British Bulldog For Stud? All Answers

As a professional English Bulldog breeder and English Bulldog stud service, Puppychase Kennels offers on-site artificial insemination (AI) and chilled shipping semen from all of our English Bulldog stallions to approved English Bulldog bitches. Our AKC registered English Bulldog stallions have many champions in their pedigree and meet the highest English Bulldog standard for conformation, temperament and health. Give us a call and we’ll help you choose the right stud for your bitch. English bulldog stud services cost $650 (or more depending on stud chosen) and include 3 vials of semen. Just let us know when your bitch will be in heat so we can work out a plan together. We can ship chilled semen straight to your vet. The costs include the stud fee and the corresponding shipping costs. Rush shipments are also available at an additional cost (payment same day your shipment needs to be dispatched). Seed shipped by us is guaranteed to be alive and motile. More detailed information and instructions can be found in our. “Our knowledge and experience in semen collection, handling and shipping gives you peace of mind that your chilled shipped semen will arrive on time and agile for your English Bulldog’s artificial insemination. If you are looking for a reputable, dependable English bulldog stud farm then turn to Puppychase Kennels.

Best Age To Breed A New Bulldog Plus 6 Health Risks You Should Know!

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✅ Fact checked

Bulldogs are one of the most popular breeds in America and can be bred very profitably. Many bulldogs will require a cesarean section and possibly artificial insemination, so breeding bulldogs is not for the backyard breeder. To answer your question, what is the best age to breed a new bulldog? For a female bulldog, the best time to breed is after she has had at least two heat cycles. This will be the case when they are about two years old. Male bulldogs should also be sexually mature, around two years old. There are actually many risks to consider when breeding bulldogs. Anyone looking to breed bulldogs should be aware of the potential complications and demands of this process.

1 The History of Bulldog Breeding

Bulldogs, especially English bulldogs, have had a complicated past. Their history has resulted in certain physical and sexual traits that have been cultivated over the years.

The other types of bulldogs share many of these difficulties as well. To understand this, a look at the Bulldog’s history is a good place to start.

Bulldogs are so named because they have a history of bull baiting dating back to the 1500s.

Bullbaiting was a sport in which a tethered bull and dog competed and the dog grabbed the bull’s nose and pinned him to the ground to claim victory. Many dogs were not strong enough to face a bull and unfortunately many were killed in the sport.

Breeders hoping to win tried to breed the strongest and most capable dog to win. Eventually, these dogs became known as bulldogs.

A few hundred years later, bulldogs were known for their stocky, muscular build, strong jaws, and temperament brave enough to take on bulls.

Eventually, however, the breed became popular as a family pet and desirable to many. Unfortunately, all this time bulldogs were bred through inbreeding or linebreeding. This means they were bred with close relatives or along their ancestral line.

While this may have preserved some strengths, it also put them at much greater risk of several health problems and made their genetics weaker.

Bulldogs today have a severe lack of genetic diversity, and so many breeders choose to breed Bulldogs with other dog breeds to strengthen the dogs and reduce the risk of health problems.

This practice can give mixed breeds a better chance at a healthy life. However, those who create purebreds without any research can compound the genetic issues Bulldogs face.

It is important to research each dog’s genetics, health, and disposition prior to breeding to help the puppies have the best possible chance of survival.

Without this, the genetics become unhealthier and the risk of something going wrong increases.

Today, the American Kennel Club has a guide to responsible breeding. These are good guidelines for anyone wanting to breed a dog, regardless of breed.

However, there is still a lot to consider when it comes to bulldogs specifically, as they have many more health concerns than other dog breeds.

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2 The Health Risks of Breeding Bulldogs

Because of all of the inbreeding and linebreeding of bulldogs in the past, they come with many health risks for those hoping to breed.

This can become extremely expensive for breeders and should be well known to anyone looking to breed bulldogs.

Here is a list of bulldog health issues that can make it difficult or even impossible for a bulldog to reproduce healthily:

Brachycephalic Syndrome – This means short headed and is not only common in Bulldogs but also in other breeds like Pugs and Pekingese. The short heads of these dogs can lead to breathing problems, such as B. Congenital obstructive upper airway disease. This leads to shortness of breath, lack of oxygen and even possible collapse due to this lack of oxygen. Dogs also cool off by breathing and panting because they don’t sweat, which can affect their ability to cool off in the heat.

This means short headed and is common not only in Bulldogs but also in other breeds like Pugs and Pekingese. The short heads of these dogs can lead to breathing problems, such as B. Congenital obstructive upper airway disease. This leads to shortness of breath, lack of oxygen and even possible collapse due to this lack of oxygen. Dogs also cool off by breathing and panting because they don’t sweat, which can affect their ability to cool off in the heat. Eye Problems – Bulldogs can fall victim to various types of eye problems. The most common is called cherry eye, or a condition where the tear duct on the third eyelid has prolapsed or enlarged. Bulldogs are also prone to wounds on their cornea which, if left untreated, can lead to blindness. Your eyelids can also turn in or out, which can cause itching and infection.

Bulldogs can fall victim to various types of eye problems. The most common is called cherry eye, or a condition where the tear duct on the third eyelid has prolapsed or enlarged. Bulldogs are also prone to wounds on their cornea which, if left untreated, can lead to blindness. Your eyelids can also turn in or out, which can cause itching and infection. Skin Issues – Bulldogs can get bacterial infections due to their wrinkled skin. They also often get eczema. Lesions and pustules can also form on a bulldog’s skin. It is important to use antibacterial wipes and to keep the coat and skin clean and dry to best prevent bacterial infection.

Bulldogs can get bacterial infections due to their wrinkled skin. They also often get eczema. Lesions and pustules can also form on a bulldog’s skin. It is important to use antibacterial wipes and to keep the coat and skin clean and dry to best prevent bacterial infection. Orthopedic Conditions – This breed of dog is at high risk of musculoskeletal problems and cartilage deformities. Chondrodysplasia is very common and causes bone and joint problems in Bulldogs that are difficult and sometimes impossible to truly correct. It is also known that 74% of the Bulldog population suffers from hip dysplasia, which affects the bones in the hip joints, causing pain, an altered gait and making climbing stairs difficult. Bulldogs are prone to kneecaps and other bones dislocating, ligaments misaligned, cartilage growing abnormally, and discs bulging or even rupturing.

This breed of dog is at high risk of musculoskeletal problems and cartilage deformities. Chondrodysplasia is very common and causes bone and joint problems in Bulldogs that are difficult and sometimes impossible to truly correct. It is also known that 74% of the Bulldog population suffers from hip dysplasia, which affects the bones in the hip joints, causing pain, an altered gait and making climbing stairs difficult. Bulldogs are prone to kneecaps and other bones dislocating, ligaments misaligned, cartilage growing abnormally, and discs bulging or even rupturing. Cancer – Bulldogs are at risk for various cancers such as melanoma and lymphoma. However, mast cell tumors are the most common. This usually occurs on the skin and can take the form of lumps on the skin.

Bulldogs are at risk for various cancers such as melanoma and lymphoma. However, mast cell tumors are the most common. This usually occurs on the skin and can take the form of lumps on the skin. Caesarean Sections – If a bulldog can be bred without risk of further health problems or passing them on, a cesarean section will likely still be necessary. 90% of Bulldogs require a cesarean section, which can present its own health risks for both the mother and the puppies.

It is highly recommended that if you are planning to breed and are fully aware of the bulldog health concerns, that you find good health insurance for your bulldog. To see what options are available to you, read What is the best bulldog pet insurance? Plus 4 recommended plans.

3 What else should a breeder know?

Bulldogs typically reach sexual maturity around six to nine months of age. Bulldogs are usually in heat for about two to four weeks, and this occurs about every six months. Bulldogs need time to go through a few cycles before they are ready to mate.

Being sexually mature does not necessarily mean that your Bulldog is physically mature and ready to mate. Bulldogs should be at least two years old before mating as they should have had enough heat cycles by then and this will help ensure they are healthy and not experiencing any complications.

Breeding too early can increase the risk of health problems and endanger the lives of the mother and her puppies. Also, with bulldogs, it is only safe to breed about 2-3 litters in total.

Nothing more should be done and there should be time between whelps to allow the mother to recover. Bulldogs have enough health problems as it is, and giving birth is a huge burden for them.

Breeding bulldogs is also very expensive. It costs a lot of money to ensure the dog’s health, and unexpected problems can arise. You should put money aside for emergencies. Vet expenses can be expensive throughout the process.

It can also be difficult to sell the puppies. Some locations have a higher demand for bulldog puppies than others

Before breeding, it is good to have a buyer ready beforehand or to check the demand in the area. You want to be sure that the puppies can find good homes for them and that the effort will be worthwhile for you.

In addition, the puppies can also have trouble breastfeeding and as a result you may have to stay up late and pull long hours to ensure they are fed and cared for.

Overall, unless you have done a lot of research and are financially able to support your dog for the process, it is not recommended to breed a bulldog. Knowledge of the genetics of the dogs to be bred is also necessary.

Consultation with a veterinarian or professional breeder is also a good idea. However, if you get it right, you could end up with some new bulldog puppies and maybe some money.

4 related questions

What is the highest age a dog can have puppies? Bulldogs don’t actually have a long lifespan. 7-10 years is the average age.

A female Bulldog can breed safely from around 2 years of age to around 4-5 years of age in most cases. Breeding them too old will lead to more complications and health problems.

Can Female Bulldogs Have Puppies Naturally? Bulldogs have a large body and head, making it difficult for puppies to give birth naturally.

It is extremely rare for a Bulldog to conceive puppies naturally, especially without any complications, and as such cesarean sections are almost always required.

A normal litter size can range from 1 to 12 puppies, with 5-6 puppies being the average for all dogs. But just as each dog breed differs in size, function, and personality, they also differ in litter size, according to AKC registry data. Large dogs tend to have larger litters while small dogs have smaller litters, most obviously because size allows larger dogs to safely have more puppies.

Here are the average litter sizes for the 10 most popular breeds in the United States:

Labrador retriever litter size

Average: 7 puppies

In a typical litter, Labrador Retrievers can have 5 to 10 puppies, depending on their size, age, health, diet, and genetic diversity. However, a Labrador’s first litter is usually smaller than average.

Largest known litter: 15 puppies

French bulldog litter size

Average: 3 puppies

French bulldogs usually have 2 to 4 puppies in a litter. Most throws are delivered per section, and any throw greater than five is considered extremely rare.

Largest known litter: 7 puppies

Litter size German shepherd

Average: 8 puppies

German shepherds can have anywhere from 1 to 15 puppies in a normal litter. While the average is 8 puppies per litter, larger litters are often expected.

Largest known litter: 17

Golden retriever litter size

Average: 8 puppies

A typical Golden Retriever litter can have anywhere from four to twelve puppies. Typically, a female Golden Retriever’s first litter is smaller than later litters.

Largest known litter: 17 puppies

Bulldog litter size

Average: 4 puppies

Pup selection in Bulldog litters is a little easier to predict. Most Bulldog litters consist of 3 or 4 puppies. Many bulldogs require veterinary attention or a cesarean because the puppies are often too big for the birth canal.

Largest known litter: 16 puppies

poodle litter size

Average: 7 puppies

A Standard Poodle has an average of about 7 puppies, while Miniature Poodles have an average of 5 and Toy Poodles have an average of 3 puppies.

Biggest litter: 16 puppies

Beagle litter size

Average: 6 puppies

Typically, a Beagle will have between 1 and 10 puppies per litter. In Beagles, litter sizes tend to remain the same for each mother. So if a Beagle has a big litter, his next litter will likely be big too and vice versa.

Largest known litter: 13 puppies

Rottweiler litter size

Average: 8 puppies

Rottweiler litters can average 6 to 12 puppies, and larger litters are often expected. However, it is perfectly normal for a first time Rottweiler mother to only have two puppies.

Largest known litter: 18 puppies

German shorthaired pointer litter size

Average: 9 puppies

The average number of puppies in a German Shorthaired Pointer litter is between 8 and 12 puppies, however both smaller and larger litters are expected.

Largest known litter: 15+ puppies

Dachshund litter size

Average: 5 puppies

Dachshunds typically have 1 to 6 puppies per litter, but can have more depending on the size of the dog.

Largest known litter: 8+ puppies

Largest known litter size

The English bulldog is one of the most recognizable dog breeds of all time and also one of the most difficult to breed. Selective breeding can have dire consequences if done irresponsibly, and English bulldog breeding is the perfect example of dog breeding going wrong. If you’re wondering how to breed bulldogs today, it means you’re trying to improve the breed by undoing what has been done for decades.

The list of health concerns to be aware of is endless! From skin conditions and orthopedic conditions to cancer and respiratory issues, Bulldogs get the whole deck. As a responsible bulldog breeder, you should also be aware that female bulldogs almost always give birth by cesarean section. Additionally, birth defects and stillborn bulldog puppies are very common.

I am sure that in your research on raising bulldogs you have come across countless discouragements, all of which point to turning around with your tail between your legs and never looking back. This just goes to show that breeding and raising Bulldogs requires a strong willed heart and love for your dogs to endure whatever ordeal you will eventually face.

Breeding English bulldogs is challenging but necessary if you are to save such a beautiful breed – a breed with a wonderful history!

