why do bulldogs have short lifespans?

Question

I really want a bulldog, and i was just wondering why that is, also, has anyone ever found one for cheaper than $1000?

Answer 1

Like many purebreeds, they are bred to a standard. That standard may or may not be in the best interest of a long lifespan. Respiratory issues and orthopedic issues are two of the breed's biggest problems.

As for price, getting a healthy english bulldog for less than 1500 would require luck or getting a great deal. From my research when I was looking for a bulldog from a reputable breeder, price ranged from 1500-3000+. I think 1500-2500 is avg. As another person wrote, if price is an issue, don't get one as vet bills will surely add up too.

Good luck. It's a great breed. I love my expensive bully short life and all.

Answer 2

If you are looking at AKC English Bulldogs they have short lifespans due to bad genetics. When Bullbaiting became illegal (which is what the English Bulldog was bred for originally) the breed almost went extinct. Some breeders saved the line by putting a lot of Pug in to the mix which resulted in health concerns like asthma. ** to read more about this please refer to my sources list.

There is hope though, some breeders have gotten together and have tried to 'recreate' the victorian English Bulldog. The name of this 'new' breed is the Olde English Bulldogge. The Olde English Bulldogge has much better genetics and is much more athletic then the AKC English Bulldog. Unfortunantly, the Olde English Bulldogge is at the moment pretty rare and I think the cheapest dog through different breeders through out the country I have seen was about 900.00. They also look a bit different, more muscular and athletic and sometimes taller then the AKC English Bulldog. They are still supposed to have the sweet temperment that is a hallmark of the AKC English Bulldog and many of the breeders are dedicated to trying to produce dogs that don't have the health concerns that has plagued the AKC English Bulldog.

To find a breeder contact the International Olde English Bulldogge Association at www.ioeba.com. There you can find information about the breeds as well as reputable breeders. Always, always research the breed as well as the breeder before you purchase if only to steer clear of puppy mills who don't care much about the breed.

Answer 3

Because they are poorly bred creatures that have a huge array of medical probelms. Making them look the way they do has just created a physical mess. And no you probably wont find one cheaper than 1000 b/c they cant even naturally reproduce, they require c-sections. And If you found one cheaper than that I be even more concerned about health problems. If youre worried about money dont get an english bulldog b/c you will be at the vet all the time. Sorry to be so negative but that the reality of these dogs.

Answer 4

Bulldogs have short to normal lifespans of 8-9 years. Shortest lifespans: ==Irish Wolfhound, 6 years ==Mastiff, 5-10 years ==Bloodhound, 7-9 years ==Chinese Shar-pei, 7-12 years Longest lifespans (that is, life expectancy over 15 years) Norwegian Buhund Xoloitzicuintle Lowchen Jack Russell Puli Miniature Poodle Silky Terrier Pomeranian Toy Manchester Terrier Standard Manchester Terrier Chinese Crested Chihuahua Lakeland Terrier Kerry Blue Terrier Irish Terrier Cairn Terrier Border Terrier Bedlington Terrier German Shorthaired Pointer

Answer 5

They have short life expectancy due to size and common health problems. Our bloodhounds have an average life expectancy of 7-11 years. Its very sad, but we take the best care of them possible; good vet care, good food, and proper exercise to try to ensure they live as long as possible.

$1,000 is not at all expensive for a well bred bulldog. Especially when you are considering a dog prone to all kinds of problems (I think bulldogs top my list of problematic dogs!) you want to go with the absolute best breeder you can find. It will save you money in the long run on new knees and hips or skin problems!!! Not to mention temperament. You can always rescue a dog from a shelter or rescue society. www.petfinder.org Good luck.

Answer 6

take the advice of the earlier posters on here and avoid any english bullies for under $1000. just like you wouldn't buy a brand new BMW for 10k or a flat-screen TV for 50 bucks, if you see a bullie for under $1000 there's got to be a reason why.

the other comments are also really accurate about the vet bills: my bullie just underwent his second cherry eye surgery (at $500 a pop), has had a nasal cold ($150), and of course had his puppy inspection (give or take $250). add those up and he's already more expensive than just that $1000 you're looking to spend, and I only picked him up at the end of August...

Answer 7

It's because they have been inbred, if the inbreeding was taken to an extreme their poor old snouts would not be able to breathe enough to keep them going for more than a year or so, and then they'd be even more expensive.
It's a sad consequence of their short mutated lives, and primitive tendencies in humans, that their "price" is high, as there is an inbuilt shortage of supply.
That having been said they are quite charming, if you don't think much about such things.

Answer 8

The problems with their palate and the super short muzzle make it hard for them to breathe.
They cannot (usually) breed or whelp naturally. This helps to account for the steep price.
They have skin problems and most have hip dysplasia.
Think long and hard before getting this breed. It takes a lot of money to keep them also! Surgery for the palate is not uncommon!!

Answer 9

depends on what kind of bulldog you are talking about?? i have an American bulldog!! the person i got her from usually charges $500.! and I've never heard of them having a shorter life span!? are you sure!?

Answer 10

"Smooshed-face" dogs can have breathing problems.