You have your heart set on a cute, wrinkly little English bulldog puppy, so where do you start?
Quality English bulldog puppies do not come cheap and breeders should be thoroughly researched before making a decision. If I were looking to buy a TV that costs $2,000 to $4,500 more, I’d do some research first. I would read reviews, ask questions, and compare different brands. It is no different when looking to buy an English Bulldog puppy.
If you have local bulldog breeders, it makes sense to start with them, as you can easily visit their kennel or home and meet the dogs in person. However, your local breeders may not have a litter available, they may offer bloodlines you don’t want, or they may have a long waiting list. In this case, the next step would be to look further.
The Internet definitely makes it easy to find a bulldog puppy, however, it also increases the chance of running into uncaring breeders or outright scammers. While this seems daunting, there are some common sense rules you can follow that can make your search for the right English Bulldog puppy successful.
Don’t base your decision on choosing the lowest priced puppy you can find. It is an expensive proposition to breed English Bulldogs as most bitches must deliver the puppies via C-section. Also, 24-hour care is needed for the first few weeks, as the mother can roll over the puppies and suffocate them. Scammers try to attract buyers by stealing photos of reputable breeders and pricing them very low. Remember, you will get what you paid for, which in some cases may be nothing at all.
Ask questions! English Bulldog breeders who are passionate about what they do will expect you to ask a lot of questions. On the other hand, they will also ask you questions and discuss the “ins and outs” of raising an English Bulldog puppy. An informed and caring breeder will want to ensure that his puppy goes to a loving home with owners who understand the special concerns of the English Bulldog breed.
Look for a breeder who doesn’t just focus on breeding the “standard bulldog.” A responsible breeder will also breed for health and temperament and not just for conformation. Be sure to ask about the genetic background of the parents, the health guarantees offered, and what initial health care measures will be included (vaccinations, deworming, etc.). Also, make sure they will be willing to keep in touch and provide support for life.
Try to find customers who have bought an English Bulldog puppy from the breeder. Honest breeders will readily provide contact information for previous clients and will likely post testimonials on their website. But perhaps one of the best methods is to check the breeder’s Facebook page, if they have one available. On Facebook, many customers will comment and post photos and videos of the puppies they purchased from the breeder.
One last piece of advice is to take your time when choosing a breeder to buy your English Bulldog puppy from. Don’t be intimidated into buying if you’re not sure the combination is right for you. An honest breeder will appreciate your commitment to making sure the puppy you choose is the one of your dreams!