American bulldog puppies are not the sort of canines you’re likely to find growing up in the daily average suburban British household. Obviously, they are a more familiar sight across the Atlantic, while dogs encountered on the daily dog walk in the UK are more likely to be Labradors, Spaniels, terriers and assorted cross-breeds.
Find out everything
However, if you live in the heart of the English countryside and still fancy sharing your home with an American bulldog puppy, there is an excellent website which explains everything you need to know about the breed, at www.bulldogbreeds.com .
This site also explores other animals related to the American bulldog, such as the American Pit Bull Terrier, English bulldog, Olde English Bulldogge, French bulldog, Bull terrier, Bull Mastiff, Boston terrier and a host of others.
Have hips and elbows tested
American Bulldog puppy breeders will always be happy to explain the nature of these dogs and how best to care for them.
But before buying a bulldog puppy it is important to have the little chappie’s hips and elbows tested.
Don’t just follow up an ‘American Bulldog puppies for sale’ advert and buy the first one that catches the eye. With dogs of this breed and size, experts advise taking extra care before choosing the one that will hopefully become a lifetime companion.
A group of enthusiasts
Spend some time researching the subject and drawing comparisons.
The American Bulldog Breeds Association is made up of a group of enthusiasts whose purpose is to encourage good breeding by carrying out extensive tests for genetics, build and temperament so that only the best quality dogs emerge from their kennels,
These, they explain are medium to high-drive dogs with ‘bullet-proof’ temperaments.
Deformity, pain and lameness
Hip dysplasia is a crippling condition in many large breeds of dog, including American Bulldogs. It can lead to deformity, pain and lameness.
Unless tested, the condition can affect bulldogs and others mentioned above.
German shepherds are particularly affected by the condition. So are Labradors and Golden Retrievers
It is heartbreaking for a dog-owner to find their faithful friend suffering from such an unpleasant condition: particularly in view of the fact that advance screening is possible for its ancestors.
It started with lameness
How does hip dysplasia manifest itself?
Having had a beautiful German Shepherd suffer from this very distressing condition we can say that in his case it started with lameness after his daily walks. The next sign we noticed was that, although he was a relatively young dog, his limbs (particularly the back legs) had begun to act like those of an elderly arthritic. Then he seemed to be rather wobbly when he walked, and not too keen on jumping up into his usual spot at the back of the car.
The inevitable result
Finally, one day, he sat down and simply couldn’t get up at all, with the inevitable result.
Hip dysplasia is not a condition any dog-owner wants in their pet.
Anyone who suspects their dog has this condition, is advised to seek veterinary advice at the outset to discuss how the sufferer can be helped and the best treatment options for the condition.
Having said all that, American Bulldog puppies are lovely little creatures and usually grow up into marvellous, healthy dogs!
Related posts:
