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The Bulldog is very stubborn. Some behaviorists have said the breed is "stupid", but that's far from true. Yes, they can take long to train, but that's because they're stubborn...not stupid.
If you're looking for a swimming companion, a dog to go running with you, a retrieving dog, etc etc.....this is NOT the breed for you! They'd prefer to lay on the couch.
They do however need exercise. Just because the Bulldog is not built for endurance or hot weather, doesn't mean they can spend 24 hours a day, 7 days a week lying on the couch.
Bulldogs can suffer teribly in the heat and humidity. Air conditioning is a Bulldogs best friend.
If you're looking for a "guard dog" this is not the breed for you. Bulldogs are generally very sweet dogs. They're lovers, not fighters.
This is a very good dog with children. However, because of the rise in popularity bad breeding has declined the breeds "pacific and dignified" temperment. If and when you decide a Bulldog is the right breed for your family make sure you get the pup from a reputable breeder that doesn't have any aggression in his/her line. You must also remember that children can be rough with animals. You can't expect your Bulldog to just lay there while "Junior" hits and pulls on the Bulldog. As with any breed, children must be taught how to treat animals and parents must watch their children when around any animal, not just a Bulldog.
The Bulldog has a rather short life span, unfortunatly. The average life span is 8-10 years. Some dogs live past 10 and some don't reach 8. When you search for a puppy ask the breeders the life spans of the breeding stock in the pedigree.
Bulldogs are an expensive breed to buy and to maintain. Depending on your area, a Bulldog can range from 1,000-1,500. That's just the purchase price! As I said, they're also expensive to maintain.
Bulldogs generally have very dedicated owners. Are you ready to clean eye folds, under the tail, private areas (because sometimes the Bulldog has trouble cleaing itself), do you really want to mess with soaking Interdigital Cysts, putting vitamin E on dry noses? Those are just a few of some very basic things Bulldog owners must do.
Okay, you've done your research and you've decided to start talking to breeders. When I say "research" I mean do your research! It seems now days people put more effort into buying a kitchen appliance then a LIFE LONG COMPANION. When you purchase a dog it's a life time comitment.
I wouldn't advise purchasing a puppy over the internet. You have no idea what you're getting until you've already paid for it. Plus, when you purchase over the internet you're not able to SEE the dogs. Pictures can lie. I would also recommend staying away from news paper ads. Pet Shops are another "puppy source" to stay away from. When you purchase a pup at a Pet Shop you have no idea where this puppy came from.
First you should contact your local Bulldog Club. There's a link to the BCA (Bulldog Club of America)on the "links" page. From there you will be able to find contacts in your area. Someone will direct you to a local Bulldog Club. Attend some Bulldog Club meetings and shows.
When looking at puppies.......DON'T BUY THE FIRST PUPPY YOU SEE. Leave your check book and cash at home. Many people fall in love with the first pup they see......big mistake.
When you talk to breeders ask a lot of questions. Make sure you feel comfortable with him/her. That's very important. When you purchase a pup you should also be getting a breeder. If this is your first Bulldog...you'll have MANY questions. You're breeder should always be there to answer any of your questions. If you don't feel comfortable with that person you shouldn't buy a pup from them.
Okay, you've finally decided on a breeder. A lot of breeders have waiting lists for pups. So don't get discouraged.....you'll get a pup eventually.
QUESTIONS TO ASK BREEDERS (these are just a few to give you an idea)
1. Are your Puppies A.K.C. Registered?
2. Do you belong to a local Bulldog Club and the BCA?
3. How many litters have you raised?
4. How many litters has the bitch produced?
5. Do you show?
6. Any known health problems with the breeding stock?
7. Have you had health screenings done on the breeding stock?
8. How long have you been breeding Bulldogs?
9. Do you offer a health guarantee? If so, what kind?
10. Do you have a sales contract?
Once you've been owned by a Bulldog, you'll never go back!
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