Bulldog Advice Column
Recent results from research funded by the AKC Canine Health Foundation have the potential to significantly impact recommendations for spaying and neutering dogs in the United States. Most dogs in the United States are spayed or neutered, and for years the procedures have been completed prior to maturity. The study, published in the prominent, open access journal PLOS One, suggests that veterinarians should be more cautious about the age at which they spay and neuter in order to protect the overall health of dogs.
Why do people recommend choosing a breeder who shows their dogs to folks who are just looking for a pet and have no interest in showing? Why should breeding to breed standard be important to a pet home? Does it seem excessive, or “snobby”? It’s not, and here’s why. Dog shows are a means of evaluating dogs against the breed standard, to evaluate soundness, movement/gait, type, and temperament.
A 9 week old puppy has been alive for 63 days. He is leaving everything familiar and safe, then brought to a home where everything is new...sights, sounds, smells, new people and new surroundings that he doesn't understand yet.
Let me say a few words to you, yes you, the person who writes an email to simply ask the price. The person who calls and after hearing a price surprisingly states: “I can buy a cheaper pup elsewhere”. I also address you; the person who doesn’t care about papers because I want “just a pet”. Behind every pure bred puppy/dog is a BREEDER. I’m using capital letters to differentiate a breeder from a pet factory or mill. A reputable breeder does not breed dogs without papers, that does not protect the integrity of the breed.
Quality food is a must for skin problems, no corn wheat or soy, no grains at all in some cases. Quality foods have brown rice, pea flour, rice flour, all fillers are grain free. White rice is not as good but acceptable unless you are trying to eliminate all sugars. Omega 3 is important for good skin. Supplementing like Vit E or fish oil including Cod liver oil, can be taken very successfully also. Just remember dogs need twice as much supplement as humans because of their metabolism.
The Bulldog Club of America is profoundly dismayed regarding the breeding and registration changes, adopted by the Raad van Beheer (the Kennel Club of the Netherlands) relative to certain breeds, which include the Bulldog. The Raad van Beheer recently made the changes to comply with mandates from the Dutch government. The stated reason for the changes is to improve the health and welfare of various breeds; however, the decision appears to be based on selected research, often not evidence based.
Pets are susceptible to some types of coronavirus, but there is currently only limited evidence that domestic animals can get sick from this novel form[1]. A cat in Belgium, a tiger at Bronx Zoo tested positive and were showing symptoms[3][12] while two asymptomatic dogs in China tested positive; one has since died of unknown causes.
Proving that our breed can excel in a variety of sports, "Ducky" accumulated titles in over a half-dozen venues in her first 2.5 years. A strong obedience background, coupled with athleticism and a dash of hearty prey drive, Ducky has successfully competed in Obedience, Rally, Lure Coursing, Agility, Barn Hunt, Therapy, Trick Dog and Draft work in addition to her breed accomplishments.
I love my little puppy; she makes my house a home. She is my very sweetest little friend; I never feel alone. She makes me smile; She makes me laugh; She fills my heart with love . . . Did some person breed her, or did she fall from above?
Below are answers to some questions we have received about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2. The AVMA has additional information and resources available at avma.org/Coronavirus. This is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available.