We have been fortunate enough to have had very good success with the health of our bulldogs. Their skin and coats always seem to look great. They don't have tear stains or allergies. They never seem to get ill. They grow to their full body mass capacity. They have good temperaments and a general well being about them, both physically and mentally.
I used to think it was mostly due to the quality of the bloodlines I was working with. I thought I was just fortunate enough to have found high quality dogs to start my breeding program with. It almost seemed a little too easy. We all know bulldogs are supposed to be one of the most unhealthy breeds you can find right?
It is true that starting with a high quality animal in the first place is very important but, it is not the be all end all when it comes to bulldog health and temperament. Equally important is the level of care the animal receives throughout it's life.
When we talk about "the level of care" what exactly is a high level of care. Some people think providing daily food, water, shelter and taking the dog to the park once a week is a high level of care. I think that is more like a bare minimum or a low level of care.
I have always loved and raised animals. My very first memories in life all evolve around animals. For me, it wasn't just the love of having animal companions though, it was also the joy of the husbandry and providing care for my animals. To me, love was in the care and not just in the giving of affection. Whatever animal I had, I would try to provide a stimulating environment and a solid nutritional regimen. At one time, I used to raise exotic reptiles. It was no easy task trying to provide an environment fit for an animal from tropical rainforests in our New England home! The challenge of that, was exactly what I loved. I think the challenges that I've always heard pertaining to raising bulldogs was one of the things that attracted me to this breed as well.
Dogs in general and especially bulldogs, have needs that are often overlooked. I think people in general think they know what dogs need but a lot of them really don't. This is what a high level of care means to us and our dogs.
1. Dogs are kept in a clean, secure place, with access to a climate controlled area and fresh water at all times.
2. Dogs are fed a high quality, well thought out diet with the addition of proper supplements at all times. (see nutrition page above)
3. Dogs get groomed on a regular basis.
4. Dogs get stimulating and meaningful exercise daily with his owners/pack members. Wandering around your fenced in yard alone is not stimulating or meaningful to a dog.
5. Dogs get ongoing training and discipline throughout it's life. 2 weeks at a local puppy class is not what ongoing training means.
6. Affection, the way you look at a dog that you truly have a bond with melts his heart. He longs for your approval, praise and affection.
To get more insight on how we care for our dogs, please check out the header links on this page or call me and I will be happy to discuss it with you.
Thanks for reading!
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