Bulldogs need a little daily grooming but not much. A brushing, cleaning their wrinkles, and many kisses will do the trick.....
cost
Bulldogs are a very popular, and photogenic breed. Bulldogs also have that great
and beautiful look whether there a puppy or adult, it's one breed that
looks great at any age. Bulldogs usually (90%) of the time require a
c-section for delivery of the puppies and artificial insemination to
breed.
The
cost to a breeder for a litter can run between 1500-3000 dollars (not
counting there time). Litter size average is 4. The Cost for a
c-section, usually about 500.00- 750.00 assuming it is during normal
vet hours. After hours, weekends and holidays will run extra. A cost to
breed the dog is usually around 500.00 to 800.00 for the semen/stud service plus
shipping if applies.. Additionally there is the bitch pre breeding
tests, exams, x-rays,and ultra sounds.
Then
when a litter is born most of the time they must be hand helped when
feed. A breeder will spend every few hours with the litter and mother
during feeding 24 hours a day for several weeks. Bulldogs don't make the
best mothers because they may lay on a puppy on accident and not even
realize it. There is other reasons besides that but litters are at
least human assisted for many days around the clock.
C-sections
for bulldogs is required for several reasons like: high rates of water
puppies which can't pass through the birth canal, large head and
shoulders of the puppies, stress and heat factors may cause a bulldog
trouble, the ability to "PUSH" out a full litter is often to much on a
bulldog and other factors. It is very time consuming compared to other
breeds where every thing is taken care of by the male and female dog
including the birth and delivery and raising of the litter.
This is a special breed which requires the help of humans
to bring a litter to 8 weeks of age. There worth every penny and once
you have been owned by bulldog you could never again be without one.
Most breeders sell quality pet bulldogs for between 1400-3500.00 and
you can expect the breeder to be there for you with help when needed
and to know what the past litters and the breeders stock shows in
health problems,etc.
A
good breeder will also want to keep track of the pup and will also
offer you a contract to protect you both and make sure your dog is
healthy or will explain its conditions. Bulldogs are very special dogs
and people who own them are just as special. I want to stress that
NEVER***NEVER***NEVER*** should you buy a puppy on discounted price
with the understanding that you will breed and give back a whole litter
of puppies to the breeder in exchange of a reduced rate of buying a
bulldog from them originally.
Never buy a Bulldog with registry from any source other than AKC (in the USA). Other registry groups have less standards and who
knows what you may end up with, mixed breeds or inbreed's because
there is no track record of pedigree. If your wanting a bulldog then
get a bulldog, don't accept anything less, the breed is expensive and
may cost you more down the road with cherry eye surgery, patella,
palate surgery,etc. So try and get a healthy bulldog from a well known
breeder or breeder who loves the breed and it will show when you meet
or talk with them.
They
can answer any question and be very honest with you. The goal is to
improve the breed, provide healthy and beautiful puppies that fall in
the standard and ones to be proud to have offered. Stay clear of pet
stores as they often inflate the prices by as much as 1500.00 or more
and the dogs come from puppymills and often show health problems later
in life. You have saved up and researched the breed then wait for the
perfect bull before buying, the good part of the bulldog is that the
high price often keeps people from just buying on impulse without
knowing what there getting into.
Stay
away from mini bulldogs as their basically a mutt or mixed breed with
no proven record of anything. Bulldogs are very special and a great
breed to own, just do your homework and you will be glad you did. We
have got hundreds of emails in the past few years from people who made
mistakes and wish they had known better in the first place or had more
information.
Some of the most commonly asked questions
Q: What is a Mini-Bulldog? I have heard that they are better than a regular Bulldog and was told this is the dog for me.
A: Don't
be fooled! There is only one original "BULLDOG". Many unscrupulous
breeders attempt to cash in on poor quality, non-standard Bulldogs
mixed with what can be anyone's guess. Steer clear! Nothing about
them is certain except that they are most likely a mixed breed or, at
best, an example of poor breeding practices. If you are seeking a dog
similar to what these "breeders" describe, save your money and adopt a
dog from your local animal shelter instead. You can still get a great
companion without falling victim to a scam.
Q: Why do Bulldogs cost so much?
A: This
is a breed that typically requires a c-section to deliver the puppies.
It also requires constant monitoring of the bitch when she feeds the
puppies (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). There is a great deal of time
and money involved in getting a bitch ready for breeding, having her
bred, having a successful delivery and raising a litter to 8 weeks.
Without going into too much detail, it can cost $2000-$3000 to breed,
deliver and raise a litter. Of course, this is an out-of-pocket
expense, without consideration for the time you will have to invest. litters of 4-10 puppies are not uncommon now a days.
Q: Do Bulldogs really need C-Sections?
A: Yes.
Over 90% of deliveries are by C-section. Some advancements are being
made in free-whelping, but you should never attempt a free-whelp
without participation of a veterinarian who has extensive experience
with this breed. To attempt a free-whelp on your own could result in
the death of your female and all of her puppies.
Q: What is the oldest age a Bulldog has reached?
A: There
are some known at 15, 16, 17, and even an 18 year old. The average
life span is 10. A good diet, exercise, regular vet visits, and
comfortable living conditions can help increase this time.
Q: Can I own a Bulldog if I live where the temperatures get very hot or cold?
A: Yes,
just make adjustments for the conditions. Make sure your Bulldog
doesn't overheat and always has plenty of fresh clean water. Bulldogs
should always be "indoor" dogs, and require air-conditioning where
summer temperatures rise above 80 degrees.
Q: What about spaying/neutering?
A: These
are great options with wonderful health benefits if done early in the
dog's life. Check with your veterinarian
Q: What about grooming, wrinkles, cosmetic surgery, etc.?
A: Daily
brushing will keep a Bulldog's coat looking good and reduce any
shedding (Bulldogs shed only a little in most cases). The wrinkles and
tail pocket must be kept clean and dry.
Ideally,
Bulldogs go through their life with no cosmetic alterations. Dew claws
are not removed, ears are not cosmetically changed or cropped, nor are
tails docked.
Sometimes,
a tightly-kinked tail will have recurrent bouts of bacteria and
infection due to chronic moisture trouble, and an amputation may be
advised. (Bulldogs that have had cosmetic alterations are ineligible
for showing.) Always feed a complete balanced premium dog food as well.
Q: Should I get a male or female?
A: This
is purely a personal preference. Each has a fan club to sing the
praises of that gender's affection, intelligence and train ability.
Q: Is a Bulldog a good family pet?
A: Absolutely!
The Bulldog is gentle, loving, and sociable. (However, a Bulldog's
bulk, combined with joyful enthusiasm, would cause a family to be
watchful that the Bulldog doesn't knock over their small children.)
Once you've had a Bulldog, your home will not be complete without one!
Q: Will my Bulldog need a special vet?
A: Certain
things must be approached differently with a Bulldog than with other
breeds. Some vets prefer not to deal with the special needs, or may
not understand the special needs this breed has. It is definitely
recommended that you seek and use a veterinarian with Bulldog
experience whenever possible.
Q: What is the difference between a Bulldog and an English Bulldog?
A: In
the USA, our breed is registered with the American Kennel Club as
simply "Bulldog". Though "Bulldog" is the correct name for our breed,
you will find some breeders and other individuals who refer to them as
English Bulldogs to help newcomers identify our breed more quickly as
opposed to Bull Terriers, Bull Mastiffs, etc.
Q: How often should I get my dog vaccinated?
A: Once
you've had your appointment for first vaccinations by a veterinarian,
the clinic will let you know when the next boosters are due.