British Bulldog - Anything I need to know?
Discussion
My wife and I are considering getting a dog and have always fancied a Bulldog. We think we've found one with a good KC Registered Breeder with a good family line that's already been crate trained and is 16 weeks old.
Looking after him isn't going to be a problem but I wondered whether there was anything specific to the breed which we need to know about?
Does anyone have one, and if so, can you offer any insight?
The breeder may potentially discount the dog on the basis that she wants to "borrow" him back every now and again for breeding purposes. I'm not so keen on that idea if I'm honest as I don't like to be held to any kind of deal which we may not be able, or want, to fulfil. Is this kind of an offer/deal normal?
Thanks all.
Looking after him isn't going to be a problem but I wondered whether there was anything specific to the breed which we need to know about?
Does anyone have one, and if so, can you offer any insight?
The breeder may potentially discount the dog on the basis that she wants to "borrow" him back every now and again for breeding purposes. I'm not so keen on that idea if I'm honest as I don't like to be held to any kind of deal which we may not be able, or want, to fulfil. Is this kind of an offer/deal normal?
Thanks all.
Just make sure you properly research the breed and the line that the pups from. KC does not guarantee best breeding unfortunately.
16 weeks is quite old. Ideally you want a pup from 8 weeks, unless they have had it vaccinated for a while and have been taking it out and socialising it. Socialising and introducing to new things needs to get going between 7-14/16 weeks after that the window starts to close and can lead to nervous, wary pup (not always though)
You probably know some health issues, skin,cherry eye, respiratory issues (hopefully the pup isn't a really flat faced one), tail issues if the tail has too tight a twist in it and they will overheat easily. This makes pet insurance high but I would never ever not have it with a breed like a bulldog.
They can be lazy and stubborn but they are also so much fun
. Used to see lots at my last practice because my boss had a rescue one, nearly all that we saw had the best of nature's but we did see some on a far too regular a basis due to health issues unfortunately.
Good luck with it all, maybe we will see some pics soon.
16 weeks is quite old. Ideally you want a pup from 8 weeks, unless they have had it vaccinated for a while and have been taking it out and socialising it. Socialising and introducing to new things needs to get going between 7-14/16 weeks after that the window starts to close and can lead to nervous, wary pup (not always though)
You probably know some health issues, skin,cherry eye, respiratory issues (hopefully the pup isn't a really flat faced one), tail issues if the tail has too tight a twist in it and they will overheat easily. This makes pet insurance high but I would never ever not have it with a breed like a bulldog.
They can be lazy and stubborn but they are also so much fun
. Used to see lots at my last practice because my boss had a rescue one, nearly all that we saw had the best of nature's but we did see some on a far too regular a basis due to health issues unfortunately.Good luck with it all, maybe we will see some pics soon.
I would head over to the Bulldog Rescue site. They are a wealth of info on the breed and the potential health problems. They also recommend "bully" friendly and capable Vets. Many seem to believe they are overweight when experienced owners don't. They seem to have varied personalities. Some are stubborn as mules and very Lazy, others very energetic and mischievous. Oh and watch out for Dave and Bob.
Noted re the stud thing so thanks for that.
In terms of the other issues, yes it's been fully socialised, vaccinated etc and has a really outgoing and fun personality. I know this as my friend "borrowed" it last weekend to see if their current dog would cope with it as they fancied it as well. Their dog didn't cope well at all so they haven't been able to go through with the purchase and he's still looking for a home.
It's not got a very flat face at all so breathing is fine and the parents don't have any health issues as far as I know.
I've done quite a lot of research myself but just wondered if anyone had first hand experience with the breed.
In terms of the other issues, yes it's been fully socialised, vaccinated etc and has a really outgoing and fun personality. I know this as my friend "borrowed" it last weekend to see if their current dog would cope with it as they fancied it as well. Their dog didn't cope well at all so they haven't been able to go through with the purchase and he's still looking for a home.
It's not got a very flat face at all so breathing is fine and the parents don't have any health issues as far as I know.
I've done quite a lot of research myself but just wondered if anyone had first hand experience with the breed.
telecat said:
I would head over to the Bulldog Rescue site. They are a wealth of info on the breed and the potential health problems. They also recommend "bully" friendly and capable Vets. Many seem to believe they are overweight when experienced owners don't. They seem to have varied personalities. Some are stubborn as mules and very Lazy, others very energetic and mischievous. Oh and watch out for Dave and Bob.
Dave and Bob......??I'm intrigued now!
Nezquick said:
Noted re the stud thing so thanks for that.
I should add that we do it because we have health tested parents and have a numerically small breed. Therefore if there is a good example, it is helpful to the breed to be able to use it. Also the stud fee would go to the owner of the dog, not us i.e. we make no profit and if needs be we would collect the male and deliver him back again. Jasandjules said:
Nezquick said:
Noted re the stud thing so thanks for that.