History of the English Bulldog Breed

Famous people and historical figures who own an English bulldog include Winston Churchill, Brad Pitt, John Legend or even world champion swimmer Michael Phelps. Guess what the official mascot of the United States Marine Corps is? Yes, the bulldog!

There are hundreds of official breeds, so why has such a dog breed inherited such a strong image and popularity? It’s all about history, dear ones.

The Bulldog breed was selectively bred specifically for bull baiting competitions.

From bull baiting to bulldogs

First things first, the term bulldog appeared around the year 1500 and the breed was named bulldog because such dogs were used in bullbaiting, a very popular blood sport and spectacle at the time. Bullbaiting consisted of a tethered bull facing dogs, of which the dog victoriously grabbed the bull’s nose and pinned him to the ground was the winner.

Obviously, bulls have considerable strength and power for hundreds of dogs that died in such events – they were trampled, impaled and thrown. However, breeders of such dogs tried to selectively choose the most suitable body types and continued to breed them generation after generation. You could see how much better these dogs were in the arena, so they kept polishing these dogs, dubbed bulldogs.

In the 1800s, the Bulldog body was synonymous with a stocky body, massive heads, incredibly strong jaws and a fearless temperament. These were all reasons bulldogs were so good at dominating wild bulls.

In 1835, the Cruelty to Animals Act 1835 contained new laws ending bull baiting, cockfighting and all other cattle or bear blood sports. This new regulation should have spelled the end of the Bulldog, but it clearly wasn’t.

New York kept Bulldogs going

The Old English Bulldog was a popular breed and a symbol of strength and fearless courage. So much so that several British expats brought these dogs with them when they crossed the Atlantic to settle in New York.

The timing was great because in the mid-1700s the Big Apple was facing challenges with numerous feral bulls having a presence in the city. At that time Governor Richard Nicolls was collecting the best bulldogs available and began breeding and training them to catch these feral bulls by the nose and hold them until they could be neutered by the handler.

The Bulldogs obviously did that too.

Bulldogs as pets

When bulls were less of a threat in New York and less of a spectacle in the United Kingdom, there wasn’t much work for bulldogs to continue to thrive.

Bulldogs as pets were on the rise, however, thanks to Bill George (1802-1881), the famous Victorian-era dog dealer and well-known character in London, England. But families who owned bulldogs were more interested in their unique looks than their ability to bait bulls.

I think that’s when things started to go wrong. Bulldog breeds began to focus on exaggerating that strong, square head, stocky body, and original build. No one thought it could go this far, but it did and today we are witnessing all the consequences.

Health Concerns in Breeding Bulldogs

With an average life expectancy of 8 years, the English bulldog is among the shortest living dogs out there. Medical conditions affecting our Bulldog breed are widespread and serious; They affect all facets of a dog’s health: eye, skin, joints, respiration, cells and so on.

A study led by researchers at the University of California, Davis has suggested that breeding bulldogs this healthy could be a mission impossible due to years of close inbreeding.

We were surprised at how little “leeway” there was in the breed to make additional genetic changes. We would definitely question further attempts at physical diversification of the English bulldog, for example through the rapid introduction of new, rarer coat colours; make the body smaller and more compact; or adding more folds in the fur; will improve the breed’s already weak genetic diversity. Professor Niels Pedersen, Center for Companion Animal Health, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

This dramatic image shouldn’t discourage anyone willing to improve the breed because let’s face it, bulldogs are here to stay. Therefore, all bulldog breeders as a community must do their utmost to fix as many problems as possible. When some Kennel Club rules need to be broken and some lines in the breed standard need to be changed; then be it.

If you are breeding bulldogs, you need to be aware of some of the most common health issues affecting the English bulldog breed. Ideally, you want to breed such problems out of your bloodline.

Brachycephalic Syndrome

Brachycephalic means short-headed, and when shortened to some extremes, as we see in bulldogs today, this airway problem, also known as congenital obstructive upper airway disease, leads to a number of related problems.

Because these dogs cannot handle sustained activity, they are at high risk of obesity and structural problems.

Cats of the Persian breed, as well as French Bulldogs, Pugs, Pekingese and Boston Terriers are also victims of the same brachycephalic syndrome. If you’ve met these in person, you can’t ignore the noisy heavy breathing and forced sedentariness. Pets of brachycephalic breeds can sometimes even collapse due to a severe lack of oxygen. Heat is a huge danger for the bulldog breed – dogs don’t sweat, so the only way to cool off is by panting and breathing. Both breathing and panting are difficult in such dogs, so ventilation is too slow to cool the dogs down.

Surgery is possible, but it will not definitively fix the problem, instead trying to improve the worst cases. The real solution lies in smarter selective breeding by suitable mates who have healthier head shapes and airways. However, these better specimens can be affected by other conditions as the Bulldog is a victim of a mountainous list of potential problems – making it very difficult to find healthy Bulldog parents!

orthopedic diseases

The bulldog breed is a victim of severe deformities of the cartilage and several problems of the musculoskeletal system. Among other things, chondrodysplasia makes Bulldogs prone to painful bone and joint problems that are almost impossible to fix. If you like numbers, the bulldog breed is most at risk of hip dysplasia, with 74% of the population being dysplastic. Elbow dysplasia is close behind at 40% of dysplastic bulldogs.

Other orthopedic and musculoskeletal issues targeting bulldogs include:

Luxating patella – a condition in which the kneecap dislocates and moves from its healthy position

– a condition in which the kneecap dislocates and moves from its healthy position. Cruciate Ligament Rupture – Problems with pairs of ligaments that are arranged like a letter X and connect two bones

– Problems with pairs of ligaments arranged like a letter X connecting two bones.

— bulging or rupturing discs of a dog’s spinal cord (hernia) Osteochondritis — abnormal growth of cartilage at the end of a bone in a joint

The Canine Health Information Center has a list of available screening tests to detect some of these conditions.

eye problems

A bulldog’s eyes require a lot of attention from the start. Most start early, and if not addressed in the early stages, they often become terminal and can cause your dog lifelong discomfort. In a survey overseen by the British Kennel Club, the most commonly reported condition in live bulldogs was cherry eye.

But there are several eye diseases that bulldogs seem to fall prey to:

Cherry eye – prolapsed and enlarged lacrimal gland on the inner surface of the third eyelid

– Prolapsed and enlarged lacrimal gland on the inner surface of the third eyelid. Corneal ulcers — open sores on the dog’s cornea that, if left untreated, will result in loss of the eye

– Open wound on the dog’s cornea which, if left untreated, will result in the loss of the eye. Eyelash abnormalities – often extra eyelashes grow out of the eyelid and rub against the cornea

– additional eyelashes often grow out of the eyelid and rub against the cornea. Entropion – an inturned eyelid, causing the eyelashes to rub against the eyeball

— eyelid turned inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the eyeball Ectropion — eyelid turned outward, exposing the inner surface of the eyelid to infection

Elderly and aging Bulldogs also very commonly have a tear production disorder which causes such Bulldogs to suffer from incredibly dry eyes. This is to be expected after surgery, such as cherry eye surgery, but also occurs due to older age. Using a vet-recommended artificial tear product can help prevent a whole host of corneal disorders that result from long-term dry eyes.

skin diseases

Because of their wrinkled skin, the Bulldog breed is very prone to bacterial skin infections as well as irritation. Canine atopic dermatitis, commonly referred to as eczema, is perhaps the most common skin condition affecting English bulldogs today.

In addition to eczema, there are several other skin conditions that affect bulldogs:

Pyoderma – bacterial infection that leads to the formation of pus in the lesions and pustules

– bacterial infection leading to the formation of pus in lesions and pustules. Wrinkle dermatitis – an infection caused by skin folds and loose skin that often targets a bulldog’s face

– an infection caused by skin folds and loose skin that often targets a bulldog’s face.

The best way to keep your Bulldogs free of most skin infections is to use antibacterial wipes regularly and properly clean both the dog’s coat and folds. Keeping the skin dry should also prevent the growth and proliferation of yeast and bacteria on the dog’s epidermis.

The English bulldog is affected by many musculoskeletal problems.

Other Problems Affecting Bulldogs

Mast cell tumor is the most common cancer in the Bulldog breed: it mostly affects the skin, but there are cases where several other organs are affected, such as the liver, bone marrow, spleen or even the gastrointestinal tract of the dog dog. Flat-faced dog breeds are more prone to mast cell tumors, although any dog ​​breed can be the victim of it.

When they appear on the skin, mast cell tumors vary greatly in appearance. They can be a raised lump or bump on or just under the skin and can be red, ulcerated, or swollen. In addition, many owners report increasing and decreasing size of the tumor, which can occur spontaneously or be produced by movement of the tumor, leading to degranulation. Mast cells contain granules filled with substances that are released into the bloodstream and can potentially cause systemic problems, including stomach ulcers and bleeding, swelling and redness at and around the tumor site, and potentially life-threatening complications such as: B. a dangerous drop in blood pressure and a systemic inflammatory response that leads to shock. Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs, Document from the University of Pennsylvania Ryan Veterinary Hospital

Other cancers target Bulldogs, such as lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma, melanoma, and mammary carcinoma. Obviously, canine cancers are similar to human cancers, we don’t always know how to avoid them or why they occur. Maintaining good general nutrition and health helps reduce the risk of most types of cancer.

The thyroid is a small gland located near the dog’s larynx in the neck and is part of the endocrine system that is useful in regulating various hormone levels. The Bulldog breed tends to get lower thyroid hormone levels and they can take years to be noticed and treated. Visible signs include recurring skin conditions or difficulty maintaining a good weight despite eating well. This condition is called hypothyroidism.

[pullquote-right]A female bulldog almost always delivers her puppies by cesarean section.[/pullquote-right]

Finally, urinary problems are another health issue that needs to be added to this endless list. They are usually diagnosed as canine cystitis, or a urinary tract infection, which is easily detected with a urinalysis or urine culture. Both conditions are relatively easy to treat with appropriate medication prescribed by your veterinarian.

Bulldog breeding best practices

Now that we’ve both agreed that this is what you need to embrace for the long haul, let’s prepare you to breed better bulldogs. It all starts with our most visited page on the pillars of dog breeding, because despite being a very peculiar breed, bulldogs are just dogs.

On average, a female bulldog gives birth to 4 puppies using a cesarean nine times out of ten. Once the puppies are born, they are often hand-reared and cared for by both the mother and the dog breeder. because the mother inevitably needs some time to recover from her caesarean section.

Where other breeds can usually care for their newborn puppies right after they are born, the Bulldog needs special attention to ensure the mother doesn’t become too tired or the puppies too neglected.

Breeding dogs is more difficult and expensive with English bulldogs. Bulldogs, for example, almost always give birth via caesarean section.

Caesarean section is mandatory in bulldogs

Bulldogs almost always give birth by cesarean section for several reasons:

Risk of Anasarca puppies – the abnormal amount of serous fluid in a pup’s body tissues, organs, or lumens, resulting in too large a body size that simply cannot pass through the mother’s birth canal

— the abnormal amount of serous fluid in a pup’s body tissues, organs, or cavities, resulting in a body size that is too large for it to simply fit through the mother’s birth canal Puppies Size — Bulldog breed newborns have a very large head and shoulders make normal delivery almost impossible

— Bulldog breed newborns have very large heads and shoulders that make normal delivery almost impossible. Dystocia — a difficult birth caused by an abnormally positioned fetus and a small maternal pelvis

– a difficult delivery caused by an abnormally positioned fetus and a small maternal pelvis

The cost of a cesarean with all the associated items (examination, surgery, postoperative observation, and care) should bring you to about $750 or more in some areas or at special times. Ideally, if all goes well, you should speak to your vet beforehand to avoid unexpected charges being added to your vet bill.

Numerous vet visits

In addition, for vulnerable breeds such as the bulldog, there are numerous and frequent health checks and postnatal vet visits are also repeated to ensure that the puppies’ growth is stable and normal. All those trips to and from the vet’s office add up, especially when you add in the cost of the hospital stay, DNA lab results, blood reports, X-rays, medications, and supplements. And that usually amounts to $4,000 to $6,000 for a litter.

In addition to the high financial investments, breeding bulldogs requires much more time that the breeder has to spend. Unlike other breeds where Mother Nature does most of the work, the breeder needs to be very present throughout pregnancy, labour, delivery and even the puppies’ first few weeks. We have a comprehensive article on everything that should be included in your cast set.

Because of this, if a breeder is involved in ethical bulldog breeding, it will cost a bulldog puppy around the $3,000 mark and sell it with ease. For more information, see our comprehensive article on proper pricing for each puppy in a litter.

Last words on bulldog breeding

As long as you are the right candidate, the rigors of breeding bulldogs may not deter you that easily or at all. It is not an easy task and will require your absolute dedication and commitment to the humane treatment of the dog and the improvement of this difficult breed.

There are many expenses and even if each puppy sells at a high price you never know if the demand will be there or not when you have your litter. Therefore, you are actually exposing yourself to some financial liabilities. Save about $5,000 to ensure the stability of your bulldog breeding program. The planned and unscheduled visits to the vet can cost you upwards of $3,000, so you must be financially prepared.

To be successful in dog breeding and bulldog breeding, you should connect with other bulldog breeders, judges, and breed experts. When working with such a challenging breed, you will need to be cared for, at least for the first few litters. Find trusted mentors who lead by example, not just by great speeches.

