We seldom get puppies in rescue. When we do, it may be because they have severe health problems, and the breeders give them to rescue instead of selling them.

There are some advantages to adopting an adult dog from BCA Rescue -- they are usually past the chewing stage and may be already house-trained, any current medical problems have been diagnosed, and the temperament has been evaluated. But they may not be as cute and appealing as a puppy, or may have “baggage” that you don’t want to deal with. And the wait can be long for you to be matched up with a suitable rescued Bulldog. Some people prefer to get a puppy “so it can grow up with the children” or “be trained the way I want it” or for other reasons.

If you are convinced that you need to get a puppy, here is what we recommend you do:

• First, do not be in a hurry to get a Bulldog puppy. Buying a puppy on impulse often leads to trouble down the road.
  
  
• Find out how NOT to buy a puppy by visiting:
  
  
  
• Before buying a puppy (or adopting an adult Bulldog), do extensive research on the breed to decide whether a Bulldog may be a good choice for you.
  
  
• You can find some Breed Information at this web site and Educational Materials at The Bulldog Club of America web site. The BCA article Basic Care for Your Bulldog is especially recommended. You can also use Internet search services to find many other web sites about Bulldogs.
  
  
• Get a copy of Bulldogs magazine, published as a one-time issue by Dog Fancy. You can buy it from most large pet supply stores.
  
  
• Please use the Bulldog Club of America Breeder Referral Service for help in locating a Bulldog breeder who cares enough about the breed to be a member of the Bulldog Club of America and follow its Code of Ethics.
  
  
• Always check breeders’ credentials carefully to be sure they are knowledgeable and will help you with questions you will have about raising the puppy. Don’t be afraid to ask breeders for references from previous puppy buyers. You will (or should) have a relationship with the breeder throughout the life of the Bulldog, so he/she should be someone you like and trust. Look for a breeder who lives near you so you can easily visit their home and see how the puppies are raised. When you have selected a trustworthy breeder, you may have to be patient until the breeder has a puppy for you. But buying from a reputable breeder who will help you with problems and questions is worth the wait!

For more tips on selecting a good breeder, check out the Smoky Mountains Bulldog Club article Purchasing a Bulldog Puppy and the Humane Society of the United States article How to Find a Good Dog Breeder.

More information about finding a Bulldog puppy:

• Puppy Classified Ads


• How to Find a Bulldog