The reasons for the breeding of English Bulldogs are steeped in controversy. This is a breed that is a far cry physically from a few hundred years ago. The dog is now entirely dependent on people in order to survive and is notorious for health problems. But they also have amazing personalities. No matter what you feel about the breeding of these strange but charming canines, the fact remains is that there are thousands that are abandoned every year, mostly through no fault of their own.

Photo: englishbulldoginformation.com

If you have the money and the time, the Bulldog has the love and friendship. That is one reason why dog lovers should consider adopting an English Bulldog rather than some other more boisterous breeds (like the Border Collie or Boxer). There have been several scams regarding Bulldogs on the Internet in recent years. How can you tell a real English Bulldog rescue group’s website from a scammers?

The marks of a scam English Bulldog rescue website or online classified ad are distinctive. There are usually a lot of misspellings, bad grammar and ALL WORDS IN CAPITALS LIKE THIS. They will also offer to ship their dogs anywhere in the country, state or the world. No reputable dog rescue will ship their animals. They may drive the dog to your home, but will not ship.

A good English Bulldog rescue website will have far more content about Bulldog information on it than about the dogs they have for adoption. They will also have a long form for you to fill out and no guarantee of getting a dog for you. They will have the last word as to what dog you get - not what dog you can afford. A good dog rescue website never feels like a web catalogue. The adoption process should take a long time and involve a lot of interviews and paperwork.

Expect a good English Bulldog rescue to put you on a waiting list, make you fill out more forms, go to interviews and give your home a pet proofing inspection. They may even ask you for character references. This means the adoption process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few years. They want to match your expectations of a good pet to what dogs they have.

Although it might seem frustrating to wait, it will be worth your time and effort to be patient for the right dog. There’s no sense adopting a Bulldog just to have to give him back in a couple of months. Both you and a good English Bulldog rescue group will want you to find a forever friend. They also should be able to know a lot about the dog’s personality and health after living with him, so you won’t be in for any nasty surprises.

Bobby Callahan has great experience with many breeds of dogs as an owner, breeder and researcher who is enamored of the working and companion breeds of dogs. The Bulldog is known for its excellent character and is a trusted and beloved friend to its human family. The ancient history and general Bulldog information can be found in this article.

The majority of dog owners realize that all dogs have certain basic needs which must be satisfied. There are many situations which must never be allowed to occur with any dog. Let us consider four of these situations which you must avoid at all costs.

Photo: heelingheartsacdrescue.org

1) Mistreatment by children and others.
Care must be taken in any household where children and dogs are together. Just as your dog needs and deserves to be trained, so too your young children must also be shown and taught the correct way to behave towards your dog.

2) Condemning a dog to having to live life on a chain.
Dogs are sociable animals and should be made to feel part of the family household. Your dog will thrive best on constant human contact, but this may not always be possible. If this is the case in your household, your next best option is to get another dog. Even with two dogs you will still need to give them care and affection, and spend some time with them each day.

3) Failure to provide a dog with sufficient space and appropriate exercise.
The right amount of space or territory for your dog will depend on a number of factors, such as breed, size and age. Large energetic dogs will need a decent amount of space in which to romp and play and run, as may small but very active dogs. If your home space circumstances are not ideal then at least ensure that there is a suitable safe spot in your neighbourhood where can let your dog fun free. Other dogs, with a more placid nature, may be comfortable with a much smaller space and be happy with a daily walk. Remember that lack of an appropriate space and regular exercise are recipes for boredom, and boredom will invariably lead to behavioural problems.

4) Failure to provide a good diet.
It is the responsibility of every dog owner to ensure that their dog is given a nutritious and well balanced diet, whether the food be home cooked or commercially made. Ensure that the diet does not consist of meat alone. Meat lacks many essential nutrients, so a health diet must also include vegetable matter. Bear in mind that any additional cost of good quality food may well be offset by reduced health care costs.

I wish you every training success and years of enjoyment for both you and your dog.

I am a keen dog owner and lover of all types. I am building my experiences in the area of dog handling and have a lot to contribute in the way of personal experiences.

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