The Bulldog is an adorable dog that can make a wonderful pet for families looking for a laid-back canine companion that doesn’t require a lot of exercise. There are two types of bulldogs; the English bulldog and the French bulldog. Although the Frenchie is a popular mixed breed puppy, in this article we will focus on the English bulldog. The English bulldog is one of the most popular breeds in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club chart.

The English bulldog has its roots in 13th-century England when these muscular, powerful dogs were used in the now-banned blood sport of bullbaiting. After the pastime was banned, the English bulldog found a new role as a companion. The English bulldog first appeared in the United States in the 18th century and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1886. Today, this traditional emblem of England is held by many families as a beloved, loyal family pet.

Unfortunately, the English bulldog’s characteristic squished face and wrinkled forehead can lead to a variety of associated health problems. For this reason, crossbreeds were created with the goal of producing a healthier animal that retains many of the best traits of the purebred animal. We’ve identified 20 of the best and most popular English Bulldog crossbreeds and given a rating for each. Armed with this invaluable information, you are perfectly positioned to make the right decision!

English bulldog mixes

Now let’s take a look at some of the most popular English bulldog mixes. We’ve also included some of the lesser known crossbreeds as you might fancy adopting a pup who is sure to get noticed at the dog park! Keep in mind that your pup could grow up to be just like any parent dog. So you need to be prepared for a surprise or two when your puppy grows up. Here are 20 of our favorite English bulldog mixes.

Bulloxer

Breeds: English Bulldog and Boxer

The Bulloxer is a cross between an English Bulldog and a Boxer. It’s a boxer mix that’s seen frequently because they look similar. These pups are highly intelligent and trainable, but they need quite a bit of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them from getting bored. If left unsatisfied, a bulloxer can become destructive. Although the muscular, powerful Bulloxer can look intimidating at first, they are big softies at heart and very affectionate.

The breed is generally healthy, although they typically have a flat face, making them prone to the respiratory problems commonly associated with brachycephalic breeds. The Bulloxer has a short coat that sheds minimally, so you’ll need to groom your dog a few times a week to get rid of loose hair and keep him looking neat. These are medium-sized dogs, standing between 22 and 27 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 70 and 90 pounds.

Bull Aussie

Breeds: English Bulldog and Australian Shepherd

The Bull Aussie is a cross between an English Bulldog and an Australian Shepherd. The Australian Shepherd is a working breed that thrives on getting a job done and their social nature makes them a great parent breed for designer dog mixes. This means that any Australian Shepherd mix breed is likely to need plenty of exercise.

These puppies are very smart and can be difficult to train. Because of this, the Bull Aussie is better suited to a home with experience owning and training dogs. However, the breed makes a great family pet for people who enjoy active lifestyles, as this mix usually gets along well with everyone.

The Bull Aussie typically has short, thick hair that often takes on the interesting color patterns of the Australian Shepherd parent. These puppies are moderate shedders that require grooming a few times a week. The Bull Aussie is a medium-sized dog, standing up to 23 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 50 and 70 pounds.

The breed is fairly healthy and does not typically suffer from the health issues associated with flat-faced purebred dogs. However, some health issues that can affect the Bull Aussie include entropion, cherry eye, hip dysplasia, and hypothyroidism. The Bull Aussie has a lifespan of around 12 years.

beabull

Breeds: English Bulldog and Beagle

The Beabull is a cross between an English Bulldog and a Beagle. This cute Beagle crossbreed makes a wonderful family pet who has the Beagle’s cheerful nature and the English Bulldog’s loving loyalty. Extremely friendly, playful and brave, your Beabull will love the company of his human family as well as other pets.

These are medium-sized puppies, standing up to 16 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 30 and 50 pounds. The Beabull only needs an hour’s walk every day and also some playtime to keep him happy. Beabulls are fairly healthy and live up to 13 years. However, there are some health issues that can sometimes affect the breed, including hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and canine disc disease.

English bull jumper

Breeds: English Bulldog and Springer Spaniel

The English Bull Springer is a cross between the Springer Spaniel and the English Bulldog. These are medium to large sized dogs depending on which parent breed is dominant. A Springer Spaniel English Bulldog mix can grow up to 35 inches tall and weigh anywhere from 53 to 180 pounds. With a lifespan of up to 13 years, the English Bull Springer is fairly healthy, although the breed can be prone to hip dysplasia.

The English Bull Springer can have soft, curly hair year-round and a moderate build. English Bull Springers are friendly, gentle types who get along well with small children and other pets. The breed needs a lot of exercise, ideally two walks a day, maybe a trip to the dog park, and some playtime too.

Bull Jack

Breeds: English Bulldog and Jack Russell Terrier

The Bull Jack is a cross between an English Bulldog and a Jack Russell Terrier. The Bull Jack is typically a small dog, standing up to 15 inches at the shoulder and weighing up to 30 pounds. These pups shed moderately and have short, dense coats that need brushing once or twice a week to keep them looking groomed.

If you take on one of these dogs, you must enjoy the exercise because the Bull Jack is a Livewire! If you don’t give your Bull Jack enough exercise, he will become destructive, and barking can also be a problem.

The Bull Jack typically lives between ten and 12 years. That’s not a long lifespan for a small dog, but breeds that keep going at full speed don’t usually live very long. Health issues that can affect the breed include patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and glaucoma.

Bullador

Breeds: English Bulldog and Labrador

The Bullador is a cross between an English Bulldog and a Labrador Retriever. These puppies can vary in size, but they are typically medium-sized dogs, standing up to 25 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 55 and 85 pounds.

The Bullador has a short coat that doesn’t require much brushing to keep it in good condition. Thanks to the color genes of the English Bulldog parent, the Bullador comes in a variety of colors including black, red, tan, tan, or yellow, usually mixed with white.

You can expect your Bullador to be a protective dog who is brave and fiercely loyal to his human family. This crossbreed can be strong willed and difficult to train, so early socialization and positive reinforcement training are important. For this reason, the Bullador is perhaps best suited to a home with some dog ownership experience.

Some Bulladors have a flattened face, like their English bulldog parents. These puppies can suffer from a variety of respiratory problems, including brachycephalic syndrome. Dogs with this health condition may have breathing problems, sensitivity to heat, and an intolerance to exercise.

English Boodle

Breeds: English Bulldog and Poodle

The English Boodle is a mixed Poodle crossbreed created by crossing an English Bulldog and a Standard Poodle. Although the English Boodle is not a hypoallergenic dog, most mixed breed puppies inherit the Poodle parent’s curly coat and are light shedders.

When it comes to temperament, the English Boodle is a playful, fun-loving pet that is also very active and sociable. This mixed breed doesn’t need much daily exercise and will enjoy a run at the dog park and some playtime in a well fenced yard at home.

The English Boodle is usually quite healthy, living to around 12 years of age. However, the breed can suffer from epilepsy, skin infections, joint problems and digestive problems.

miniature bulldog

Breeds: English Bulldog & Pug

The Miniature Bulldog is a crossbreed created by mixing an English Bulldog and a Pug. These puppies are also known as Bullpugs and Toy Bulldogs. Although these super cute little dogs are very appealing in appearance and would be suited to apartment living, this is not a good mixed breed to choose from for health reasons.

Both parent breeds are brachycephalic, or flat-faced. This means that the offspring will most likely inherit the breathing problems that the parents typically suffer from. Flat-faced dogs also suffer from heat intolerance issues, especially in humid weather, which is an important consideration depending on the typical climatic conditions of the area you live in.

english hamlet

Breeds: English Bulldog and Rottweiler

The Englishweiler is a cross between a Rottweiler and an English bulldog. That’s a big dog! Depending on which parent the puppies take, an Englishweiler can weigh up to 100 pounds and stand as tall as 25 inches at the shoulder. So these puppies are clearly not the best choice for you if you live in a small town or apartment.

Although lovable, loyal, and cuddly, the Englishweiler can be stubborn when it comes to training. These puppies love spending time with their human family, and they get along well with other pets as well. These large dogs need moderate amounts of exercise daily, including a walk and some playtime as well.

The Englishweiler is generally healthy, living to around 14 years of age, and does not suffer from many hereditary diseases. However, hip dysplasia can sometimes be a problem for these heavy dogs, and they can suffer from joint disease, especially later in life.

English Bullhuahua

Breeds: English Bulldog and Chihuahua

The English Bullhuahua is a cross between a Chihuahua and an English Bulldog. These are medium to small sized dogs depending on which parent breed genes are most prevalent in the puppies. The English Bulldog stands up to 16 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs about 40 to 55 pounds and the Chihuahua is a tiny 6 to 9 inches at the shoulder and weighs only 3.5 to 7.5 pounds. Your English Bullhuahua will be somewhere between these two sizes. Both parent breeds of this interesting mix have completely different personalities, and the English Bullhuahua is a charming mix of the two.

In general, these dogs are family-oriented and friendly, but they can also have a dominant personality that needs a strong owner who can take charge and be a pack leader. However, provided the dog is properly socialized and trained, they should get along well with all family members, including other dogs and pets. One thing to note about the English Bullhuahua is that these dogs do not do well when left alone for long periods of time, and they can become destructive when separation anxiety sets in.

The English Bullhuahua is a generally healthy breed of dog that can live up to 20 years with proper care. However, there are some health issues that can be inherited from the dominant parent breed, including hip dysplasia, eye problems, and heat intolerance.

bullmation

Breeds: English Bulldog and Dalmatian

The Bullmater is a cross between an English Bulldog and a Dalmatian. These are medium to large sized dogs, standing up to 24 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 45 and 55 pounds. These are active puppies that need plenty of daily exercise, including at least an hour’s walk, some playtime, and maybe a trip to the dog park.

The Bullmater makes a fantastic family pet as they are very affectionate, affectionate and sociable. These dogs also get along well with children and other dogs, although they can be a bit touchy and dislike being pulled around or bullied by young children. The crossbreed lives an average of ten to 12 years and is fairly healthy, although hip and elbow dysplasia can be a cause for concern.

English BullWhip

Breeds: English Bulldog & Whippet

The English BullWhip is an unusual mixed breed created by crossing an English Bulldog and a Whippet. Despite the Whippet parent’s small stature, the BullWhip can grow into a medium to large sized dog, weighing anywhere from 20 to 60 pounds. If the Whippet parent’s genes are dominant, your pup will grow up to be a smaller dog that might suit apartment living, although there’s really no way to be sure!

The English BullWhip is a sensitive type who does best in a quiet household without young children or a lot of noise. The gregarious BullWhip gets along well with other dogs and pets. However, if the Whippet parent’s personality is dominant, you may find that small pets become a target for your dog’s prey drive.

These friendly puppies are very active and need lots of exercise. Ideally, your home will have a large yard that is well fenced. Although intelligent and highly trainable, the English BullWhip can be stubborn and often has trouble focusing his attention on his trainer. As such, this breed is best suited for an owner who has experience in dog ownership.

mountain bulldog

Breeds: English Bulldog and Bernese Mountain Dog

The Mountain Bulldog is a mix of a Bernese Mountain Dog and an English Bulldog. If you have a large house with lots of outdoor space and you are looking for a large dog, the Mountain Bulldog could be just the ticket! These giant puppies can grow up to 24 inches at the shoulder and weigh anywhere from 80 to 120 pounds!

Although prone to joint problems as they age, the Mountain Bulldog can live a healthy life for up to 12 years. The docile Mountain Bulldog is intelligent and relatively easy to train, making them a great family pet who enjoys participating in family activities at home and out. These dogs are friendly, loyal, and very protective of their human family. If you have another dog and small pets in your household, the Mountain Bulldog gets along well with all of them.

Tyrant Basset

Breeds: English Bulldog and Bassett Hound

The Bully Bassett is a cross between an English Bulldog and a Basset Hound. These are odd looking puppies whose elongated body and short stocky legs are sure to draw everyone’s attention wherever you go! Your Bully Basset will typically stand up to 16 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 40 and 60 pounds, making these dogs well suited to living in a small house or apartment.

Given their stocky build, the Bully Basset needs a lot of exercise, so you’ll need to give them a few walks each day. Your dog will also enjoy playing times and perhaps a fetch game in the garden.

The biggest health concerns for the Bully Basset hound is that their body shape can predispose them to back problems. Additionally, these dogs can suffer from hip dysplasia, so be sure to ask the breeder for confirmation that both parent dogs have been screened for the condition. Overall, the Bully Basset is a sociable, playful, loyal family dog ​​who gets along well with everyone.

English bull pit

Breeds: English Bulldog and Pitbull Terrier

The Pitbull English Bulldog Mix is ​​a cross between an English Bulldog and a Pitbull. Many people are horrified at the prospect of a dog related to a pit bull. Unfortunately, these puppies have a reputation for being dangerous, although this is often due to poor training and management on the part of their human owners. However, you should know that in some states it is illegal to own a dog that has Pitbull in its genes.

The English bulldog pit bull mix can be up to 20 inches at the shoulder and weigh up to 80 pounds. The breed tends to be strong and muscular giving the impression of power and brawn which can be a bit intimidating. However, the English bulldog pit bull mix tends to be easygoing and calm which makes them a brilliant family pet provided they are well socialized and properly trained from an early age.

English BullCorgi

Breeds: English Bulldog & Corgi

Another unusual English Bulldog crossbreed is the English Bulldog Corgi mix. These dogs are medium sized, standing between 10 and 16 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 22 and 53 pounds. The English Bulldog Corgi mix is ​​a typically gentle type who enjoys spending time with their family, although you might find that if the Corgi parent gene is dominant, your pup may not be particularly fond of young children and tend to be herding .

