Some of the most commonly asked questions received by BulldogsWorld.

Q: How do I find a Bulldog?
A: Try the BCA (Bulldog Club of America) breeder referral, or Bulldogsworld breeders web site link, or contact your local Bulldog club. Though BCA membership is no guarantee that a breeder will be ethical, the vast majority of BCA members strive for beautiful, healthy puppies they can be proud of. (Nearly all of the breeders we list belong to the BCA.) Please resist puppies in pet stores as they are generally supplied by puppymills or backyard breeders with no regard for health, bloodlines, temperament or socialization. Use caution in responding to newspaper and Internet ads. Responsible, ethical, and reliable breeders will be there for you for years to come, and are always willing to offer help and advice, as well as a guarantee, on what they breed.

Q: What is a Mini-Bulldog?
A: I have heard that they are better than a regular Bulldog and was told this is the dog for me. A: Don't be fooled! There is only one original "BULLDOG". Many unscrupulous breeders attempt to cash in on poor quality, non-standard Bulldogs mixed with what can be anyone's guess. Steer clear! Nothing about them is certain except that they are most likely a mixed breed or, at best, an example of poor breeding practices. If you are seeking a dog similar to what these "breeders" describe, save your money and adopt a dog from your local animal shelter instead. You can still get a great companion without falling victim to a scam. Read our Mini-Bulldog link on Bulldogsworld for more information.

Q: How do I rescue a Bulldog?
A: Go to the BCA web site and look at their rescue link. Our rescue link shows all the rescue organizations around the country so you can visit each one to see what they have available. You may also want to notify your local animal shelter that you are interested in adopting a Bulldog if any become available.

Q: Why do Bulldogs cost so much?
A: This is a breed that typically requires a c-section to deliver the puppies. It also requires constant monitoring of the bitch when she feeds the puppies (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). There is a great deal of time and money involved in getting a bitch ready for breeding, having her bred, having a successful delivery and raising a litter to 8 weeks. Without going into too much detail, it can cost $2000-$3000 to breed, deliver and raise a litter. Of course, this is an out-of-pocket expense, without consideration for the time you will have to invest. Small litters of 2-4 puppies are not uncommon.

Q: Do Bulldogs really need C-Sections?
A: Yes. Over 90% of deliveries are by C-section. Some advancements are being made in free-whelping, but you should never attempt a free-whelp without participation of a veterinarian who has extensive experience with this breed. To attempt a free-whelp on your own could result in the death of your female and all of her puppies. Refer to the link on Breeding for more information.

Q: What is the oldest age a Bulldog has reached?
A: There are some known at 15, 16, 17, and even an 18 year old. The average life span is 10. A good diet, exercise, regular vet visits, and comfortable living conditions can help increase this time.

Q: How long will a heat cycle last?
A: Usually around 3 weeks, start to finish.

Q: Can I own a Bulldog if I live where the temperatures get very hot or cold?
A: Yes, just make adjustments for the conditions. Make sure your Bulldog doesn't overheat and always has plenty of fresh clean water. Bulldogs should always be "indoor" dogs, and require air-conditioning where summer temperatures rise above 80 degrees.

Q: What about spaying/neutering?
A: These are great options with wonderful health benefits if done early in the dog's life. Check with your veterinarian or visit our spay/neuter link for additional information.

Q: What about grooming, wrinkles, cosmetic surgery, etc.?
A: Daily brushing will keep a Bulldog's coat looking good and reduce any shedding (Bulldogs shed only a little in most cases). The wrinkles and tail pocket must be kept clean and dry. (Read our link on Bulldog health and ownership information for more on that.) Ideally, Bulldogs go through their life with no cosmetic alterations. Dew claws are not removed, ears are not cosmetically changed or cropped, nor are tails docked.

Sometimes, a tightly-kinked tail will have recurrent bouts of bacteria and infection due to chronic moisture trouble, and an amputation may be advised. (Bulldogs that have had cosmetic alterations are ineligible for showing.) Always feed a complete balanced premium dog food as well.

