I have a chance to adopt a English Bulldog...

[mikeratan00]

He has some previous abuse situationes, should I take the plunge??

[Turbozag]

They are great dogs!
You will grow to love him a lot!
Go for it!

Give the poor guy a nice loving home...

Then teach him to skateboard!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qh8j2-1XgAA

[fretnot]

My dog was a rescue...one of the best things I have ever done, and I am blessed that she is mine. If you can do it...do it.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y61/bersh/random/P1000203.jpg

[Solomon]

Teleplayer could advise you on this as he has been involved with Bulldog rescues. Aside from the abuse issues, Bulldogs can have some breed specific health issues that you should be aware of. Good on you for doing some due diligence.

[rattles]

Talk to Teleplayr. He has one and thinks it's the greatest dog on earth.
(They are very smart dogs!)

[mge80]

Do you know it had some "previous abuse situations", or are you assuming that because it comes from a rescue or shelter?

I see this very, very often. The cases of actual abuse to claims of abuse are staggeringly low.

Besides, only YOU can decide if you should "take the plunge". Educate yourself on the breed and more so, on what is required to be a responsible owner for the rest of it's life. If you are up to it, then by all means, adopt. If you truly believe the dog has been abused, you need to get as much history as possible and talk it over with a professional. Maybe even more than one. One provided by the entity from where you will adopt, and one of your own. They can advise you exactly what you will be up against and what type of program would be required.

[Suproman77]

I'd rather just get a dog without 'issues'. I want to be a dog owner, not a therapist.

[mge80]

I'd rather just get a dog without 'issues'. I want to be a dog owner, not a therapist.

Unfortunately, forced to live in a human world and given human expectations, all dogs have "issues"...most stemming from simply being a dog with an owner who doesn't understand normal dog behaviors.

If you don't want to properly show your dog the relevance of being polite, providing a dog friendly home, and yeah...even being a "therapist" when inevitable "issues" crop up (or most probably, whenever "perceived" issues crop up), then pass on being a dog owner.

He chewed up something valuable. The puppy wouldn't stop biting my hands when we played. The dog wouldn't stop barking. He never "learned" to pee/poop outside. The dog kept digging up my flowers. He growled at me when I approached his food bowl. And so on...and so on. "Issues" that are normal dog behavior that owners give their dogs up for.

[Bones]

Unfortunately, forced to live in a human world and given human expectations, all dogs have "issues"...most stemming from simply being a dog with an owner who doesn't understand normal dog behaviors.

If you don't want to properly show your dog the relevance of being polite, providing a dog friendly home, and yeah...even being a "therapist" when inevitable "issues" crop up (or most probably, whenever "perceived" issues crop up), then pass on being a dog owner.


True, we are expecting them to "pack" with a species other than their own, disallowing their need to hunt and hump at will, eat and crap on our schedule and not have any "issues", it's amazing it works out as well as it does.

[CDaughtry]

I LOVE my bulldog! Best dog, by far, I've ever had. They are so loving......:)

[Suproman77]

Unfortunately, forced to live in a human world and given human expectations, all dogs have "issues"...most stemming from simply being a dog with an owner who doesn't understand normal dog behaviors.

If you don't want to properly show your dog the relevance of being polite, providing a dog friendly home, and yeah...even being a "therapist" when inevitable "issues" crop up (or most probably, whenever "perceived" issues crop up), then pass on being a dog owner.

He chewed up something valuable. The puppy wouldn't stop biting my hands when we played. The dog wouldn't stop barking. He never "learned" to pee/poop outside. The dog kept digging up my flowers. He growled at me when I approached his food bowl. And so on...and so on. "Issues" that are normal dog behavior that owners give their dogs up for.

I don't think we're even talking about the same thing here, but your need to constantly be defensive on this point whenever this topic comes up is outstanding to say the least.

Believe it or not Mge80, there are plenty of people, the majority in fact, who know how to raise dogs well...even if they don't do everything your way. Stop painting everyone with the same brush, please.

[Chuck Snider]

A guy down the street from me has an English.. He seems like a great family dog.. If you have the patience and time a dog can be a great addition to your life.. Good luck with your decision.

We have four rescues. they all come in differently ..some were very scared if you raised your hand were others just think there is a treat or a toy in your hand.. They eventually learn that they have a good home and start to enjoy themselves..
A buddy of mine reluctantly adopted a stray dog I found . The dog(German shorthair / Mastiff? mix) was a bit of work at first but it really changed my buddies life for the better. he just loves that dog"Luke".
Luke came around just as Big Johns last daughter at home went of to graduate school.Perfect timing! They are both lucky!

[RichieRich]

have fun with the vet bills for those. they need a lot of skin, joint, heart, breathing attention (more often than not).

with that said - i've always wanted one.

