Anyone own english bulldogs?

[reveriereptile]

I've always loved the looks of them and would someday like to own one or more. I was wanting to know if anyone breeds them? I've been sort of looking around without any luck for one. I'd thought about getting a female that has a healthy bloodline and having her bred when she is over 1.5 yrs. old. I know that is why they cost so much is the problems with breeding them. I've read that it is best to artificially inseminate them or to have a special mounting rack to help the male and to keep them cool to avoid overheating. Also to have the female checked out at a vets and set up for a C-Section. Not to forget the tail docking and dewclaw removal even though I prefer not to. Are they worth trying to breed? How much money does it usually cost for the c-section/vet checks/docking/and first shots? I'd mainly be wanting to breed since I'd like to own 2-3 and I know other people would like to buy some since this area is hard to find any. Might get to attached though to sale any. I do know that they need other special care that isn't breeding related as far as the skin folds and them overheating easily. Was mainly wondering if it was worth it or better to just buy more than one. I have helped with golden retriever puppy litters for my SIL. She had to work one of the times that her dog was due so I had to deliver. Also have helped with a mix litter for my MIL. I'd also love to see any pictures anyone has of their bulldogs. I love looking at pictures and I know other BYCers do also.

 

[greathorse]

My ex wife has one. They are cool dogs in a lot of ways, they are very high maintenance and have some inherent health issues. They dont breathe very well and the list goes on and on. They are expensive to raise and usually a couple grand to buy a decent one.

I would never want to raise them and will likely never own one, but the one I know about was a good dog with a lot of personality. He farted a lot and snored like a freight train.

 

[reveriereptile]

Quote:
LOL, sounds like my husband. The money isn't really much of a problem. By the time I bought one as a puppy it would take a while for her to turn to the age to have her bred. I wasn't sure if it would be just cheaper to buy a puppy and then buy another one later or to breed one. It is hard to find breeders around here that aren't over 3 hours away. Easier to find a stud than a puppy to buy.

 

[RabbitMage]

My question, as always: what are you planning to do with your dog that makes her worthy of being bred?

This is a good place to start on your search, though: http://www.thebca.org/

Traveling 3 hours to a breeder is nothing, if that's what it takes to find a good one. Heck, I've made a 10 hour trip one way just to pick up rabbits from a breeder I liked.

 

[Jamie_Dog_Trainer]

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They are some of the most expensive dogs to maintian. I worked at a Vet hospital with two different doctors and a whole supporting staff of about ten other employees. The head doctor told me if he had just 6 english bulldogs with moderate health problems or breeding females he could affort to support the entire practice on that alone!!! He wasn't joking.

A C-section and other vet costs like that will vary widely depending on the area you live in. Around here, in Western Washington State a C-section for a dog will run from $800.00-1500.00, depending on any complications and how many puppies they deliver and other factors. It is very expensive indeed.

 

[HenPen]

A friend of mine raised them and it would be cheaper to just buy what you want for pets....Just a few quick FYI's Bulldog should be born naturally docked, AI is needed for about 98% of all breedings,Ultrasounds,xrays and such are also good practice for expectant females,water puppies are a problem and a heartache,they also have numerous other health problems besides breathing and skin...hips,knees,palette ect...not to mention all the health testing to clear parents before breeding...Bottom line its your choice but please make an educated choice before choosing to breed,English Bulldogs are a rather difficult breed.

 

[reveriereptile]

I want one for a pet but want one that is healthy from a good bloodline and one that has the typical body shape. I don't want one that has a small head or a small body with a big head. The only reason I was considering breeding one is that I'd like to own more than one but I also have the joy like some people do with hatching out baby chicks instead of buying them already hatched. I love watching them grow with the mother taking care of them (if not then me bottle feeding them) and the hands on experience with the puppies.

I'll probably buy instead of breeding or at least wait till I do a lot more research before deciding. Which brings me to another question. How is the temperament of an unaltered male as they get older? I'd rather have a female first but if I decided not the breed and couldn't find a female then I'd go with a male if I loved his personality.

 

[Jamie_Dog_Trainer]

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As with any dog temperament depends on good parents and genetics and behavior depends on training. I have known very sweet EBD's and some not sweet at all. It depends on what you will put up with from your dog and how much training you give. EBD's need a fair amount of training because they are so powerful and can also have a tendency towards not caring if they please their owners or not LOL.

 

[greathorse]

Oh this one we had was the most self centered animal known to man. She sort of listened to me but she blew off the ex as if she wasn't there. But certainly had her charm, don't get me wrong

 

[CedarRidgeChicks]

Which ever way you decide..please do research!! Make sure you check the genetics/bloodline..I don't have EBD but do have AmBDs, in 20 yrs. I have had two with hip problems..check this out!! It is very sad to have a dog with hip problems, to me more so than the breeding/birthing problems.