Question by Mike: Tips on preventing common problems with English Bulldogs?
I am very interested in buying an English Bulldog pup. I know a lot about the breed and all the diseases the breed is prone to- hip dysplasia, skin infections, arthritis, etc… What I would like to know is if there are any precautions/tips/hints any of you bully owners could offer me that would help prevent these common problems. I don’t want to buy a $ 3,000 dog and end up putting another $ 1,000 every year in vet bills.

I have researched Victorian Bulldogs and have found that they are a lot healthier and aren’t as likely to run in to the common health risks as the English. But if there are effective methods in preventing the common health risks, I would really prefer to get the English.

10 points to Best Answer. Thanks!

Best answer:

Answer by Julie D.
Well, first of all the Victorian Bulldog is a MUTT. Second of all, the Bulldog is just registered as a Bulldog, not an English Bulldog. Here’s a few tips. If a breeder calls the breed an English Bulldog, run far, far away. Purchase a pup from a show breeder who does genetic health testing, and you will more than likely get a healthier puppy. Keep the excess weight off, keep the skin folds/wrinkles clean and dry, and don’t subject the dog to extreme heat or cold. Put the pup on a quality ADULT dog food. High proteins can all sorts of growth problems, especially in a breed that has joint and hip issues. That’s all that comes to mind at the moment.
http://www.thebca.org/breedref.html

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We have an American Bulldog who is going on two years old. A few months ago I noticed her getting up slowly, and recently she has been favoring her right hind leg. She is pitiful. I felt around seeing if any spots were tender. I couldn’t find any on any part of her leg. We think it may be her hip. Everything I have found says hip dysplasia is genetic. Can it be caused by something other than genetics? Does this sound like Hip Dysplasia? She became pregnant on her first heat. Could that have anything to do with it? Please help.. I’m worried about my dog.