This mixed breed breed is fairly easygoing when it comes to exercise and only requires a moderate amount each day. Your English Bulldog Corgi mix will prefer a little playtime in the yard to a long hike on the trails! With a lifespan of up to 12 years, the English Bulldog Corgi mix is ​​relatively healthy, although they can suffer from back problems.

English bull herder

Breeds: English Bulldog and German Shepherd

Like both of his parents, the English Bulldog German Shepherd mix is ​​a medium to large sized dog with a strong, strong build. Females are generally smaller than males, but on average these dogs can stand up to 26 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh anywhere from 60 to 90 pounds. You’ll need a large house with plenty of outdoor space to house one of these pups.

If your dog inherits his German Shepherd parent’s coat, he will be a moderate moulter, especially in the spring and fall. However, when it comes to grooming requirements, the English Bulldog-German Shepherd mix typically only needs brushing once or twice a week to keep their coat in good condition.

This mixed breed is brave, loyal, confident, and highly trainable. Both breeds are protective of their owners, so it’s important to properly socialize and train your dog from puppyhood to avoid unwanted aggression with strangers and other dogs. Because of this, this breed is best suited to an experienced, confident owner.

Health issues known to affect the breed include a neurological condition called Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL). Other common medical conditions affecting the English Bulldog German Shepherd mix include hip and elbow dysplasia and eye problems.

English French

Breeds: English Bulldog and French Bulldog

This interesting French Bulldog crossbreed mixed with English Bulldog. She is also called the Freelance Bulldog. Although many fans of the Bulldog breed might think this combination makes a perfect dog, the breed can have serious health issues related to their distinctive brachycephalic or flat faces. If you live in a hot, humid climate, this is not the pet for you. That’s because even after very moderate exertion, these dogs often suffer from heat exhaustion, which in extreme cases can lead to collapse and even death.

These are small, compact dogs, typically standing up to 13 inches tall and weighing under 28 pounds. The breed has a short coat that sheds easily throughout the year. The freelance bulldog is friendly, affectionate, and good-natured, making them a great family pet that’s the perfect size for an apartment or small home with limited outdoor space. Although intelligent and alert, the breed can be stubborn when it comes to training.

One important thing to note about the Freelance Bulldog is that thanks to their flat face, heavy head, and short legs, they can’t swim! For this reason, you should always supervise your dog when he is near water, especially if you have a pool in your backyard.

Catahoula Bulldog

Breeds: English Bulldog & Catahoula

The Catahoula Bulldog is a very unusual and seldom seen crossbreed created by mating an English Bulldog with a Catahoula Leopard Dog. These pups vary in size, ranging from 20 to 26 inches at the shoulder and weighing from 45 to 100 pounds. If your pup takes after their English Bulldog parent, they will have a stocky, muscular build.

However, when the Catahoula Leopard Dog is dominant, your pup will become more lithe and athletic. Females are generally smaller than males. These are striking puppies! Some Catahoula bulldogs have mixed or mixed color eyes, and their coats can be solid, brindle, patched, leopard, or merle. The coat is short and the breed is a light scaler.

Catahoula Bulldogs are generally eager to please, loyal, confident and intelligent. They do need plenty of exercise, however, and both parent breeds come from a guarding and hunting background. Because of this, you need to socialize and train your pup with you from the very first few days. Unfortunately, both parent breeds can be prone to hip and shoulder dysplasia. Therefore, always ask the breeder to provide you with proof that both parent dogs have been screened for these conditions.

Bull daycare

Breeds: English Bulldog & Akita

The Bullkita is a cross between an Akita and an English bulldog. These are large dogs, reaching 22 inches in height at the shoulder and can weigh up to 90 pounds. So if you adopt one of these puppies you will need a large home and lots of outdoor space.

Life expectancy for such a large dog is predictably quite short, between nine and eleven years. However, aside from some eye conditions and hip and elbow dysplasia that can be inherited from the parent dogs, the breed is fairly healthy. Although the Bullkita is a light shedr, she is prone to drooling, which can be a bit off-putting for visitors who aren’t used to having a dog in the house!

Bullkitas are loyal and friendly dogs that get along best in a stable environment with a regular schedule. Too many changes in their routine can cause anxiety, which can exacerbate the breed’s aggressive side. For this reason, a Bullkita is not recommended as a pet for a family with other animals and small children. The breed needs a moderate amount of exercise, including a daily walk, and some playtime as well.

Final Thoughts

The purebred English Bulldog is a friendly, calm, and gentle breed that makes a great family pet for families with children and other animals. English bulldog mixes usually inherit the temperament traits of their bulldog parents. These dogs are trainable and fun to have around, although some of the mixed breeds can be stubborn and do better with an owner who has prior dog ownership experience.

Many of the English Bulldog crossbreeds are medium sized and would happily live in an apartment provided you give your pet the exercise and mental stimulation they need to keep them happy.

If you don’t feel like adopting a puppy, you might want to consider adopting an adult English bulldog mix from a shelter. This can work very well, but remember to check with the shelter to see if they have had the dog’s temperament tested and health checked as well before making a commitment. Good luck in your search for the ideal English bulldog mix!

The English bulldog is a medium-sized, short-legged dog. It is a short-haired breed with a smooth coat. English bulldogs are known for their broad, snub-nosed muzzles and stocky body. The name “Bulldog” comes from the fact that they were once used to bait bulls and look like miniature bulls.

origin

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The English bulldog is known to hail from the British Isles. They are believed to be descended from the Asiatic Mastiff and the Pug. The original bulldogs were fearless dogs and impervious to pain. They attacked the bull from below and then went to the carotid artery in the neck, making it almost impossible for the bull to fight back. When dog fighting became illegal in England, English bulldogs were bred for domesticity.

description

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English bulldogs weigh about 45 to 55 pounds and stand about 12 to 16 inches tall. Their coloration can be brindle, white, red, blushed red, pale yellow, or a combination thereof. They have muscular bodies and small heads. English bulldogs have short legs and a large jaw. The features that the bulldog inherited from the pug were its short muzzle and short legs. The Bulldog inherited its muscular body, large head, and fearless personality from the Great Dane.

temperament

i Chris Amaral/Digital Vision/Getty Images

Despite their intimidating appearance, English bulldogs are gentle dogs. They make good pets and are just content. American bulldogs are known to be affectionate and good with children. They have lots of energy when they are puppies but tend to slow down as they get older. English Bulldogs snore and tend to drool frequently.

health problems

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✅ Fact checked

If you mix a husky with a bulldog, you get a mixed breed called a buskdoggy. How are these dogs? Are they a good fit for your family? Are they prone to health problems? How much do they cost? You are in the right place because we have a complete guide to buskdoggies! What is a Bulldog Husky Mix? Bulldog Husky (or Buskdoggy) mixes make wonderful family dogs and are great with children. They are a patient, affectionate dog inherited from their lineage of loyal dog breeds. This mixture can be stubborn. With training, they are obedient and excellent watchdogs. A word of caution, the Bulldog Husky mix is ​​prone to health issues. However, they are minimized by confirming the parent’s health pedigree. The tricky part of trying to explain the nature of a mixed breed dog is that most mixed breed dogs come from two completely different breeds. This means there may be more husky or bulldog in your bulldog husky mix. This guide describes the most common personality traits in a Bulldog Husky mix. Remember that every dog ​​is unique and may have personalities that are not inherited from their breed.

1 The Pros and Cons of Husky Bulldog Mixes

Both bulldogs and huskies are loyal dogs. They make excellent watchdogs, but their overprotective nature can lead to reactivity towards unfamiliar dogs.

If you live in a neighborhood with Stickler neighbors, I do not recommend buying a Husky Bulldog mix. Since buskdoggies are mixed with huskies, they are prone to howling at times.

Both breeds are pack animals. Although you can train a busk doggy to tolerate being alone, it is not advisable to leave them alone for long periods of time. Most dogs prefer to have a companion, and Husky Bulldog mixes are no exception.

If you travel a lot or take a lot of long vacations, you might want to reconsider adopting a busk doggy.

Many Husky Bulldog mixes end up inheriting a long, thick, flyaway coat from the Husky side. A busky doggy’s beautiful coat leads to a lot of vacuuming, sweeping, and plucking dog hair out of your cereal. Knowing how to properly care for your busky doggy will keep your house clean when it molts. If your husky bulldog mix ends up inheriting a short, flat coat, you get the bonus of a cute dog with less shedding!

While a Husky Bulldog mix is ​​widely praised and sought after, as a novice dog owner you could have your hands full with this breed.

Buskydoggies are known to be gentle, loyal, affectionate, playful, and good with children. However, they can be quite destructive if left to their own devices. Training requires patience and time as they are mixed with two stubborn breeds.

Bulldogs and huskies are very different when it comes to their exercise needs. Huskies are one of the most active breeds and need consistent, intense exercise.

Huskies have a lot of energy because they were originally bred to pull sleds and work long days. Bulldogs, on the other hand, although originally bred to lure bulls, are among the laziest dogs in the canine world.

If your husky bulldog mix contains more husky, your buskydoggy needs your commitment to a regular exercise schedule. Conversely, if your husky bulldog mix has more bulldog traits, you don’t need high-impact exercise for your buskydoggy.

The rule of thumb is to take two walks a day and schedule some playtime either at home or in the park.

Both breeds also have a habit of overheating. If you get a Husky Bulldog mix breed then be sure to watch them in the hot sun and at mealtimes.

Speaking of bad habits, huskies are also known for being little escape artists, able to leap over a fence in a single leap or dig a hole under it if that proves futile.

If your heart is set on owning a husky bulldog mix, then just make sure your yard is a fortress against a smart busk doggy.

2 The Cost of Owning a Bulldog Husky Mixed Breed Dog

Every dog ​​owner knows that dogs are expensive! In fact, bulldogs are among the most expensive dogs to adopt, buy, and own.

The average English bulldog puppy price is $3,812. The average price for a husky puppy is around $1,000. So if you combine the two breeds and compensate the breeder for their trouble, you will dig deep into your wallet.

If you decide to adopt or rescue a dog instead of buying a puppy, the cost will be much less. After you’ve bought your husky bulldog mix puppy, there are other associated costs to expect.

A generalized list of some expected outputs is as follows:

Bulldog Services and Supplies Average Cost Initial Medical Examination $70 Neutered or Neutered $180 Dog Crate $50 Collar, Leash & Tag $30 Dog Training $140 *Source

These are just some of the upfront costs. There may be additional costs due to the Bulldog Husky mix’s genetic inherited health issues. These health complications and the associated costs are difficult to predict and very individual.

Your busk doggy will need plenty of exercise if it has inherited a lot of husky behaviors.

3 health problems

A very common condition in huskies and bulldogs is hip and elbow dysplasia. In fact, bulldogs are the dog breed with the highest likelihood of developing hip or elbow dysplasia.

So if you put two breeds together that have common problems with hip and elbow dysplasia, you have a pretty high chance of getting a dog that will develop it later in life.

In addition to hip and elbow dysplasia, huskies also commonly suffer from cataracts, which can lead to blindness later in life.

In addition, Bulldogs are prone to breathing problems due to their shortened nasal passages, wrinkled and smooth face, and broad, short skull.

Although huskies live fairly long lives, the average lifespan of a bulldog is only around six years. If you decide to get a Husky Bulldog mix dog, you may not have them around for as long as you hope.

Bulldogs are not strong swimmers, so avoid deep water. They still like to splash around in the summer, and playing with the water hose is safe (as long as the water is cold and not icy).

4 Physical Characteristics

Huskies and bulldogs couldn’t look more different. Huskies have long legs, a large body, a long snout, and pointed ears.

Bulldogs have short legs, a stocky body, a smashed face, and droopy ears. Huskies are typically gray, black, and white, while bulldogs are typically white and tan.

Even their eye colors are different, huskies have baby blue eyes most of the time and bulldogs rock the deep, dark brown. When you combine the two breeds, you get an odd, albeit adorable, result. Your busk doggy can inherit any combination of these physical traits.

5 Is a Buskdoggy Right for You?

Although huskies and bulldogs are some of the weirdest two dogs to breed together, husky-bulldog (or buskdoggy) mixes are cute and fun to have around.

They are loyal, protective, playful, good with children and fun to cuddle with. They have many health problems and don’t live that long, so they might not be the best choice for you.

However, if you want to give an old Rescue Husky Bulldog mix a good home, consider welcoming him into your family!

While raising a litter of rascal puppies is quite a challenge and commitment, providing your stud dog’s service seems child’s play in comparison.

But whose dog should actually father a litter and which health checks are necessary?

What is the exact process and are there any rules if you want to successfully breed your male dog to the perfect mate?

Last but not least, stud dog owners want to talk about money.

How high is the stud dog fee and how can dog owners increase it – I’ll explain it to you!

Rules for Stud Dogs

Although these rules are not strict rules in themselves, they can serve as guidelines when attempting to breed your dog for the first time.

By following these guidelines, you will increase the chances of successfully mating your dog.

I will detail below how much you can actually charge for your stud dog and why.

Cover your stud dogs only with health tests. Make sure your stud dog is of the appropriate age. Win shows or sports titles to increase attraction. Set a fee for stud dogs. Advertise online or contact breeders and familiar circles Don’t overbreed or force bond your dog

You should always ensure that your stud dog has all the necessary health tests (hip/elbow x-ray, heart test as well as breed specific conditions).

