Can any one please explain all the hype to having a bulldog, I want to make sure this is the dog I want to have for the next 10 years or more.
2007-02-21 11:06:47 · 9 answers · asked by carmen h/joey h 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Yes, they have tremendous health problems all the way from breathing to joint problems. The truth is if the AKC English bulldogs were left on their own to multiply, thre would probably be no more that we know of. One of the reasons that they are so expensive to purchase and own is because almost every one has to be born by they way of a C-Sec., the puppies have to be taken away and given back to the mother at proper feeding times when small or the mother can mash and kill them. I suggest if you realy want a bulldog, make it an Olde English Bulldogge, this breed was developed to be a better "version" of the AKC English bulldog. it has much fewer health problems! Here is a link explaining the AKC bull's health problems and then one on the bulldogge.
2007-02-21 11:09:30 · answer #1 · answered by sherrycranford 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I have 3 bulldogs and our vet bills are not high. The only thing that is expensive is the price to buy them.
And also if you want a dog that loves very long walks a bulldog is not for you. Mine can only go a little less the a block.But they are very sweet.
2007-02-21 11:18:50 · answer #2 · answered by jennifer_boyce3 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The bills *can* be extremely high on any dog that you buy. Bulldogs are no exception. If the thought of vet bills are putting you off from owning a dog, then wait until you are more stable financially. Even the most well bred dog can have a $1000 emergency - it's usually when least expected and when everything else in your life is going wrong.
As far as bulldogs in particular, they have a whole host of issues.
Breathing issues (trachea, palate, sinus, etc - can lead to expensive surgeries and loads of special care)
Skin issues (can lead to self-mutililation and expensive treatments)
Hip Issues (can lead to EXPENSIVE surgeries)
Heart Problems (can lead to expensive treatments & tests along with early death)
Bulldogs are also very heat sensitive. This means that if you live anywhere that gets above 75 or 80 degrees, you must keep your dog inside an air conditioned location. They are VERY prone to heat stroke.
http://www.rescuebulldogs.org/breedinf.htm
If you are serious about getting a bulldog, I recommend contacting Bulldog rescue. They'll be honest with you about why bulldogs are turned in. If any of these issues bother you, then you'll know that you aren't a good match. If you are ok with it, put your name in with them. http://www.rescuebulldogs.org/
If you don't want to wait, then it's time to start locating a GOOD breeder. Start Here: http://www.thebca.org/ You want someone who does ALL proper genetic tests, is a member of their national parent club, follows the codes of ethics of that parent club and the AKC, screens you thoroughly, and who preferably is involved in showing. You don't have to spend the money for a show dog; show breeder usually have pet quality dogs in each litter that are more likely to be healthy and *less* expensive than backyard breeders and pet shops (not that you'd want to buy from them anyway).
Additional links:
http://dogplay.com/GettingDog/index.html
http://www.akc.org/breeders/resp_breeding/index.cfm
Good luck in your search and we are always around if you want us to look at websites or anything to help you ensure a good breeder! : )
2007-02-21 11:12:25 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the breeder. Most backyard breeders raise poor quality dogs just for the money. However, if you find a reputable breeder they will conduct all the genetic testings and will only breed with a quality dog that has also been verified to have a good genetic background. You will probably pay a lot more for a better quality dog but you will pay less vet bills in the long run.
2007-02-21 11:14:06 · answer #4 · answered by al l 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They tend to have eye problems, breathing problems, sometimes ear problems. They can easily get overweight.
You should adopt from a bulldog rescue rather than buy. Buying supports the breed. As much as I love Bulldogs, I think it's cruel to keep breeding them despite their known health problems.
They are extremely powerful animals. Make sure you know what you're doing. I love bulldogs, though, and I think you'd be happy with one. They are sweethearts.
Good luck.
2007-02-21 11:14:33 · answer #5 · answered by dark_reaction 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
vet bills tend to be high for purebred dogs, because they are so inbred. inbreeding amplifies and bad genes present in the lineages, resulting in poor health and mental ability.
more popular dogs give more problems, since they are inbred more to meet their high demand. english bulldogs are pretty popular dogs, and you might face high vet bills.
don't ever buy a dog from a pet store (i used to work at one, trust me), they are most likely from puppy mills, and the dog's health is very questionable. if you're looking for a purebred, make sure you go to a breeder. you could also try a dog shelter, you can find purebreds sometimes, but rarely.
2007-02-21 11:25:03 · answer #6 · answered by wildcat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any dog can get sick, and if you treat them right, you are going to have vet bills. I have a Golden and a Jack Russell Terrier, and , just like kids, they are always costing me money. I sure do love them. If you need and inexpensive , low maintenance pet, perhaps a parakeet would be a better choice, or maybe a houseplant (a silk one)
2007-02-21 11:12:36 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
i have 2, a boy and a girl. is very healthy (knock on wood.) he is 3 years old. he has had 2 surgeries. neuter and luxating patella surgery. now my 2 year old girl had has 5 surgeries. including her being spayed. they are both on allergy shots. i have insurance on both of them. any dog can be expensive. some more than others. i would never trade them for anything.
good luck with what ever dog you decide to get.
2007-02-21 11:53:52 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
From what I've seen, vet bills are high on any pet; however, it seems like purebreds have more health problems than muts.
2007-02-21 11:15:34 · answer #9 · answered by Hawkster 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