English Bulldog Health & Info
First, let me start by saying that it is not true that all Bulldogs have health problems. It is true that some Bulldogs, just as with any breed, do have some health problems. This is especially true in pure bred dogs because of controlled breeding. However, if a breeder is consistently producing Bulldogs with health problems this is more likely than not from bad breeding! A reputable breeder should give you a health guarantee against congenital health defects. This should include a reasonable amount of time for you to have your new baby bully examined, normally within 72 hours and it should specify the length of time this guarantee covers. Not all veterinarians are knowledgeable about treating Bulldogs. It is best to find one who has experience with English Bulldogs, especially for any procedure that requires anesthesia. If at all possible, you should try to get a veterinarian referral from an established English Bulldog breeder in your area. Bulldogs do have some special needs and do require some special care. If you are looking for a dog that you can just throw out in the yard and forget, except to provide food and water, than a bulldog is not for you. That kind of treatment just will not work with a Bulldog. However, if you are looking for a lovable, loyal companion who needs, craves and enjoys the daily care you must give him, and if you enjoy having someone dependent on you in that manner, a Bulldog just is just what you need. Also, Bulldogs can NEVER be just a yard dog, period! Bulldogs require a climate-controlled environment. You must know that, to a Bulldog, heat is a killer ! Our bulldogs live in our home. Of course, they get lots of time to play outside, but only at appropriate times of the day. If it is at all warm we monitor them closely and bring them in before they get overheated, usually 15 minutes at the most in shaded areas. Heat stroke can happen quickly and suddenly with a Bulldog so please take this into consideration before you purchase one. Here are some areas you need to be especially aware of with any Bulldog you are considering adding to your family.
Breathing: One of the major potential problems with a mature Bulldog is airway obstruction. This can be influenced by any of the following conditions, as well as some others, but is often a combination of more than one. Tracheal Restriction: You would think that a dog with this size head, neck and mouth would have a large and free-flowing airway, but this is often not the case.
Stenotic Nares: This means that the nasal openings are pinched or partially closed rather than open wide.
Elongated Soft Palate: This involves the soft tissue at the back of the throat. Often, raspy noisy breathers have this condition, however, a certain amount of this is expected in any Brachycephalic (smashed face) dog. Breathing difficulties are especially important in selecting a puppy, as any problems will only intensify with age.
Skin Problems: This is especially important because, although not life threatening, it can be a constant headache and a real challenge to keep under control. The best thing to do is to investigate thoroughly and avoid those bloodlines that have shown tendencies toward skin problems. Really research the breeder before you purchase you English bulldog puppy. The best thing to do, in my opinion, is to avoid buying the cheapest bulldog you can find no matter how good they look, how strong the pedigree, or how good the deal is, it just isn't worth the trouble it brings. One of the main things to be aware of is Demodex: This is commonly called "Red Mange." It is an immune deficiency to hair follicle mites. All dogs have these mites, but they do not affect most. This reduced resistance causes severe hair loss and in more severe cases can lead to raw weeping lesions. Again, investigate thoroughly and avoid those bloodlines that are having problems as treating this condition can be costly and is often an ongoing situation.
Allergies: Bulldogs are more sensitive to certain foods than other dogs, They do not tolerate corn, or soy. The best way to avoid, allergy related skin problems, flatulance, and tear stains is by feeding a high quality food. They are also very sensitive to insect bites. The use of a topical flea treatment during the warm months of the year will do wonders.
Eye Problems: Bulldogs, as do many other breeds, sometimes have Entropian: This is the rolling in of the eyelid causing the eyelashes to rub the eyeball and irritate it. Ectropian: This is the rolling out of the eyelid leaving the eye exposed to collection of foreign material. Another condition to be aware of is "Cherry Eye" which is the protrusion of the gland in the inner corner of the eye and is not hereditary. Some dogs get "Cherry Eye's and some do not. All of these conditions can be repaired with a very minor and relatively inexpensive surgery, but it is better to avoid them.
Skeletal Disorders: Luxating Patella: This is a looseness of the knee joint and is potentially crippling. Dogs with this condition almost always require major and very expensive surgery to have a lengthy active life. Avoid this condition! Hip Dysplaysia: This is a structural deformity of the hip joint and like knee problems is crippling and requires major and expensive surgery. Bulldogs do have a somewhat looser joint structure than many other breeds and those who are not experienced with the breed can mis diagnose this as a problem. You need to be very careful with bulldogs. They are very heavy dogs and they can injury their joints and hips very easily. As I said before, these conditions are not rampant in the breed of Bulldogs but can occur. However, you should be aware of them and educate yourself about them. Investigate, ask questions. Getting healthy quality Bulldogs with great temperament is very expensive.Cheap Bulldogs are just that; CHEAP. Be sure that they will have a deficiency somewhere, either in quality, health, pedigree, or temperament. If you cannot afford to make an investment to get a quality Bulldog right now you are much better off to wait and save up the money. Bulldogs are one of the most expensive dogs. In general, they are hard to breed and typically have to be born via Caesarean section. Furthermore they are often lethargic breeders, needing so much human assistance that the conjugal event can often approximate a`menage a cinq.' Artificial insemination is often called for. This brings us to an oft-pondered question: "Could the breed even exist without the intervention of technology?" The answer to this has has occupied some of the best minds of the day for a microsecond or two. The answer is actually unimportant; For a dog so wonderful, no price is too much to pay.
While trying to find a quality Bulldog can be frustrating, The rewards are great.Once you have owned one of these beautiful animals, you will be hooked. They are one of the sweetest, most loving breed of dogs you will ever own. They will keep you constantly entertained. They get along great with other animals, and love every one they meet. If you are just looking for a watchdog, this is not the breed for you. It is however wise to make sure you pick a English Bulldog breeder who knows about the breed, and knows about the background of their English Bulldog Puppies, parents. If you go for the cheapest English Bulldog puppy you can find, you will get what you paid for. And more than likely have Veterinarian bills that cost more than your bulldog puppy. Please call your bulldog vet and he or she will verify this. Our bulldog's are a part of our family. They have been raised in our home with us and our children, all of our puppies are family socialized and loved starting at day one. We offer our English Bulldog Puppies to you as your new fat little bundle of joy and loyal companion to be loved and enjoyed for what will hopefully be a long time. With proper care and nutrition, your English Bulldog puppy will live a long and healthy life. We encourage our customers to stay in touch, send us their pictures, ask questions, and share personal experiences. We have learned that the most valuable information can be gained from the experiences of others. E-mail us for more information and pictures of our English Bulldogs anytime. Make an English Bulldog puppy your new pride and joy. For more information on the AKC Breed Standard; http://www.akc.org/breeds/bulldog/
