How to identify a good bulldog breeder

How do you know if a breeder is trustworthy?

 

Good breeders don't sell their puppies to the first person who shows up with cash in hand. A good breeder has a waiting list.   A good breeder will not advertise their puppies in the paper or on websites like Epupz , Facebook and similar!   A reputable breeder will never sell their dogs through the above mentioned sources or in any other way that does not allow them to thoroughly meet with and interview you to ensure that the puppy is a good match for your and that you will provide a responsible lifelong home.   Good breeders take care to select good parents for their puppies, provide proper health care, take time to raise a litter properly and put in a lot of effort to ensure they produce well-adjusted and healthy puppies.   Good breeders do not breed very often and do not breed to order. They will be able to tell you when their next litter is planned so be prepared to wait – if you have chosen your breeder well, it will be worth it.   Good breeders will not take more then 2 c-sections per female in her lifetime.

One good way to ensure the reliability of the breeder is one that protects the future of the puppy. A breeder who is willing to take the puppy back at any time in its life is reputable. Things happen in families and sometimes people are no longer able to care for the dog.
 
Many breeders have chosen this path because they love their dogs. Unfortunately not all breeders produce puppies because they love the dogs.
So, you need to see or discover for yourself whether a breeder is in it just for the money, meaning they skimp on whatever they can to make a profit and they put each bitch through 4 c-sections. Or whether the breeder produces puppies because they love animals.
Here are some ways to help you learn this.

Be doubtful of breeders that advertise their puppies as " ready to go " in the newspaper, on Facebook and similar low cost / free advertising sources.

Reputable breeders share all information about their dogs and planned matings in advance, on their website that allows them to find the best possible puppy owners and establish a good relation before the puppy is purchased. Such breeders will have a clear and concise website where they show off their dogs with love and pride.   All photos and pedigrees will be posted on the website, you will be able to see the dogs pictured in the home environment and at shows. In fact, reputable breeders enter competitions to show their dogs. Look through the website and see how the dogs are kept and how their puppies are raised.   Does the breeder keep the puppies clean and in a sterile environment with adequate space, soft clean blankets and toys? Or are they pictured in crates on newspapers?   Does the breeder have a free website? How are the dogs presented on there? Is there a personal text/ story about each dog? Do the breeders present themselves on there? Do they show the dogs and takes the pride in them? Are they taken out of the kennel to socialize with people? Are there any photos which shows you trips to the Sea, forest and other places which will stimulate their mind.

In other words, the pictures tell more then 1000 words , look through the website and photos on there and you will get your answer quickly if the breeder breeds for the love of the breed or to make a quick profit where as little as possible is spent on the dogs.....

When you are looking for reputable bulldog breeders, you can begin by asking your veterinarian. Your vet is perhaps the right person to ask for referrals because he or she knows the history of the dog that comes into the clinic. Another reliable way of looking for reputable dog breeders is by calling your local Bulldog breed club. It would also be wise to go to dog shows and find reputable breeders there.

Look for a breeder who :

• Breeds no more then 4  litters per year. Doesn't always have puppies available but  will keep a list of interested people for the next available litter.
   
• Takes only 2 c-sections per bitch in her life time according to the Kennel club guidelines.
   
• Does not mate bitches under 18 months old due to maturity.
   
• Takes 1 litter every second year per female and does not take more then 2 litters in her lifetime ( if whelped with c-section).
   
• Does not send the puppies to a new home at the age of 7-8 weeks.
   
• Allows you to see the mother with the puppies. Lets the puppies live in the house or have regular access to the home.
   
• Encourages multiple visits before you take your puppy home.
   
• Cares about what happens to the puppies they breed.
   
• Has bulldogs who appear happy and healthy, are excited to meet new people, and don't shy away from visitors.
   
  
• Breeds only one or two types of dogs, and is knowledgeable about  the breed standards (the desired characteristics of the breed in areas such as size, proportion, coat, colour and temperament).
   
• Is well versed in the potential genetic problems inherent in the breed, there are specific genetic concerns for every breed--and explains to you what those concerns are.
   
• Has a good and strong relationship with a local veterinarian and shows you the records of veterinary visits for the puppies. Explains the puppies' medical history and what vaccinations your new puppy will need.
   
• Regularly vaccinates at the vets all their dogs
   
• Gives you guidance on caring and training for your puppy and is available for your assistance after you take your puppy home.
   
• Feeds high quality "premium" brand food.
   
• Actively competes with her/his dogs in shows (which judge how closely dogs match their "breed standard").
  Will work with clubs that specialize in their specific breeds.
  

   

ASK QUESTIONS

A good breeder prior to selling a puppy will ask you many questions; it would be like going to a job interview. The breeder would ask you about your family, they would really like to know if you would be a great owner or not.
 
A good breeder would also be ready to give a follow up service to make sure that the puppy is kept in tip top condition, and is also ready to take the puppy back in case something is very wrong with the puppy. In return you shall be prepared to ask questions and if you cannot get satisfactory answers, look elsewhere.
 

 

Ask the breeder the following questions:

  

• How long have you been breeding? Is breeding a business or a hobby for you? If he/she says that breeding is a business, look for another breeder.
   
• How often does your females produce a litter?
   
• How many c-sections do you allow per female in her life time? If more then 2-3 c-section per female find another breeder.
   
• Where do you raise the puppies? Have the breeder show you the area where the puppies are been raised.
  If you are not allowed in to see all the litter and the breeder brings out individual puppies and won’t show you where they are kept and how, find another breeder
   
• How old are the puppies when sold? A puppy needs to stay with his mother and siblings until he is at least 9 weeks old. If the breeder is selling younger puppies, find another breeder.
   
• What happens if I can’t keep the dog? Most reputable breeders will take back any dog of their breeding at any time.
   
• Will I receive a health record? Your breeder provides a health record with each puppy, showing what vaccinations have been given, and the dates the puppies were wormed.
   

Always personally visit a breeder's facility before buying a puppy.
Find out where your puppy was born and raised, meet the Mother . Take the time now to find the right breeder and you'll thank yourself for the rest of your dog's life...

A final word

Puppy farms, dealers and unscrupulous breeders.
  
You may not know you are visiting a puppy farm until you arrive, please, do not be tempted to buy the puppy out of pity as this keeps the breeders in business!
 
Think carefully before buying and do not buy the puppy because you feel sorry for it.
 
If you trade with an unscrupulous dealer or breeder, you will be supporting their trade in misery. For every one you buy, another will take its place. The right thing to do is to not buy a puppy from them but to stop their activity, report that breeder to your local Bulldog club, The Kennel club, your local authority's Animal Welfare Officer and the RSPCA.