Bulldog breeders operate worldwide to propagate various Bulldog breeds such as the American, English and French Bulldogs. Bulldogs originated in England and were originally used to bait bulls. Bulldogs were bred to be aggressive and were often used in dogfights. When Britain passed the Cruelty to Animals Act in 1849, Bulldogs could no longer be used for bull baiting or dog fighting. The original Bulldog, the Old English Bulldog, became extinct, but not before lovers of the breed in England and America bred remaining the Bulldogs with other breeds to create new types of Bulldogs. The original version actually became extinct but not before English Bulldog breeders bred the Old English Bulldog with the Pug and other smaller breeds. These breeders created a lap-sized dog that could be kept as a family pet. The charming English Bulldog remains popular today. The English did not take to a smaller, toy-sized English Bulldog, but the smaller version became so popular in France that French Bulldog breeders renamed it the French Bulldog and bred in different traits than those seen in the English Bulldog. The French Bulldog has a smaller head and erect, bat ears unique to the breed. These dogs can be very willful and aggressive to other dogs, so training and discipline are necessary from the time they are small puppies. Because of the short muzzle and short, squat body, English and French Bulldogs can have breathing issues and are also unable to regulate body temperature. Bulldogs are social creatures and will follow owners everywhere. It is important for owners to interact with them and show affection. Because of the Bulldog's history of aggression, any behavioral issues should be dealt with consistently from the time dogs are puppies. Bulldogs respond well to positive reinforcement and tone of voice. Hitting or otherwise negatively reinforcing behavior can be detrimental to this breed. Buyers can ask American, English and French Bulldog breeders for additional specifics on breed care and treatment. There are many illicit American, English and French Bulldog breeders in operation around the world. It is imperative that potential Bulldog buyers are well versed on Bulldog information before buying. Buyers will also need to know how to distinguish good breeders from bad Bulldog breeders. First and foremost, good breeders never sell dogs to pet stores. Any breeder selling to a pet store does so because he thinks of animals as merchandise. Good breeders see dogs as members of the family. Second, good breeders only have a litter available at a time. If a breeder has too many puppies available at one time, buyers should ask how the breeder is providing love and attention to them all. Most likely, these breeders do not have puppies on site. They may be brokers who order puppies from elsewhere but tell buyers they have whelped and raised puppies themselves. Breeder without these characteristics should be avoided to ensure that you are not doing business with a puppy mill or mass breeder.
The term Bulldog has been used since the 1500's to describe ancestors of the modern Bulldog. Today's Bulldog, the English Bulldog, was bred in England and is characterized by its short, wide body, wrinkled face and under-bite or constant frown. Bulldogs may appear intimidating but most are gregarious, comical dogs with large personalities. The Bulldog is thought to be a mixture of Mastiff and Pug. These dogs were used in ancient times to bait, or torture bulls. Every Bulldog breeder works hard to breed aggression out of Bulldog bloodlines.
Though not a dog for everyone, fans of the English Bulldog love these dogs for life. The Bulldog is a tenacious, strong-willed breed and is often used as a mascot by many colleges and the military. The Bulldog is the official mascot of England and, though other versions of the Bulldog exist, is viewed as a traditional English symbol. English and French Bulldogs are the result of a mixture of Mastiff and Pug. American Bulldogs more closely resemble Old English Bulldogs, which were taller and faster than the European versions of today.
Bulldog breeders are knowledgeable about all three varieties of Bulldog. Every good Bulldog breeder can relate the history, temperament, behavioral issues, social needs and common genetic disorders of the various Bulldog breeds. French and English Bulldogs have similar issues due to their small size. Both are prone to breathing problems including a reverse sneeze in which moisture becomes trapped in the windpipe.
European versions of the Bulldog often have respiratory problems due to their small bodies, flat faces and Pug noses. These versions also need help giving birth, usually by c-section, as puppies' heads are too wide to be delivered naturally. The American Bulldog has a life expectancy of almost twice that of the European versions, but these larger dogs have their own set of behavioral, social and health issues.
Bulldogs buyers should approach Bulldog breeders with a list of questions. Good breeders will be able to provide extensive Bulldog information. Buyers should also expect Bulldog breeders to interview them to make sure they can adequately provide for Bulldog puppies.
Buyers should be positive that they want a Bulldog before buying and should be experienced dog owners as Bulldogs are not appropriate for novice pet owners. Buyers can ask Bulldog Breeders questions about care, grooming and discipline. A good Bulldog breeder will be able to provide answers to all of a buyer's questions.
The most important thing for buyers to know about Bulldog breeders is that good breeders never sell to pet stores. Any purebred dog breeder, like the Bulldog breeder, loves the breed and treats animals like family members, not merchandise. Due to the high price that can be fetched for purebred puppies, some breeders run illegal puppy mills, which are operations in purebred dogs are bred constantly to produce multiple litters to sell at auction. Dogs in puppy mills are mistreated. They are bred incessantly without regard to their health, kept caged with no exercise or play, and receive little human contact.
If you use this list when interviewing potential Bulldog breeders you will surely find a reputable, experienced breeder from which to purchase your next pet.
Bobby Callahan has sinced written about articles on various topics from Dog Breeds, Puppies Dogs and Dog Beds. About the author: Bobby Callahan is an avid lover of the French Bulldog and owns a popular website that can show you how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved. Bobby Callahan's top article generates over 201000 views. to your Favourites.