I should add that we do it because we have health tested parents and have a numerically small breed. Therefore if there is a good example, it is helpful to the breed to be able to use it. Also the stud fee would go to the owner of the dog, not us i.e. we make no profit and if needs be we would collect the male and deliver him back again. In that case i'd have no real issue with giving him back a few times to stud but I think we'd need to be clear as to the number of occasions the breeder can do this and re the fees. What they're proposing (I believe) is a rather large discount on the dog now and then they keep any stud fee, which also works for me.
OK, my family have had them since the 50s, mine (oh! such a short-lived breed!) is 12.5 years old.
Most of the advice above is sound. Just for the record we have never had insurance and have so far over seven dogs not had many occasions to regret it. Bosley has probably cost us £1,500 in vets bills, including annual jabs and testicular cancer!
Pros:
Excellent temperament. We have had a couple of dogs that were aggressive to other dogs, but by an large they have been soft as butter. The main thing you have to worry about is that they don't know their own strength, particularly of their bite. They love kids but you do have to watch that this boisterousness doesn't get out of hand. I suggest only buying them soft furry toys as tug toys bring the worse out in them. On the other hand they are very, very affectionate. You haven't lived until you've been cuddled by a bulldog. They are also natural clowns - they definitely have a sense of humour and will act up seemingly to get a laugh out of you.
Happy to be left alone. We have left Bosley alone all day in the week for his whole life. He is utterly unfazed by this, in fact seems slightly irritable if we are at home for a week.
Exercise. They hate it and don't need much! They will tolerate being walked up to about a mile for a brief window up until the age of about five/six then rapidly lose interest. Boredom with familiar walks sets in.
Cons:
They do not like getting out of breath in hot weather - just don't take them out on hot days.
Training: you can train them to sit, stay, etc., that's about it. Contrary to myth, they are highly intelligent, the problem is, when the training treats stop, so do they.
They are very stubborn indeed. Do not attempt to make them do something they don't want to/go where they don't want to go/etc. It simply will not work.
Health issues. Other than the breathing difficult in hot weather, yes, they get cherry eye, but it's no big deal, about a £150 op to remedy. They seem prone to skin complaints (in folds and inside ears especially), but on the plus side don't need much grooming or bathing. Some of ours have had rather delicate digestions. Bosley gets dry biscuits only, as tinned food goes through him in a way I won't dwell on.
They don't like the cold either - they suffer a noticeable decline in mood in the winter, and don't enjoy being boarded in outdoor kennels.
Finally, get one, but only if you are prepared to never own another species of dog. We will never buy another breed. Bulldogs are not dogs. They are a hybrid of teddy bear and pig. Bear that in mind and you'll be fine.
Most of the advice above is sound. Just for the record we have never had insurance and have so far over seven dogs not had many occasions to regret it. Bosley has probably cost us £1,500 in vets bills, including annual jabs and testicular cancer!
Pros:
Excellent temperament. We have had a couple of dogs that were aggressive to other dogs, but by an large they have been soft as butter. The main thing you have to worry about is that they don't know their own strength, particularly of their bite. They love kids but you do have to watch that this boisterousness doesn't get out of hand. I suggest only buying them soft furry toys as tug toys bring the worse out in them. On the other hand they are very, very affectionate. You haven't lived until you've been cuddled by a bulldog. They are also natural clowns - they definitely have a sense of humour and will act up seemingly to get a laugh out of you.
Happy to be left alone. We have left Bosley alone all day in the week for his whole life. He is utterly unfazed by this, in fact seems slightly irritable if we are at home for a week.
Exercise. They hate it and don't need much! They will tolerate being walked up to about a mile for a brief window up until the age of about five/six then rapidly lose interest. Boredom with familiar walks sets in.
Cons:
They do not like getting out of breath in hot weather - just don't take them out on hot days.
Training: you can train them to sit, stay, etc., that's about it. Contrary to myth, they are highly intelligent, the problem is, when the training treats stop, so do they.
They are very stubborn indeed. Do not attempt to make them do something they don't want to/go where they don't want to go/etc. It simply will not work.
Health issues. Other than the breathing difficult in hot weather, yes, they get cherry eye, but it's no big deal, about a £150 op to remedy. They seem prone to skin complaints (in folds and inside ears especially), but on the plus side don't need much grooming or bathing. Some of ours have had rather delicate digestions. Bosley gets dry biscuits only, as tinned food goes through him in a way I won't dwell on.
They don't like the cold either - they suffer a noticeable decline in mood in the winter, and don't enjoy being boarded in outdoor kennels.
Finally, get one, but only if you are prepared to never own another species of dog. We will never buy another breed. Bulldogs are not dogs. They are a hybrid of teddy bear and pig. Bear that in mind and you'll be fine.