Q: Should I get a male or female?
A: This is purely a personal preference. Each has a fan club to sing the praises of that gender's affection, intelligence and trainability.

Q: Is a Bulldog a good family pet?
A: Absolutely! The Bulldog is gentle, loving, and sociable. (However, a Bulldog's bulk, combined with joyful enthusiasm, would cause a family to be watchful that the Bulldog doesn't knock over their small children.) Once you've had a Bulldog, your home will not be complete without one!

Q: How do I become a member of the Bulldog Club of America (BCA)?
A: The Bulldog Club of America is the parent Club of the Bulldog Breed in the United States. The BCA has eight Divisions which cover the entire country and each Division has its own governing body. The power to consider, accept or reject applications is vested in the Divisional Board of Governors which meets quarterly.

Application documents, including the Application Form and the BCA Code of Ethics/Release of Liability Statement may be obtained from the Division Secretaries, local Bulldog clubs (see below) and/or breeders who are in good standing with the BCA. The completed application documents and a check in U.S. dollar funds for the membership dues must be forwarded to the Division Secretary of the Division in which you live or, if a foreign member, in which you will be associated.

Membership dues are $25 per domestic member with a $10 surcharge for foreign members. There is an additional mailing fee for members living outside the US: $5 for Canada and Mexico; $25 elsewhere.

The applicant must be over 18 years of age and the applicant must be proposed by a BCA member in good standing. Any membership application not signed by a BCA member in good standing will not be considered.

Members receive the Bulldogger, the official BCA publication which is published quarterly. Depending on the date of acceptance into the BCA and availability, new members will be provided back issues for the year they join.

You can directly contact the BCA membership web site at this address: http://www.thebca.org/membership.html

Q: How do I get someone to sign my application for membership if I don't know anyone in the club?
A: Contact your local club and breeders. Ask to visit as a guest at an upcoming meeting. Get to know the local breeders and club officers. After meeting with them and attending a meeting or two, ask if someone there might sponsor you. You can also talk to other Bulldog owners and visit with them.

If you demonstrate serious and consistent dedication to the breed, you will find your sponsor. You can be sponsored by a BCA member from any Division, your sponsorship is not limited to the Division you will be participating in. Good luck!

Q: Can you find Bulldogs in most Countries?
A: Yes. Bulldogs can be found in nearly every area of the world.

Q: Will my Bulldog need a special vet?
A: Certain things must be approached differently with a Bulldog than with other breeds. Some vets prefer not to deal with the special needs, or may not understand the special needs this breed has. It is definitely recommended that you seek and use a veterinarian with Bulldog experience whenever possible.

There is a link on Bulldogsworld that lists many Bulldog veterinarians around the world. Your local Bulldog club will know of recommended veterinarians in your area.

Q: How can my Bulldog be selected for Bulldog of the Month on www.BulldogsWorld.com?
A: All Bulldogs featured as Bulldog of the Month were chosen months in advance, from among the pages, message forums, contest pictures, or other means. We feel that every Bulldog deserves to be Bulldog of the Month, but there are only 12 per year, so it is very limited. We choose based on several factors who will be Bulldog of the month.

Q: What is the difference between a Bulldog and an English Bulldog?
A: In the USA, our breed is registered with the American Kennel Club as simply "Bulldog". Though "Bulldog" is the correct name for our breed, you will find some breeders and other individuals who refer to them as English Bulldogs to help newcomers identify our breed more quickly as opposed to Bull Terriers, Bull Mastiffs, etc.

Q: I've heard of dog auctions .. can I possibly get a Bulldog there?
A: Not only should you stay away from auctions, but canine auctions should be reported to the American Kennel Club and/or the local Humane Society. Auctions are supported by puppymills, which breed dogs with only profit in mind. There is no regard for health, quality, temperament and socialization in the breedings done by puppymills.