing health screenings - OFA hips and heart, eye clearances, etc. Look for someone with a moderate, balanced breeding program - not someone over emphasizing 'huge' dogs, or 'gigantic' heads.
I love Bulldogs (they're just Bulldogs, btw - not 'English' Bulldogs), but they are rampant with health problems. I've been a member of the BCA for 10 years, but I doubt I'll ever own another Bullie, simply due to the devestating health problems I've encountered, even in dogs I've done rigorous research on. It's heartbreaking, because Bulldogs truly are one of the most loyal, loving, devoted dog breeds I've ever known.
There are a select few breeders in SoCal who are doing incredible work on hard core health clearances and stringent selection of genetically clear dogs for their breeding programs - but they have a five or more year waiting list for pups, and their dogs are less like the show ring examples you might be used to seeing.
Let me know if you'd like some research related links.
Morgan
Flower said:
Oh, jeez! No no no no no no!
Please don't ever, ever, ever buy from a pet store. EVER. Did I mention Never?
Pet stores are supplied by the utter bottom of the food chain - the puppy mills and the ignorant. No responsible breeder is going to allow their pups to be sold in a manner which precludes their being able to keep in contact for the life of the pet. Responsible breeders offer a genetic gaurantee, counselling, advice, support, a life time 'take back' promise if for any reason you can't keep your pet, and have a vested interest in the health and welfare of the pups they sell.
A well bred pup from an experienced, conscientious breeder doing health testing and offering the above gaurantees will usually cost you less than a pet store puppy.
I have done mill rescue, and I'm still traumatized from what I've seen and experienced. I've also done breed rescue for most of my life, and can tell you that 80% of what we take in was originally purchased in pet stores. The combination of a high maintenance, genetically unsound breed and impulse purchasing is never a good thing.
Do your research on the net. Visit some breeders, if possible. Ask to meet the parents (dad will, in a large number of cases, be an outside stud dog). Ask to see proof of testing, and showing. Look for breeders doing a combination of breed ring showing, CGC titling (obedience titled Bullies are rare, but do exist) and genetic testing. Be prepared to wait - good breeders have small numbers of litters, and long waiting lists. Be prepared to be interviewed yourself - you're not just 'deciding' if you want to buy a dog from them - they're deciding if they want to sell one to you.
You're spending a lot of money on a dog that can cost you thousands in vet care if you don't put effort into research. This isn't the time to grab the first pup that comes along.
Morgan
I had a Bulldog for a number of years, and I also agree with Morgan. Don't ever purchas a pet from a pet store, instead go to a reputable breeder. On top of the other things that have been mentioned, bulldogs are prone to bloat, a form of gas common to all large breeds that can be fatal. Bulldogs do not do well in extreme temperatures, especially heat. You can't leave one of these dogs outside all day.
The wrinkles in their face can become easily chaffed and infected, you must clean them daily and apply Penatin lotion on occasion. Their tail also sticks very close to their bum, and quite often you have to wipe their asses unless you want little shit stains all over your furniture. Feeding the BARF diet greatly reduces the chances of a medical problem, though it is a hassle, really look into it as it is very worthwhile.
Bulldogs are also notoriously stubborn. Training does not come easily, it takes a lot of time and effort. This breed requires a lot of attention, perhaps more than any other breed I can think of. I loved my dog, but I will never ever get another bulldog. Don't let me change your mind, they are great dogs, just make sure you know what you are getting into.
Enjoy your new dog, may it bring you many years of happiness.
The wrinkles in their face can become easily chaffed and infected, you must clean them daily and apply Penatin lotion on occasion. Their tail also sticks very close to their bum, and quite often you have to wipe their asses unless you want little shit stains all over your furniture. Feeding the BARF diet greatly reduces the chances of a medical problem, though it is a hassle, really look into it as it is very worthwhile.
Bulldogs are also notoriously stubborn. Training does not come easily, it takes a lot of time and effort. This breed requires a lot of attention, perhaps more than any other breed I can think of. I loved my dog, but I will never ever get another bulldog. Don't let me change your mind, they are great dogs, just make sure you know what you are getting into.
Enjoy your new dog, may it bring you many years of happiness.
I hear you. Bullies are my third favorite breed, and the last breed I'd ever own another one of.
The one exception would be a pup from a breeder whom I really respect who's in Cali. She's on her fifth generation of hip/heart/spine/eye cleared breeding stock, with an emphasis on better breathing. Ironically enough, she's been osctracized from most of the show community because she's concentrating on a more moderate dog that techincally doesn't fit some of the points on the breed standard.
Morgan
Morgan, what about ...
the Humane Society as a place to acquire a new pet?
I'm not a dog person, and I got my cat from a litter of the pet of an office mate, but I know plenty of people that have either gone to River Street or, in California, my aunt selected from huge piles of adoption web sites.
(I'm just sucking up here, but I think this info is in the middle of pet stores and breeders, No?)
the Humane Society as a place to acquire a new pet?
I'm not a dog person, and I got my cat from a litter of the pet of an office mate, but I know plenty of people that have either gone to River Street or, in California, my aunt selected from huge piles of adoption web sites.
(I'm just sucking up here, but I think this info is in the middle of pet stores and breeders, No?)
I think the humane society or adoption agencies are wonderful places to find dogs. I have gotten 3 of my dogs through adoption agencies, my Bulldog, my American Bulldog, and a Dogue de Bordeaux. Two of these dogs were brought in from the USA. Keep in mind that a lot of adopted doge can have "issues". My Bulldog was never housebroken, my American Bulldog had huge seperation issues, and my Bordeaux started off with dog aggression problems. In all cases the problems were reversable but it did take a huge amount of time and effort.
