Sunday, June 15, 2008

The English Bulldog Breeder

Any Bulldog breeder can tell you about the charming personality of the sturdy, compact English Bulldog. The term Bulldog usually refers to the English version though there are also French and American Bulldog breeds. The English Bulldog is distinguishable by its short, stocky frame, its waddle, its wrinkled face and pug nose, and by its under-bite. English Bulldogs are also renowned for physical and personality traits such as drooling, snoring (loudly), gassiness, attention-getting behavior, and sense of humor.

Though not a dog for everyone, fans of the English Bulldog love these dogs for life. The Bulldog is a tenacious, strong-willed breed and is often used as a mascot by many colleges and the military. The Bulldog is the official mascot of England and, though other versions of the Bulldog exist, is viewed as a traditional English symbol. English and French Bulldogs are the result of a mixture of Mastiff and Pug. American Bulldogs more closely resemble Old English Bulldogs, which were taller and faster than the European versions of today.

Bulldog breeders are knowledgeable about all three varieties of Bulldog. Every good Bulldog breeder can relate the history, temperament, behavioral issues, social needs and common genetic disorders of the various Bulldog breeds. French and English Bulldogs have similar issues due to their small size. Both are prone to breathing problems including a reverse sneeze in which moisture becomes trapped in the windpipe. These small Bulldogs can have skin allergies, eye disorders and a tendency to become obese. Bulldog females often need assistance giving birth and may require caesarian sections to deliver puppies. American Bulldogs are much larger in size but need to be screened for genetic disorders common to Bulldogs and medium to large sized dogs.

Potential Bulldog buyers should research the breed thoroughly before finding a breeder. Bulldogs require high maintenance and are not for inexperienced dog owners. Buyers should also thoroughly research Bulldog breeders and make sure they choose a breeder that has continued to breed out the aggression once bred into the Bulldog.
A good Bulldog breeder will not sell puppies to pet stores. It is important that dog buyers purchase Bulldogs from certified, loving breeders who maintain their own kennels. Puppy brokers, backyard breeders and pet stores buy and sell puppies like any other merchandise with no guarantee on puppy health or lineage. An alternative to buying direct from a breeder is buying from a breed-specific rescue center. Rescue dogs are often saved from lives in puppy mills, puppy auctions and pet stores. These dogs may have been neglected, abandoned, and abused and will be grateful to be rescued by a loving owner. Like any pure breed, rescue dogs need an experienced owner who knows how to socialize, positively reinforce and care for them.

Bulldog buyers have a responsibility to research both breed and breeder before buying a purebred Bulldog. It is important not to continue the cycle of puppy mill breeding. Buyers should report any breeder they suspect of mistreating animals. A good Bulldog breeder will do the same and will encourage buyers to look into rescued Bulldogs.

An ethical Bulldog breeder would never broker Bulldogs or sell Bulldog puppies to pet stores. Finding Bulldog information about breeders that do not sell to pet stores is the subject of this article.

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Bulldog Information