Hi everyone
Submitted by GaryRaymond23 on November 17, 2011 - 11:57amGood morning everybody, I am new to this site also about to become a first time bulldog owner! The tips on training, grooming, and taking care of your new puppy that are listed on this website have been outstanding. I purchased a puppy .. was just wondering if anybody else has had any experience with them a well? Also any good tips on what type of food to feed a 9 week old bulldog? Look forward to hearing from you all and contributing to this website, thank you!
Welcome and congrats :D
I don't know the breeder you purchased your bully from. However you should continue to feed the same dog food your breeder had your bully on while gradually switching out to the new brand. Everyone here feeds their bulldogs different high quality brands because each bully has something that works specifically for them. It took me 4 brands to go through before we found "the one".
And I am demanding pics and a name! hehe You can't tease us with saying you have a 9 week old bully and NOT show pics. That's just cruel =P
Fatboy aka Stinky :)
Welcome and congrats!
You are going to have SO much fun with your new bully - and you've found a great resource in this site. There are so many years of experience accumulated among the people on this board that it's rare you can't find an answer to your questions. And believe me, you'll have many!
I can't really comment on the food question - but a lot of other people will likely have opinions (my girl is an unusual challenge in that department).
As for the breeder, your post might be taken off because they don't want us discussing specific breeders openly on the board. Part of our "ethics". Just thought I'd let you know that in case you see your post disappear. Feel free to repost after though, just without the direct inquiry about the breeder.
Welcome, so exciting!
I adopted Winston at 10 months old from rescue, so I don't have any puppy experience/tips. BUT, I do love puppy pictures...so don't be shy! :)
Welcome, and congrats on your new addition!!
Shannon and Winston :)
My swimming bully buddy!
Lessons for new puppy . . .
Lesson 1 - Pictures... Lots and lots and lots of pictures :) :) it takes a little bit of 'previews' to get the pictures to show the 1st time, but once you learn how, its like spam city :) and we LOVE them :)
Lesson 2 - Naming - Ya can't call it 'Puppy' all the time :)
Lesson 3 - Stories - so what DID the little one do Today? this morning? What type of trouble etc :) :)
Congradulations ! and Welcome to BDW :) :) :)
Last steps taken May 26, 2014 -- Been rolling along ever since . . . .
welcome to BDW~~a great site for lots of info....how about
some pics please~~would love to see pics of your baby
food is hard because everyone has different food they feed and every dog is different~~~~
hugs
Deborah & the NC gang
http://www.flickr.com/photos/griffin6/
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/Deborah075
Welcome
I can't wait to see pics! Our Jack just turned 16 wks so we're still newbies too.
Nakina
Welcome to BDW! And I second
Welcome to BDW! And I second everybody else's call for pictures. ;)
Picture
Thank you everyone for the responses! ... here is a link to the puppy, his name is currently bulldozer, he will be ready by December 3rd (which is actually my birthday, talk about fate haha), hopefuly I will have him sometime the week after that, I am told hes being shipped on the monday after the 3rd ..
His name is currently Bulldozer! .. of course I will have to think of a name of my own
quite a looker already! :)
He is a very good looking bully already. I love his coloring! :) I cannot wait to see more pics once he's home with you!
Shannon and Winston :)
My swimming bully buddy!
Just curious - how are they
Just curious - how are they shipping him to you?
Shipping Service
I have been told that their shipping service will drive the puppy to your home, also they only do this on Mondays, so the Monday after Dec. 3 is when he will be shipped, I believe that the shipping cost was around $275 as well .. to be completely honest I have never had a dog shipped or anything does this sound legitimate / normal ?
If they are driving the puppy
that is great! Don't know if that rate is good, since I don't know how far the puppy is traveling, but I would ask for specifics in the contract about how the puppy is going to get there, in what typw of environment will he be in during the travel, etc....especially in the winter!
