Do English Bulldogs REALLY have that many health problems ?

Question

I have been wanting an English Bulldog since I was 11 or 12 years old. Im now 24. The time has come to seriously do my research and find out if it's the right dog for me. I have asked my best friend and he SEVERLY warned me NOT to get one b/c of health issues.(Skin,eyes, breathing problems ,bone structure,etc.) Are there any Bulldog owners out there who can tell me from 1st hand experience....is it really that bad ? My dog would be an inside dog. Only going outside for the bathroom, and walks. And to go in car rides with me to Petsmart ,and I'd like to take him to the beach (I live on the mississippi gulf coast)to walk around if it's not too hot outside. He would never be left outside chained to a tree, and never ride in the back of my truck.He would ride "shot gun", enjoying the A/C. I plan on treating this dog like a son.I just want to know if the horror stories about their health are true. Please help me out,and be completely honest, I can handle it.

noone said I work a minimum wage job.If that was the case,then the Idea of getting a bulldog would have never crossed my mind. It would take a lifetime to save up enough to buy a bulldog with minimum wage pay.I work at a bank, as an account specialist. I never asked for price and salary to be evaluated. Just if there was any truth to the horror stories I hear of their health.

Answer 1

I have an English Bulldog that I purhased from an ad in a local paper. We got her at about 5 mos. old. She came from a puppy mill in my state and was very poorly bred. Therefore I felt I rescured her from a woman who couldn't or wouldn't be able to take care of her life long because of financial struggles. We paid $1,100.00 for her just because we didn't want her to go to rescue or another bad home. She was ery difficult to potty train, has severe hip dysplasia, and some on and off allergys. I have heard worse storys about bulldogs than our girl, Dottie. Did you know that they are the # 1 breed for hip dysplasia? Over 78% from my research. It runs approximately $6-$8,000. for hip surgery and there is no guarentee. So far we have not had any real skin problems, thank goodness. She will be 5 years old next Feb. and we hope she willl continue to do as well as she is. Do your research and buy the best of the best even if you are not planning to show, but just want a nice pet. The $2000 and up price tag might be the cheapest cost of owning this breed. Good luck.

Answer 2

English Bulldog Health Issues

Answer 3

English Bulldogs can have a lot of health problems depending on a number of things. I have a english bully and she is now 8 1/2 years old and very healthy. She has never had an issue with health problems ever. However if you do decide to get a bully (anyone) make sure you take the to the vet at least once a year for a check up. thats what i did and i have had no issues. I also do a lot of research online. check out http://www.englishbulldogcenter.com there is a ton of info there too.

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Do English Bulldogs REALLY have that many health problems ?
I have been wanting an English Bulldog since I was 11 or 12 years old. Im now 24. The time has come to seriously do my research and find out if it's the right dog for me. I have asked my best friend and he SEVERLY warned me NOT to get one b/c of health issues.(Skin,eyes, breathing problems...

Answer 5

All dogs can have their unique problems. English bulldogs have breathing problems, overheating problems (because of breathing), and problems with having puppies... the other problems can be reduced through careful breeding and screening.

A good Bully will cost you about $2000... don't scrimp. Look at lots of breeders, ask to see the parents, and try to get puppies that are kept in the house with people rather than in a kennel away from people.

Ideally, you want a professional breeder that interviews YOU to make sure that you can take care of their puppies. And, you want a breeder that makes you sign a contract that says that they get the dog back, if you have any problems and want to get rid of it. These things indicate that the breeder treats their dogs like family and with great pride.

If they train dogs or show their dogs, so much the better. After they tell you the normal price, you may be able to get a price break if you accept a dog that is not show quality... which means that you will get the dog fixed...

As part of the agreement, you can ask them to help you with socializing, training, and care... But you want to learn how to train him... rather than ask them to do it for you...

Don't buy a dog thru the mail or Web... go and look at the dogs in person. You can communicate with the breeders, but plan to make the trip to see and pick up the dog.

Answer 6

Yes and Yes . This breed has soo many health problems because of its size . Most dogs that are tiny or have a fat body normally do have health problems . Your friend is not lying . This breed is expensive also . You'll never find one cheap because of there health problems . These breeds are up to $2000 to $3000 . Now if thats how much these dogs cost do you actually think your vet bill would be cheap ? No . They have skin , eye , bone , stomach and more problems . the list completely goes on . Ask a breeder and see how much they would cost . to lower health problems you might want to consider the Olde English Bulldogge . They have less health problems . But like i said if you work minimum wage you would not be able to afford this breed . Best you search for another breed of dog that is right for you.

Answer 7

Yes, English Bulldogs are well known for having serious and multiple health problems. My vet speciailized in the bulldog breeds and she was ALWAYS busy. It's sad that breeders have produced a breed that can barely walk and has serious breathing problems, can't whelp naturally, and has a short life span.

Answer 8

The answer to all your questions about health issues is yes..
I currently have 5 in my home, and have rescued 4 others. They are very loyal dogs and they do want to be with you every second of the day, they are very lovey creatures.. but then there lies the health problems. Not all Bulldogs have problems, or what is a major problem. Some can have just a food allergy which they will just require special food, or may have just had cherry eye, which is not expensive if you just have it removed and not tacked, it does not matter who the breeder is or where you get your pup from, they can ALL have some kind of issue going on with them. If you are serious about wanting one I would search around, go visit the homes of people with litters see what kind of environment they are raised in. Dont be scared off because people say that they are 2500-3000 becasue you can get a good quaility puppy for half that especially if you dont plan to breed. I paid $1200 for my female and she has only had shots, heartworm tests, and a couple issues with having hives throuout her three and a half yrs. her most expensive vet bill was $650.00 and that was for her c-section when she had pups last yr.
A very good site to go to is Bulldogsworld.com they have tons of info on the bulldog..
good luck and below are my little beauties..
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n241/BULLDOGMOM06/JadaandEmma.1stbirthday.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n241/BULLDOGMOM06/Tonka1st.Bday.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n241/BULLDOGMOM06/MARIAN-03.jpg

Answer 9

From a vet tech standpoint, they are usually wonderful tempered dogs, but yes are prone to a lot of health problems. Breathing difficulties, skin fold infections are common, hip dysplasia, eye entropion, knee abnormalities just to name a few common ones. I guess it depends on what breeder you get the dog from. Guarantees aren't worth much except to professional breeders, as most pet owners are not going to return a dog after owning it for a year. If you really want one, just do a lot of research into who you get it from...go to shows, ask for references, etc. Make sure the parents and grandparents are OFA for good hips, etc.

Answer 10

I personally have had one, he had skin problems (pyoderma), had an elongated palate ( 600 surgery to "fix") didn't fix it, he was a fantastic show dog, came from "grrreat!" bloodlines, with supposed few problems, but was placed in a family home (not my choice, I co-owned this dog) because of his full brother having epileptic seizures, also the skin probs. and moist dermatitis (constant hot spots). The breeder on this dog is "high" up in the bulldog clubs, but still breeds these bloodlines, which to me is unethical, doesn't matter if she signed a contract to be ethical, there is no way of proving she is knowingly producing dogs with problems....So, because I don't want to participate in that, I gave up the dog.
So, yes, they have problems. BUT, if you can be sure to try to get a good one from an honest breeder, can afford the vet bills (they will be there!), they can be great dogs, with exceptional personalities, mine was...makes me a bit sad, okay, ALOT sad....
She sells them for $4000 and up....with a contract and guarantee (which doesn't mean squat~!!)