A Bulldog?

jaime

As Melissa said, petfinder is great!
Also, it depends on what kind of dog you want. All smushy-faced dogs are prone to breathing problems and lots of gas. However, they’re adorable. The Frenchies are just much smaller than the English, so it depends on the size of poo you’d like to pick up!
I have a Boston Terrier (Beans) and they tend to be a little on the hyper side, especially when compared with Bulldogs. However, he is also quite stinky :)
If you have any other questions about Bulldogs please ask because we also have an American Bulldog (Lulu) – although she’s not a smushed-face dog, she is a fantastic.

katie

yay for smushed-face dogs! i have a pug and would love a bulldog or french bulldog.

as far as recommendations go, i think google is actually an okay way as long as you do enough research. library books comparing dog breeds are nice too. all breeds have their drawbacks but if you love it enough it doesn’t seem to matter that much.

Michelle

I have a family member who does the dog show thing. Don’t laugh…
Bulldogs, or English Bulldogs tend to have a similar personality to pugs which is pretty even tempered and mild.
They do have a problem with drool sometimes, especially in the warmer months. They can also be a little messy with food. When they lean forward their facial wrinkles tend get into the food/water and much ends up on the floor, specially if you’ve got small bowls.

That doesn’t mean they don’t make great pets. They are kind of quirky but charming nonetheless.

mary

I agree that you should try your hardest to get a rescue dog. There are so many dogs out there there need adopting, it hardly makes sense to have to buy one from a breeder. The AKC has a list of rescue organizations by breed, and you can probably contact them to find out about if there are any close by. http://www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm

Good luck!!

Samae

Wait for one to come to the humane society or some rescue group for sure!

Peggasus

I did a LOT of research before we got our second dog. Our first was a black lab who, unfortunately, went crazy in the head after eating a diffenbachia (sp?) plant (long story). The next time we got an English Springer Spaniel, and she was the best family dog ever. My youngest son learned how to stand and walk on her, and she happily stood in as a head rest/pillow for both of them when they were young. Our Bailey died a few years ago at almost 14.

I would recommend this breed to anyone.

Gràcia

I’ve spent all morning saying I want a beagle! How funny is that?
And, as other people said, read a lot about whatever breed you choose, they deserve the best of the best!

Maggie Sumner

One thing to think about with a bull-dog is if you want to travel by air with them. Because of their breathing issues, these dogs typically can’t go on airplanes. Good to know, just in case you have family you fly to see and you’d want to take your family dog along.

I also agree about going for a rescue dog. It’s amazing how many pure bred dogs end up in shelters. I would avoid pet stores as many dogs there come from puppy mills and often have myriad health issues from poor nutrition, health care and living conditions where they are bred. A reputable breeder is a much better option if you absolutely want a purebred puppy.

That said, I got my dog (not a pure bred, but a Border Collie/Aussie Shepard mix) from Chicago Animal Care and Control (basically the city pound–they have a website you can check out). She is the absolute best $65 I ever spent in my entire life. I wouldn’t trade her for a million bucks.

robiewankenobie

fyi: http://www.ebullymatch.com/

dana

as cute as bulldogs and pugs are, make sure you get a dog to be a pet and family member, not just for his pretty face. and always adopt! there are breed rescues and many times local shelters have the breed you want. petfinder’s also a great resource. personality and temperment should always be key…not just looks.

keep in mind that pet stores should be AVOIDED at all costs (they’re generally supplied by puppy mills) and if you do buy from a breeder, make sure you do EXTENSIVE research…the humane society website has some great information on getting a dog in general or, if you must, a puppy from a responsible breeder.

http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_adoption_information/
&
http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_adoption_information/how_to_find_a_good_dog_breeder/

there are millions of animals killed because of overpopulation and irresponsible breeders (akc means squat, really…they don’t do much to curb bad breeders, over population or puppy mills). when you adopt, you save 2 dogs–the one you adopted and the dog he/she makes room for.

good luck…i love dogs, well, more than most people, and i’m always excited when someone finds a new friend (especially when they can save that friend’s life). have fun!!! =)

Leslie

First determine if you want a puppy or adult dog, male or female, or do you want a purebreed or mix with specific physical characteristics?

Living with a dog requires work and a 10 – 20 year commitment. There’s also the expense of spaying/neutering regular vet visits, planning for emergency vet visits, vaccinations, licensing, good-quality food, toys, etc. Be sure to budget for that.

If you want a purebreed, there are thousands of rescue groups that can be found online and through your local vet office, animal shelter, and some pet supply stores.

If you want a pet-quality purebreed puppy (healthy but perhaps the markings aren’t breed standard, etc.) visit dog shows, talk to the handlers and owners, and do some research on the breed standard. You want to meet the parent dogs. Be wary of anyone who would sell you a puppy quickly and/or who doesn’t ask thorough questions about your lifestyle, house, backyard, family, travel, etc. Also, a breeder should state in the contract that that spaying/neutering is mandatory and that he/she will take back the dog at any time for any reason. A reputable breeder should be at least comfortable with rescue if not actively involved in rescue and placement.