Loves and Smooches, Kippa and Mama (Annette)
Commercial Shipper
I'm sure this puppy is coming via commercial shipper. Any breeder that has this many bitches and males of their own is a BYB/miller IMO and they are not actively showing. So they are simply raising puppys for commercial purposes, ie pay check. Makes me sick!
Sorry if this is an obvious
Sorry if this is an obvious question, I am just simply new to this purchasing a bulldog .. what exactly is a BYB/miller ?
Good question, back yard
Good question, back yard breeder or puppy miller.
3 males, 9 females
they have 3 males, 9 females listed on their website .. is this uncommon for bulldog breeders?
Yes.....For Reputable Breeders IMO
that are not activily showing and making a difference in the breed. They should be members of the BCA, invloved with their local bulldog clubs and activily apart of the breed and its future. This would be kennels like Cherokee Bulldogs, Glendar Bulldogs, etc. that have kennels but the difference is these people are doing the best they can to breed quality, healthy bulldogs and they give back to the breed. Most of these breeders with kennels will also be bulldog judges.
Also ... Most breeders (hobby breeders that show) that really care about the dogs they are breeding and our breeds future will not even own the stud dog. They will breed to a dog that they get fresh or frozen from. It took me a year to decide on what stud dog I wanted to use on Ester. There is a lot of planning that goes into the breeding to decide what dog is best to use for a certain bitch. We show our dogs, are concerned about where the breed is going, health and temperment test and breed to the AKC Breed Standard.
I'm sorry this is a hot topic for me. This breeds future means everything to me and those type of breeders are the reason our breed has all these issues. There are people/groups that would like to have our breed extinct. Do you think these are the breeders that will be there fight the fight. No when they can no longer fget $2,500 for a puppy then they will find something else they can make money on and ruin. I have had 1 litter of 7 and have owned bulldogs for 15 years and have shown Bulldogs for 7 years and )have been involved with dogs, breeding and showing since I was born; horses too) and I can honestly say I have not had all those health issues that people come to this board and say are common. Seriously there are plenty of healthy bulldogs...but when people continue to support breeders that care nothing about the breed but the paycheck, then the breed will continue to have serious health issues. Why do buyers not seek out breeders that are at least health testing?
Go to your local dog shows, find your local bulldog club. Talk to the bulldog people. Go to the breeder referral page on The BCA website. Ask us! Network!!! It may take longer to get that puppy...I know we all want instant gratification. But seriously find a breeder that is there for you as well as the puppies they sell.
We shop for cars, appliances, hosues, etc and i'm assuming when we make that purchase we do homework, have a list of wants and can live withouts and research what does what and hows it made. Why don't buyers do the same with a pet.
OK...Sorry for my rant. I'm not aiming this at you directly. Just the frustration!
Gary, once you own your
Gary, once you own your bullie, you will understand. They are the biggest luv bugs on the face of the planet. If I am in reach, Vern must be touching me (at a minimum) actually, it's more like laying on me...using me as a personal pillow.
So, seeing a commercial breeding setup, where all the dogs are living in kennels, it makes us sad. Birthing bullies is hard, most bitches need caesareans to deliver & imagine recovering in an enclosure. All the bullies long for attention, love and companionship.
To be fair, their facility looks clean in the pics, but just know that bulldog advocates(and there are MANY) on this forum would never subject their dogs to live such a life.
Another thing, there was a lot of dissuasion recently about how much bulldogs cost. The price is typically $2000 and upwards. Be careful of the "budget" dog.....I run a car dealership for a living....you get what you pay for.
I would like to suggest another option....have you looked into bulldog rescue? Www.rescue bulldogs.org - there are a tons of pure bred bulldogs looking for homes. I learned about rescue after I got Vern & am in the process of becoming a foster mom. It's unimaginable what some of these dogs have experienced. Many are older dogs that were surrendered after they were no longer "needed" in a byb/puppy millers breeding program. Look into this and you will understand the passionate response you have received.
