Another thing to investigate would be doing puppy raising for animal assistance groups. My local obedience club offers free classes to the people and dogs that are working with the different agencies such as Canine Companions for Independence, Therapy dogs, etc. either with the regular classes or classes specially tailored to the dog's needs.
Lots of Shelters also are in desperate need of people to help walk, train and socialize the available dogs. Volunteering for them would build a rapport with them, give you experience, give you access to lots of different types of dogs and most importantly, help the shelter dogs towards a better life.
Of course all the Bulldog Rescue groups are always in need of transport, foster and fund-raising help. You may find it very rewarding to assist.

Not sure where you live but I'm retired military and some military bases have a fostering program with their military dogs. You house the dog until a certain age while they train it. Grant it they might not have bullies but having that as experience when talking to sellers should be a plus.

J

We got our first bully from a REPUTABLE breeder (just sayin' not all breeders are)... we talked on the phone several times and spent the evening with their puppies and other adults (they show). We clicked with them, which is very important. You are going to want somebody you can call/email with questions.
That being said, when our first bully passed suddenly and unexpectedly, we were SO DISTRAUGHT. Those breeders didn't have any puppies available and probably wouldn't for a year or more. We UNKNOWINGLY purchased from an importer... you will believe ANYTHING when you are desperate. Don't be desperate... be patient... find a breeder (or rescue) that you "click" with. All of the rescue people on here seem VERY personable and want the BEST for their dogs... PATIENCE will pay off.

~Kellie and Chloe~

When we got Maybull wanted to know if we had experience in bulldogs. I did (I grew up with them) but if had been able to speak with authority about the breed, I'm sure we still would have been allowed to adopt her.

I would suggest that you do a lot of reading about bullies and then go to some bulldog events. We stopped by a couple of meetings of the local AKC Bulldog Club and talked with several breeders. We let them know that we had a fenced-in yard and air conditioning. We let them know what we weren't planning to breed (if you are, you better make sure you know what you are talking about) and that we just wanted to love a bulldog. We let them know that we could afford the possible vet bills.

Expect the breeder to ask you questions and you can ask good questions, too. Price should not be the first question. Don't buy from a pet store. If a breeder turns you down, ask why and then say that if you'll fix that thing, will they reconsider.

i got my first baby from a petstore. the most heartbreaking thing i've ever gone through. long long story short....for the 3 1/2 weeks i had him, the drs. fought to save his life. unfortunately after those short weeks, there was no more they could do and i had to help his cross over the bridge. his autopsy showed his whole body & organs were riddled with funguses, organs failing, etc etc. the list went on & on. we spent a total of $6000 between the cost of him & vet bills (not complaining about the money) yes i could have given him back in those 14 first days, BUT he was my child, my responsibility. god only knows what they would have done with him as he was so sick!

be patient, i know it's hard. do your research on breeders, get to know them. i can never stress that enough. if they are strict, that's a good thing as you know they are truly truly caring of their bullies and where they go, etc. the same goes for rescue.....they need to know that these bullies in their care are going to the most perfect home for them.

good luck, keep at it and your time will come!

I put the title of the message in the 'Your name' box so the previous post is from me. Sorry!

about canine health issues in general over the last 3 years than I did the previous 25 or so that I had a dog. I've learned about allergies, conjunctivitis, possible causes for temporary lameness, but NOT from having a bully. We got our dog Bear Golden from a breeder in a moment of weakness on our part (5 deaths in 7 weeks one of which was our dog) and didn't do our homework really well at that time. The thing that I would need to learn and know MORE about is the symptoms of the bully specific illnesses, and with a bully what the difference between 'puppy isn't feeling well today' and 'puppy needs to see the vet', and I'm picking that up in bits and pieces here on BDW.

So while I'm not ready YET financially or knowledge wise I was just wondering how to "break in" so to speak to having a Bully since it seems almost impossible if you listen to everything you read on the net.

Again I thank everyone for their responses.

Mike

was as many of you know, was Winston. We had done research over the years, and that was one of the questions that the breeder had asked. We talked at lengths and He agreed to bring his 4 out to a Home Depot, as he had others who were interested and were picking up their puppies. He praised our decision (of course) and also eluded that Winston should be shown, as he had great qualities(of course). We showed him for a year and a half, in the meantime got Duchess, saw what a truly ring worthy bitch was like, got into Rescue, (BCARN) and established Central Oklahoma Bulldog Rescue. Winston was retired and neutered, Duchess finished and had her first litter, we placed them in pet and show homes,as well a kept two to show, and that brings us to where we are now. (breeeaatthhh!)

As a first time Bulldog owner hopeful, know that there are alot of scams, as well as, alot of great breeders out there. They are, or should be very protective of their kids, and their reputations. So don't be surprised, if you get questioned and even asked to have them over to your home, but also be inquisitive and ask to visit the kennel/home, where the puppies live. There is a division in breeders, of those who welcome visitors, and those who don't. As you become familiar with those on this board, and the breeders in your area, you will understand why they are that way.

