Your Guide to English Bulldog Puppies

The English Bulldog has been a popular breed since the late 1800's and was Initially bred for ferocity and courage. Since then, they have become a devoted and sweet member of the non sporting group of dogs.

While owning a Bulldog can be a very rewarding, you must be committed to meeting their particular needs, because it won't be long before you realize that he or she is quite stubborn and doesn't like to listen. Even so, he is a dog that loves to be with family and is generally good with children.

If you are still wondering if the Bull dog is right for you, then the best place to start is to get some books or do some research on the Internet about the English Bulldog. If you happen to know of someone that already has one, they're usually happy to answer any questions you may have about the breed.

Finding a reputable breeder is the only way to ensure that you will end up with a healthy puppy. When you have done your homework on potential breeders, ask them if you can visit the puppies parents in there home. Check out the conditions that the puppies are kept in:

• Do the puppies seem clean and healthy?
• Do the breeders keep their puppies in the house or are they left outside?
• Do they have kids or cats that the puppies can socialize with?
• Are the litter mates kept together so they can play and learn from each other?
• Do they all have healthy appetites and free of all parasites?
  

When you see that the puppies are clean and healthy, now it's time to take a look at the puppies individually so you and your family can choose which one is right for you. Examine the puppies one by one. Are they friendly, do they seem shy or hide in the corner?

When you see that the puppies are clean and healthy, now it's time to take a look at the puppies individually so you and your family can choose which one is right for you. Examine the puppies one by one. Are they friendly? Do they seem shy and hide in the corner?

• Even though the English Bulldog can look a little intimidating, they can also be very gentle with children. 
• They are described as affectionate and dependable, but known for its courage and their excellent guarding abilities.
• They are very hardheaded and don't give up very easily
• They love people and need lots of attention.  They will actually seek you out to get all they can get.
• They need an owner who knows how to display strong leadership and understands alpha canine behavior.  A Bulldog that knows his place in the human pack is nice and reliable with all people.
• They are good with other pets, but some can to be a little pushy with other dogs while trying to keep their place as leader of the pack. 
• When Bulldogs are young, they are full of energy, but slow down as they get older.
• They snore very loudly, and most will drool and slobber.
• If your English Bulldog displays guarding behaviors, such as guarding his toys or food, and shows signs of wanting to be the pack leader of other dogs, he needs to be shown that you are the pack leader and that he is to follow your lead.
  

Remember,   the puppy you choose will be with your family for at least 10 to 12 years, so choose wisely and make sure you don't skimp on the puppy training. 

The general appearance of the Bulldog is broad, powerful and compact. He has a head that is strikingly massive and seems to be a bit big for his body. With a short face, his muzzle is broad and blunt, and inclines upward.

His body is short and well put together with limbs that are very strong and muscular. His hindquarters are high and strong but somewhat lighter compared to his heavier foreparts.

They come in a variety of colors, such as red, fawn, brindle, pale yellow, and white.

The size of your bulldog is determined by genetics and the sex of your dog. A male, at full maturity will weigh about 50 pounds, while a bitch will be about 40 pounds.

English Bulldogs tend to be very high maintenance. Special attention must be paid to the dogs ears, coat, eyes, and wrinkles. How often you groom your bulldog will depend on his specific needs.  They can be bushed daily.

• As your puppy gets older, you may see issues with the eyelids. You may notice the eyelids tend to roll inward or outward away from the eyeball. Some may require surgery.
• Brush your dogs teeth about three times a week and look for toys that can help with canine dental health.
• Be Careful not to bathe to often. A bath up to two times a month is sufficient, anymore can cause skin irritation.

Puppy Diet- After weaning, your puppy's digestive system in not fully developed, giving him a reduced digestive capacity.  Situations of high stress, as when being separated from his mother and litter mates, can play a big part in this situation. 

For this stage of your puppies life, it is important to feed him a food that is for high energy working dogs.  This food will help develop better digestive abilities, and ensure intake of both calcium and phosphorus that is crucial at this stage.  It is also important to not change the puppies diet for the first 3 to 4 months. Doing this will help alleviate problem of diarrhea and other digestive problems.   So when you first bring your puppy home, plan on feeding him the same brand of food that the breeder was using. 

Adult Diet-  A balanced diet containing the essential nutrients in correct proportion, with plenty of fresh water is all your Bulldog will need.  How often you feed your dog depends on your schedule.  Some owners, because of working conditions, feed their dog only once a day,  While some feed them two times a day.  In my experience, when you feed your dog smaller portions throughout the day it can help reduce the occurrence of flatulence and Gastric torsion. 

As with any other breed, the English Bulldog has a few health isses that you should know before you make your final desision.

• Heat illness-
• Brachycephalic syndrome
• Dystocia
• Vaginal hyperplasia
• Facial fold dermatitis
• Interdigital dermatitis
• Cryptorchidism
• Hip dysplasia
• Hypothyroidism
• Cherry eye
• Entropion
• Distichiasis
• Keratoconjunctivitis sicca
• Ventricular septal defect
• Tetralogy of Fallot
• Aortic stenosis
• Congenital elbow luxation
• Lymphosarcoma
• Urethral prolapse

In addition to these health issues: Bulldogs are prone to Demodicosis, mast cell tumors, hair losselbow dysplasia, lymphoma, acne,deafness and eyelid problems.