Can the Bulldog Be Saved?

[SitUbuSit]

Fascinating article about the welfare of this breed. My view is, if they can't reproduce without serious human intervention (C-sections), nature is trying to kill the line. Their faces are flattened to the point of deformity in the dog world -- they can't even breathe normally.

I have never been a fan of bulldogs, but this article just made me sad for them. I had no idea their health problems were this severe.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/27/ma....html?_r=1&hpw

[qbchottu]

Wow...really opened my eyes. I never understood the allure of bulldogs though. To each his own

[rjvamp]

How sad! Reminds me of what has happened to Pugs. Saw a video a year or so ago about breeding and the concerns many have with improper breeding that is causing serious health concerns for the dogs.

[Gwenhwyfair]

Yes, there was a documentary about dogs on Nat Geo sometime back which highlighted the bulldog as an example of problems introduced by the selective breeding.

Brachycephalic breeds in general, I just don't care for the dogs because the poor things have trouble breathing and are prone to overheating and a host of other problems.

Concerns in Brachycephalic Breeds - Pet Health Learning Center

[Emoore]

Yeah, in that article when they were talking about how much people love their big eyes, heavy bodies, and flat little faces I was thinking, "Why do they like it? It's just ugly!"

[LaRen616]

I actually like English Bulldogs, even though they fart and drool like crazy.

I think it's very sad that they require very little exercise, cant go swimming because of their body shape, cant breath properly and only live for about 7 years.

[MamaTank]

With any breed that becomes as popular as EB's have been, it's hard to find any with good breeding without horrible problems. The problem with EB's is the same as the Bully community is seeing in American Bullies. People breed for extreme looks, and with extreme looks (disproportionate bodies, really short muzzles, etc.) come a wide range of health problems. I have only seen a handful of EB's I would consider to be in good shape. Most are just extremely fat and/or have other problems, such as difficulty breathing. My husband is a big fan of EB's, but after delving into some research, and seeing a few breeders, we decided against it. Perhaps if one came through the rescue network, and we had a lot more money to invest in it... but not as it stands now. Expensive little money drains.

[WendyDsMom]

Originally Posted by Emoore

Yeah, in that article when they were talking about how much people love their big eyes, heavy bodies, and flat little faces I was thinking, "Why do they like it? It's just ugly!"

Sometimes, ugly is adorable. Boxers - Bulldogs - PUGS - I just melt. Wouldn't ever want to own one... but they have a face that only a mother should love.

[longhairshepmom]

I think English Bulldogs can be some of the seriously cutest dogs ever. I have met many and they can be gladiators. While they do not do well in the heat obviously, they can certainly live long and happy lives.
Besides, we are one to talk. I'm not trying to offend anyone on here but seeing some dog shows with amercan show line german shepherds just recently made my mouth hang open. Wow.
I think every breed is getting "overdone" just as soon as money/show/prestige gets involved. Bigger, smaller, more extreme, whatever...