How to Pick an English Bulldog Breeder

The time has come when you wish to add a member to your family. You have settled on an English bulldog as the perfect pet. The English bulldog is an even tempered, friendly companion that craves human attention. However, this breed is also one that is prone to several health issues, including breathing problems as well as hip and knee problems, so the search for a reputable English bulldog breeder is very important. Read on to learn how to pick an English bulldog breeder.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Start a list of English bulldog breeders by going to kennel clubs or obedience classes in your area. These can be found online or in the phone book. Another good source of information would be a vet, as a vet would know, first hand, who the breeders are and how well they care for the dogs.

2. Interview each breeder. Do this without seeing any puppies so you aren't distracted by cuteness. It is very important not to see the puppies at this time.

3. Get a general idea of the facilities. Are they clean? Does the place look safe?

4. Ask to see the breeder's dam and sire. Judging the temperament and health of these dogs is important. If both the dam (mother) and sire (father) are calm, likable dogs, the chances that their offspring will be as well. If both dogs are domineering and ill-tempered, go to the next breeder.

5. Find out what kind of food the breeder gives the dogs. If it is good quality food, then you know that the breeder is serious about maintaining the health of the dogs.

6. Question the breeder about the health issues of the English bulldog. The breeder should talk about having their English bulldogs PennHIP certified (also known as pin hipped). PennHIP certification requires that a dog be radiographed in three positions to "assess, measure and interpret hip joint laxity and hip conformation." Having this test done on the dogs shows that the breeder is aware of the English bulldog's tendency toward hip dysplasia and is doing her/his best to ensure her own dogs do not have it, and in turn, pass it on to their offspring.

7. Query the breeder about how the dams and sires are chosen. These dogs should be free of genetic anomalies such as a small windpipes and poor eyesight. The breeder should have documentation for all testing that is done on the animals.

8. Ask to see a record of the English bulldog's veterinary history. The breeder should have a record of immunizations, as well as the dog's health history.

9. Request the pedigrees of the sire and dam. If you see there are a lot of champions listed, then you have a good idea that the breeder's dogs meet the strict breed qualifications.

10. Inquire as to whether the breeder's dogs participate in any competitions such as agility, obedience, therapy dogs, or anything that requires training. This is a good indication of whether or not the puppies can be easily trained.

11. Get references, people who own any of the breeder's puppies. Meeting these owners and the puppies could be a good indication of what you can expect from a puppy from this particular breeder.

12. Require that the breeder gives you a guarantee for the puppy's health.

13. Choose your puppy if the breeder meets with all of the above qualifications.

Resources

• Dog Breed Info for Details About the English Bulldog
• Next Day Pets Article on Choosing a Breeder
• ESPN Article on PennHIP Certification
• The Pet Center

[mustlovedoggies]

on 10/15/2009
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