I'm considering getting a Bulldog. Do they make good pets?

[maveric]

How are they around kids and company? Are they high maintainance? Intellegent?
I've always wanted one and I'll soon have my own place and am looking for a pet. Any Bulldog owners here?

[MiniMandaRuth]

1. I heard they drool a lot... but don't ask me....

My rival school is the Bulldogs...

[maveric]

2. Someone told me that they fart a lot too.

But having raised three sons, that wouldnt bother me so much.

[RubyDuby in GA]

3. This is very true

My parent's neighbors have one. It is the dumbest dog I've ever seen. It farts like crazy and it will eat anything. It ate a pair of reading glasses one day. This one isn't fixed so he will hump anything in sight. He drools constantly. The woman wishes it would run away, but her husband loves the dumb thing.

I think it's so bad because they named it George (and yes after Dubya - she's a closet Dem though).

[maveric]

5. Of 79 breeds, Bulldogs are rated 77 in intellegence.

http://www.answers.com/topic/the-intelligence-of-dogs#wp-Brightest_Dogs

Maybe I'll find the exception to the norm?

[WolverineDG]

13. my friend has one

he is a very wonderful dog, but man oh man, can that dog fart!

dg

[SoCalDem]

4. they do drool and have breathing problems

some have eating problems too and then there's the weight issues.. Lots of people I know who love them grieve desperately when they start to have hip and spinal problems due to their weight, and have to be euthanized
A stray/mix from the pound often is a healthier choice..and you save a life :)

[RebelOne]

6. Post this over at the Pets Forum.

You'll get quite a bit of advice there from other dog lovers.

[Redstone]

7. If you want a dog with that phenotype, maybe a Boxer is for you.

They're nowhere near as dumb as a bulldog. And generally have decent temperaments.

Redstone

[maveric]

8. I'm looking for something a bit smaller than a Boxer.

I'll check the Pets forum for more info.
What a shame. I've always wanted a Bulldog.

[Redstone]

9. Know what's REALLY your best bet? Go to your local shelter and

get yourself a mutt. Mixed-breed dogs tend to me much more mentally stable, and healthier to boot, than purebreeds.

I've had nothing but mutts. Except for one who got run over by a car at four, they all lived well into their teens, and were good dogs, each and every one of them.

Damn. Now I'm thinking about them and I miss them.

I'm serious, though. Get a mutt. You won't be sorry that you did.

Redstone

[maveric]

11. I've always owned "Mutts".

My ex bought a pure bred Yorkie and that dog not ony was plagued with health issues but was psychotic and mean.
The Mutts I've owned have always been cool dogs. I just have to find one that wont get too big and has short hair.

[WolverineDG]

14. if you're dead set on a bulldog

you might want to check & see if there's a local bulldog rescue group. that's where my friend got hers. the breeders were going to "throw him away" (i think that means take him to the pound) because of some "flaw" that made him a show/breed reject.

dg

[maveric]

15. I'll check on that. Thanks!

I've heard of the Greyhound rescue groups but never one for Bulldogs. I'll check on that right now.
Great idea!

[Redstone]

19. Then what you want is a Beagle mix. I had one, lived sixteen years,

she did. Hurt her hip at about twelve, at the same time I had one of my larger knee operations, so we limped around the neighborhood for a couple of weeks, re-learning how to walk together.

The neighbors thought it was a riot, seeing us stagger about 100 feet, then stopping to rest, then re-staggering on again.

But we got better, and did it together. She was a good dog.

Redstone

[smirkymonkey]

16. How about a French Bulldog?

They are smaller than an English Bulldog and don't seem to have a lot of the health problems. Also, they don't drool as much and they are just as cute, if not cuter.

[maveric]

18. Ahhh! They are cute, arent they?

Not as muscled as the English variety but very cute.

[DS1]

10. Rec'd for that picture

[snacker]

12. My sister has always had bulldogs...

and she wouldn't have any other breed of dog. She loves them. They are intelligent and loving---great with her kids.

[CBHagman]

17. A co-worker of mine loved them.

He said that all bulldogs need is food and love, and if they can't get love, they'll take food. :loveya:

On edit: I understand that despite what some would regard as a fierce appearance, they are gentle with children.


What I hear of the breed is that they're so inbred that they are difficult to breed. Apparently artificial insemination is frequently used. I also seem to recall that they are given to respiratory problems and have short lifespans. This is not meant to discourage you but to give you some idea of the sort of dog you'll have.

Have you done any Google searches on bulldog fanciers, care of bulldogs, etc.? I'm sure there are experts galore out there to help you find your new friend.

Frankly, I always love to see bulldogs and pugs walking by. They always catch my eye. Such a delight to see.

Good luck in finding your new doggie!