One of the reasons so many dogs are in the pound is that people do not realize the amount of work that animals take. They take home a cute little puppy, become upset when it pees in the house, chews the furniture etc., and they have no idea how to resolve these problems. The result: a big oaf of a dog with no manners that stresses out the owner. It is definately easier to bring the dog to the pound than to correct the issues.
Wherever you get the dog from, make sure it is properly socialized and goes to obedience training - BY A QUALIFIED TRAINER. Yes it is expensive, yes you have to train at home several times a day, and yes your dog will still piss you off on occasion. To have an untrained dog is irresopnsible and dangerous, make no mistake a dog is an animal. Though they have been domesticated, they still have wild tendancies that will remain forever.
Choose a dog that matches your personality regardless of breed. Do not get a dalmation solely because your kids have seen 101 dalmations 101 times and really want one. All of my dogs are mellow laid back breeds because I am. If I had chosen a Border Collie I have no doubt it would have ended up in a pound by now because there is no way I have the kind of energy that breed demands. Just as a daily long distance runner is a bad match for a Bulldog or Mastiff.
A pet is a life long responsibility, so be wise and do research on what breed compliments your lifestyle.
Sorry I got a bit off topic here, yes you can get a wonderful animal from a shelter, especially if you do ont want to live through the puppy years. Remember though, before you choose your dog, do research. Look for things like: Do you have kids? Is the dog a natural protector? Common health problems. How much will it eat? What are the exercize requirements? How much grooming does it require?
Also, there is absolutely nothing wrong with a mutt. Sometimes it is a benefit to have two (or more) personalities and traits wrapped up in one little package. There is my 2 cents for the day.
Cheers.
One of the reasons so many dogs are in the pound is that people do not realize the amount of work that animals take. They take home a cute little puppy, become upset when it pees in the house, chews the furniture etc., and they have no idea how to resolve these problems. The result: a big oaf of a dog with no manners that stresses out the owner. It is definately easier to bring the dog to the pound than to correct the issues.
Wherever you get the dog from, make sure it is properly socialized and goes to obedience training - BY A QUALIFIED TRAINER. Yes it is expensive, yes you have to train at home several times a day, and yes your dog will still piss you off on occasion. To have an untrained dog is irresopnsible and dangerous, make no mistake a dog is an animal. Though they have been domesticated, they still have wild tendancies that will remain forever.
Choose a dog that matches your personality regardless of breed. Do not get a dalmation solely because your kids have seen 101 dalmations 101 times and really want one. All of my dogs are mellow laid back breeds because I am. If I had chosen a Border Collie I have no doubt it would have ended up in a pound by now because there is no way I have the kind of energy that breed demands. Just as a daily long distance runner is a bad match for a Bulldog or Mastiff.
A pet is a life long responsibility, so be wise and do research on what breed compliments your lifestyle.
Sorry I got a bit off topic here, yes you can get a wonderful animal from a shelter, especially if you do ont want to live through the puppy years. Remember though, before you choose your dog, do research. Look for things like: Do you have kids? Is the dog a natural protector? Common health problems. How much will it eat? What are the exercize requirements? How much grooming does it require?
Also, there is absolutely nothing wrong with a mutt. Sometimes it is a benefit to have two (or more) personalities and traits wrapped up in one little package. There is my 2 cents for the day.
Cheers.
I heartily recommend Adopt a Dog, Save a Pet. The woman who runs it, Grace Hall, has been doing it for over 20 years. She has a tremendous organization that makes sure that both you and the pet are well suited.
Getting an 'older' dog is a crap shoot...you never really know what kind of life the dog had and what kind of training when it was a pup....but rescuing a dog is so very rewarding, for both the dog and you.
The one we rescued last year has turned out to be fabulous...but it took several months for him to settle in and really relax and feel that he is now home. In fact, we noticed in just the last month that he has begun to wag his tail when he sees you and when you talk to him. Before then we just assumed he wasn't a wagger!
It takes awhile for them to settle in...worth the time and effort.
Getting an 'older' dog is a crap shoot...you never really know what kind of life the dog had and what kind of training when it was a pup....but rescuing a dog is so very rewarding, for both the dog and you.
The one we rescued last year has turned out to be fabulous...but it took several months for him to settle in and really relax and feel that he is now home. In fact, we noticed in just the last month that he has begun to wag his tail when he sees you and when you talk to him. Before then we just assumed he wasn't a wagger!
It takes awhile for them to settle in...worth the time and effort.
If your looking for a loveable dog... the Pug is a great lap dog. Also the Greyhound makes a good companionLove Technician said:
This is a very good source, if you're not looking for one particular breed. The THS, for example, co operates with breed rescue. This means that if a dog of the breed that I look after for this area comes in to their facility, they contact us so that we can assist and/or remove the dog from the facility, since we have vets willing to do pro bono work, and a long list of screened and approved homes waiting to adopt.LeatherDoll said:
There are breed rescue groups within Canada and the US for almost every purebred dog and cat breed. You can't think of breed rescue, though, as a 'cheap' alternative to buying from a breeder. Rescues tend to be older dogs, often times with behavioural and/or health issues. This in no way precludes them from being excellent pets - it just means you're going to have to put a lot more time and effort into care and training. It's a wonderful choice for people who really do want to make the difference in the life of a dog that will repay you in spades.
- Morgan
