I live in Southwestern Connecticut and have been 'shopping' for an English Bulldog for the past several months. I know they are rather expensive due to multiple reasons, but it seems that when I finally find a reputable breeder the prices are close to or over 3,000. I have seen them advertised on line and in the paper for as little as 1,400. My question is how can I find a list of reputable breeders in my area so that I can compare prices and reputations ?
2006-09-21 06:18:05 · 9 answers · asked by Just Ask'in 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
The only thing that I havent seen listed in previous answers is if you are open to a rescue bulldog. www.petfinder.com is a great website for dogs that are in the shelter systems across the country. Purebreds are listed in this site as well as mixes. Also AKC's parent breed club has rescues available from time to time.
http://www.rescuebulldogs.org/. Several people have already given the link for the bulldog club of america so I wont repeat. As with everyone else, to get a Bulldog from a reputable breeder, you will pay a higher price for the better breeding stock and better care of the pups. It is well worth it. If you are not interested in a show puppy, dont forget to ask about a pet quality pup. Many times there is one puppy out of a litter that doesnt meet show standard, but they are still a healthy pup. They just wont win the bulldog beauty prize at a dog show and obviously shouldnt be used for breeding. These 'pet quality' pups are usually less expensive than a 'show quality' pup. A reputable breeder will require a spay/neuter contract for a 'pet quality' puppy, some even offer only a limited registry (vs. full registry...aka breeding rights) which is fine. If you are willing to travel check out other breeders through the Bulldog club too. Sometimes different areas arent as expensive. But as always it is better to get a quality puppy from a reputable and ethical breeder, than to support those that do not live up to the standard. Good Luck finding your new puppy and it is nice to hear someone going through the right channels and proper research before buying a dog.
2006-09-21 07:27:16 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definately go to a breeder, rather than a pet store, and be prepared to shop around. My husband and I bought an English Mastiff 6 months ago and were in the same situation. First of all, check with the veterinarians in your area, they may have a list of breeders of various breeds of dogs and cats that they can refer you to. We found the breeder that we chose in the paper, which can sometimes be scary, but we did our research and felt very comfortable when we bought the puppy. We also found several on the internet. If you visit a breeder to look at puppies, you should be prepared to ask questions. Make sure you can see both parents and ask if the puppy comes with a health guarantee. Any reputable breeder would offer one. Check to make sure the parents have had the proper veterinary care, as well as the puppies (appropriate for their age), and if possible, maybe even call the veterinarian of the breeder to see if the parents have any documented health problems. Also, the breeder we chose was able to give us names of people who have bought puppies from previous litters that we could contact. That was a big help. Lastly, don't rule out traveling a little ways to get that perfect puppy. He will likely be a part of your family for a long time so make sure you pick a good one. Good Luck.
2006-09-21 06:38:04 · answer #2 · answered by IndyVetTech 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Like others have said, try the breed club website, or go to the AKC website and look under breeders.
You can also see if there are any dog shows in your area and talk to the breeders/handlers there.
Those 3 places would be your best bet. That way you can be assured that you are getting a good quality dog that will be guarnteed for LIFE from any genetic problems.
True breeders will have names and numbers of people who have bought puppies from them in the past. They will be able to give you references.
Paying $3,000 for a good quality dog from a reputable breeder who shows their dogs, guarantees it for life, parents have had all testings done, is a safe way to go. You could pay $1,000 from a backyard/hobby breeder and the dog will end up needing thousands of dollars in vet care. So, really in the long run, paying more for a dog from a real breeders is the best was to go.
Most true breeders do not advertise dogs for sale via internet or newspaper ads. So, be wary of anyone who does.
2006-09-21 07:29:12 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
With a $3000 price tag, the dam must of had to go a c-section. If your going to pay a high price for a Pet, go to a show breeder. They Cull their litters & sell some out as pets. Prices for pets will run about the same.Of course you probly want ever be able to breed the dog, but whatever....You payed for a good pet!
A reputable breeder will have their dogs tattoo'd. Make sure that tattoo# on the puppy matches the paper work, to the sire/dam.
Get a health guarantee, against this breeds health problems. More than a 72 hour guarantee...more like years.
If buying out of state, get as much info & pictures you can. Get to know the breeder b/f buying. Ask about other pets they have sold. You might even get names & phone # to check it out.
Good luck!
2006-09-21 07:37:36 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Word of mouth actually works the best, believe it or not. Do you know anyone who has a Boxer? Try going to the local animal shelter, animal hospital, or your vet's office (if you have one already.) Ask them if they know any breeders around the area. They probably do.
When you meet a breeder and find the puppy you want, make sure you get AKC papers to certify that he or she is a purebred. Otherwise, you're paying for something that you may not want. If you can, try to meet your puppy's mom and dad, if they're on premises.
Visit the breeder's place and hang out with the dog before you pick him up. One good rule that my dad taught me when picking out a puppy from a litter -- line them all up. Whichever one runs to you first, that's the one you bring home with you. Don't just take the cutest one, take the one that has a mix of personality and good looks.
I found lots of breeders through word of mouth. Some were asking $2000 for their Shelties, some were asking $850. I ended up finding the perfect dog at $1200. It has definitely been worth it, though. Good luck :)
2006-09-21 06:33:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you go to the national breed club website, there are probably links to local clubs/breeders. If you call a breeder and you are only interested in price you are likely to be turned away.
It is better to pay more for a well bred pup with proper health testing done than a 'cheap' puppy that may be a medical nightmare and end up costing much more in Vet bills, not to mention heartache. Even well bred ones can be very expensive to maintain, but if you buy a poorly bred one you are asking for trouble.
It can cost thousands to breed a litter of EBs, only to have 2-3 puppies. Don't expect them to be cheap, if a puppy is much cheaper than the well bred ones, they are cutting corners.
http://www.thebca.org/
If you scroll down you will find breeder referral.
2006-09-21 06:31:46 · answer #6 · answered by whpptwmn 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
quote
"How to find a reputable (yet affordable) Bulldog Breeder "
Now there is a contridiction of terms ;)
Are you looking for a "Bulldog" or a "French Bulldog" ??
Here is a good place to start if you are looking for a "Bulldog"
http://www.thebca.org/
and here is where you want to start if you want a" French Bulldog"
http://www.frenchbulldogclub.org/
2006-09-21 06:34:22 · answer #7 · answered by tom l 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Word of mouth... or try asking a vet? They may know someone, or know how you can find out.
2006-09-21 06:29:59 · answer #8 · answered by sorcha 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well it sounds to me like your in the same boat as my wife & I and the best way we have found is by word of mouth i know its not much but it will amaze you
2006-09-21 06:25:21 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