Selecting a puppy can be quite a daunting experience. Before you select any dog, any breed, you need to do research. Will the dog/breed fit into your lifestyle? Do you have enough time for a dog and all its needs? Are you able to provide the healthcare and basic training the puppy will need?

If the answer to these questions is “Yes,” and you have decided that a bulldog is the dog for your family, the next decision is choosing where you will find your puppy. Many people visit pet shops and fall in love with the “doggie in the window.” While there are many pet stores that provide rescue groups and shelters a place to find a forever home for their dogs, there are also many pet stores that purchase puppies from puppy mills. Unless you are buying a dog from those pet stores representing rescue groups and shelters, be very careful. Buying a puppy from puppy mill stores does not save the puppy, it perpetuates the puppy mill business.

If you have decided to buy from a breeder, your next challenge is to find a reputable breeder. Reputable breeders breed dogs ethically. These breeders try to improve their line of dogs, eliminating health problems particular to the breed. These breeders usually have one or both of the parents on site for you to meet when you are hunting for a puppy. It is always a good idea to visit the prospective puppy before buying one. The breeder should be just as interested in you as you are in the puppy. Reputable breeders want their puppies to be in good homes. A breeder should ask about you, your family and your preparations for the puppy. If you are not familiar with breeders in your area, visit the Breeder Referral section of your local bulldog club’s web site or the Bulldog Club of America’s website.

You may have decided that you would like to adopt a bulldog from a rescue. Again, check the Rescue section of your local bulldog club’s web site or the Bulldog Club of America’s web site. There are many bulldogs waiting in rescue groups and shelters for their forever home. Often times, you can see the available dogs on the bulldog club’s web site. Be sure to make arrangements to visit the dog prior to adopting, so you can see the dog’s personality and find out, if at all possible, the dog’s history and health problems. Adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue group can be a very rewarding experience.