Good luck choosing your new family member.

modernemama

Do your research on the breed, the AKC is a good place to start, and then see if the breed association has a rescue
here’s a link to the bulldog rescue association:
http://www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm#302

We got one of our dogs this way (Irish Setter rescue)

Zinzi

P.S. If anyone is in the LA area and wants a great dog, my animal rescue organization, Much Love Animal Rescue (muchlove.org) is really great and helpful. We even recently had a chihuahua, although I don’t know if they’re as rare here as elsewhere…

April

Also, because I haven’t posted like twenty times already, I wanted to give you some kudos for looking into this so much. I have known several cases where the animal has been slightly neglected because the owners did not think things through. Actually, I’m not sure they really thought it through at all.

sarah

Sounds like your set on a bulldog, but just thought I’d chime in and say I have a beagle & he is fantastic! I got him from a local rescue when he was 2. He came housebroken & already knew a few commands! I fell in love with him the instant I met him & 4 years later we’re preparing to move across the ocean to The Netherlands together (and knowing he’ll be there with me somehow makes me feel like being so far from home won’t be as hard).

jenni s-g

I am also a big fan of rescuing dogs! And getting mutts has always been such a better deal for me. All the purebred dogs we had as a family were riddled with problems both socially and medically. All the mutts we rescued were much more even tempered and less sickly.

Check with your local pound–some of the chain stores like Petsmart have organized adoption days–and other rescue organizations.

And spread the word. You never know when someone knows someone who works with someone who is looking to get rid of a dog–either because it was a bad fit, they discovered allergies, or they’re moving. That’s how I found my awesome shepard mix, the bestest dog in the world. :)

Sam

Might I recommend that you use a rescue group that does home visits? That way, you can meet the dog at your house and get a feel for them in their environment. Many rescue groups have volunteers that foster dogs in their homes which is great because then they really know the dog. Also, if the dog doesn’t work out for some reason, the foster person will usually happily take the dog back with no hard feelings.

S

I have a french bulldog – a brindle male – and he is the BEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED TO ME. Sweet, clowny temperament, good with kids, energetic in spurts but lots of naps. A good romp at the dog park and he’s exercised enough for the day, which is good because I don’t have enough time to properly exercise a hyper dog. I agree that rescuing dogs is the best way to go, but I freely admit that as a first-time dog mom I was more comfortable going with a breeder, so I would feel a bit better that I knew the general parameters of what I could expect when the puppy grew up. My strategy was to google for nearby breeders, email with them, ask a lot of questions. Oh – and I told them I didn’t need a puppy. Often times they have older dogs (bonus – already housetrained!) who were going to be showdogs or breeding dogs but didn’t work out because of something small. Mine was going to be a showdog, but he was, no joke, one pound over the weight limit. Otherwise he is perfect. (For a farty, snorty, snoring little smooshy-faced dog.)

JenM

Just be prepared that a puppy is nothing like a kitten. Cats settle into their new homes very quickly and are much easier to potty train. With a puppy I’ve heard its much like taking care of a newborn in that you won’t get much sleep. The puppies miss their mothers, cry through the night if you keep them in a different room, and then of course there is the potty training issue. As others have mentioned – be prepared for all sorts of vet bills. The shots, the heartworm meds, and then just random illness. My cat is so low-maintenance compared to our dogs. The dogs are completely worth it though!

Princess of Power

We loved the idea of a puppy and when we brought him home, we had no idea what we were doing! My best advice: Crate training! Our tiny dachshund puppy TORE UP our bathroom. Eventually we learned and now we are content happy dog owners.

Ana

Rescue dogs all the way, and I echo what was said before, there is most likely a bulldog rescue in your area.

Jen

I went through this almost a year ago and I basically moved into the library researching breed books and training books etc… I feel like that stage took forever but as a result I got exactly what I wanted. I got the most adorable Boston Terrier (Milo) and I couldn’t be more smitten. I like bulldogs a lot, I reeeallllly wanted a french bulldog but I was worried about all the health problems. And I don’t know if this is a factor for you or not but I really decided against a bulldog because they’re so short lived. I get super attached and I knew that if I got a rescue dog that was a year or two old and if he/she would die at 8years I just didn’t want to have to deal with that. And, also a bulldog was just too much dog for me in a small space, and I also hate being yanked by big dogs on a leash. My neighbor had one and I can’t tell you how many times she’d be walking and trying to keep him at an even pace and he would snap the leash. I just like a dog that can’t make me fall to the ground, that being said you can train dogs not to pull and use proper harnesses etc…