To qualify myself.... I'm not a crazy PETA person, I have very conservative values, I believe people should have freedom to live their lives and make as much money as they can without hurting anyone else. But the commercial breeders are hurting someone - they're hurting the dogs that they have and are robbing them of a happy life.
Oh I completely understand
Oh I completely understand where you are coming from .. I have wanted a bulldog all my life, just been waiting for the right time for years .. now that the time has finally come i have been ecstatic for weeks. I grew up with 2 labs/2 pugs so the love you have with your dog is basically what I grew up with as well, i actually had my pug sleep in my bed with me for several years haha. I am assuming that everything you guys (by you guys I mean everyone on this forum =p ) about this being a commercial breeder are absolutely true .. i mean the puppy i am looking at is born on 10/7, there were a set of puppies born i believe somewhere aroudn 8/15 before this one so ya .. you guys were spot on. I actually have looked into resucing a dog (my parents rescued their lab years ago) but talking it through with close friends/family I decided on getting a puppy. Can't thank you enough for your input on this, appreciate your honesty more than you could probably imagine.
Oh man, now I REALLY want one! PuppyITIS !
He's definately a cutie for sure :) :)
Last steps taken May 26, 2014 -- Been rolling along ever since . . . .
PuppyItis
Rick, I have a solution for you. One of my clients REALLY wants a bulldog, especially after seeing Kippah.....but she could not justify the cost right now since Central Washington is still really struggling financially and her husband has been cut down to 24 hours a week for the last 6 months. SO I gave her a challenge to do some research and start couponing for all their cleaning, personal care, and some of the gorcery items. Like myself, she does most of the cooking from scratch, with out processed foods, but she can save a TON of money per month on laundry soap, shampoo, toothpaste etc. So in October she saved $350 off of her normal budget for groceries and household items for a family of 5, and only spent $10 on Halloween candy instead of her usual $40. Her goal is to dive in even further, and have enough saved up for a puppy AND a $2500 saving account for vet bills by May, and I am pretty sure she can do that!
Loves and Smooches, Kippa and Mama (Annette)
Legitimate
First Welcome!
Would you really like to know what I think? I would RUN away as far as I could from this breeder. They are BYB/Millers at their best and our beloved breed suffers from breeders such as these people. They are obviously raising puppies for a paycheck. OMG how many bitches do they have and males. I feel so sorry for those dogs. Bulldogs are family dogs, they need love, not to be kept in kennels on concrete floors. They are affectionate dogs that long for human touch and companionship. Dogs raised and living in kennels get none of this love. These dogs should not be money making factories. Raising bulldog litters is hard, hard on the bitches and I could hardly imagine having to be pregant and living on a cold concrete floor in a wire kennel.
Please find a breeder that has 1 or 2 bitches that raises their puppies in their home with their family. Breeders that have the welfare and the future of the breed at heart. Breeders that are very selective about the dogs they breed to, that are active in the bulldog community (ie their local bulldog club, The BCA, etc). Breeders that are activily health testing, are conciencious about the temperment and breed to the standard. NOT BREEDING FOR A PAYCHECK.
I personally would never buy a puppy online and have it shipped to me. If you are going to buy where you can't drive then you just have to fly to get the puppy. I would also never sell a puppy to someone I had not met or been referred to me by a respected bulldog breeder.
Best of luck! I know you have probably fallen in love with this puppy so I do hope that it makes it to you alive and healthy. Please make sure this breeder has a 10 day health provision and get the puppy well tested once you receive it in those 10 days. It should also have had a well puppy exam prior to it being shipped to you. Make sure you ask specifically about the heart and that there are no murmurs. This has been a big problem recently on this forum with buyers getting puppies with heart defects. At the minimum they should be performing the CHIC and CERF test on all breeding animals and making those tests available.
Deb, thanks for commenting on
Deb, thanks for commenting on this, I know the new member doesn't know who is who here yet,;but, I'd like to gouge for you. I respect your posts & you are among some of the members here that I make an effort to read your comments.