Never breed a dog just because you think he’s “friendly,” as not ruling out medical issues can cause a lot of distress to future puppies (not to mention the thousands of dollars their owners will leave at the vet’s).

While mating is technically possible for most male dogs by 6 months of age (i.e. they are fertile), it is best to wait until maturity, which male dogs typically reach by 12-16 months of age.

Smaller breeds tend to be slightly faster than larger breeds.

That being said, it’s best to wait until bone growth is complete, which is around 18 months for large breeds.

That way you know exactly what to expect in terms of looks and maybe temperament.

Stud dogs with conformation victories or official sport events can usually achieve higher prices.

If you meet all of the above criteria and have your dog examined for health, the only option left is to set a stud fee.

In the following I explain how you can set the fee for your stud dog appropriately and what you have to pay attention to.

Now that you are sure about prices you may want to advertise online or contact breeders directly.

Locals preferably, but be ready to take a road trip if there aren’t many options in your area.

Now that you have found a suitable bitch, let the dogs mate in a quiet environment and don’t interrupt the process.

Inexperienced men can mount the woman without locking properly.

This is not a problem and panty mating can still result in conception, but you can repeat mating two or three times every other day to increase the chances of pregnancy.

Can I cover my dog ​​without papers?

Yes, you can breed your undocumented dog, but the bitch’s owner may not accept undocumented stud dogs as it would hamper their efforts to raise traceable bloodlines.

A lot of people think that dog papers are a fancy pants thing, but that’s really not the case.

Papers are there to trace the bloodline and to document the health checks that previous generations have undergone.

Sure, the stuff with all the titles and conformation shows and so on – that’s just extra.

But knowing who your dog’s parents and grandparents were is crucial to avoiding genetic defects.

Can an undocumented male still be healthy and have a great temperament? Secure.

But why would you risk producing a litter with genetic issues or a less certain outcome of appearance and character?

If a dog has always nailed the tracking area in a competition over several generations, the puppies are likely to exhibit similar traits.

All in all, you should think carefully about whether it really makes sense to cover your dog and accept that this can lead to a lower stud fee without papers.

stud fee

While you can typically charge $500-$1,000 to breed your dog, the fee can also match the price of a puppy, resulting in a stud fee of $1,500-$3,000 for high quality males.

In your contract, you can also opt for compensation in the form of an initial (and maybe even free) litter selection or a percentage of the final puppy price.

Sometimes you hear about stud dog fees as low as $100-$250 or even just a selection of the litter with no monetary compensation.

If that’s the case, you should probably reconsider the quality of your male dog as a breeding partner, as there should be a cost to an excellent stud dog in and of itself.

Perhaps the fairest way of doing business is to discuss a percentage of the puppies’ final price.

Although prepayment is the most common choice, it might be unfair to one of the sides.

Think a litter of 10 for a stud fee of just $500 or a litter of just 2-3 puppies for a fee of just $2,000.

So in short:

Stud fees can be coupled with litter collection (free).

Puppy price percentages are the fairest

Upfront payments are most common, but could end up favoring one party

With extremely low stud fees, you may want to reevaluate breeding

Interested in the other side of the fence? Here is what dog breeders usually do.

What does a typical stud fee for dogs depend on?

A typical stud fee for dogs depends on show or sport titles, fresh offspring, special colors or types and last but not least the breed, which can also determine the usual litter size.

Of course, small breeds produce smaller litter sizes and therefore often earn less.

That being said, small dogs with titles or special coat types or colors can actually be incredibly expensive.

But even if the litter size is small and the puppy prices are relatively normal, you can still expect to pay four figures for a quality stud dog service.

The fee of your stud dog also depends on additional agreements such as litter selection or a “free” puppy.

Sometimes breeders also exchange stud dogs.

Whatever you do, as a professional grower, the most important thing is to find a solution that makes both sides happy.

A planned mating between two healthy and suitable dogs should never fail because of the stud fee, unless it is extremely high.

While professional growers can make a pretty decent sum, you can’t make incredible amounts without sacrificing quality.

Breeding isn’t there to make people rich, it’s a better use of your time.

The stud fee is introduced to ensure that owners of high quality stud dogs are compensated in some way to encourage trouble.

But after all, delivering the puppies, caring for them for 8 weeks, going to the vet, finding a home, etc. are more demanding tasks than caring for a stud dog and are therefore more appropriately rewarded.

What does a stud dog fee include?

A stud fee usually only involves mating the male dog with a female dog, sometimes as many as 2-3 times, to optimize the chances of conception.

If the stud dog owners have a long way to go, travel expenses can be discussed.

In some cases, frozen semen can be used for various reasons (age of the stud dog or easier to produce larger scale litters with the risk of minimizing the gene pool).

Despite the higher cost to the bitch, these stud dog services are similarly expensive as the result is the same and is usually only done with extremely popular male stud dogs.

What is the most expensive stud fee?

The most expensive stud fees are in the $5,000 to $15,000 range with prime bloodlines.

While there isn’t enough stud money data to make a reliable statement about what the most expensive stud fee of all time was, we do have some data to start with.

There is a lot of information about expensive dog breeds and if we assume that the stud fee corresponds to a puppy selling price, we come up with figures in the five-digit range.

With all of this information, you should be able to assess the price of your individual stud dog and what you have to offer the canine world to improve upon the breed you have chosen.

Remember that health testing is vital and having a fun breeding process and a fair fee is the best way to go about doing business in something as delicate as dog breeding.

We get it – you have the biggest dog that ever lived. In fact, your pooch is so awesome you’ll want to make dozens of little carbon copies of it.

You might think that mating your dog is easy: all you have to do is put two puppies together and let nature take its course, right? However, there are a few things you should know in advance to ensure everything goes smoothly for everyone involved.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly what to do to ensure your dog’s first mating experience is a positive one.

Casting a Dog: Before You Begin

First off, what is a stud?

Simply put, a stud dog is any dog ​​used for breeding. Both males and females can be referred to studs, but you usually only see males referred to as studs. Bitches, on the other hand, are usually referred to as bitches.

Stallions are usually registered, purebred animals – you won’t see mutts called “stallions” no matter how attractive they are.

Therefore, you must understand your dog’s breed before you begin. That means finding all the paperwork that confirms their heritage and familiarizing yourself with the breed standard so you know what your pooch has to offer.

You can do this by researching the internet, watching videos, attending breed-specific events, reading books, or going to dog shows. Dog shows and breed-specific events are especially good because they give you an opportunity to network with people who may be interested in your dog’s services.

Know why you breed your dog

There are good reasons and bad reasons to breed a dog. Bad ones include a desire to make extra money or just having puppies around.

A good reason to breed your dog, on the other hand, is to improve the breed. That means ironing out flaws in your dog by breeding them to a dog that lacks those flaws, with the end goal of producing flawless puppies.

You can sell or show these dogs if you wish, but remember that the end goal is to leave the breed better than you found it. It’s not about you – it’s about the dogs.

Realize that this is not an easy process

Casting a dog is not easy; It takes a lot of effort and a lot more time than you would expect. This is also true if the breeding process is unsuccessful, but if it is, you should realize that raising puppies is a full-time job.

Many people get into animal husbandry thinking it will only take a few hours a week or that it will be a one-time commitment. This is a great way to keep yourself from feeling overwhelmed, and it makes the whole process far more likely to become a chore for both you and the dogs.

You should also be aware that nothing is ever perfect. A big part of working as an animal breeder is solving problems, whether they arise during the breeding or rearing process.

It is also important to know that this will be expensive. Even if you intend to sell the puppies for some money, there is a long time between breeding the dogs and selling the puppies. The dogs, for example, still need to eat during this time, so make sure you have the capital to keep them alive and well.

Choose a suitable partner

This is possibly the most important step, but it is also the one where many growers skimp. They believe that any mate who is both purebred and available will be good enough.

This goes hand in hand with the ‘breed improvement’ ethos. Your main concern when mating a dog is finding a complementary partner. Your dog should improve its weaknesses and vice versa.

Also, don’t just look at the individual animal. You should study their entire heritage because a single dog can always be an anomaly. For example, if you need a dog with a shiny coat, make sure that shiny coat runs in the family and is not just a trait of that particular dog.

The most important thing is to avoid hereditary diseases as much as possible. Of course, this isn’t entirely within your power, but if you can study the partner’s bloodlines, you can potentially spot troubling genetics that don’t need to be passed on to future generations.

All of this requires at least a basic understanding of genetics. So if you’re unfamiliar with the subject, it’s time to brush up. At the very least, you should have an understanding of dominant vs recessive genes and how they affect a dog’s offspring.

Other things to consider in a partner

The previously mentioned issues are the most important ones to think about, but they are also the ones that most people already know about. There are many things to consider when breeding from a male dog for the first time.

When choosing a partner, you should make sure that both dogs are of a similar size or that the male is larger. If you have a young male and an older female, he may not be big enough to mount them properly, which can cause all sorts of problems when mating.

Also think about the proximity. You may have to make multiple trips to the other dog’s house over a period of several months. So if he lives a few hundred miles away, that gets old (and expensive) fast.

Make sure their schedules match your own as well. It may sound ridiculous to plan your life on a dog’s schedule, but many in-demand studs have full dance cards.

Speak to an attorney

You can only go into a breeding situation with a handshake agreement, but this is a great way to ensure everyone walks away unhappy – and these agreements often end with both sides speaking to an attorney after the fact.

Instead, consult a lawyer beforehand to draw up a stud agreement. The agreement should include a stud fee, a meeting about what to do with the puppies, and what paperwork (such as genetic screenings or pedigree) is required upfront.

Agreeing on a contract is the best way to ensure everyone is on the same page before things go too far, and you can also cover yourself in case there is a disagreement at a later date. You’ll be especially lucky to have one if the resulting puppies become award winners.

All parties involved should sign the contract and receive a copy for their records. Hopefully this will nip any possible problems in the bud, but if it doesn’t you have cold hard proof of what was agreed.

Make sure both dogs are in good shape

If you’re serious about the mating process, you need to be sure that both animals are in the best possible shape before you begin. This means thorough investigations, including genetic screening and pre-breeding tests (who pays for these investigations should be clearly stated in the stud contract).

Both dogs should be fed a nutritious diet and get plenty of exercise. If you want the best puppies then you need parents who are in the best of health, with no nutritional deficiencies or health issues. After all, parenting is tough on the body.

The bitch should have a pre-breeding exam about a month before the act, and both dogs should be checked for brucellosis, a disease that can lead to infertility or spontaneous abortion. They should both be up to date on their vaccines as well.

Make sure both dogs are an appropriate age

Different breeds reach sexual maturity at different times, but most female dogs begin to come into heat around 6 months. However, it is generally recommended not to breed them during this first heat as a successful mating will put a tremendous strain on their developing body. The first breeding of a male can wait until the dog is old enough.

Also, do not breed in back-to-back cycles; Always switch off at least one heat in between. This gives the bitch’s body time to recover.

On the other end of the spectrum, try to avoid mating two older dogs, even if both are still fertile. Breeding is tough for both animals, and they will find it harder to recover quickly. The puppies can also suffer if the parents don’t get enough rest and rest between matings.

However, experience speaks for itself, so you may not want to breed two extremely young dogs together. Aim for a happy medium – most experts recommend waiting until the bitch is at least 2 years old.

How to study your dog:

Wait for the right day of the cycle

The first day of the cycle is the day the bitch starts bleeding. From that day on, you should try to breed them on the 10th-14th day. You can breed her multiple times during this period provided she accepts the male.

But that doesn’t mean that your work starts on the 10th day. You should introduce the two dogs to each other beforehand so they can get used to each other.

There’s a good chance the female won’t be in the mood to accept the male, but you should still let them get used to each other unless their aggression gets out of control. This makes the actual breeding process much smoother as there is some familiarity between the two animals.

Know How Involved during the mating process

Most experts recommend letting nature take its course when mating, which is more likely to happen if the two dogs have already developed a relationship. Sometimes, however, nature needs a little encouragement.

You may need to be around to calm your dog down or to encourage him to start the mating process. Maybe someone needs to hold the bitch still so the male can mount her, or someone needs to hold the male in place so he doesn’t prematurely back off.

However, you must be careful not to get too involved as this can act as a deterrent and discourage copulation. The idea is to provide the bare minimum of help and otherwise leave the lovers to fend for themselves.

The first time can be difficult, and that’s probably when you need to provide the most support. However, as the dogs become familiar with the process, you should become less and less involved.

You should also make sure that the mating takes place in a place that your dog knows and will be comfortable with, at least the first time. When unsure of their surroundings, they spend more time exploring than getting to work.

After pairing is complete

Your responsibility after mating depends on what is agreed in the stud contract. If you have a male dog, you probably don’t have much to do after a successful mating, other than possibly collecting your share of the pups.

Caring for a pregnant bitch is much more involved and is beyond the scope of this article. Be aware that caring for a pregnant bitch is very complicated when you are dealing with offspring from two registered animals, so plan to invest a great deal of time and money into this.

Good luck with your new puppies

Despite what you might instinctively suspect, housekeeping a dog isn’t easy and there are countless opportunities to make mistakes. However, if you do a little research and do some research beforehand, there’s no reason you can’t have a successful breed on the first try.

