English Bulldogs

[fcuknu]

I am looking to get an English Bulldog in the near future. I was wondering if anybody has experience? Any tips? The average price around here (in and around manhattan) looks like 2500-4000, is this what I should expect to pay?

 

[why]

I know someone who got one that was a rescue dog. Free.

 

[WoodyStylee]

I have a few buddies that have e. bulldogs...they all have a wide range of health problems. the breed is notorious for it.

They also have to do some pretty gross hygiene ****, like clean in between the dogs folds every day, and clean around their eyes. Theyre a cool dog, but not worth the health problems and short lifespan IMO

 

[JonB27]

^agreed, they have hip problems, breathing issues, and you have to make sure the wrinkles are clean to prevent rashes and smell.... They always suggest that you have money set aside for future health issues.

I would do my research before getting one.. But just like anything you might get one and never experience any problems.

 

[Flambeur]

Originally Posted by WoodyStylee

I have a few buddies that have e. bulldogs...they all have a wide range of health problems. the breed is notorious for it.

They also have to do some pretty gross hygiene ****, like clean in between the dogs folds every day, and clean around their eyes. Theyre a cool dog, but not worth the health problems and short lifespan IMO

Yup, as much as I want an english bulldog, the health issues, short lifespan, all make me hesitant..

I've actually been looking at mini bullterriers and french bulldogs lately.. Size makes it easier to keep in the city, and less health issues.

 

[why]

Get an Irish Wolfhound.

 

[dcg]

I looked into getting one a couple of years ago, but the combination of high initial cost, short lifespan, multitude of health problems leading to high vet expenses, hygiene issues, and the fact that they drool all over everything put me off.

They're still ******* awesome though.

 

[dave]

Originally Posted by Flambeur

Yup, as much as I want an english bulldog, the health issues, short lifespan, all make me hesitant..

I've actually been looking at mini bullterriers and french bulldogs lately.. Size makes it easier to keep in the city, and less health issues.

You're way off base if you think a frenchie is a better choice if health is your major concern. Frenchies are so inbred by this point that they literally cannot mate on their own.

As far as English bulldogs are concerned, if you get one from a reputable breeder (and you WILL pay a premium for this) your dog will most likely be fine for 10-15 years. If you aren't able to inspect the parents on site just walk away. Backyard breeders will sell you a poorly bred dog for less than your thinking but you'll more than make up the difference in vet bills over your dogs lifetime.

Bulldogs in all their forms have weird problems though. Because of their wrinkles you do have to clean their faces daily. They are brachecephaelic (short nosed) so they have breathing issues like snoring and wheezing. They can't take heat because of it either. And the funniest and most frequent problem is the incessant farting. And they do stink.

They are awesome dogs though and are worth the effort. I have 2 Boston terriers which are descendants of the English bulldog and they are the bet dogs ever. We rescued ours though so I'm big on rescues. I don't think I would get a dog from a breeder anymore. Check into it at least and see. The rescue here in nrth Texas charges around $500 so it's a money saver up front at least.

 

[Flambeur]

Originally Posted by dave

You're way off base if you think a frenchie is a better choice if health is your major concern. Frenchies are so inbred by this point that they literally cannot mate on their own.

As far as English bulldogs are concerned, if you get one from a reputable breeder (and you WILL pay a premium for this) your dog will most likely be fine for 10-15 years. If you aren't able to inspect the parents on site just walk away. Backyard breeders will sell you a poorly bred dog for less than your thinking but you'll more than make up the difference in vet bills over your dogs lifetime.

Bulldogs in all their forms have weird problems though. Because of their wrinkles you do have to clean their faces daily. They are brachecephaelic (short nosed) so they have breathing issues like snoring and wheezing. They can't take heat because of it either. And the funniest and most frequent problem is the incessant farting. And they do stink.

They are awesome dogs though and are worth the effort. I have 2 Boston terriers which are descendants of the English bulldog and they are the bet dogs ever. We rescued ours though so I'm big on rescues. I don't think I would get a dog from a breeder anymore. Check into it at least and see. The rescue here in nrth Texas charges around $500 so it's a money saver up front at least.

Hmm maybe should just do a mini or full size bullterrier then. (obviously the proper british one, not the pitbull although I like them too)

 

[DNW]

It's funny you brought this up. My gf absolutely loves the breed, especially as puppies. So, she did some research yesterday and found how much of a high maintenance dog they are. Not worth the trouble, IMO. But darnit, they're so cute.

 

[Lucky7]

Don't do it unless you look forward to being best friends with your vet.

 

[Spirit of 69]

Get a boxer instead.

 

[fcuknu]

They are really adorable as puppies and when they grow up they are
Just pimps. There is no other breed which does it for me like an English bulldog

 

[chronoaug]

french > english

For me at least. Don't want to have to worry about the dog getting too big or potentially dangerous. Plus they're small forever.

 

[milosz]

Dangerous English bulldogs? I believe all the aggression has been bred out of them for quite some time. They're big slobbery teddy bears now - and breeding out the aggression (making them more docile and less active) is probably one issue with their health.

Putting aside health issues, after seeing my parents' beagle for four years I wouldn't have a 'hard to train' dog.