As for adopting a rescue, we (Kim and I), do home visits with the prospective adoptees, and establish a "short list " of our own, so that when we get one in the program, we can call on them and see if they would be interested in the ones we match up with them. Out of all the adoptions we have done (close to 20, over 3 years) we have only had 1 return. Usually during home visits, we get feel for the philosophies and knowledge that people possess. As was mentioned by others, breeders, as well as rescuers can seem pretty strict, but most people are that way when it comes to their babies. I hope this helps. I'm gonna go soak my fingers and get a drink, Iz all typed out now!!


Perserverance isn't a long race.
It's a series of short races,
ran one after the other.

-In memory of Casper

I never tried to adopt from a shelter but I recently had to fill out a 30 question puppy application and provide references to a breeder. I'd also never owned a bully before and was worried I'd be turned down but I got approved and have my first bully pup. So it worked out for me and I'm sure it'll work out for you. As long as you make it clear you are doing your homework on the breed and are educating yourself on the health issues and daily regimen needed for bullies you probably have a good shot (at least with a breeder.) For me I think what ultimately made a difference was my passion for the breed and incredible enthusiasm. Best of luck!

Kim
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I had wanted a bully for many years. When I knew the time was right I called my cousin who is a vet to ask her how to go about it. She said I needed to spend 18 months researching the breed and then go in person to at least 3 different breeders. She went through with me all the questions I should ask the breeders and what things to look for in their home/kennel.
I did all of this. The breeder I chose (very well known breeder in Canada) came on very strong about bully health issues, esp hot weather and heat prostration.She scared me out of my wits. She also said "if I ever hear of my pup being tied to a tree in a yard, I will come and take my pup back" The lecture on overheating stays with me to this day and I do believe all first time bully owners need to hear it. Both my bullies required airway fix however I am still to this day extremely diligent in hot weather and who knows, maybe too anal about it. I can tell you, my boy will NEVER get into trouble breathing due to heat.
If every new bully owner heard her lecture lots of bullies would have lived longer lives. That was 1996.
Anyone who approaches me and says they want to buy one causes me to get up on my pedestal and tell them it is not that easy. When I tell them all of what my 2 boys have been through and the $$$$$ spent (of course without any resentment on my part) they do think twice.
Not much I feel more strongly about than than responsible bulldog ownership.

have you filled out an application at the BCARN site?
http://www.rescuebulldogs.org/apply/release.htm?

after filling out an application, did you follow up with a rescue rep in your area to let them know you are anxious to adopt?

perseverance and patience will get you a dog if you truly are a good home.




I don't rescue animals because I want to feel better about myself, or morally superior to anyone. The best part of my life with animals is the humility they teach and the humanity the foster.
Jon Katz "Soul of a Dog"

Let's say you have done all your homework on the breed. Your family is all up for the new dog and the responsibility it comes with, because it's not only going to be your dog. The next question would be rescue or new pup?
I have gotten from both. But understand they both come with chances you take. New pup: buy from a reputable breeder. LOOK at that pedegree. And insist that you want to view the medical history of the parents. That means meeting their vet or getting copies from the vet. Not to keep but review.
Have something on the purchase contract where if the pup is not a good match with your family is the breeder willing to take the dog back if it's still in good health. If a family buys from me and this happens I tell the family as long as the dog is in good health bring the pup back and depending on age and the placement to the new home what's wrong with getting a percentage of your money back. Communication with the breeder should be avaialbe 24/7. Does the breeder have a referral list of owners from past pups they sold. Visit the breeders facility!!! This excuse that your visit might bring some disease to there kennel is BS. Not that it can't happen but there are percautions that can be taken to prevent it. As for rescues, they come with a pass. A pass you don't know about or what works for the current rescue will it work for you family? Chances you have to take.

And ofcourse there is you. How experienced are you with dogs in general?
Is this your 1st or have you had other breeds?

Anyone who is trying to home a dog whether they breed it or rescued it needs to understand that there is a possibility that when the dog is placed it might have to be taken back for any reason. If they can't understand that then they don't need to be trying to find a home for the dog and you shouldn't buy from them.

You're on the right track don't give up.

J

I have placed several Bulldogs with people that haven't had a Bulldog before, but have shown they are experienced dog owners and have done enough research on the breed to be aware of their unique needs. It is also the gut feeling I get in communicating via email and talking on the phone to someone that helps me decide if I think a Bulldog would be a good fit for them.
For our own first-time Bulldog buyer experience -
We looked at 5-6 litters of pups before settling on a particular pup for our 1st Bulldog. And part of the process was our opinion on the breeders, would they be the type to offer long term support when we had questions, etc. I'm super satisfied with the breeder we got our 1st Bulldog from, so much that we have gotten several more from them and after 16+ years, they are very close friends.