Help with English Bulldogs....?

Question

I'm considering getting an english bulldog for a family pet, but from the homework I'm doing on them, they sound like they need to be more pampered than a human. Like they need things such as a full air-conditioned house because they overheat extremely easily (cant stand tempretures more than 75F degrees inside), and require an unusual number of other things like a 24hour vet and have a tendacy to mutilate themselves.
Is this true? P-L-E-A-S-E let me know, I really dont want to get a dog that will cost me more than it will to take care of my fionce and my kid.

Answer 1

It's a very high-maintenance breed, with lots of health problems.

Answer 2

English Bulldogs are the most easy going pet you'll ever have. They don't require a lot of exercising, but walking once a day won't hurt.
They get quite big and do not like to get hot, but
most just lay on their tummies on a cool floor or some like to get into a little wading pool for children that has some water in it. I've never heard of them mutilating themselves. If this happens - there is definitely something wrong in the breeding lines. Make sure you deal with a reputable breeder that will provide you with the dogs background (both mom & Dad).......
As for your child (kid !!) an English Bulldog
makes a happy pet for them. They play just like any other but with a little less energy. I suggest brushing every morning and wiping the eyes and it's good to go. The males will drool
- the females don't drool as much. Brushing is
a must - otherwise you'll have hair on the floor.
They get to be about 60 - 80 pounds - so they
can't always jump into a van or car or truck and will have to be helped. They do require care
and love - and become a part of your family - which means they should be treated as such.
They are great.............

Answer 3

If this is your first dog, I would not recommend a bulldog. They don't need pampering, they need a strong leader who knows what he/she is doing. A bulldog can be a wonderful pet or can be the pet from hell, depending on it's status in the pack (the family)
I love the bull-y breeds- I have a pitbull and am looking for an AmStaff. But these are definitely first time dog owner breeds.

Bull dogs have inherent problems. Respiratory problems are common, skin infections due to the folds in the skin, hip and knee problems are frequent also.

If you were to buy a well bred bull dog, you're looking at over $1000. Save some money and a life, adopt a dog from a rescue group or the humane society. All breeds have rescue groups so if you insist on a purebred animal, you'll be able to find one. Mutts are the healthiest dogs as they don't have all the genetic problems from poor breeding.
Good luck
Nicole

Answer 4

English bulldogs do have some serious medical issues. That was brought about tryin to perfect the breed according to the AKC show standard. They do overheat easily and need to have a comfortable environment. They are not suited to be outdoor dogs in a southern climate.

They do have respiratory problems and usually need a veterinarian's assistance when whelping. But to say they need 24-hour veterinary care is just plain untrue. They are expensive animals so choose wisely. If there is an english bulldog available for under $1,000, buyer beware! An english bulldog that is too reasonably priced is going to come with a whole lot of problems. There is a reason for everything. Be sure you know what it is.

Answer 5

I have one that’s a year and a half. If you have never owned a dog or a pet for that matter then it probably won't be the best choice for you. Otherwise the maintenance is not too much more then what you would do for a "normal" dog. A few things, they DO OVERHEAT AND FAST (i live in San Francisco, and he loves it there) but anything in the 80's and they start panting. I have never heard of them mutilating themselves...but you DO have to clean out their folds (mostly just the nose fold) on daily basis with baby wipes. Some are prone to allergies and might require a special diet and keep in mind that they do have a very short life span. (7-10 years). They also snore, belch, fart and sometimes slobber but I wouldn't change my for the world they are very kick back, love to sit and watch TV with you and don't require prolonged exercise. Hmm i think that’s about ti, if you are serious about getting one and won't neglect it I would strongly recommend the breed.

Answer 6

Olde english bulldogges are a breed known by the UKC and function been breeding real for over 30 years, there are way fit than any english bulldog I actual have ever seen and far extra athletic and function a techniques much less vet costs. the olde english bulldogge is a great dependable relatives puppy, those that dont look at them as a breed are in simple terms stubbon, if I have been you i might get even though makes you satisfied , yet a OEB is a superb dogs

Answer 7

They also have a lot of inherited conditions, such as sinus and breathing problems. Lung problems. The females have to be "helped" to give birth ALWAYS because of the breed's unusually small pelvic girdle.

Do you really want a pet that requires so much care (and expense)?

A much better family pet, for it's temperament alone, is the English Sheepdog (or any other shepherd). They will look after your kids as if they are the flock, and your kids are never going to be able to get away with anything around them.

Answer 8

My husband and I got an English Bulldog from Russia early last year. He's very cute and looks just like a stuffed animal. He loves people and doesn't bark much. I may be wrong but I do agree you have to keep them inside with temperature no more than 75 degrees because they get blisters/skin rashes. He also sheds a lot compared to other bull dogs (My sister has two). But my husband and I love him. Although, there is one thing that you might have to get use to and that is their laziness. If you are laid back and don't like an active dog, this is the pet for you. But if you want to walk a lot and want a companion, Bulldogs aren't for you.

My dog only walks about two blocks, if you don't stop to let him rest, he will stop on his own and drop his whole body on the ground. Because he's so heavy, you will have no choice but wait either.

Anyway, if you are interested with buying a bulldog, check this site: pupscastle.com

Answer 9

As a former owner of a bulldog (he has since passed on) I can say that he was an excellent pet. He was docile with me and playful with my children. If anyone came over the house and was roughhousing with the kids he became very aggressive and fearsome. I have heard that they do overheat, however I have never heard of them mutilating themselves. Also they have a tendency to snore this can be remedied by a surgery on his soft palate which will add years to his life. He did require some added maintenance but the joy he gave us far exceeded the cost.

Answer 10

While it is true that the English Bulldog has been so over bred that it requires extra care, don't pamper it. It is a head strong breed and needs a firm master. Take it for long walks to keep it and you in shape and to reestablish your leadership. You will need to set boundaries and limitations which your Bulldog must abide by. Be firm. Tough love is required.

There are several breeds that are easier to live with. Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers are gentle, easy to train, and have few problems other than bad hips occasionally. Just brush them weekly and take them for walks and they will be happy.

Answer 11

here are my advices ..
if you choose to get an eb buy it only from an good registerd breeder .look (by choosing the puppy) that it has a straight (standart )tail and not a crooked one .The crooked one comes with problems with the spin . look at the parents from the dog - Here in Germany a bulldog from a VDH / ACEB ( like your AKC /BCA ) cost from 1500 € up ( around $ 1.700 + )
I guess in the USA the price is simular
Dont buy a cheap one from a puppymil or a unregsiterd breeder cause the vet cost can "kill" you .
How about to adopt one ??
i add some nice bulldog sites
http://www.thebca.org/

http://www.bullwrinkle.com/

http://bullybaby.com/