Some Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can you shave a Bulldog?
2. Are all Bulldogs the same?
3. Do you have to shave long haired coats in summer for better comfort?

Why do English Bulldogs cost so much?
Do English Bulldogs really need a C-section?
How long do English Bulldogs live?
Are English Bulldogs good with kids?
Do English Bulldogs get along with other pets?
Why are English Bulldogs fat?
Is a English Bulldog right for us?

It makes me wonder why you would even ask this question as the Bullie is a short hair dog, and will shed, just the same as any animal will when they are allowed to see the season's. So, you must be concerned about an abnormal amount of hair loss and or patches, which takes us to maybe an under lying problem with the skin. Your Certified Professional could tell you why this is happening and could be treated with as little as a medicated bath for dermatitis or hot spots and the likes. But most important your Bullie or any other breed, needs Certified Professional attention. Lots of diseases are identified through the coat and skin and sadly missed by the untrained eye. Mange is huge in the dog world, especially in rural area's. It only takes a walk across a path for this skin disease. Most common reason could be just simply in their diet. With that, I will say if you came here through a search engine and are reading this, please see a Certified Professional.

Are all Bulldogs the same ? back to top

English, Olde English, American, British, as well as Pit, are all categorized as Bulldogs. All are, very much different in sizing, temperament, and purpose for use. Family Dog, Working Dog, The Bulldog, no matter which one is extremely beautiful, and perfect for their nature, But it is the Responsible owner that must have all the knowledge of each and able to handle each type with the home that would benefit both the owner and pet. All Bulldogs / Owners, as the same for all breeds, should have obedience classes as part of their early training during the same time and as part of your welcome home preparation. Remember no matter how much you train, natural instincts will always prevail, so the importance of learning your breed and what it takes to train and expect, can not be expressed enough. Again it must be said. Do Your Home Work......

Why Do English Bulldogs Cost So Much? back to top

If your first question is PRICE. Maybe this is not the breed that you should be looking into. In order to breed HIGH QUALITY and HEALTHY English Bulldogs it is NOT cheap!
There is a great deal of time, effort and expense involved in raising a English Bulldog litter. Without going into too much detail, it can cost $3000-$5000 to breed, deliver and raise a litter, without consideration for the time plus cleaning products invested. The average litter size is 4 - 5. Getting the female ready for breeding requires pre-breeding testing, ovulation testing, etc. - approximately 3 trips to the vet. Then the female is artificially inseminated, another 3 trips to the vet, not to mention the expense for the semen/stud service which is $1500.00 and up, plus travel. Then you wait 4 weeks for an ultrasound and/or x-rays. (It is important to be sure the female is pregnant). Special diets and constant monitoring for the next 5 weeks, plus getting the nursery set with heating pads, bottles, blankets, medical supplies, milk replacer, puppy scale, and the list goes on and on. Then comes the C-section which can cost upwards of $700.00 assuming she went into labor DURING regular office hours and all went well. Of course, Medications for all. Females produce only 2 -3 litters. This is a special breed which requires of humans to bring a litter to 8 weeks of age. In spite of their appearance the English Bulldog, as a newborn puppy is extremely fragile. It requires constant monitoring of the puppies (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Bulldogs don't make the best mothers at first because coming out of surgery from the C-section they do not know yet they are Mom's and Mother nature has not yet taken over so they may lay on a puppy or not know to feed. The puppies are weighed by scale, before and after from either hand fed or mother fed, heart check, every hour on the hour for days. The puppies are normally checked by the Vet at least 4 times during their first 8 weeks, including worming's and puppy shots. It is a breed that requires MAXIMUM effort on the part of the breeder to make sure that all the puppies turn out healthy.

Yes, 100% of English Bulldogs do require a C-section. To attempt a free-whelp on your own could result in the death of your female and all of her puppies. C-sections for English Bulldogs is required for several reasons like: high rates of water puppies which can't pass through the birth canal, large head and shoulders of the puppies, stress and heat factors may cause a bulldog trouble, the ability to "PUSH" out a full litter is often to much on a English Bulldog and other factors.

We would all like them to live forever but in reality, the average life span for a English Bulldog is about 8 to 10 years. We know some English Bulldogs that have made it to 12!

English Bulldogs love kids! They are very patient and tolerant with children, they are very gentle and loving. However, no child should ever be left unsupervised with ANY dog because children many times do not understand the proper way of handling a puppy.

Do English Bulldogs Get along With Other Pets? back to top

Yes. Of course, common sense has to be used if you are introducing a puppy into a home that already has a dog in residence. Not being an aggressive breed by nature, the English Bulldog love to make friends with other animals. It may be harder on the pet you already have, so patience in the key. Let them get to know each other ONLY under your supervision.

Why Are English Bulldogs Fat? back to top

They shouldn't be. As is the case with any dog, regular exercise and a proper diet will control any weight problems in English Bulldogs. However, they are *very* loose skin dogs. Their build is very wide and not very tall. So even though they might look fat, they are just stocky. (Also, like any dog, you should be able to feel the ribs easily, but not able to see the ribs). Excess weight puts undue strain on the heart and joints. The breed standard says: "The general appearance should suggest great stability, vigor and strength".

We Are Very Active. Is A English Bulldog Right For Us? back to top

Sure! Just leave the dog at home if you are going running. The English Bulldog is not an active breed as an adult and cannot take long periods of exercise. Running, except for very short spurts, is not something that the Bulldog is built for. He will be much happier watching tv with you when you return home. However, they love going to the park or beach or anyplace else that requires only moderate exercise. They love car rides; just please, NEVER leave any pet unattended even for short periods of time.