Here are your top 5 reasons you found an honest and reputable English Bulldog breeder.
1. Loves Bullies Only!
This is a no brainer! Bulldog owners are fanatic about this breed so should a good breeder. What we really mean is that a good breeder usually either only breeds English Bulldogs or one another breed similar like French Bulldogs or American Bulldogs. This allows the breeder to be an expert at the bulldog breed. Most importantly, when a breeder focuses on one or two breeds this allows you to avoid puppy mills. Puppy mills are known to breed pups like livestock, not giving it the attention, space and love baby bulldogs need. For more information on puppy mills The Humane Society of United States is a good resource to check out. When talking with the breeder, you should get a feel on how they talk about the baby bulldog. Are they full of information they can't help but share? Are they endearing when they talk about the breed? Like in anything passion overflows naturally. So you can tell if your breeder really loves this breed or if they don't by the way they naturally talk about them.
2. Come on over!
Reputable breeders encourage you to visit them. They should be willing to show you Mom and/or Dad, where the baby bulldogs sleep, play and eat. Notice the cleanliness of the facility and the temperament of not only Mom and/or Dad but all the bulldogs in the facility in general. This is where you can ask your questions that you've prepared. Good breeders with nothing to hide are willing and open to answer any and all of your questions. Questions about parents, socialization, diet and health is great in person if you haven't already screened them prior. Visiting the facility is also a way to make sure they are not a bulldog broker. Knowing that they are an actual breeder wherein the baby bulldogs are being raised and even born on their premises instead of a middle man wanting to make a profit is crucial.
3. But my mom says I'm awesome.
It is recommended to ask for information on past customers. Call or email them. Ask them how they found out about the breeder (so you know you are not calling the breeder's mom) and how their experience went and how their bulldog is doing. Most bulldog owners would be happy to tell you how satisfied they are with their baby bulldog or their experience with the potential breeder. At the same time, unsatisfied customers voice their opinions in other means via internet. Research your breeder on Yelp, LinkedIn, forums and Google. Another reference are the clubs that the breeder is possibly in. Ask them if they are involved with any local English Bulldog clubs and/or national ones like The Bulldog Club of America and American Kennel Club. If they are involved with the community it shows their seriousness and interest with the breed. This however, is not a deal breaker nor a must. Even puppy mills can fake local involvement.
4. A second opinion never hurt anyone.
A reputable breeder would be happy to show you that the baby bulldog's parents have been certified by a regular vet. They should also be happy to show you proof of the baby bulldog's vaccinations and health record. However, taking the baby bulldog to your own vet is highly recommended. Your own vet doesn't have a conflict of interest problem like a breeder's vet might have, plus your vet knows you sincerely want to know the health of the baby bulldog since you are taking the time to take your baby bulldog in to see the vet. There are some vets who specialize on bulldogs only. If you have one in your area, then awesome! - a specialized bulldog vet will be an expert on a healthy baby bulldog. Now you know that you should be getting a second opinion, tell the breeder you plan to get a second opinion. You can ask the breeder if you can bring the bulldog to your own vet, or at least do it within the return policy time frame. Telling the breeder your plan conveys that you're a serious owner/buyer. The breeder shouldn't be worried or nervous when you tell them this either.
5. Satisfaction Guaranteed!
Your potential breeder should at least offer some type of return policy. In fact, they shouldn't even hesitate to give you one. This ensures that you don't get a baby bulldog that has a genetic defect or health disorder you were unaware of, other than the health issues that bulldogs are already prone to. Breeders who are committed to the breed will stand by their bulldogs or at least willing to find them a more suitable home if you decide to return it. Good breeders would rather keep a bulldog for 10 years then have them be with a dissatisfied owner.
