How to find an English Bulldog

May 5, 9:10 AMChicago Dog Training ExaminerJennifer Nicole Hack

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So you want an English Bulldog?  Join the club.  Or more aptly, the waiting list.

Bulldogs are unique, amazing dogs who are full of character. Even the self-declared "not a dog person" cannot help but grin and coo at the sight of a Bulldog puppy, with its adorable smooshy face and stubby little wide-set legs. Recently, they have become a trendier breed, often featured in advertisements and owned by celebrities such as Adam Sandler, Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, Pink, and Ashlee Simpson. In L.A. Bulldogs are second in popularity only to Labradors. Back in '98 they were ranked as the 23rd most popular breed in American Kennel Club (AKC) registrations. Ten years later in ‘08 they jumped up to the 8th most popular AKC registered breed. I, myself realized how well loved they were while I was training a client’s Bulldog on the city sidewalk one day. Within 20 minutes, I had at least 4 or 5 people stop and ask to pet him, commenting on how cool he is and how handsome. I thought Hey, when I’m walking my own dogs (who are Belgian Malinois), I never get compliments! Bulldogs truly are something special.

But, tragically, popularity has its price. We know how true this can be... anyone remember in the 90’s when 101 Dalmatians came out? I’ll tell you it did nothing good for improving the breed! Non-reputable breeders, also known as "backyard breeders", as well as commercial breeders, aka "puppy mills" have taken advantage of the Bulldogs trendiness. They breed without a care for temperament, health, or improving the genetics of the dogs. These types of breeders typically have only one thing in mind, and that is profit. In fact, this breed is so sought-after that scammers create ads online for fictitious Bulldog puppies sent Cameroon if the buyer just wires them a “shipping fee”. In your quest to obtain a Bulldog, it is very important to be educated, prepared, and very choosey. It is not something to rush into impulsively. You also must honestly evaluate your lifestyle and situation in deciding if a Bulldog is for you.

The Breed at a Glance
The Bulldog is recognized by the American Kennel Club in the “non-sporting” group, along with other dogs that basically don’t fit in any other category. They are a medium-sized yet heavy dog with a stocky, muscular body weighing around 40-55 pounds. Charmingly, they walk with a rolling gate and have an undershot jaw. They come in all colors and have a naturally small tail which is often curved. They are not meant to be guard dogs- despite their tough-guy appearance they are usually quite docile. They have a kind, friendly, and willful personality, and many of them are good with children.
The official name of the breed is "Bulldog", not "English Bulldog" as they are commonly referred to as. The name “Bulldog” comes from the ancestors of all Bully breeds who were used for bull baiting sports. The old Bulldogs in the 1800s were taller, lighter boned, and highly athletic working dogs. The modern Bulldog, developed in Great Britain, is a non-working companion dog that has increased greatly in popularity.
Like many purebred dogs bred for extreme looks, the Bulldog is susceptible to many health issues. The Bulldog Club of America's website lists over 50 diseases and conditions that can affect the Bulldog. There are also lists of veterinarians who specialize in Bulldogs and treating the health issues they can have. They are susceptible to breathing issues due to their shortness of muzzle and an elongated soft palate. It also causes their characteristic snoring and snorting. They can be at risk for hip dysplasia, dermatitis, and eye problems. They have an average lifespan of 8-12 years.

The Cost
You cannot find a healthy Bulldog from a reputable breeder for a low price, nor should you try to price shop for such a breed. A Bulldog from a reputable and ethical breeder will cost upwards of $1,800-$3,000. Part of that may be the cost of artificial insemination, as some Bulldogs cannot mate naturally. Nor can they always be born naturally. Due to breeding extreme structure, the heads are often too big to pass through the birth canal, requiring a cesarean section and adding an extra cost onto the price of having a litter.
Even a seemingly simple issue like cherry eye can cost hundreds to fix. Bulldogs commonly have skin issues and allergies, and often need a special diet. If you own a Bulldog, or plan to own one, having a reserve of money set up for veterinary costs is a must. All dog owners should all have a savings account for medical emergencies, but this is even more vital if you plan to own a Bulldog. If you live on a very tight budget or a low-income, a Bulldog is not the dog for you.