Johnnytheboy said:
OK, my family have had them since the 50s, mine (oh! such a short-lived breed!) is 12.5 years old.
Most of the advice above is sound. Just for the record we have never had insurance and have so far over seven dogs not had many occasions to regret it. Bosley has probably cost us £1,500 in vets bills, including annual jabs and testicular cancer!
Pros:
Excellent temperament. We have had a couple of dogs that were aggressive to other dogs, but by an large they have been soft as butter. The main thing you have to worry about is that they don't know their own strength, particularly of their bite. They love kids but you do have to watch that this boisterousness doesn't get out of hand. I suggest only buying them soft furry toys as tug toys bring the worse out in them. On the other hand they are very, very affectionate. You haven't lived until you've been cuddled by a bulldog. They are also natural clowns - they definitely have a sense of humour and will act up seemingly to get a laugh out of you.
Happy to be left alone. We have left Bosley alone all day in the week for his whole life. He is utterly unfazed by this, in fact seems slightly irritable if we are at home for a week.
Exercise. They hate it and don't need much! They will tolerate being walked up to about a mile for a brief window up until the age of about five/six then rapidly lose interest. Boredom with familiar walks sets in.
Cons:
They do not like getting out of breath in hot weather - just don't take them out on hot days.
Training: you can train them to sit, stay, etc., that's about it. Contrary to myth, they are highly intelligent, the problem is, when the training treats stop, so do they.
They are very stubborn indeed. Do not attempt to make them do something they don't want to/go where they don't want to go/etc. It simply will not work.
Health issues. Other than the breathing difficult in hot weather, yes, they get cherry eye, but it's no big deal, about a £150 op to remedy. They seem prone to skin complaints (in folds and inside ears especially), but on the plus side don't need much grooming or bathing. Some of ours have had rather delicate digestions. Bosley gets dry biscuits only, as tinned food goes through him in a way I won't dwell on.
They don't like the cold either - they suffer a noticeable decline in mood in the winter, and don't enjoy being boarded in outdoor kennels.
Finally, get one, but only if you are prepared to never own another species of dog. We will never buy another breed. Bulldogs are not dogs. They are a hybrid of teddy bear and pig. Bear that in mind and you'll be fine.
Ha ha - excellent. Most of the advice above is sound. Just for the record we have never had insurance and have so far over seven dogs not had many occasions to regret it. Bosley has probably cost us £1,500 in vets bills, including annual jabs and testicular cancer!
Pros:
Excellent temperament. We have had a couple of dogs that were aggressive to other dogs, but by an large they have been soft as butter. The main thing you have to worry about is that they don't know their own strength, particularly of their bite. They love kids but you do have to watch that this boisterousness doesn't get out of hand. I suggest only buying them soft furry toys as tug toys bring the worse out in them. On the other hand they are very, very affectionate. You haven't lived until you've been cuddled by a bulldog. They are also natural clowns - they definitely have a sense of humour and will act up seemingly to get a laugh out of you.
Happy to be left alone. We have left Bosley alone all day in the week for his whole life. He is utterly unfazed by this, in fact seems slightly irritable if we are at home for a week.
Exercise. They hate it and don't need much! They will tolerate being walked up to about a mile for a brief window up until the age of about five/six then rapidly lose interest. Boredom with familiar walks sets in.
Cons:
They do not like getting out of breath in hot weather - just don't take them out on hot days.
Training: you can train them to sit, stay, etc., that's about it. Contrary to myth, they are highly intelligent, the problem is, when the training treats stop, so do they.
They are very stubborn indeed. Do not attempt to make them do something they don't want to/go where they don't want to go/etc. It simply will not work.
Health issues. Other than the breathing difficult in hot weather, yes, they get cherry eye, but it's no big deal, about a £150 op to remedy. They seem prone to skin complaints (in folds and inside ears especially), but on the plus side don't need much grooming or bathing. Some of ours have had rather delicate digestions. Bosley gets dry biscuits only, as tinned food goes through him in a way I won't dwell on.
They don't like the cold either - they suffer a noticeable decline in mood in the winter, and don't enjoy being boarded in outdoor kennels.
Finally, get one, but only if you are prepared to never own another species of dog. We will never buy another breed. Bulldogs are not dogs. They are a hybrid of teddy bear and pig. Bear that in mind and you'll be fine.
Everything you've said is what I've read online. The stubbornness, personality and quirks are exactly the reasons we want one. And you don't see too many of them around.
Thanks for the info - very enlightening.
Great comments, my bosses bulldog matchsd so many of those descriptions 
very sadly he got an horrendous mouth tumour when he was 11. The only thing I'd disagree with is the cherry eye procedure comment!