Who knows? Once you and your dog get the hang of it, you might have your hands on the most sought-after stallion in town. Not bad for an animal that spends most of its free time barking at the dog in the mirror.

Selected image source: Pixabay

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✅ Fact checked

Having a litter of puppies is an exciting and stressful experience! You’re awake for days, it’s often loud and smelly, but it’s still an exciting experience. It’s a magical moment watching these versatile pups grow and head off to their forever homes to be lifelong companions. Puppy rearing begins at birth. Bulldogs have many health issues and daily exercise takes a toll on their stocky bodies. With their stubby legs and small bodies, many wonder if a bulldog can give birth naturally. Most bulldog breeds cannot have natural births. In general, Bulldog puppies are often too large for the birth canal. This requires the help of a trained veterinarian to perform a cesarean section. However, some bulldog breeds do not require a cesarean section and can have a natural birth. Bulldog breeding is complicated and not always the same from start to finish. While some conditions and issues are common when our Bulldogs are pregnant, Bulldog breeds often present some challenges. Some issues include breeding naturally, whether they can conceive naturally, and even whether they are pregnant (which can be surprisingly difficult to determine ). There are several bulldog breeds and it is helpful to know which breeds give birth to puppies naturally.

1 Can Bulldogs Conceive Naturally?

While the answer is yes, bulldogs can conceive naturally. It is important to note that they do not get pregnant easily when using natural methods. First, in many bulldog breeds, the chest, shoulders, and head are much larger than their hips. This means that the dog is usually heavier in the front than in the back.

When a male bulldog mounts a female, his front weight pushes the rear end of the female bulldog down. This makes it very difficult for them to achieve a tie. To prevent this, breeders must help the male by holding the female’s hips and helping him onto the female.

For this reason, many breeders choose artificial insemination (AI) and often 80 to 90% of Bulldogs are bred using artificial insemination.

2 Is my bulldog pregnant?

To better understand a Bulldog pregnancy, it’s important to know the signs that your female dog is pregnant. Unfortunately, there are few signs of pregnant bulldogs and all dogs in general.

In fact, most of the signs and symptoms don’t appear until your Bulldog is over 40 days pregnant. Unless you have seen your veterinarian to diagnose pregnancy, you will have to wait well over halfway through pregnancy before you can see the signs.

However, if you see signs, you can quickly determine whether your wife is pregnant or not.

Signs of a bulldog pregnancy are:

Decrease in Energy/Activity: Pregnant bitches tend to have less energy than those who are not. If you find that your dog is sleeping more than usual, especially around the 3rd week, there is a good chance she is pregnant.

Pregnant dogs tend to have less energy than those who aren’t. If you find that your dog is sleeping more than usual, especially around the 3rd week, there is a good chance she is pregnant. Morning Sickness: I mentioned this before, but dogs can experience mild nausea. This means that around day 21 she will have less appetite and may vomit.

I mentioned this before, but dogs can experience mild nausea. This means that around day 21 she will have less appetite and may vomit. Increase in appetite: This can be difficult to pinpoint, but over the weeks you should notice your pregnant dog eating more than usual.

This can be difficult to determine, but over the weeks you should notice that your pregnant dog is eating more than usual. Nipple changes: Every dog ​​is different when it comes to nipple changes. Some changes occur early in pregnancy, while others don’t appear until just before delivery. However, you can usually see differences in the nipples after 3 or 4 weeks. The nipples darken a little and start to look round. Finally, you can see hair loss around the nipples as her body prepares for breastfeeding.

Every dog ​​is different when it comes to nipple changes. Some changes occur early in pregnancy, while others don’t appear until just before delivery. However, you can usually see differences in the nipples after 3 or 4 weeks. The nipples darken a little and start to look round. Finally, you can see hair loss around the nipples as her body prepares for breastfeeding. Swollen Vulva: It’s not as swollen as it was when she was in heat, but your dog’s vulva shouldn’t go back to its normal size.

It won’t be as swollen as it has been in the heat, but your dog’s vulva should not return to its normal size. Temperament Changes: Another symptom that varies from dog to dog, temperament changes are a good sign. Bulldogs often become more clingy or go off on their own. Any unusual behavior from your dog could be a sign that she is pregnant.

As you can see, there aren’t many symptoms. Your bitch will gain weight when she is pregnant, but most of the weight gain will be seen closer to the end of gestation.

Knowing if your Bulldog is pregnant is difficult as female Bulldogs show few signs.

3 How Long Are Bulldogs Pregnant?

All dogs follow the same pregnancy schedule, regardless of breed, and usually give birth to their puppies on day 63 after ovulation. This can differ from each individual Bulldog and sometimes each individual pregnancy

Unless you test for ovulation, it can be difficult to tell when your Bulldog is at this stage. Breeders follow a guideline of 59 to 70 days from the date of the first breed. Your Bulldog should give birth anytime during those 11 days, but often she will give birth on day 63. Usually you know the date of ovulation and the vet will simply do the cesarean on day 63 or when the bulldog is showing signs of labor is imminent.

4 How is a bulldog pregnancy?

The best way to understand your pregnant bulldog is to read up on its pregnancy weeks. In dogs, the 1st week of pregnancy begins on the day of ovulation or on the day of the first copulation. Bulldogs are pregnant for around 9 weeks before they give birth and a lot happens during those weeks.

week one:

You won’t see much this week. Your bulldog or bitch will be mated this week and you may notice that she is a bit tired. There’s no way of knowing if she’s pregnant, but fertilization will only occur based on when she ovulates.

Life should get back to normal this week. Regular activities should continue and your dog will consume a normal amount of food. Your bitch will most likely be in heat for another week, but you can continue with her normal schedule.

Second week:

The fertilized eggs migrate to the uterine horn and you will not notice any temperament changes. She can be her usual self and go back to who she was before she came into heat. The heat should be about to end if it isn’t already. During this week the vulva remains slightly swollen. However, this can be difficult to notice, especially in virgin bitches.

week three:

During this time, the embryos eventually attach to the uterine lining. Your dog may have morning sickness for a few days and not want to eat. She may even throw up a few times, but that doesn’t happen with most dogs.

Your dog’s appetite could increase slightly. After 3 weeks you can increase the feeding portions, but do not overfeed. Gaining too much weight can lead to complications.

There is an old wives tale that says that after 21 days their gums will turn white for a day or two. Some breeders swear by this sign, others claim it does not indicate pregnancy.

week four:

Meanwhile, a vet can feel puppies by feeling your bulldog’s abdomen. During this week you can have a blood test to check for relaxin, which indicates pregnancy.

A slight increase in food is all that is needed. Your female Bulldog will be able to continue with her usual activities and exercise at this stage of pregnancy.

week five:

Between the 30th and 35th day after the first breeding, you can schedule an ultrasound appointment to determine if your furry friend is pregnant.

You should start to notice some weight gain in your pregnant Bulldog. In addition, her appetite is increasing and she needs more food every day. Be careful not to overfeed them. Also, avoid strenuous activities but incorporate daily exercise.

Your pregnant Bulldog may be tired and need small, frequent meals throughout the day.

Sixth week:

You may notice that by the sixth week, your Bulldog will begin to reduce the amount of food he eats. To compensate for this, break up their meals into multiple feedings per day. It’s not uncommon for pregnant bulldogs to eat three to five small meals a day. Mood-wise, she might sleep more. You may find that she is very uncomfortable and should monitor her behavior to know what she needs.

week seven:

The seventh week is similar to the previous week. Your female will feel uncomfortable and may look for a quiet place to sleep. She can also become more clingy than usual.

When the seventh week comes, you are approaching the delivery day! You should be able to feel the puppies moving and your pregnant bulldog might start shedding her hair around her nipples. Now it’s time to set up a room for the birth.

Eighth week:

If you are planning to have an X-ray, now is the week to do so. During this time, the puppies’ skeletons have become so calcified that they can be seen on an X-ray. This is a great way to find out how many puppies your bulldog is having and to help you plan for birth or caesarean.

Your pregnant bulldog may start producing milk this week, but not all dogs are producing milk at this point. Some may begin production soon after the puppies are born. Now is the time to keep a close eye on your wife. Avoid intense exercise and keep him on a leash when he’s outside to keep him from jumping or hurting himself.

week nine:

This is the week your pregnant bulldog is due! She may leave at any time and you want to be aware of nest behavior. Also, their temperature should increase before dropping about 2 degrees Fahrenheit.

Even if you’re planning a cesarean, monitor her temperature in case your pregnant bulldog goes into labor before the scheduled surgery.

Bulldog Pregnancy Cycle Week 1 A female bulldog is bred. Second week Fertilized eggs migrate to the uterine horn. Week three embryos attach to the lining of the uterus, eating habits change slightly. Possibly morning sickness for a few days, but overall a slight increase in appetite. Week four Bulldogs appetite should increase slightly. Fifth week Perform an ultrasound with a veterinarian to determine pregnancy. The weight gain begins to become visible. Increase calorie intake based on vet’s recommendations Week six Bulldog may be sleeping more and feeling unwell. Week Seven The female bulldog continues to rest more and show discomfort. The movements of the puppies can be seen and felt. Eighth week Take an x-ray to check how many puppies are present and discuss the birth with the vet. Pregnancy due date in the ninth week. Observe temperature changes and labor signs. Have the delivery done by a veterinarian.

Your pregnant Bulldog may be more affectionate and affectionate.

5 Can Bulldogs Give Birth Naturally?

Some Bulldog lines and breeds are very good at natural childbirth and delivery. However, it is very important for the breeder to recognize signs that your dog is in distress. One of the most common signs is when the Bulldog urges for more than an hour. This often indicates that a puppy is stuck and needs medical attention.

However, if we look at statistics, up to 95% of Bulldogs require a C-section to properly deliver their puppies. This also has to do with morphology. The female bulldog has narrow hips, giving her that bulldog shape.

Unfortunately, their puppies usually have large heads and shoulders. Of course, this makes the litter very difficult and can lead to an emergency caesarean section. Rather than risking the puppies or the mother, most bulldog breeders opt for scheduled cesareans.

6 Bulldog Breeds and C-sections: Are They All the Same?

One of the big questions is whether a bulldog will be able to give birth to the puppies (aka litters) naturally or if they will have to have a cesarean.

The answer to this question depends on the bulldog breed and the individual dogs. While the majority of French bulldogs will require a cesarean section, there are many lines that will wilt without complications. Additionally, American Bulldogs are usually free puppies who give birth naturally, however, an American Bulldog may need medical intervention.

Let’s look at eight popular bulldog breeds and if they can set puppies free.

English Bulldog: English bulldog lines can cast with ease; However, the majority of English bulldogs will require a cesarean section to deliver the puppies.

English bulldog lines can wilt without difficulty; However, the majority of English bulldogs will require a cesarean section to deliver the puppies. French Bulldog: Like the English bulldog, many French bulldogs require a cesarean section. There are also some lines that puppies freely.

Like the English bulldog, many French bulldogs require a cesarean section. There are also some lines that puppies freely. American Bulldog: American bulldogs, like the French and English, often require cesarean sections to deliver their puppies. However, more American bulldog lines are known to give birth naturally without medical assistance. However, if you plan to breed American bulldogs, schedule a cesarean section.

American bulldogs, like the French and English, often need cesarean sections to deliver their puppies. However, more American bulldog lines are known to give birth naturally without medical assistance. However, if you plan to breed American bulldogs, schedule a cesarean section. Aussie Bulldog: Although not recognized by many registries, the Aussie Bulldog is gaining popularity. However, due to its structure, it still has many birth complications and usually requires a cesarean section.

Despite not being recognized by many registries, the Aussie Bulldog is gaining popularity. However, due to its structure, it still has many birth complications and usually requires a cesarean section. Alapaha Blue-Blood Bulldogs: Not so well known, the Alapaha Blue-Blood Bulldog is recognized by the AABA and the American Rare Breed Association. The breed is known for being free puppies despite their bulldog build and shape.

The not-well-known Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is recognized by the AABA and the American Rare Breed Association. The breed is known for being free puppies despite their bulldog build and shape. Olde English Bulldogges: Larger and with a not-so-extreme head and chest size, the Olde English Bulldogge can often give birth to small litters naturally. X-rays are important in this breed as large puppies or large litters often require a planned cesarean section.

Larger and with not as extreme head and chest size, the Olde English Bulldogge can often give birth to small litters naturally. X-rays are important in this breed as large puppies or large litters often require a planned cesarean section. Victorian Bulldog: A crossbreed developed to improve the health of the English Bulldog. Victorian bulldogs look a lot like the English. However, they are known to be free puppies and often breed naturally with no problem.

Dorset Old Tyme Bulldog: Another attempt to change the overall health of the English Bulldog without affecting the type, the Dorset Old Tyme Bulldog resembles the Victorian. It is known for being a free litter, however some lines still require cesarean sections.

Depending on the breed, some bulldogs can give birth naturally.

7 Why are bulldogs called an “artificial breed”?

While all modern dogs’ conformations are man-made, bulldogs have the distinction of being called a man-made breed. Bulldogs need a lot of human intervention when it comes to breeding. Many bulldog breeds, particularly the English bulldog, require sperm to be collected and artificially introduced into the female.

In addition, they require medical intervention, as complications can arise during a natural birth. It is believed that many bulldog breeds would disappear or undergo major changes because they cannot easily reproduce on their own.