[devilrob1979]

I love English Bulldogs. The vast majority of them are friendly, funny and intelligent. As stated they can have health problems due to the nature of their build and you have to be willing to clean his muzzle folds and such a lot but if you're willing to do all it takes I say go for it. I like American Bulldogs more just because I like more athletic dogs but English Bulldogs are great pooches.

[shihanderek]

We had a couple when I was a kid growing up. One died of mange, the other got out and killed by a car. One of my best friends had one. All great dogs, fun disposition. Snorting, slobbering and laid back. Great combo imo. If they weren't so expensive, I would own one.

[Boobala]

You must get this dog, and you must do this...

http://nefarious-240z.com/Pub/BullDogSM.jpg

[cram]

I take one in our home about every other month as a favor to a friend while he travels. He's a decent dog because he's got a decent owner. So, the question to ask yourself is if you're ready to have the dog.
There's no attitude in me saying that at all - it's just the way it is. You could spot me the biggest redzone case for a dog and I'd make relative progress with him because I'd take the time, I love it and I believe I've learned how to do this sort of thing.
but as a breed - great temperment. I've known 2 in this sort of way (friend's dog) and they've both been very good in paying attention to the owner or focussed on what's next for them. stuburn , but I'd put them in the middle of the spectrum for dogs of all breeds in that measure.

[soulohio]

my buddy had an engrish bulldog...i bent over to pet this little beast and he jumped up, excited for the affection...and the skull on the sob connected with me jaw and almost knocked me out...but he was agood dog...albert ..rip..

[Luke]

English bulldogs are great, I had one. During his 5 years on earth, he had eyelid surgery, two rear knee replacements, breathing problems and eventually died of cancer. All told, the extra vet bills were $6,000+, dog cost $2,500, so factoring in other things like regular vet care and food I figure it cost $2,100 a year.

You need to have disposable income to spare.

[buddaman71]

The ones I have been around have all been funny, smart, loyal creatures. They slobber and cannot swim, so there's that...

Good luck!

[TNJ]

I applaud your humanity in wanting to provide a possibly abused dog with a loving home.
I agree, though, that you need to know yourself...are you up to the responsibility of providing a dog with a proper environment?
Knowing as much as you can about the breed, and (even more important) about this dog's history will help you immensely.

All dogs need is a bit of consistent love and discipline as needed, a warm soft place to sleep, a daily dose of cardio/running/fetching/etc. type exercise, and some healthy food/water.

Voila!!! Best companion a man, woman or child can have!

S.
j

[soulohio]

yup...expensive creatures...i think they all come with breathing issues...poor buggers
English bulldogs are great, I had one. During his 5 years on earth, he had eyelid surgery, two rear knee replacements, breathing problems and eventually died of cancer. All told, the extra vet bills were $6,000+, dog cost $2,500, so factoring in other things like regular vet care and food I figure it cost $2,100 a year.

You need to have disposable income to spare.

[theRocco]

My friend just came by with his new Pit Bull. Nicest little doggie ever, not a mean bone in its body--and he was a rescue from one of those places that train and host those dog fights using Pit Bulls.

This dog was the bait dog, and like all the dogs have their teeth all filed down so it prolongs the fight. Its entire life, this dog was in pain and mistreated. The Police raided the joint and saved some dogs, but many had to be destroyed.

My friend agreed to take the dog and the cops brought it by personally to his home. After a couple of days being shy, the dog "Abby" is doing fine and you'd never know about its past.

[wstsidela]

They can't swim? Really?

[-Analog-]

You must get this dog, and you must do this...

http://nefarious-240z.com/Pub/BullDogSM.jpg


Nazi War Garb on an English bulldog- "Raised an eye"


On a serious note. Go for it!

Save the dog if you like it, if your ready for the dog do it. Don't let the fact it was beaten or abused sway you, most dogs can be trained again.

"Cookie* My dog *american bulldog* was abused by the previous owner, after a few weeks she warmed up to us, it was a task of getting her to trust my family and myself- once that happend she opened up and now is the best dog I've ever had, friendly,loving, Beyond excited when I come through the door,well behaved, trained easy and doesn't misbehave. The Shelter in Burlington labeled her stunned for life from abuse- boy were they off...

[Solomon]

They can't swim? Really?

They cannot swim very well due to being so top heavy. I used to put mine on a raft and let him float around in the pool. Sometimes he would fall off but he would not get very far before going under. Great dog. A slobbering, farting, snoring sweetheart of a pet.

[Shnook]

Bulldogs that are well bred and well trained are fantastic! However, I'd be concerned over the 'abuse issues' and whether you feel you can correct bad behavior as the result of previous abuse. Bulldogs are very smart, stubborn, and STRONG. A friend of mine adopted a previously abused bulldog from a neighbor of hers and has had a time with it. It's bitten the blood out of her and her son.

I would evaluate the dogs temperment in different situations and how you'd handle and control problems if they arise.