Bulldog Puppies...

[MadMen]

Just had a text from my... well... bit on the side, I suppose. He said "be ready for 5, we're going to Wales. Chose one". It was accompanied by a picture of a litter of pups. Bulldog pups.

Now is probably not the best time for me to have a puppy, but I don't want to sound like an ungrateful cow.

I have plenty of time on my hands, and the kids would love a dog, but I don't know anything about bulldogs - apart from they've always been my favorite breed and anyone that knows me knows how much I've always wanted one!

Has anyone any Bulldog experience, and do they really have as many health problems as I've been lead to believe in the past?

Need some help and advice asap. Thanks :-)

[wolf63]

If you are in any doubt about getting a puppy please don't do it. It is something that you have to think about over a long period of time.

They have health problems and I am sure that they can't walk far.

It will be like having another kiddie around the place - one that snores and snorts.

[daffy654]

Don't get a puppy on a whim, please.

Having a dog is a decision that needs to be taken properly, not just because someone has offered to buy one for you.

[chaptazbru]

Agree strongly with both above.

[MadMen]

I've always wanted a bulldog. They are my favorite breed and I really am a dog lover, so it wouldn't be like I was just having one for the sake of it, but I just don't think now is a great time.
Also, I think 'bit on the side' might be using it as an excuse to come round more often and have more of a 'tie', if that makes sense.

My kids are at that age now where I'm not sure I want to go down the whole 'baby' route again - which is what I think having a puppy will be like.

[Prudie]

At the very least, and I'm sure you know this, check that you are going to a private breeder - Wales is the place for abhorrent puppy farms.

[chaptazbru]

So best not to get one really ......

[daffy654]

I think you know yourself that this is not the right time otherwise you wouldn't be asking here. Puppies are such a lot of work!

[MadMen]

Well that's what I was thinking. It's in Carmarthenshire too! :-/

[Baldric]

Good luck with that then!

http://voices.yahoo.com/english-bulldogs-common-health-problems-8294515.html
http://www.bulldogsworld.com/health-and-medical/bulldogs-and-health

[MadMen]

I know, in my head, that it would probably be a decision I would later regret, but I don't want to hurt his feelings or seem ungrateful. It's such a lovely gesture, but it's also a massive commitment.

[Booldawg]

cherry eye and soft palate problems are the most likely hereditary ailments, amongst a few.

Being short haired people tend to fall into the trap of thinking they are low maintenance. Not the case; the folds in the skin on their face needs regular cleaning, also so does their tight, corkscrew tails.

[MadMen]

Yeah, that's what's put me off in the past :-(

Thanks for all the help and advice. I'll phone him now.

[ladybirder]

Please please please don't. They take more looking after than you can imagine. They have awful health issues. Will cost you a fortune. They are a law unto themselves. Big and heavy and stubborn. Why are you so keen on one when you have said you don't know much about them? Don't have a puppy to placate your BOTS, please please please. We have one in our family, much against my advice, she's a few months old and already had an op for cherry eye, poor thing, gasps for air after a little effort. Breaks my heart.

[woofgang]

It's not a lovely gesture, it's the gesture of someone who has no idea what he is doing.....and how can you have a favourite breed that you know nothing about?

[RATTER15]

Dont do it MadMen, the breed really is screwed up at the moment, a few breeders are now starting to breed some of these faults out of the breed but not got very far yet, I would say give it a couple of years and then look at the situation again, this is a breed the the Kennel Club are currently working on to sort out these issues. Maybe when they are fit healthy dogs again I may even fancy one for myself, until then.......

[anneasquith]

im no expert on bulldogs................but any i see, appear to be panting for breath and look very uncomfortable.

[Kiki-frog]

I've known two bulldogs and they have both been sweet-natured creatures and extremely good with children. BUT they both had bad respiratory problems and as Booldawg said needed a lot of attention with cleaning.

[MadMen]

Thanks for the further responses. Ratter, I was hoping you would be around, as I know you're quite knowledgeable when it comes to dogs.
Sorry, I should have said, my sister has a bulldog. I did phone and ask her, but she was a bit daft and just said "yeah, you should definitely get one". The thing is, her's has never really had any problems. Well, nothing serious anyway. He does get really, really tired though and she can't take him very far when it comes to walking - but I've always just thought that was laziness.
It is a kind gesture, but I've told him it's a bit too much of 'on a whim' kind of thing.
I've known people to have bulldogs when I was a kid and I've always thought they're lovely dogs and really good with children. Sorry, I didn't realise I could only have a favorite breed if I'd actually owned one of them myself...

Anyway, it's not happening. He's pissed off now and says I'm ungrateful (which I'm not) but hey ho.

Not sure I can be dealing with dog poop and everything else that comes with it.

[lankeela]

A responsible breeder would not have let you have one without having been in frequent contact with them and without you and your family all wanting a puppy for the right reasons. With a going rate of £2,500 - £3,000 for a Bulldog puppy anything less than that would also ring alarm bells. If you really want one start to learn about the breed, find a club and visit one of their shows and get to know the breeders, they would be far happier to meet you this way than someone who just advertises a litter and sells to whoever turns up for one.

[MadMen]

There was no question of vetting us. We were, as far as I'm aware, going to come home with one tonight.