Do the benefits of owning an English Bulldog outweigh the negatives?

Question

I'm talking about an English Bulldog, not an American Pit Bull or Staffordshire Terrier. Pitbulls are known for their aggressiveness. English Bulldogs are known for their drool, saggy faces and gentle natures. I was asking if the health problems (skin conditions, breathing problems) associated with the breed outweigh the pleasure of owning one.

Answer 1

Don't listen to these people that say bulldogs are bad it all depends on what type of bulldog. I am 26 and i have grown up all my life with English Bulldogs. We have only had a few problems and they have been health problems. Hip surgery (the most serious), some breathing problems, stuff like that but they are definitely worth it. They are the best dogs in the world I have found a really good breeder in Ten. I live in Atlanta and i have bought three in the last four years from them. They are all healthy and no problems yet. That is the key to getting one find a good breeder that has been doing it for more that 15 years and is willing to give references. good luck and get one trust me you will never get another breed.

Answer 2

Clearly the person who said your bulldog would turn on someone and maul them has no clue what this breed is about. I have been a bulldogger for five years now and have three of them. I am avidly involved in bulldog rescue as well. One of my bulldogs, who is now five, had luxating patella surgery when she was a year and a half old. This condition is prevalent in many breeds, not just bulldogs. My aunt's pomeranian, for example, had the same surgery. She also had to have bladder surgery last year to remove bladder stones. Again, this is not a breed specific condition. It is far more prevalent in miniature schnauzers than in bulldogs.

My four year old male has food allergies. He is fed a fish and potato blend dog food and does very well. That's the extent of his health issues.

My old rescue dog is ten. He was in a situation similar to something you would see on Animal Cops when he was found. He had been nearly starved to death and had raging infections in his body. Those were environmental, not genetic, problems. He does have a bad heart now at ten years of age, which is common in bulldogs but also in many other breeds.

Find a great breeder, ask a lot of questions, and be prepared to have significant vet bills. You might be lucky, but then again, you might not, even with a great breeder.

Good luck. There's no other breed to match a bulldog. And by the way, they are referred to simply as "bulldog". That's the official name of the breed.

Answer 3

Look, I got 2 English Bulldogs from working in the dog rescue community--do not get an English Bulldog without doing some serious research.

They are very sensitive health wise, cannot be subjected to heat, left outside or walked for much more than around the block on a flat surface and must be walked on a harness. Training them on a pinch or choke collar can cause their trachia to collapse. They are high maintenance--be 100% sure you can handle this, otherwise get a mutt from the shelter who you will love just as much.

Answer 4

there is NO positive to a mini bulldog. They are ruining the breed when they miniaturize. The mini bulldogs have WAY more health problems then the REAL bulldog. I do not suggest getting a mini. They are breed by CRAPPY breeders. Why not just get a real bulldog. NO reputable breeder miniaturize dogs that are not suppose to be. There are two kinds of mini bulldogs 1) mutt one bred from bulldog and french bulldog 2) One from, two undersized parents Both unhealthy to the max. Adopting a real bulldog would be great.

Answer 5

I think it does. Bulldogs are very loyal , great companions, easy to take care of, except for a few issues(no more than other dogs), and have the cutest faces ever. The price is a negative, but you are getting an exclusive breed and it is worth the money if something makes you smile 100x a day.

Answer 6

I have wanted a Bulldog for 40-yrs (I am 43) I just got a Bulldog 3-mos ago, he IS the joy of my life, he is so much fun!!!!

He does snore loudly, but it just makes him that more cute. You should know most Bulldogs are kind of lazy, but my Bulldog loves to play and has as much energy as any puppie.

The medical bills can get expensive as Bulldogs have their own negatives, they need to be kept cool in the summer, and be sure not to over exhert them.

I wouldn't trade my Bully for anything, so the simple answer to your question is YES!!!!!

Answer 7

I love my bullie. He's the 2nd bulldog I've owned and I will never own another breed. They are very loving and absolutely adorabull! They do have some health issues though. My male got demodex mange (very common in puppies) and has had to make more than your usual number of visits to the vet. Other than that, you have to keep their wrinkles dry (face) and don't expect them to do a lot of vigorous exercise. Mine sleeps about 20 hours out of the day!!!

Answer 8

English bulldogs are very intelligent dogs with very big personalities. They are truly worth the experience if you're ready to adopt another family member! They do not all experience the health problems that you mention.

Answer 9

I think the positives outweigh the negatives. They have skin problems, eye issues, sometimes joint problems and can cost thousands a year in vet bills but they have great personalities and are very good dogs.

Answer 10

My bulldog is great, yet she's a real pain. They are NOT intelligent.. just clever. I LOVE having her, however I will not get another one. Ours hasn't really had any health problems *knock on wood* but they can get really pricey w/ their vet bills.. just an FYI