How do I find an affordable English Bulldog puppy? Just want a family pet. No breeding. No scams.?

Question

My husband and I have 3 children that are 3 and under. I have always been a stay-at-home mother and their primary care giver while my husband went to work. I have recently enrolled in college to get my Associate in Early Childhood Education. We are looking for a family pet to make the transition easier on the children. We don't want to breed it. We are tired of people trying to scam us. We are a single income family living off of $9.00/hour and we can't afford to pay thousands of dollars for a pet. (especially when our children are this young and haven't had a pet before) We want to get an English Bulldog because my brother and sister-in-law purchased one about 4 months ago and we can't believe how well he does with the kids. He doesn't jump on them and knock them over. He doesn't bite them. He just loves them. If you have any information that can help, we'd love to hear from you! Thanks.

Answer 1

Sorry but dogs need veterinary care, flea/worm products, premium dog food (especially bulldogs who are prone to joint and skin problems) and training. Your kids should come first. Puppies also require a LOT of attention and really are not the best for children that young. The toilet training, the vomits, the destruction, chewing kids toys, choking on kids toys etc etc

Not all British Bulldogs are placid, and some can grow to be dominant, pushy and difficult especially for young children. Wait until the kids are a little older and you have more time for a puppy. It will be better too because the kids will be able to pitch in, and it wont seem like you just had another toddler in the family! In the mean time offer to babysit the bulldog for your brother if you really want to see what its like having a dog.

Answer 2

There are some English Bulldog rescues you could foster for and/or adopt.

Each dog's temperament is unique, not just based on it's breed.

But there are so many other amazing breeds and mixed breeds that are great with kids, just head to the shelter and see for yourself :)

Answer 3

Check out a English Bulldog rescue , maybe your family could even foster one. Other breeds that do very well with children is Beagles and Boston Terriers.

Answer 4

Check with a rescue or shelter. The easiest way is to go to:

www.petfinder.com

And start an emergency vet fund for those trips you may not have planned on. That's the big kicker in owning a dog, the vet bills.

Answer 5

Wait. STOP!  If you are on a low budget this is the worst possible breed for you to look into. Second point, your brother and sister-in -law got lucky.

Nevermind the initial cost, which is justifiable because most English Bulldog females can not give birth to their pups without a cesarean section (big money). English bulldogs are high maintenance with allergies, skin fold issues, hip and knee problems, poor immune systems, and typically they are known as a bully breed. I will not go as far as to say there aren't any good english bulldogs. I have met plenty of good bulldogs, but I have run across more obsessive compulsive and sometimes aggressive bulldogs. Their body is built very strong and usually with a gentle temperament (not always and sometimes the bully developes later). However, if you don't have a handle on this breed it won't be long before they take over the household as the alpha and that could be a big problem.

I use to love this breed and had my heart set on getting one until I moved into the veterinary business. The problems these poor dogs go through is unreal in many cases. High dollar dog! Not a good first time pet for a new family.

Do look into Pugs and Bostons if you like the look but want good temperament for the family. When picking these out as puppies pick the one with the most normal looking face not the pushed in face. (WHY?) Because they have breathing troubles and they tend to get worse as they get older and the nasal cavity matures. A longer muzzle minimizes these troubles.

Do more research on this dog.

Answer 6

you can try look at the pet shop or petsmart store or even dogs pound shelters or even at the spca where they do sell or give good cutie puppies that are needed be adopted.