You have your heart set on a cute, wrinkly little English bulldog puppy, so where do you begin?
Quality bred English Bulldog puppies are not cheap and breeders should be researched thoroughly before a decision is made. If you were looking to purchase a television that costs from $2,000 to $4,500 plus, you would do a bit of research first. You would read reviews, ask questions and compare different brands. It is no different when looking to purchase an English Bulldog puppy.
If you have local bulldog breeders, it makes sense to start with them since you can easily visit their kennel or home and meet the dogs in person. However, your local breeders may not have an available litter, may offer bloodlines you don't want or have a long waiting list. In this case, the next step would be to look further afield.
The Internet definitely makes searching for a bulldog puppy easier, however, it also increases the chance of coming across 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.
Do not base your decision on picking the lowest priced puppy you can find. It is an expensive proposition to breed English Bulldogs as most bitches must deliver puppies via caesarean section. Also, around the clock care is needed during the early weeks as the mother can roll on top of the puppies and suffocate them. Scammers try to attract buyers by stealing photos from reputable breeders and attaching a very low price tag. Remember, you will get what you pay for, which in some cases may be nothing at all.
Ask questions! English Bulldog breeders that 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. A knowledgeable and caring breeder will want to make sure their puppy goes to a loving home with owners who understand the special concerns of the English Bulldog breed.
Look for a breeder that does not just focus on breeding for the "bulldog standard." A responsible breeder will also breed for health and temperament and not just conformation. Make sure you ask about the genetic backgrounds of the parents, any health guarantees offered and which initial health care measures will be included (shots, worming, etc.). Also, make sure that they will are willing to stay in contact and provide lifetime support.
Try to find customers who have purchased an English Bulldog puppy from the breeder. Honest breeders will readily provide contact information for past customers and likely post testimonials on their web site. But perhaps one of the best methods is to check out the Facebook page of the breeder, if they have one available. On Facebook, many customers will comment and post photos and videos of the puppies they bought from the breeder.
One last piece of advice is to take your time when choosing a breeder from which to purchase your English Bulldog puppy. Don't get "bullied" into buying if you are not sure the match is right for you. An honest breeder will appreciate that you are committed to making sure the puppy you choose is the one of your dreams!