8 Why are bulldogs expensive?

Depending on the Bulldog breed, owners can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 for a Bulldog puppy. They are so expensive because their breeding is very complex. In addition to health tests and various titles that breeders are given before breeding, artificial insemination, x-rays, ultrasounds and caesarean sections are very expensive. The cost of the bulldog reflects the costs incurred by breeders.

9 Are There Rare Bulldog Colors?

There are no uncommon colors in bulldogs. There are undesirable colors when it comes to breed standards that vary between breeds, but these colors are not uncommon. Buyers should beware when seeing a puppy with a “rare” color and should not pay extra for these off-coat colors. Potential owners should do their homework. Some “rare” colors are actually linked to genetic diseases and you could expose your pup to lifelong health problems.

10 Is Breeding A Bulldog Expensive?

Even without factoring in your Bulldog’s health testing and other care, you can expect to spend several thousand on breeding alone. Artificial inseminations can range from $60 to $1,000 depending on the type of AI and the area you live in. Ultrasound costs between $60 and $500, x-rays between $80 and $200. Finally, cesareans can range from $500 to $2000 or more. This does not include the costs for the mating service, the care of the mother or the puppies. Before you decide to breed one, be prepared for the cost.

11 Should I order a health test before breeding?

Bulldog breeds are known to have many health issues. In fact, a lot of effort has gone into producing healthier bulldogs. This includes adding other breeds to the gene pool, removing colors from the breed standard and selecting only the best breeding stock. If you plan to breed, health testing is an excellent way to minimize the risk of passing on genetic diseases.

12 Breeding bulldogs is expensive but rewarding

A bulldog pregnancy can be a long process, even if your bulldog is capable of giving birth naturally. Before you decide to breed, find out about your dog’s breed, the cost and order a health test. Being a responsible breeder means continuing a healthy, strong lineage. Breeding bulldogs can be a rewarding experience when done safely and healthily!

The English bulldog is one of the most recognizable dog breeds of all time and also one of the most difficult to breed. Selective breeding can have dire consequences if done irresponsibly, and English bulldog breeding is the perfect example of dog breeding going wrong. If you’re wondering how to breed bulldogs today, it means you’re trying to improve the breed by undoing what has been done for decades.

The list of health concerns to be aware of is endless! From skin conditions and orthopedic conditions to cancer and respiratory issues, Bulldogs get the whole deck. As a responsible bulldog breeder, you should also be aware that female bulldogs almost always give birth by cesarean section. Additionally, birth defects and stillborn bulldog puppies are very common.

I am sure that in your research on raising bulldogs you have come across countless discouragements, all of which point to turning around with your tail between your legs and never looking back. This just goes to show that breeding and raising Bulldogs requires a strong willed heart and love for your dogs to endure whatever ordeal you will eventually face.

Breeding English bulldogs is challenging but necessary if you are to save such a beautiful breed – a breed with a wonderful history!

History of the English Bulldog Breed

Famous people and historical figures who own an English bulldog include Winston Churchill, Brad Pitt, John Legend or even world champion swimmer Michael Phelps. Guess what the official mascot of the United States Marine Corps is? Yes, the bulldog!

There are hundreds of official breeds, so why has such a dog breed inherited such a strong image and popularity? It’s all about history, dear ones.

The Bulldog breed was selectively bred specifically for bull baiting competitions.

From bull baiting to bulldogs

First things first, the term bulldog appeared around the year 1500 and the breed was named bulldog because such dogs were used in bullbaiting, a very popular blood sport and spectacle at the time. Bullbaiting consisted of a tethered bull facing dogs, of which the dog victoriously grabbed the bull’s nose and pinned him to the ground was the winner.

Obviously, bulls have considerable strength and power for hundreds of dogs that died in such events – they were trampled, impaled and thrown. However, breeders of such dogs tried to selectively choose the most suitable body types and continued to breed them generation after generation. You could see how much better these dogs were in the arena, so they kept polishing these dogs, dubbed bulldogs.

In the 1800s, the Bulldog body was synonymous with a stocky body, massive heads, incredibly strong jaws and a fearless temperament. These were all reasons bulldogs were so good at dominating wild bulls.

In 1835, the Cruelty to Animals Act 1835 contained new laws ending bull baiting, cockfighting and all other cattle or bear blood sports. This new regulation should have spelled the end of the Bulldog, but it clearly wasn’t.

New York kept Bulldogs going

The Old English Bulldog was a popular breed and a symbol of strength and fearless courage. So much so that several British expats brought these dogs with them when they crossed the Atlantic to settle in New York.

The timing was great because in the mid-1700s the Big Apple was facing challenges with numerous feral bulls having a presence in the city. At that time Governor Richard Nicolls was collecting the best bulldogs available and began breeding and training them to catch these feral bulls by the nose and hold them until they could be neutered by the handler.

The Bulldogs obviously did that too.

Bulldogs as pets

When bulls were less of a threat in New York and less of a spectacle in the United Kingdom, there wasn’t much work for bulldogs to continue to thrive.

Bulldogs as pets were on the rise, however, thanks to Bill George (1802-1881), the famous Victorian-era dog dealer and well-known character in London, England. But families who owned bulldogs were more interested in their unique looks than their ability to bait bulls.

I think that’s when things started to go wrong. Bulldog breeds began to focus on exaggerating that strong, square head, stocky body, and original build. No one thought it could go this far, but it did and today we are witnessing all the consequences.

Health Concerns in Breeding Bulldogs

With an average life expectancy of 8 years, the English bulldog is among the shortest living dogs out there. Medical conditions affecting our Bulldog breed are widespread and serious; They affect all facets of a dog’s health: eye, skin, joints, respiration, cells and so on.

A study led by researchers at the University of California, Davis has suggested that breeding bulldogs this healthy could be a mission impossible due to years of close inbreeding.

We were surprised at how little “leeway” there was in the breed to make additional genetic changes. We would definitely question further attempts at physical diversification of the English bulldog, for example through the rapid introduction of new, rarer coat colours; make the body smaller and more compact; or adding more folds in the fur; will improve the breed’s already weak genetic diversity. Professor Niels Pedersen, Center for Companion Animal Health, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

This dramatic image shouldn’t discourage anyone willing to improve the breed because let’s face it, bulldogs are here to stay. Therefore, all bulldog breeders as a community must do their utmost to fix as many problems as possible. When some Kennel Club rules need to be broken and some lines in the breed standard need to be changed; then be it.

If you are breeding bulldogs, you need to be aware of some of the most common health issues affecting the English bulldog breed. Ideally, you want to breed such problems out of your bloodline.

Brachycephalic Syndrome

Brachycephalic means short-headed, and when shortened to some extremes, as we see in bulldogs today, this airway problem, also known as congenital obstructive upper airway disease, leads to a number of related problems.

Because these dogs cannot handle sustained activity, they are at high risk of obesity and structural problems.

Cats of the Persian breed, as well as French Bulldogs, Pugs, Pekingese and Boston Terriers are also victims of the same brachycephalic syndrome. If you’ve met these in person, you can’t ignore the noisy heavy breathing and forced sedentariness. Pets of brachycephalic breeds can sometimes even collapse due to a severe lack of oxygen. Heat is a huge danger for the bulldog breed – dogs don’t sweat, so the only way to cool off is by panting and breathing. Both breathing and panting are difficult in such dogs, so ventilation is too slow to cool the dogs down.

Surgery is possible, but it will not definitively fix the problem, instead trying to improve the worst cases. The real solution lies in smarter selective breeding by suitable mates who have healthier head shapes and airways. However, these better specimens can be affected by other conditions as the Bulldog is a victim of a mountainous list of potential problems – making it very difficult to find healthy Bulldog parents!

orthopedic diseases

The bulldog breed is a victim of severe deformities of the cartilage and several problems of the musculoskeletal system. Among other things, chondrodysplasia makes Bulldogs prone to painful bone and joint problems that are almost impossible to fix. If you like numbers, the bulldog breed is most at risk of hip dysplasia, with 74% of the population being dysplastic. Elbow dysplasia is close behind at 40% of dysplastic bulldogs.

Other orthopedic and musculoskeletal issues targeting bulldogs include:

Luxating patella – a condition in which the kneecap dislocates and moves from its healthy position

– a condition in which the kneecap dislocates and moves from its healthy position. Cruciate Ligament Rupture – Problems with pairs of ligaments that are arranged like a letter X and connect two bones

– Problems with pairs of ligaments arranged like a letter X connecting two bones.

— bulging or rupturing discs of a dog’s spinal cord (hernia) Osteochondritis — abnormal growth of cartilage at the end of a bone in a joint

The Canine Health Information Center has a list of available screening tests to detect some of these conditions.

eye problems

A bulldog’s eyes require a lot of attention from the start. Most start early, and if not addressed in the early stages, they often become terminal and can cause your dog lifelong discomfort. In a survey overseen by the British Kennel Club, the most commonly reported condition in live bulldogs was cherry eye.

But there are several eye diseases that bulldogs seem to fall prey to:

Cherry eye – prolapsed and enlarged lacrimal gland on the inner surface of the third eyelid

– Prolapsed and enlarged lacrimal gland on the inner surface of the third eyelid. Corneal ulcers — open sores on the dog’s cornea that, if left untreated, will result in loss of the eye

– Open wound on the dog’s cornea which, if left untreated, will result in the loss of the eye. Eyelash abnormalities – often extra eyelashes grow out of the eyelid and rub against the cornea

– additional eyelashes often grow out of the eyelid and rub against the cornea. Entropion – an inturned eyelid, causing the eyelashes to rub against the eyeball

— eyelid turned inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the eyeball Ectropion — eyelid turned outward, exposing the inner surface of the eyelid to infection

Elderly and aging Bulldogs also very commonly have a tear production disorder which causes such Bulldogs to suffer from incredibly dry eyes. This is to be expected after surgery, such as cherry eye surgery, but also occurs due to older age. Using a vet-recommended artificial tear product can help prevent a whole host of corneal disorders that result from long-term dry eyes.

skin diseases

Because of their wrinkled skin, the Bulldog breed is very prone to bacterial skin infections as well as irritation. Canine atopic dermatitis, commonly referred to as eczema, is perhaps the most common skin condition affecting English bulldogs today.

In addition to eczema, there are several other skin conditions that affect bulldogs:

Pyoderma – bacterial infection that leads to the formation of pus in the lesions and pustules

– bacterial infection leading to the formation of pus in lesions and pustules. Wrinkle dermatitis – an infection caused by skin folds and loose skin that often targets a bulldog’s face

– an infection caused by skin folds and loose skin that often targets a bulldog’s face.

The best way to keep your Bulldogs free of most skin infections is to use antibacterial wipes regularly and properly clean both the dog’s coat and folds. Keeping the skin dry should also prevent the growth and proliferation of yeast and bacteria on the dog’s epidermis.

The English bulldog is affected by many musculoskeletal problems.

Other Problems Affecting Bulldogs

Mast cell tumor is the most common cancer in the Bulldog breed: it mostly affects the skin, but there are cases where several other organs are affected, such as the liver, bone marrow, spleen or even the gastrointestinal tract of the dog dog. Flat-faced dog breeds are more prone to mast cell tumors, although any dog ​​breed can be the victim of it.

When they appear on the skin, mast cell tumors vary greatly in appearance. They can be a raised lump or bump on or just under the skin and can be red, ulcerated, or swollen. In addition, many owners report increasing and decreasing size of the tumor, which can occur spontaneously or be produced by movement of the tumor, leading to degranulation. Mast cells contain granules filled with substances that are released into the bloodstream and can potentially cause systemic problems, including stomach ulcers and bleeding, swelling and redness at and around the tumor site, and potentially life-threatening complications such as: B. a dangerous drop in blood pressure and a systemic inflammatory response that leads to shock. Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs, Document from the University of Pennsylvania Ryan Veterinary Hospital

Other cancers target Bulldogs, such as lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma, melanoma, and mammary carcinoma. Obviously, canine cancers are similar to human cancers, we don’t always know how to avoid them or why they occur. Maintaining good general nutrition and health helps reduce the risk of most types of cancer.

The thyroid is a small gland located near the dog’s larynx in the neck and is part of the endocrine system that is useful in regulating various hormone levels. The Bulldog breed tends to get lower thyroid hormone levels and they can take years to be noticed and treated. Visible signs include recurring skin conditions or difficulty maintaining a good weight despite eating well. This condition is called hypothyroidism.

[pullquote-right]A female bulldog almost always delivers her puppies by cesarean section.[/pullquote-right]

Finally, urinary problems are another health issue that needs to be added to this endless list. They are usually diagnosed as canine cystitis, or a urinary tract infection, which is easily detected with a urinalysis or urine culture. Both conditions are relatively easy to treat with appropriate medication prescribed by your veterinarian.

Bulldog breeding best practices

Now that we’ve both agreed that this is what you need to embrace for the long haul, let’s prepare you to breed better bulldogs. It all starts with our most visited page on the pillars of dog breeding, because despite being a very peculiar breed, bulldogs are just dogs.

On average, a female bulldog gives birth to 4 puppies using a cesarean nine times out of ten. Once the puppies are born, they are often hand-reared and cared for by both the mother and the dog breeder. because the mother inevitably needs some time to recover from her caesarean section.

Where other breeds can usually care for their newborn puppies right after they are born, the Bulldog needs special attention to ensure the mother doesn’t become too tired or the puppies too neglected.

