Cheap Pet Insurance

December 22nd, 2008 by Bobby Callahan

Bulldog breeders in America, England and France helped continue a breed that almost became extinct. The original Bulldog originated in England and was used to torture, or bait bulls for sport. Gamblers also used Bulldogs in dogfights and bet on the most aggressive dogs. When England passed the Cruelty to Animals Act, bull baiting and dogfights were shut down and people lost interest in the Bulldog.

The original version actually became extinct but not before English Bulldog breeders bred the Old English Bulldog with the Pug and other smaller breeds. These breeders created a lap-sized dog that could be kept as a family pet. The charming English Bulldog remains popular today.

The English did not take to a smaller, toy-sized English Bulldog, but the smaller version became so popular in France that French Bulldog breeders renamed it the French Bulldog and bred in different traits than those seen in the English Bulldog. The French Bulldog has a smaller head and erect, bat ears unique to the breed.

French Bulldogs are toy versions of the English variety. The two breeds have similar health, behavioral, and social issues. The American Bulldog is much larger but has many of the same predispositions as the smaller English and French Bulldogs.

Bulldogs have short muzzles. This makes it difficult for them to breathe. English and French Bulldogs are prone to a reverse sneeze in which moisture becomes trapped in the airway. This can look and sound uncomfortable for both dog and owner.

There are many illicit American, English and French Bulldog breeders in operation around the world. It is imperative that potential Bulldog buyers are well versed on Bulldog information before buying. Buyers will also need to know how to distinguish good breeders from bad Bulldog breeders.

First and foremost, good breeders never sell dogs to pet stores. Any breeder selling to a pet store does so because he thinks of animals as merchandise. Good breeders see dogs as members of the family. Second, good breeders only have a litter available at a time. If a breeder has too many puppies available at one time, buyers should ask how the breeder is providing love and attention to them all. Most likely, these breeders do not have puppies on site. They may be brokers who order puppies from elsewhere but tell buyers they have whelped and raised puppies themselves.

You will be sure to get a healthy, happy puppy simply by avoiding breeders with these traits.