•        Thinking about buying a dog? So you've decided to purchase a dog. Owning a bulldog can be the beginning of years of happiness as the special bond between humans and canines exceeds even the greatest of expectations. However, to ensure the best relationship with your dog, you must be prepared for some important responsibilities. Keep the following questions in mind as we go along.
  
•        Have I found the right breed to fit into my lifestyle and home?
•        Will you have enough time to spend training, grooming and exercising a dog?
•        Am I willing to spend the resources to ensure the best future for a dog?

 

•        Selecting a Breeder: Buy your puppy from a responsible and well-respected breeder. This cannot be stressed enough. Division III strongly recommends you buy a bulldog ONLY from a breeder listed on BCA’s Breeder Directory. Responsible breeders are concerned with the betterment of the breed. For example, they work on breeding healthier dogs with the appropriate temperament for their breed. Once you select a breeder, screen the breeder. Ask to see at least one of the parents (the dam or the sire) of your puppy. See how the dogs in your breeder's home interact with your breeder. Are they friendly and outgoing or do they shy away? The responsible breeder will be screening you, too, looking for the best home for each puppy.

 

•        How Much Does A Puppy Cost?  This is not the time to hunt for a bargain. Your new puppy will be a member of your family for his lifetime, so you'll want to make a wise investment. We strongly recommend that you purchase a puppy ONLY from BCA Approved Breeders listed on our Breeder Directory. You will find that their prices are competitive and their breeding standards superior to most. 

 

•        Can You Afford A Puppy? The purchase price of your puppy is not the only cost you have to consider. Be aware that the puppy you bring home will need proper care: food, health care, (a dog needs annual shots). Your puppy will also need little things like a collar with identification, a bowl, and a leash. Evaluate your budget; ask yourself if you really can afford a dog. Dog Ownership = Responsibility.  Take the time to ask yourself these questions and to make an educated decision. You and your dog will be happier for it. There is no doubt that a puppy is a cuddly bundle of joy, but it is also a huge responsibility.

 

•        Caring for Your Bulldog: All dogs must be cared for daily. This means proper diet, exercise, grooming and veterinary attention. Do not attempt to be your own veterinarian! All dogs should be regularly examined by a veterinarian and inoculated against the major infectious canine diseases.

 

•        Your Bulldog and Your Neighbors:All dog owners must be aware of their responsibilities to their neighbors, both those who live in the area immediately around their residence and their neighbors in the broader sense of the community as a whole. Dogs, for all the pleasure they are, can be a nuisance to your neighbors if not trained. Remember, excessive barking can be annoying. And, always keep your dog on a leash or inside a fenced yard when exercising. Remember to pick up after your dog. Forestall problems for yourself and your dog and all dog lovers by being a good neighbor.

 

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  •        Obedience Training for Everyone:One way to make your dog a good neighbor is through obedience training. A poorly behaved dog is a problem for everyone. Nothing is more frustrating than attempting to corral a dog that will not "come" when you call. A well trained dog is not only a pleasure to own, he is a goodwill ambassador for the entire canine community. A well-behaved dog is the result of the dog's owner being willing to work with the dog regularly in a systematic manner. Obedience classes are available in most communities. Time spent training your dog is time well spent.