When looking for that perfect puppy, make sure to take the time and check out everything from your breeder. They should be willing to offer you advise and answer any questions you have. Tell the breeder you want to know about the puppies parents and pedigree.
Remember that Bulldogs and heat do not mix well so make your Bully an inside dog and see to it he has all his new toys, crate,collar and anything else he needs ready for him.
Did you know that the AKC registers over 140 dog breeds and that the Bulldog has been in the top 40 every year? In the past 25 years (1973 thru 1998), there were 234,600 Bulldogs registered with the AKC. In 1973, there were 6,608 registered compared to the #1 registered breed of that year (the Poodle) with 28,899 registered. In 1998 there were 13,836 Bulldogs registered compared to 157,936 Labrador Retrievers in the same year.
When getting food bowls for your bullie, invest in solid heavy duty stainless steel bowls. They can be cleaned easily, and provide a much better feeding and watering system than plastic.
Bulldogs get along great with other pets and children as a general rule. They enjoy a soft couch and a belly rub, love and attention. Bulldogs have a gentle beauty in them and I know of no other breed that can offer the love and devotion that a Bulldog can. Bulldog owners are special people who really are concerned about this breed and its future.
You should consider joining the Bulldog Club of America and your local Bulldog club as well. They can help you in locating a good Bulldog vet which is very important. Bulldogs need a vet who has expertise with this breed to safely meet their needs.
Get a good Bulldog book or two and start reading about the breed as there are many great books out there that are an asset to read and own.
Bulldogs belong to the AKC's non-sporting group and are considered to be the best breed for the all around family dog. There is only one Bulldog sometimes referred to as the (English) bulldog, but their AKC name is just BULLDOG.
Puppies should be sold on a contract that benefits and protects seller and buyer and ensures that the breeder/seller will be contacted if at any time within the dog's life the owner can no longer keep the dog. Breeders should provide buyers with written instructions for the feeding and general care of their puppy, and with a schedule of dates and types of innoculations and worming received.
Your new puppy should be at least 8 weeks old before going to his new home. The breeder may require a deposit to hold him but you should not hand a puppy before he is 8 weeks old.
Bulldogs, unlike some breeds, have no cosmetic surgery done such as ear cropping and tail docking. It is not uncommon for show breeders to glue the ears of puppies. This assists the ears in developing the proper crease and the desired "rose" appearance. Glueing should only be done under supervision of those with experience.
Consider getting a microchip implanted in your dog and registering it so permanent identification can be made of your dog in case it gets out or lost.
Bulldogs need a little daily grooming but not much. A brushing, cleaning their wrinkles, and many kisses will do the trick.....
A final note: Bulldogs require that you give them attention and love as they are a very social breed and need special care and love. "Sourmugs" will repay you with love 100 times what you give and that's a great feeling.