Breeding dogs is more difficult and expensive with English bulldogs. Bulldogs, for example, almost always give birth via caesarean section.

Caesarean section is mandatory in bulldogs

Bulldogs almost always give birth by cesarean section for several reasons:

Risk of Anasarca puppies – the abnormal amount of serous fluid in a pup’s body tissues, organs, or lumens, resulting in too large a body size that simply cannot pass through the mother’s birth canal

— the abnormal amount of serous fluid in a pup’s body tissues, organs, or cavities, resulting in a body size that is too large for it to simply fit through the mother’s birth canal Puppies Size — Bulldog breed newborns have a very large head and shoulders make normal delivery almost impossible

— Bulldog breed newborns have very large heads and shoulders that make normal delivery almost impossible. Dystocia — a difficult birth caused by an abnormally positioned fetus and a small maternal pelvis

– a difficult delivery caused by an abnormally positioned fetus and a small maternal pelvis

The cost of a cesarean with all the associated items (examination, surgery, postoperative observation, and care) should bring you to about $750 or more in some areas or at special times. Ideally, if all goes well, you should speak to your vet beforehand to avoid unexpected charges being added to your vet bill.

Numerous vet visits

In addition, for vulnerable breeds such as the bulldog, there are numerous and frequent health checks and postnatal vet visits are also repeated to ensure that the puppies’ growth is stable and normal. All those trips to and from the vet’s office add up, especially when you add in the cost of the hospital stay, DNA lab results, blood reports, X-rays, medications, and supplements. And that usually amounts to $4,000 to $6,000 for a litter.

In addition to the high financial investments, breeding bulldogs requires much more time that the breeder has to spend. Unlike other breeds where Mother Nature does most of the work, the breeder needs to be very present throughout pregnancy, labour, delivery and even the puppies’ first few weeks. We have a comprehensive article on everything that should be included in your cast set.

Because of this, if a breeder is involved in ethical bulldog breeding, it will cost a bulldog puppy around the $3,000 mark and sell it with ease. For more information, see our comprehensive article on proper pricing for each puppy in a litter.

Last words on bulldog breeding

As long as you are the right candidate, the rigors of breeding bulldogs may not deter you that easily or at all. It is not an easy task and will require your absolute dedication and commitment to the humane treatment of the dog and the improvement of this difficult breed.

There are many expenses and even if each puppy sells at a high price you never know if the demand will be there or not when you have your litter. Therefore, you are actually exposing yourself to some financial liabilities. Save about $5,000 to ensure the stability of your bulldog breeding program. The planned and unscheduled visits to the vet can cost you upwards of $3,000, so you must be financially prepared.

To be successful in dog breeding and bulldog breeding, you should connect with other bulldog breeders, judges, and breed experts. When working with such a challenging breed, you will need to be cared for, at least for the first few litters. Find trusted mentors who lead by example, not just by great speeches.

The Bulldog may be a symbol of strength and toughness, but more than a century of selective breeding has weakened the once-hardy dog.

The dogs have respiratory, skeletal and skin problems and, worse, many are unable to mate or give birth naturally. If they develop breathing difficulties early on, they are unlikely to live beyond the age of five.

Now, the first complete analysis of bulldog genetics, published in Canine Genetics and Epidemiology on July 28, shows that the breed has very little genetic diversity.

This lack of genes poses a major challenge for breeders hoping to naturally reintroduce healthier traits into the population, a practice called reverse breeding, says study leader Niels Pedersen, a veterinary researcher at the University of California, Davis. (Read more about canine evolution in National Geographic magazine.)

“Our assessment is that it will be difficult and possibly impossible to back down and breed the dogs back,” says Pedersen.

According to the American Kennel Club, bulldogs — also known as English bulldogs — are currently the fourth most popular breed in the United States.

More of the same

Researchers collected and analyzed DNA from 139 bulldogs — including a control group of healthy puppies living in North America, Europe and Argentina — and another group of dogs admitted to UC Davis Veterinary Hospital for various illnesses.

The results were impressive.

Unfortunately for the Bulldog, many of the physical traits that make them desirable also make them unhealthy.

In a healthy, diverse population, one would expect each individual to have a widely different genomic structure, but in the case of the bulldogs, large areas of the genome were common in every individual studied. (Check out your dog pictures submitted to National Geographic.)

In addition, the researchers found a worrying lack of diversity in the region of the genome that regulates the canine immune system. The scientists found no differences between the healthy dogs and the sick pets in the hospital.

Part of the reason for the low genetic diversity is that modern bulldogs likely descended from a founder population of just 68 individuals. From this shallow gene pool, bulldogs lost even more diversity as they were selectively bred for short faces, stocky bodies, and wrinkled skin.

love you to death

Unfortunately for the Bulldog, many of the physical traits that make them desirable also make them unhealthy. (See “Dog Brains Reorganized Through Breeding.”)

Take this cute flattened face. Breeding for flat faces has led to an extreme form of brachycephaly – shortening of the skull – which is now the leading cause of death in bulldogs. The condition leads to a variety of breathing difficulties and overheating.

The misshapen heads also affect reproduction, as bulldog puppies will not fit through their mother’s birth canal and will need to be delivered by cesarean section. Pedersen estimates that 80 percent of bulldog births are due to artificial insemination and cesarean sections.

For Adam Boyko, a geneticist at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, the new research reveals a “classic dog breed story.”

“Look at what they looked like 100 to 150 years ago,” says Boyko, who was not involved in the new study. Photographs from the mid-19th century show bulldogs with longer faces, straight tails, and minimal wrinkling.

“There was an intense selection of bulldogs and you were bottlenecked at the beginning too; it reduces genetic diversity. Adding inbreeding can create a whole host of problems.”

Grotesque but cute?

As bulldog puppies continue to rise in popularity — some puppies sell for as much as $30,000, Pederson says — it’s obvious that breeders are responding to market demand for “cuter” animals.

But the public and breeders must make a concerted effort to save the bulldog.

Registries like the American Kennel Club could help by relaxing their breed standards. Broader standards would allow for new traits introduced through bloodlines of closely related breeds.

“Breeders need to realize they have a problem,” says Pedersen. (See “Dogs Are Even More Like Us Than We Thought.”)

Otherwise, we could “end up with what some people would call a grotesque creature, and what others would call the most beautiful thing ever bred.”

Follow Aaron Siidder on Twitter.

This post was updated on July 29, 2016. The original article said the bulldog was the fourth most popular dog in the world; It’s actually the fourth most popular dog in the US.

What Unethical Breeding Did to Bulldogs

Over the past 100 years, the Bulldog has gone from being a great athlete to one of the unhealthiest of breeds. And despite numerous concerns about their health and general well-being, they’re growing in popularity. And the problem is of course completely man-made.

We bred bulldogs to be extreme; We’ve shortened their snouts and legs, enlarged their skulls, and yes, we’ve even made their underbite a desirable trait. But when it comes to the welfare of the breed itself, we have to ask ourselves: what has unethical breeding done to bulldogs?

Bulldogs are gaining popularity despite major health concerns

We all know the Bulldog; With their stocky build, flat face and underbite, they are one of the most well-known breeds. And what was once a healthy, athletic dog is now a small, stocky breed plagued by health issues.

Despite numerous health concerns, they have gained widespread popularity among dog owners, rising from the 16th most popular AKC-registered breed in 2003 to #5 in 2014. And while Bulldogs make wonderful companions when it comes to personality, the numerous health issues plaguing the breed have left many owners heartbroken.

For some, the bulldog is an adorable, broad-chested companion, for others, she’s the poster child for what’s gone wrong in the canine breed.

The original Bulldog was quite athletic

Commonly referred to as the English Bulldog, the term “bulldog” can be traced back to 1568. They were originally bred in England to control livestock.

The dog became widely used in the bull baiting sport; Dogs would be set on a tethered bull and the dog that tripped the bull would be declared the winner. The sport gained a lot of popularity, but it didn’t last. Bait was made illegal by the Cruelty to Animals Act 1835.

Dog show enthusiasts wanted to preserve the breed and decided to selectively outbreed the aggressiveness of the original Olde English Bulldog.

After the baiting was banned, many bulldogs were exported to the United States and Germany. In Germany, they were crossed to eventually create the Boxer. In the United States, they continued to work in cattle breeding.

What unethical breeding has done to bulldogs over the years

Over the years, the Bulldog’s physical traits have been bred to be more extreme. The face has become flatter, the legs have become shorter, the head has become larger and the underbite has grown. These changes were made to give the bulldog a more expressive face that mimics the appearance of a human child.

It is these extreme changes that have led to the many health issues the Bulldog faces today. And unfortunately, new research suggests improving their health at this point would be difficult due to their lack of genetic diversity.

The English bulldog has reached the point where popularity can no longer excuse the health issues that the average bulldog suffers in their often short lives. – Scientists warn of English bulldog health, BioMed Central

Most bulldogs cannot reproduce naturally

Most bulldogs cannot breed without human intervention, both in the actual mating and birthing process. Without this intervention in breeding, the bulldog would die out in its current form.

Up to 95% of Bulldogs are delivered by caesarean section. Their heads were bred to grow larger over the years and therefore these dogs cannot give birth naturally through the pelvic canal.

Common bulldog health concerns

The bulldog has numerous health concerns and I’m sure many bulldog owners can sympathize. Annual vet bills for a Bulldog are double those for a Labrador Retriever.

They have problems with their breathing and airways due to the enlargement of the soft palate and narrowing of the oropharynx. They are also known to have problems with the heart, hips, eyes, and skin.

Bulldogs are extremely heat intolerant due to their short muzzles. They are not able to regulate their temperature by panting as well as other dogs, and even normal activities in high heat can cause heat stroke. It is recommended that Bulldogs be housed in an air-conditioned area with limited outside trips if the temperature is above 80 degrees Fahrenheit or the humidity is high.

They have the highest rate of hip dysplasia of any race. A 2009 study published by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals found that 71.6% of the 564 bulldogs examined were affected.

A 2004 Kennel Club study found that the median life expectancy of a bulldog is less than 7 years, but a more recent study using data from a UK veterinary clinic put the median life expectancy at 8.4 years. Birth defects, such as flat chests, have resulted in high puppy mortality.

It is unbelievable that we would need invasive surgery just to fix the dog’s basic needs. Breathing is the most basic need and this is in no way acceptable from today’s ethical point of view. – dr Oechtering

Documentary exposes unethical breeding practices

In 2008 BBC One aired a documentary entitled ‘Pedigree Dogs Exposed’ which looked at the health and welfare of pedigree dogs in the UK. The film spawned three independent reports, all of which found that breeding for “extreme traits” such as the bulldog’s massive and short-faced head is detrimental to the dogs’ health and welfare. The program found that most bulldogs are unable to give birth naturally because their heads have grown so large.

The film not only focused on bulldogs but also revealed some drastic changes in other breeds such as the pug, German shepherd, basset hound, bull terrier and dachshund. The BBC published Pedigree Dogs Exposed – Three Years On in 2012 and the sequel is currently available to view on Vimeo.

Kennedy says she thinks the breed has been weakened by show standards that reward exaggerated traits like the flat face and big head. She notes that bulldogs can have such trouble breathing that many can’t exercise normally or even drive in a car that could get warm. – Veterinarian Speaks Out on Bulldog Health Issues, Veterinary Information Network (VIN)

The Kennel Club breed standard for bulldogs

The British Kennel Club issued new standards for bulldogs in 2009. The new standard calls for a “relatively” short face, a “heavy, thick, low-slung body,” a “very short” face and snout, and a “massive” and “underbite” jaw. The standards were issued to create a healthier and slimmer bulldog.

The Bulldog Club of America owns the copyright to the American standard and has no plans to follow the new standards. The American Kennel Club responded that it had no intention of pressuring the club to change its mind.

A revision of breed standards to include evidence-based cut-offs for physical traits such as shortness of muzzle and full consideration of other approaches such as outcrossing are now required to ensure high-risk breeds such as the English bulldog do not continue to suffer unnecessarily. – Veterinarians urge revision of breed standard to protect animal welfare, British Veterinary Association (BVA)

When breeding goes too far

I am not against any breeding. There are some breeders who are genuinely committed to the welfare and health of their animals. They conduct proper health screenings, meet potential owners, and do not sell their dogs to pet stores or the highest bidder. They demonstrate great knowledge of their race and value their reputation for seeking ways to improve them.

All breeds are susceptible to poor breeding practices, but the bulldog is by far the most extreme example. Current breed standards for the Bulldog are well above what I would consider healthy. When we breed dogs for extreme traits to make them more marketable despite the negative consequences for the dogs themselves, something has gone horribly wrong.

It’s these extreme traits that make the Bulldog so desirable to consumers but so detrimental to the breed itself.

The breed is noted to have locomotion difficulties, breathing problems, and an inability to mate or give birth unaided. . . . Many would wonder if the breed’s quality of life has been so degraded that breeding them should be banned. – dr Nicola Rooney & Dr. David Sargan

What can we do?

What has been done to bulldogs through poor breeding has had such negative effects on the animals that it defies common sense. We find the modern bulldog’s extreme looks desirable, but we’ve sacrificed their well-being to achieve it.

Don’t support bad breeding practices by buying a bulldog puppy from a breeder or pet store. If you are considering getting a bulldog, please adopt one from a rescue center or animal shelter.

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