The shipping comment raised flags for me. Gary, responsible breeders want to meet the owners, they actively show their dogs & only have a litter or two a year. They are always working on bettering the breed. Since bulldogs are popular & fetch a premium some people see dollars and raise bullies for profit.
When I was looking for Vern, I ended up driving 10 hours - one way - to get him. I had several conversations with the breeder via phone & email and I got a 2 year health guarantee in my contract. I did a lot of research, avoided anyone that had a website to accept deposits online or to pay for the pup via credit card.
I bought Vern from a breeder that has a litter or 2 per year, who raised the pups in their house, who cuddled & loved him....who was active in conformation and was active in her previous pups lives. She even facebook'd me to wish Vern a happy birthday.
If you scroll back & read through posts on this forum over the last year you will see the heartbreak of members who bought pups from pet stores & irresponsible breeders.
Gary, we welcome you & your pup....whoever it is....I just hope you know all the ramifications (to the bitches, studs & pups) when supporting a breeder like this.
Typied my response on my iPad
Typied my response on my iPad & couldn't scroll upto proof...sorry.
*vouch
The breeder in which i was
The breeder in which i was looking into is located out in OK .. while I am in CT, which is obviously one hell of a drive haha, but i do completely understand where you are coming from. I did actually put down a $200 holding deposit and I believe the price of the puppy is $1400 is I am not mistaken. Also, did put down the deposit through a paypal link on this breeder's website. Clearly I am new to this whole world, and the reason I joined this website was to get information from respected, knowledgeable and honest people such as yourself. I don't think I fully understand the ramifications that you listed as well .. from what I have seen on the website they seem legit and everything, i guess i am just really looking for all of your opinions on this situation that I am .. all feedback good/positive is more than appreciated.
Thank you Teresa
I know that I'm not always real poplular about the way I say things...but when it comes to the breed I don't care if I ruffle a few feathers. I'm going to call a spade a spade. I'm so glad you did your homework and isn't it nice to have a breeder that takes interest in Vern and is a support system if you need them.
There are so many benefits to puppies being raised in ones home with their family being cuddled and loved. Potty Breaking is a big one for me. Besides It just makes me sick thinking of those poor girls and boys living a life like that.
Ester slept on my bed when she was pregnant and in the last week I woke every couple of hours to check her and make sure she was ok. I could not even imagine her sleeping on a concrete floor all by herself with no one to love and hold her. Just makes me sad. These dogs deserve better, they are not your normal breed, they are special.
Thank you
Thank you for being completely honest with me, I respect your opinion as well as the opinions of everyone on this website .. everything that you all have been saying show how much you care for bulldogs and I feel the sam exact way .. the fact that they have 9 different females that they breed does have a huge red flag for me after researching everything and listening to what all of you are saying.. the thing that mainly scares me is I believe their policy is you have 48 hours to return the dog if there are any medical issues, besdies that every transaction is final.
48 hours
basically says if the dog is sick its yours. I have a 10 day well puppy check in my contract and a 1 year guarantee on genetic stuff. I can't remember the exact verbage right now.
My puppies had well puppy checks at 7 weeks. I find it crazy that they are worming these puppies weekly...WHY! Are the conditions so deplorable that they are living in and eating poop. Of course they all had 2 sets of shots prior to going to their forever homes and a worming. I didn't place my puppies until 9 weeks.
Do I think these people will ship you a puppy, yes I do! Will it be alive and healthy when you get it, I certainly won't say that. The possibility of parvo and kennel cough is pretty high at that age, especially using a commercial shipper. Is the shippers van heated? How long is the trip? Who is taking care of that poor puppy during the transport. Why don;t you fly down and get the puppy? Bring it back in the cabin. That way you can meet the people, see the keenel, etc. That poor puppy could be in a non heated dark van from oklahoma to Conn.
Have you looked in your home state for a puppy?
