So you've made the decsion that a Bulldog is the right dog for you? If not, please read review our Bulldog Ownership Checklist first. If you are ready, and have decided that you want to get a puppy, one of the MOST important decisions you can make is selecting your breeder. To aid you in this task, we have prepared a short article profiling what can be considered a reputable, quality, caring breeder.
What drives a reputable breeder?
The short answer is love for the Bulldog breed itself. A reputable breeder
feels responsibility toward the breed itself, toward the dogs they breed,
and to the people who take on the dogs they have bred. They log countless
hours and money involved in activities and matters that are in the best
interests of the Bulldog. This overwhelming sense of responsibility is
a dead give away that you are dealing with a true breeder and not simply
a puppy miller - in it for the money.
A true breeder will insist on direct contact with those who buy the dogs. She will follow a careful screening process to be certain that the both the puppy and the potential owner are suitable for one another. Many feel put out by such screening processes. If this describes you, then a Bulldog may not be right for you. While often not fully appreciated until AFTER the dog is bought, this screening by the breeder is the greatest protection a dog purchaser can have.
Contrary to popular belief true breeders are not making money hand over fist. In fact, the cost of caring properly for her Bulldogs until a new home is found can be very prohbitive, yet a reputable breeder will undertake this burden. The goal is to ensure that the new home will provide the proper care and attention the puppy deserves.
Even after a puppy has gone on to his new home, the breeder's help and advice continue throughout the dog's life. This duty is taken on without hesitation.
When selecting a puppy, the reputable breeder will show you a copy of the pedigree and explain why they selected the bloodlines they used. She will allow you to see the puppies and the mother and assist you in selecting the proper puppy to meet your needs.
Things to expect from a potential breeder.- Carefully interviews prospective buyers and has specific requirements that prospective owners must meet, such as spaying and neutering pets, housing the dog in an enclosed yard, agreeing to never let the dog off lead in an unenclosed area.
- Sell by contract.
- Sell puppies with a health guarantee.
- Insist upon getting the dog back if the buyer is no longer able to keep the dog.
- Does not have more litters than she can keep well groomed and well socialized.
- Does not have more litters than she can keep housed longterm if he is unable to sell the puppies.
- Spends individual time with each dog under her care every day.
- Tests her breeding stock for known hereditary diseases and then breeds with the aim of decreasing the incidence of hereditary diseases.
- Is very concerned with producing puppies with excellent temperaments as well as health.
- Is willing to help educate the novice buyer and happily answers any and all questions about the breed and her individual dogs.
- Is willing and able to show the prospective buyer the health certificates and test results on the sire and dam of the puppies.
- Wants to be informed of any health or temperament problems that her puppies develop through out the lifetime of each puppy.
- Is available for help, advice, and education to the buyer through out the life time of the puppy.
Conclusion
This article is neither exhaustive nor a guarantee that following this
guide will result in you locating the perfect breeder. However, we feel
that this will help you make an informed decision about who you purchase
your puppy from. Remember, you are making a big committment and bringing
a life into your home. Purchasing your puppy from a reputable, quality
breeder is a crucial step in building a long time relationship with your
new Bulldog.
Good luck!
