So you think you want a Bulldog Puppy

1
So you think you want a Bulldog Puppy
BCA Education

• Nobody knows more about Bulldogs than BCA
• we can help you locate a Bulldog Breeder.

2
Whats not to love?
There is nothing as cute as a Bulldog Puppyit is
easy to get caught up in the moment.
3
What you seeis not always what you get!

• Although all Bulldog puppies are cute, there is a
  vast difference in way they can develop.

4
Some Breeders do not make breeding decisions
that are in the best interests of the Breed
February 2004, four starving bulldogs were
rescued the Risener family adopted one of these
courageous dogs. He came to their family
malnourished, infected, neglected and in dire
need of a tail amputation. Spike touched many
hearts with his story of triumph over cruelty and
neglect. Not only was Spike treated inhumanely
he was also a victim of poor breedinghe had
serious health issues which he valiantly endured.
His Grace through it all was amazing! If you
are appalled at the way he was treated before
finding his loving family consider this Spike
was being used as a stud dog by the puppy mill
that bred him! Thats right more puppies created
to endure needless suffering by an uncaring and
irresponsible breeder!
In Loving memory of Spike Risener
September 17, 1996 - May 26, 2007
5
Beauty on the Inside

• It needs to be said that rescue Bulldogs are most
  often extraordinarily grateful and totally
  devoted to their rescuers.
• Rescue families are an amazing group of people
  who have the heart, the time and the energy to
  devote to a rescue Bulldog. God bless them! If
  you are looking for a Bulldog rescue Please
  contact
• http//www.rescuebulldogs.org and fill out an
  application.
• However if you are looking for a Bulldog puppy
  from a reputable breeder, and want to know how to
  contact oneclick on!

6
Various terms for Breeders

• A Good Breeder
• A Back Yard Breeder
• A Puppy Mill Breeder
• A Broker

7
Some traits of The Good Breeder

• Understands the Bulldog Standard and uses it as
  the guideline for their breeding decisions
• Will never breed dogs with known genetic health
  issues or major faults
• Has their dogs on premises for you to inspect for
  condition
• Is usually active in Bulldog clubs, and in AKC
  Dog shows
• Will usually ask you more questions than you ask
  them
• Has signed a Code of Ethics and is listed with
  BCA Breeder referral services
• Will give you references when asked
• Registers their dogs with AKC
• Will generally require a spay or neuter procedure
  on Companion pets to protect the breed

8
Some recognizable traits of the Back Yard
Breeder

• Usually has a Pet quality female that they
  breed to a Pet quality Male Because they love
  her and want puppies from her
• Has little or no understanding of the Bulldog
  Standard
• Makes breeding decisions based on convenience
  more than knowledge
• Has little or no understanding of genetics,
  making it near impossible to arrive at the
  particular Phenotype described in the Standard
• Is usually inactive in clubs where they could
  learn to be better breeders or show rings where
  they could compare what they are producing

9
Some Traits of the Puppy Mill

• Usually has numerous dogs, that are housed in
  substandard conditions
• Often wholesales to pet stores
• Usually breeding dogs with obvious health and/or
  genetic issues
• Frequently uses registration services other than
  AKC
• Quite frequently running several different
  higher priced breeds
• May belong to a club to try and establish
  credibility but is generally inactive to not draw
  attention to their breeding practices

10
Some Traits of the Broker

• Did not breed the pup themselves
• No parents on site
• Frequently offering dogs with foreign
  registration or registration other than AKC
• Commonly selling pups at 5-6 weeks of age to
  avoid having to give shots
• Often selling pups before they even arrive in
  country and arranging pick up immediately on
  arrival (To avoid vet bills)
• Usually but not always, selling way below market
  averages to appeal to those who are price
  driven

11
How to protect yourself

• Use BCA Breeder referralnothing is 100
  foolproof, but at least these are breeders who
  have been a member of the Club for a minimum of 3
  years, they have signed a Breeders Code of
  Ethics, and submitted an application. Having
  been scrutinized by their peers they were
  granted breeder referral status. These breeders
  are subject to a complaint process and can lose
  their breeder referral status if found to be in
  violation of the breeders code of ethics
• Researchknow what a Bulldog should look likenot
  the cartoon versionbut a good healthy Bulldog
• Get references
• Go to the breeders home to pick up your pup, ask
  to see the parents (Sometimes semen is
  shippedbut the mom should be there at a minimum
• Ask questionslots of questions

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What kind of Questions?

• Did you Breed the pup?
• How long have you been breeding?
• May I see the parent(s)
• Is the pup AKC registered?
• Do you belong to any breed clubs? (How long? Have
  you held an office or worked on committee? etc)
  Try and determine if they are active or just
  using an affiliation to lend credibility to their
  breeding practices.
• Do you show your dogs? People who show are more
  inclined to breed to the standard
• What health issues have you had to deal with?
• Do you own your home? (many brokers will rent an
  apartment for a month while they unload their
  merchandise and are long gone when you need to
  avail yourself of their health guarantee)
• continued

13
More Questions

• Are there any adult dogs bred by you, here on
  your property? (see what those cute puppies will
  look like when they grow up!)
• How many different breeds do you breed?
• Do you have a website? (check it out and compare
  what you see to the story they are telling you.)
• May I see the pedigree of the pup? (Is it in
  English?)
• Can you give me 5 references from people who
  bought dogs from you in the past?
• Ask lots of questions about the breedare they
  knowledgeable? (Ex I want to take my dog white
  water raftingare they good swimmers? If they
  answer yesRUN!
• Ask the breeder if they have any questions (if
  notwhy not? A good Breeder will want to
  determine if you are a good home for their pup!
  They are not just dumping the pup, and getting
  the money)
• Are they willing to mentor you? Can you call with
  questions etc.

14
Be careful

• Bulldogs are an expensive breed so unfortunately
  there are some very opportunistic people out
  there. Just because you see the BCA logo or link
  on a site, does not mean they are BCA members.
  Some put it there to simply to imply better
  value. Check them out.
• If you wish to increase your level of protection,
  contact breed clubs and ask for breeder
  referralThe BCA Breeder Referral button can be
  located on the BCA home page. Just click it to be
  taken to a list of current BCA Breeder Referral
  Members arranged by state for your convenience.
  Click the breeders name for an e-mail contact
  form. Not all breeders will have puppies at all
  times so it is advised to contact more than one
  breeder.

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The Bulldog Club of America Website

• There is a lot of information on the site.
  Take the time to read through the Illustrated
  Standard, and the Breeders Code of Ethics. Take
  a look at the Gallery of National Winners. Check
  for a Specialty show in your area so that you can
  meet some breeders and see the type of Bulldogs
  they are producing. Do not be in a hurry. It is
  quite common for a good breeder to have a waiting
  list for puppies. Good luck in your search!