As a retired professional dog trainer and breeder, I have a tendency to notice what’s going on in the dog world in much more detail then the average dog owner or future dog owner. So when I see ads in the newspaper or online that read “Olde English Bulldog Puppy for Sale” I think to French bulldog puppies for adoption myself…”this is great, but how many of these owners are actually prepared for the task ahead?”
You see the problem with any breed of dog, especially English Bulldogs, is that they not only specific training that will compliment the breed exclusively, but that a trained eye is needed to pick the best pup to start with. Unlike many other larger and more popular breeds of dogs, you can’t just come up to an English Bulldog breeder and just pick up you’re new bulldog puppy. You have to know exactly what to look for and where to look for it, or you and you’re new puppy will pay the price in the long run.
This article is just a small glimpse of the knowledge you’ll need to acquire, and more research will have to take place after you’ve read this article, but it will be fun and easy research…I promise you that! Without further delay, here are some basic things that you need know and think about before you act on that new “Olde English Bulldog Puppy for Sale” ad:
When it comes to looking for bulldogs, the main topic that has to be on you’re mind is you’re future dogs past, current and future health. English bulldogs are great animals that make wonderful pets, but like most pure breed dogs, have a higher risk for many certain health problems. It is very important that before you act upon any ads or waste you’re time visiting a breeder, that you call ahead of time to verify the breeders reputation and the background of the both the puppies and their genetic bloodline. It would be best if you can find a line of certified pure breed champion bulldogs. The next step is to find out the health history of you’re puppy’s parents and siblings.
Another very important topic of discussion, and what that I almost never see anyone mention is the puppy’s initial behavior towards you and the other dogs, it is very important that you know what to look for when you see the pups in person. The English bulldog by nature is a very sweet dog that is extremely compassionate and very much a close companion to its human owners. However, it is this character trait that could lead to trouble from the get go. Depending on the puppy’s parents and the breeders personality, it can become too timid, compassionate, and too dependent on its owner. This trait, more then many others, proves to be the start of many behavioral problems in the future.
Last but absolutely not least, before you jump on yet another “Olde English Bulldog Puppy for Sale” ad, make sure you take a good hard look at who you are as an owner as well. The English bulldog makes for a wonderful pet, but like with any other breed of dog, the dog must and owner must match…in personality terms that is. The English bulldog is not a dog that will need lots of exercise or stimulation of a physical nature, it’s actually rather lazy in a sense, but it will need constant grooming and a bath every now and then. For most dog owners, this is a perfect match, for others, they want a dog that they can take on 5 mile trail runs with them everyday. If you’re someone who is very physically active and want to keep you’re dog with you at all times, then this might not be the perfect breed for you.
Remember, some more studying on you’re part as a future English Bulldog owner should be done, but it will be easy and fun research! There are many resources that can help you, but only a few good recommended ones. So before you once again jump on that “Olde English Bulldog Puppy for sale” ad…do you’re homework, I promise it will be worth every minute and dollar you put into it!