Fixing them can be fiddly and they should always be fixed,never removed, anaesthetics on bullies carry more risk than most due to their extreme brachycephalia. Anyone who treats a bullie GA without extreme caution does not appreciate these risks (I do, I have done many bulldog anaesthetics over the years and their lack of patent airway pre and post intubation is no fun, ever!!)
Not breeding from those who have had them would be a great start to reducing their occurence and definitely something that potential owners should ask a breeder about.
very sadly he got an horrendous mouth tumour when he was 11. The only thing I'd disagree with is the cherry eye procedure comment!Fixing them can be fiddly and they should always be fixed,never removed, anaesthetics on bullies carry more risk than most due to their extreme brachycephalia. Anyone who treats a bullie GA without extreme caution does not appreciate these risks (I do, I have done many bulldog anaesthetics over the years and their lack of patent airway pre and post intubation is no fun, ever!!)
Not breeding from those who have had them would be a great start to reducing their occurence and definitely something that potential owners should ask a breeder about.
bexVN said:
Fixing them can be fiddly and they should always be fixed,never removed, anaesthetics on bullies carry more risk than most due to their extreme brachycephalia. Anyone who treats a bullie GA without extreme caution does not appreciate these risks (I do, I have done many bulldog anaesthetics over the years and their lack of patent airway pre and post intubation is no fun, ever!!)
I think they changed the procedure for cherry eye between my parents' last one and mine.You are right about GA, Bosley going under to be castrated aged nine was an anxious day.
Johnnytheboy said:
bexVN said:
Fixing them can be fiddly and they should always be fixed,never removed, anaesthetics on bullies carry more risk than most due to their extreme brachycephalia. Anyone who treats a bullie GA without extreme caution does not appreciate these risks (I do, I have done many bulldog anaesthetics over the years and their lack of patent airway pre and post intubation is no fun, ever!!)
I think they changed the procedure for cherry eye between my parents' last one and mine.You are right about GA, Bosley going under to be castrated aged nine was an anxious day.
Yes, yrs ago, the gland would be removed, that is a huge no no these days (and why I mentioned that), surgery takes longer and there is a chance it can fail but a successful procedure is so much better for the long term care of the eye
.Bulldogs are the best!! I did have 2 but unfortunately lost 1 in March who I adopted and completely underestimated the problems he had so I have had quite a lot of experience with the Heath problems! Definatly do your research on the family history, mykc.com is a great site for finding this out and you can also see if the pups/parents have been health checked etc!
There is also a Bulldog 'God' in Birmingham which most bully owners travel miles for as its not worth going to any old vet, even the 'bulldog specialist' nearest to me didn't seem to know what he was on about! Luckily with my other she is full of health so very rarely have to visit the vets but I wouldn't think twice about booking her in with Tom Bingham the bulldog God!
Bob and Dave with melt your heart and I'm pretty sure you'll find it hard not to take one on after watching their vids!! The bulldog rehoming and rescue page on Fb is a must, so much Info on there and the admin are fab for advice, lastly the best advice I can give is to buy the bulldog bible from the rescue online, there is pretty much all the info you need in there!!!
Ps my dad said they fart and snore for England-!!
There is also a Bulldog 'God' in Birmingham which most bully owners travel miles for as its not worth going to any old vet, even the 'bulldog specialist' nearest to me didn't seem to know what he was on about! Luckily with my other she is full of health so very rarely have to visit the vets but I wouldn't think twice about booking her in with Tom Bingham the bulldog God!
Bob and Dave with melt your heart and I'm pretty sure you'll find it hard not to take one on after watching their vids!! The bulldog rehoming and rescue page on Fb is a must, so much Info on there and the admin are fab for advice, lastly the best advice I can give is to buy the bulldog bible from the rescue online, there is pretty much all the info you need in there!!!
Ps my dad said they fart and snore for England-!!
Lovely dogs.
I once came upon a range of breed-specific dog foods, which had breed name, and then why it was tailored to their needs, e.g. "LABRADOR - eases joint pain".
The Bulldog one was subtitled "controls flatulence".
Dislip2001 said:
Ps my dad said they fart and snore for England-!!
Oh yes. Though mine is very mild snorer. I once came upon a range of breed-specific dog foods, which had breed name, and then why it was tailored to their needs, e.g. "LABRADOR - eases joint pain".
The Bulldog one was subtitled "controls flatulence".
Update.
We went to see him today and whilst he was a truly stunning dog, something just didn't feel 'right' from my point of view, so we walked away. It wasn't the dog or the owner/breeder, just me and how I felt about it.
Shame but I'd rather walk away as opposed to buying him when I wasn't 100% on him.
Thanks for all the help.
We went to see him today and whilst he was a truly stunning dog, something just didn't feel 'right' from my point of view, so we walked away. It wasn't the dog or the owner/breeder, just me and how I felt about it.
Shame but I'd rather walk away as opposed to buying him when I wasn't 100% on him.
Thanks for all the help.
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