Anyway, I can’t recommend boston terriers enough! I live in an apartment complex and Milo is the little neighborhood stud, he knows the UPS man, the maitenance and grounds crew and he knows everyone. He’s a total clown, he’s always hamming it up and has yet to meet a single person that he dislikes, that is not worth being slathered in puppy kisses. Anyway, they are total lovers, almost never bark (except in his puppy dreams), super smarties, adaptable and sooo freaking social. Anyway, so yes he’s hyper when I get home but he’s also just a go with the flow dog. I had surgery last month and he just laid in bed with me all day. He had someone walk him once a day but other than that he’s just content to be near me, and he self entertained by bringing his toys to the bed. He is the biggest sweetheart, and everyone I meet tells me if I ever need a puppy sitter to call them…The biggest drawbacks to the breed can be health problems like allergies, breathing problems etc… so do you research. Also, as mentioned above the rancid room clearing farts are awful, but by adjusting their diet and finding what works you can greatly decrease them. And sometimes he snores like an old man and it’s surprisingly loud. Lastly while I adore it when Milo jumps and slathers me with kisses some people don’t. When I get home he runs in circles it’s like he’s just done a few lines of puppy crack, some people can’t handle the hyperness and you can train them to calm down. Milo gets over it in about two minutes, but other than that they’re such great little affectionate dogs. When he’s not doing his “new person! new person! someone’s at the door!” happy dance when someone knocks he’s super chill for the most part. I live in Michigan and everyone seems to speak really highly of the Midwest Boston Terrier Rescue, so check them out if you would consider a BT.

http://www.midwestbtrescue.org/

pve design

Somehow you just know when you find the perfect one! We fell in love with our little guy, part beagle and poodle! He is so loving and such an integral part of our family. I really do not know how we ever lived with out him.
Of course, lots of training, crate training and even an obedience class. Repetition is the mother of learning – He sits, does down and rolls over, all for a reward of a treat!

Amber

I have a smoosh faced dog, a boston terrier! They are great dogs! Please consider getting a rescue dog. They are wonderful and you will be giving them a better life. I love my Kyla. Here’s a resource for bulldog rescue: http://www.rescuebulldogs.org/

Sues is not Martha

Aww what a great program! I’m not a huge fan of smooshy-faced dogs…I think they snore a lot. Bulldogs are cute though :) I also love keeshonds and samoyeds.

I’m most compatible with beagles. Yay Snoopy!

Sues

amy purple

Definitely check out the rescue sites Amber and Jen posted! Petfinder has lots of rescues listed as well.

We’re considering adopting a schipperke from a rescue and I already talked to her foster mom. She’s having pups, so we’d have to wait 10 weeks to adopt her. I can’t wait to meet her. I hope it works out and we’re a good fit.

Miss B

A Frenchie! They are small not as active as a Boston, not as sloppy as (the so cute English versions). They are smart as can be, funny, sweet, kind and impossibly loyal. There are AMAZING rescue organizations for Frenchies…

Renee

I haven’t read all the comments, but just beware that a bulldog and french bulldog have totally opposite personalities. The latter needs a lot of exercise and though very cute are hyper and stubborn. Whereas bulldogs are a bit more easily tired out. How about a charpae (sp?) they’re adorable….

Courtney

I have a mixed english and french bulldog…people are right about flying these dogs–she’s the size of a frenchie, so she flies under the seat with us. As far as breathing issues, it’s really not as bad as people say. She snores, but the vet didn’t think she needed the nose surgery to open up their breathing passages, which they would have done when they did her spay, if they thought she needed it. If they do get the surgery, it’s totally routine and doesn’t cost much more than the spay alone, because they are already under anethesia. These dogs are amazing, smart and hilariously spunky,and live a lot longer than commonly thought if you watch their weight and keep them active. A vet said ours could live up to 17 years! As far as different personalities between the two breeds, Renee might be right. Since she’s mixed, ours seems to either be sprinting around the house or sleeping, and nothing inbetween. One other thing to note is they aren’t huge fans of the cold weather, but that can be a good thing if you aren’t either! We just moved from Portland, OR to Evanston, and while she loves the snow, she is not a huge fan of the cold. Good luck, and don’t get freaked out by what everyone says…I think it’s great that you’re thinking about it, but also, when you meet your dog, you know it, and that’s that!

RoseCampion

I can’t believe no one else has spoken up in favor of your 98% match. The Keeshond. We had a Kees for eleven or so years. We got him as an adult, so he passed at like age fourteen or so. He probably would have lived longer but for the kidney disease, which I think was caused by his dog food. We fed Iams for years.

But seriously, our Kees was the sweetest, most patient, loving dog I’ve ever known. A little dumb, but honestly, too smart is not necessarily a good point in a dog that’s primarily a house pet. I wouldn’t have a smart dog like a border collie unless I had sheep for it or something.

Also, don’t be put off by the long hair. For some reason, our Kees never matted except a little by the ears, so he was really easy to keep for a long hair dog. A Kees is sturdy, medium sized, friendly, and a good watch dog without being scary. Also, breed rescue is pretty active and they always seem to have puppies as well as adult dogs listed.

French Bulldog Blog

We love frenchies over here!