Do bulldogs make good pets

[Linda51]

My daughter really wants a British bulldog, does anyone know much about them, do they make good pets if so where is the best place to purchase one and what sort of price are they? Thanks.

[RATTER14]

British Bulldogs are not a good pet, simply because the Kennel Club in their wisdom have insisted on them being bred to have heads so large they cant give birth naturally, the cant breath without snuffling and grunting they cant break int a trot with collapsing from heart failure and they have a life span of about 5 years, I would like to see the Kennel Club disbanded for causing cruelty to dogs and its not just the British Bulldog they messed up, many other dogs as well. Ok I've settled down again now but they make my blood boil!! and yes I know people will kick off but that is the truth of the matter. I would love to start cutting bits off the KC directors to make them suitable for showing. OK nuff said!!

[missmoore]

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/bulldog.htm

This is a good website - has lots of information from living conditions to exercise and grooming.

To anyone getting a dog I'd beg them to first of all check at their local shelter - there are hundreds of dogs desperate for homes, often mongrels and crossbreeds that tend not to have the health and behavoiral problems as pedigree dogs.

[veritymoon]

i have to agree with ratter but if she really insists on having one please make sure she gets it insured vets bills are not cheap for a bulldog and they sell for a bout �1,200 in the area i live due to the fact they cant give birth naturally and c section costs about �500.

[Jenarry]

my friend has had bulldogs for years and actually breeds them now. they're not what i would want from pet dog. they seem to get tired out v easily so don't particularly like walks or playing.and not the brightest breed either so are quite hard to train.think my friend sells them for around �1200 too.

[eyeshade]

You don't say how old your daughter is, some people give in to childrens requests as young as 3 and a dog, especially a Bull dog is a handful, not only in vets bills, some insurance companies won't take them on because of their known ailments and bulldogs are prone to all sorts because of the breeding. If daughter is young, suggest a rehomed mixture dog, much better all round and illnesses are usually less. If daughter older than 10, than insist that daughter takes a large chunk of the responsibility for the dog, they are big, heavy and sometimes very bulshy but wonderful dogs at the same time. I would consider another breed. ES

[Carakeel]

Ratter is so right about the bulldogs. The first thing you need to do is read up on the various dog breeds before deciding and then buying one. Your local vet might also be helpful. If you are not after a specific breed, talk to any of the dog charities about what kind of dog will fit your life style. The advice is free and can be most helpful. Among the safest dogs for children are the Shih-Tzu (if you want a smaller dog), the Golden Retriever (medium sized) or the Irish Wolfhound (largest size!) But be aware of the fact that taking on a dog the size of an Irish Wolfhound means your life changes dramatically, both financially and spacially! It is a huge responsability. However, having had three so far, I can tell you that the rewards are just as big as the dog. Please, whatever dog you get, take it to puppy classes (if possible clicker training classes). You will then be sure of a dog that settles comfortably into your life and is well behaved. Your daughter should take part in these classes too. They are great fun and not expensive. Far less expensive than the damage a badly behaved dog might do in it's lifetime. Best of luck.

[BulldogLover]

Most of you here have got it all wrong and proberly never had a bulldog.
i have been lucky enough to have had many bulldogs over the years and the oldest one has lived is 15 years (ratter 14)! and the youngset age was 9 yrs. Bulldogs do grunt etc and occasionly slobber but they are the most gentle,loyal and loving canines i have ever had the privilege of owning!!!
I have also found there are some very clever bulldogs i have owned, being able to take part in obendience and little bit of agility. Any people who say that all bulldogs are stupid are very stereotypical and are just as bad as saying blondes are dumb!!
TTFN!