Buying a Bulldog (English) Puppy
What to expect from a breeder who puts Health, Welfare and Temperament first.
Stop and think before buying a flat-faced dog.
Brachycephalic (short faced) breeds frequently have serious health problems due to their body and head shape: eye problems due to large protruding eyes; skin folds causing inflammation, infection and soreness, narrow nostrils causing breathing difficulties; excess flesh in throat & narrow windpipe causing breathing & swallowing problems; spinal deformities causing pain; difficulties coping in hot weather & exercise intolerance. Dogs with bigger nostrils, longer noses, less wrinkled skin, thinner necks and longer tails are less likely to have these health problems.
Essential Documents
- Heath Certificates (both parents)
- Signed AWF Puppy Contract
- KC Registration Certificate (if applicable)
- Microchip Registration Certificate
- Temporary Pet Health Insurance
- Vaccination Certificate
A Good Breeder Will:
- have socialised and habituated the puppy
- provide a supply of food
- provide a blanket smelling of Mum
- follow the Code of Practice for Dog Breeding
Official Health Schemes
- KC/University of Cambridge Respiratory Function Grading Scheme (RFGS)
- assesses nostril size, respiratory noise and function
- BVA/KC screening for eye disease; full ophthalmological testing before breeding (includes checks for multiple inherited and conformation-related diseases)
Other Diseases
No current health scheme or DNA test available.
- ‘Cherry eye’
- protruding gland of third eyelid in young dogs, may require surgery
- Corneal ulceration
- painful and slow-healing ulcers on surface of eyes
- Dystocia
- problems giving birth
- Luxating patella
- abnormal kneecap causing pain and lameness
- Skin inflammation and allergies
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- Spinal deformities including hemivertebrae and screw tail (abnormal tail bones)
- can be associated with pain and loss of function
DNA Tests Relevant to Breed
- Hyperuricosuria (HUU)
- painful bladder stones
Other Tests
- Putnam scoring for patella luxation
- Heart testing
- Spine X-rays and evaluation
Further Information
Avoid parents with very protruding lower jaws.
Puppies that are mostly or entirely white have a higher risk of deafness.
The Bulldog Breed Council runs a Health Scheme at bronze, silver and gold levels. All levels require a basic health check. Silver level upwards require RFSG and various other tests.