You've done your research for a dog for yourself or your family and decided that the Bulldog is the dog for you, but finding a healthy and well-adjusted bulldog puppy may be a bit daunting. Do you go to a pet store, look in the classifieds, or ask your neighbor? How do you know that the puppy you get will be healthy?

Bulldogs and Health Problems

Like most purebred breeds, bulldogs have health problems largely due to poor breeding practices. You'll need to look for puppies whose parents were certified by the Orthopedic Foundation For Animals (OFA) and the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) to be clear of problems so that you have a better chance at getting a healthy puppy. If the breeder you talk to does not certify their dogs, look elsewhere.

Shelters and Breed Rescue

If you're willing to take a risk of not buying a puppy from OFA- or CERF-certified parents, consider the shelters and breed rescue. Occasionally bulldog puppies do appear in rescue and shelters and cost much less than buying them from a breeder. You can find puppies through Petfinder.com and through the Bulldog Rescue Club of America.

Bulldog Club of America Breeder Referral

If you're looking for a dog with a pedigree, consider contacting the Bulldog Club of America breeder referral and ask for names of breeders in your area. Ask the breeder how long he or she has been breeding bulldogs (longer is better) and whether he or she will provide proof of health certificates. The breeder should be active in showing (conformation, obedience or even agility) with the AKC and look towards breeding the best dogs the breeder possibly can. The breeder should breed no more than three litters a year. All the breeder's dogs should be approachable and the breeder should never allow the pups to leave their mother before eight weeks old.

Source:

Orthopedic Foundation for Animals

Canine Eye Registry Foundation