what would you do?

we have 2 dogs and a 1yr old,

we have the oppurtunity to adopt a 5yr old female bulldog, dh has always wanted a bulldog? money is tight but not nonexistent...

we are very torn, the bulldog was abandoned in an industrial center in NJ

any thounghts

Re: what would you do?

for me it would depend on how the new dog got along with the two other dogs.

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I would see about the dogs and the one year old as well. is the dog friendly? does it hav ANY aggression problems?? Food agression is bad around children...Can you get a visit at your home before you commit?

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the people who have been fostering it has a 2 year old and they have had no problem, he pokes her and stuff no problem

and they have another dog as well and have had no problems.

dh saw the dog today and is in LOVE!!!

we are really crazy... but he leaning towards taking it!!

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Well the 2 yr old is very good to know . Has he been socialized with other dogs?? There is a way to introduce them. I was told to do it in neutral grounds. Not in side the house!! You said you have two dogs so you might already know that. Best of luck... I want to see pictures!!!!

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try to find a bulldog rescue if you cant take him

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We wanted a bulldog - BAD. But then I did some research on the breed and holy cow, these poor dogs have some SERIOUS health issues!

I'm not talking minor issues, I'm talking breathing issues (they have a soft pallet - this causes major breathing issues) they get cherry eye and their skin?? Very sensitive. Their wrinkles need to be physically cleaned everyday otherwise they can get severe skin infections AND you can do all of this and STILL have a lot of health problems anyway. Causing you to have THOUSANDS of dollars in vet bills.

I have a friend who's sister has two bulldogs, she seriously wipes their butts after they poop b/c their skin needs to stay clean!! She's spent A LOT of money maintaining their health and both her dogs came from a very reputable breeder. It's unfortunate, but health issues are inherint to the breed.

Needless to say, my husband and I were very disappointed as we REALLY wanted this type of dog, but we knew financially we were not ready for that kind of responsibility nor for a dog that needed that kind of attention. We both work, so he/she would be left alone for a few hours a day and we're looking to have children in the very near future and we just didn't want to get in over our heads.

Are they lovable, adoreable dogs? Absolutely!!! BUT, if you're not sure about it. I would say think with your heads (and wallets) before your heart and adopt this dog.

Here are some links to bulldog breeders - if you want, get in touch with them and they can go over all that is involved in caring for a bulldog.

Breeder Link

Lastly, here is a link to some of the health issues bullies are prone to:

Bulldog Health Link

I hope this information is helpful to you. It's not that I'm trying to talk you out of rescuing this dog, it's just that I love the breed so much and I would like you to really know what you're getting into b/c this particular kind of breed needs a lot of attention.

Good luck and keep us posted!

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I wouldn't!! Bulldogs only have an average life span of 8 years. This dog is already five. Plus, the health problems are crazy. I could just imagine the vet bills you will have in the future. I love Bulldogs,but I wouldn't get one just because of the problems they have.
Also, what if your dogs don't get along with the bulldog. That could be a pain in the butt.
If your heart is set on it, and you don't mind the extra expenses, then I say go for it.

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I love bulldogs. If he needs a home, gets along with your kids and dogs, I would for sure.

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Message edited 5/6/2008 3:52:34 PM.

Re: what would you do?

Posted by Goobster

Posted by MarisaK

Posted by Alli06

I wouldn't!! Bulldogs only have an average life span of 8 years. This dog is already five. Plus, the health problems are crazy. I could just imagine the vet bills you will have in the future. I love Bulldogs,but I wouldn't get one just because of the problems they have.
Also, what if your dogs don't get along with the bulldog. That could be a pain in the butt.
If your heart is set on it, and you don't mind the extra expenses, then I say go for it.

I didn't know this re: Bulldogs - I know I might get flamed for this, but he's already 5 years old, and may only live 3-4 more years, I don't think I could let a baby get attached to an animal that I KNEW wouldn't be around very long .......
Do you anyone else who could take him? -

not meaning this in a bad or snarky way...

You ask if anyone else could take him. If everyone looks at the bulldoggie's age as a negative, then maybe no one would take her. On Oprah's show about puppy mills, a man adopted a blind very ill cocker spaniel who was very old...he didn't turn her away b/c he knew she needed her. She died a week later I believe but he did the most noble thing and gave this dog hte best life for that one week before her death, to live with someone who loved her. This bulldog is not even close to that, why put this dog in her grave already?

Someone needs to give her a home. I find that a sad reason not to take her. Any animal can die at any age. I really don't think, IMO, her age is a reason not to give her a loving home. She is only 5 after all.

To me, the OP wants a bulldog. The bulldog wants a home. If the dog gets along with their dog, and their children, and they have the $ to care for her should she get sick, to me that's the end of story. Anyone taking any animal should be sure they have the $ to care for it should it get sick. People buy/adopt little puppies who go on to have a lifetime of vet bills. Anything can happen to any dog. Get pet insurance and then, only God knows what is going to happen. We take our chances with any animal. Just keep that in mind, and go with your heart. JMO

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i totally agree with everything the pp said

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she is with a rescue we would be adopting her through long island bulldog rescue, if we dont take her they will definitly find another good home for her!!

we;re still waiting to here from the vet

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