Consider this story:

“We wanted an English Bulldog, and we fell in love with one we found at a pet shop. They offered us financing on the price. He came with a 1 year health guarantee as well as AKC registration papers and the pedigree papers from the original breeder. Sounded good to us. Soon after bringing our baby home, and after spending hundreds treating him for kennel cough and pneumonia, we found out he had a grade 5 heart murmur and would require surgery that costs thousands. It has also been a struggle dealing with his chronic ear infections. When we contacted the pet store regarding the health guarantee, they offered to take him back and give us a new puppy as a replacement. That was their guarantee! By that time, we were too attached. We love him and would never give him up, but we do regret the decision of buying from a pet shop.” -Lauren Sota, Chicago IL

The Commitment
Bulldogs do well in apartments and do not have a high exercise requirement. Their structure was formed through selective breeding for the show ring, not for a working or utilitarian purpose. A Bulldog is not going to be your running partner, and they are sensitive to heat. If you live in a hot climate or don’t have air conditioning, a Bulldog is not for you. They still need exercise, however, and if not exercised properly they can become overweight. Any extra weight on the dog can contribute to stress on the heart and lungs as well as stress and wear on the joints. Bulldogs can be serious chewers, so expect to dog-proof your home and provide safe chew toys. Most Bulldogs are happy and content lying around the house and chilling out. They also need a lot of attention, play, and human interaction daily.
A Bulldogs grooming requirements are not extraordinary considering they have a short, smooth coat. A monthly bath and a weekly brush should be enough. Ear cleaning should be done regularly (weekly) to prevent ear infections, and they also need the creases in their facial wrinkles cleaned or wiped (every few days) to prevent skin irritation.
A commitment to formal obedience training is also important. The majority of Bulldogs I see in my dog training business are of good temperament and love everybody. However, they can have behavior issues. I have worked with several Bulldogs who showed dog-aggression, food-aggression, small animal aggression, or had bitten people. Some owners say their Bulldogs are easy going, many others are stubborn and strong-willed. Every dog is different. To have a well-behaved pet, it is important to start training and socialization early and be a consistent leader. If you don’t plan to do any training or socialize your dog, a Bulldog is not for you.

Where Do I Get a Bulldog?
If you have done your research and are sure a Bulldog is the one for you, you have two options:  A reputable breeder or a rescue.

A reputable breeder is a dog fancier who shows their dogs, does health checks for heritable conditions, is a member of the breed club, and has a genuine interest in improving the breed. Their dogs should have show titles, health clearances, and be registered with the AKC. Don’t be fooled by breeders who just have “nice family dogs,” and nothing to back it up, because nice is not enough. The breeding of a dog impacts its temperament, so the “niceness” of your dog is also at stake. You will not find good breeders selling to pet shops, and you won't find them advertising in newspaper classifieds or on puppy finder websites. Ethical breeders will also have an interest in what kind of home their puppies are going to, so be prepared to not only ask a lot of questions, but answer them, too. It is not uncommon to be on a waiting list for your next pup, as responsible breeders don’t have constant breedings and may only breed once a year. They tend to have homes already lined up before the puppies are even born.  Dogs sold to pet homes (as opposed to show homes) usually come with a spay/neuter contract. With the right breeder, you will have a relationship where you can always get guidance and advice on your new dog.

Another great option is to find a Bulldog in need of a home through a rescue or shelter. You will find Bulldogs of all origins, and of all ages and types, but they have one thing in common: they need a forever home. When you rescue, you don’t expect to get a "perfect specimen of the breed", although you may end up with a great dog.  Some rescue dogs were given up for health or behavioral reasons, others for personal or family reasons. Many rescued Bulldogs are retired breeding females who were used up and throw away. Once they had several c-sections and could no longer be bred, the backyard breeders or commercial breeders simply dumped them. Don’t be set on a puppy, give an older dog a chance. According to the BCA Rescue Network website “The average age of rescue Bulldogs is about four or five, and few Bulldogs are ever surrendered to rescue under the age of three.”

A rescue organization will help match you up with the right dog for you and your family. The process starts by filling out an application and going through an approval process and interview. They do this not to make you “jump through hoops” but to ensure that the dog will have a good fit, and won’t be bounced around from home to home as some of the dogs have been in the past. Expect to pay an adoption fee that could be around $400, or various amounts depending on the organization. The adoption fee helps pay for all the medical bills of the rescued dogs, including surgeries, vaccines, medications, heartworm treatments, and spay/neuter surgeries provided by the rescue, a non-profit organization. Many people find it worthwhile and very fulfilling to provide a forever home to a dog in need.
Good Luck on your search, remember patience will pay off. Here’s wishing you and your Bully have many years of happiness together. May it be a match made in heaven!  -Jennifer Hack