I would love to have you find a breeder that lives closer to you, so you can meet them, meet the puppy, see that the puppy is healthy, see that it can walk. Or better yet, be able to pick a live puppy out of several, not a picture on a computer.
I will have to look into the
I will have to look into the contract that this breeder would offer, mainly with the puppy check as you put it and then all the genetic stuff and what not, not too sure on the whole weekly worming either .. they also say that "professionally certified healthy" what should i be looking for in this? just trying to soak in as much knowledge as I can to make the best decision on my future pup. I attempted to look around my area, did not have any luck ... the one respected dealer that a friend referred me to had each puppy listed anywhere from 4-5k, if anyone happens to know of any suggestions that are somewhat close to CT (a few driving hours) I would very grateful, thank you for all your honesty through your posts, everyone on this site has been nothing short of amazing, i feel like within the past 12 hours I have learned more than my research the past month!
Hopefully some of the people
Hopefully some of the people that are active breeders will be able to answer these questions. If you want, I can email you a copy of the contract I signed when I bought Vern. Send me a PM with your email address & I can send it to you tomorrow when I'm at work. iIt will at least give you something to compare your contract to. It should not unilateral, there should be protection built in for both parties.
I live in Michigan & don't know any breeders near me that have pups....I see several forum members on FaceBook that currently have litters. There's a litter in Missouri that I keep stalking....great breeder....but now isn't the right time for a new pup. I really want to get involved in rescue and Vern & I are learning competitive obedience, so that's where I need to focus.
Thanks for listening to us and I'm sure more people will respond tomorrow. If not, repost your questions and everyone will see it at the top.
Are you close to DC?
Nationals is happening next week. I live in the PNW so I have no idea what that drive time would be for you...but it would be a great experience and place to talk to breeders in your area. At least closer to you then in Oklahoma.
The puppy should have a recent health check from a licensed veterinarian before it is ever shipped. Infact I would want a copy of that health check and the name of Vet who did the health check so you can call and ask him any questions you may have.
I live in CT so, somewhat ish
I live in CT so, somewhat ish haha .. do you happen to know if this is happening on a weekend or just during the week? Not too sure if i would be able to take a day off next week with such short notice.
Hi Gary,Yes you are receiving
Hi Gary,
Yes you are receiving GREAT info from the board. But let me tell you my story (happy ending) My first bulldog was purchased from a internet picture (they were a back yard breeder for profit) they did live within 50 miles from us. Once we purchased their "discount puppy" last of the litter they never returned any emails or inquiries. She has a great pedigree and has been problem free for 4 years, she is the best dog ever. We have since bred her twice and she is an amazang mom (10 pups this last litter) so I just wanted to say I had a great ending to a story like yours. Also as a breeder yes the prices do vary and yes "good" breeders will work with you if you are a good home. Our first concern is the family and home. So go ahead and discuss a price reduction I know we are always open to help a "new" bullie owner.
Gary, have you given these people any money?
I posted above a list of USDA breeders and these people were on the list which was from 2006. I am not a breeder but I do show my dog and I am around lots of breeders. If you would like, I can help get you in touch with some reputable breeders if you are willing to fly to pick up the puppy. I may be able to find some within driving distance but, I have a friend who currently has puppies and I can vouch for them.
I am in no way making any money off of any puppies, I would just like to see you get a great puppy from someone who isn't a puppy mill. I made a bad choice with my first bulldog and paid thousands of dollars for surgeries to correct her genetic defects. So, I know the importance of buying a good quality puppy from a reputable breeder. So, if you want my help you can reach me at jbbullygrl@aol.com.
Jacinda ... I think one of his posts
say he made a $200 deposit. I hope he contacts you. There are plenty of good breeders that should be able to in find him a puppy in his area.
yes i did make the $200
yes i did make the $200 deposit, just sent Jacinda and email, looking forward to hearing back, can't thank you all enough for your honesty and help!