American bulldog breeders and puppies.

1. Always, always, always make sure they have their adult or breeding stock dogs clearly displayed on their website or can email pictures. I have been told by so many puppy buyers that they were scammed. They bought an adorable puppy only to have a VERY UGLY adult bulldog. NEWSFLASH... all puppies are adorable, all puppies are sweet, a lot of mixed breed bulldogs look like bulldogs when they are young. Do yourself a favor and take a look at the parents, if you don't like them then pass on the puppy. If you love the dad and the mom is not so nice, skip that breeding too!!!!! You want to be proud of what is on the end of your leash.
2. Don't buy an American Bulldog puppy from a single picture. Make sure you see your puppy from all different angles. The breeder may not have these pictures on their website, but they will have them... so ask for some more pictures so you can make your decision. You are already doing the impossible...picking out a dog on pictures alone, so get more pictures so you can make the best decision possible.

3. Make sure you actually TALK to your breeder, I have heard many horror stories over the years from people that got scammed by fake breeders. If they don't have a telephone number then they more than likely don't have any "real" puppies for sale. If your breeder is local and they won't let you come over and take a look at all of the puppies don't be alarmed! Diseases and viruses are a breeders worst nightmare. I have seen entire kennels just about wiped out because something was brought onto their yard. If you do go to a breeders kennel be courteous, offer to wash your hands and shoes before touching any of the dogs. AND... if you have recently been around a puppy with Parvo DO NOT go to another breeder's kennels! Parvo is very contagious, and is easily transported on your your hands or even your shoes.

4. "Google" their name... you will be surprised what information is just sitting out there on google. With the new world of myspace, facebook, and blogs you are bound to run across them and can see what others are saying. With that said internet research is so unregulated that not everything you read is not true. People's opinions are just that, an opinion... so read everything you find and form your own opinions. If you do read something that you are questioning just ask your breeder about it, there are always 2 sides to every story and both sides need to be heard to form your own opinion. (side note: don't believe ANYTHING you see on ripoffreport.com WHY? go here to see why: http://www.reportsripoff.com/index.php

5. Reputable breeders don't sell to just anyone! If your breeder does not get "personal" with you they are most likely a "puppy mill". Your breeder should take an interest in you, your family, and where the bulldog is going to spend the rest of it's life. I personally like to know where my puppy is going, will it live inside or outside, are there any other pets, how much property will they be living on, are the new owners experienced dog owners, are the new owners planning on breeding the puppy later, are there any children in the home? It is important that the puppies personality blends well with you and your family.

6. OK... my BIGGEST PET PEEVE... Make sure your breeder does not breed PUPPIES !!!!!!!! I have ran across american bulldog breeders (you know who you are) that breed young females. Make sure the mother of the puppies is at least 2 years old (or very close to 2). Why? There are a ton of genetic conditions that don't surface until a bulldog reaches maturity. Also, breeding a 1 year old PUPPY is like a 12 year old having a baby, it is just not healthy!

7. Make sure your breeder really genuinely loves the breed. Your breeder should be very knowledgeable about bulldog history and pedigrees. This shows true dedication and years of great research on their part. Knowing their dogs and the generations behind them will help to ensure you have a breeder that cares about what the outcome of their breeding program is.

8. I personally have a clause in my puppy contact that requires you to keep me informed with the puppies whereabouts for it's entire life. Breeder-Buyer relationships shows that a breeder stands behind their breeding program and wants to create a relationship with the new owner. If the breeder cares anything about the breed and their breeding program they will want to keep track of where all their puppies are going and make sure they have a great forever home.

9. So, you don't want a really rowdy puppy because of the new baby, or you LOVE to run 5 miles a day and want a running partner. Your breeder should be able to steer you toward a particular puppy or breeding to accommodate your wants and needs. Yes, every puppy has a distinct personality and activity levels will change, but a breeder should know the generations behind what they are breeding to get a great idea of the outcome.

10. Always ask your breeder why they chose to breed the dogs together. Were they looking for a particular color, size, temperament, activity level? If they don't have a clue then they probably just "stuck 2 together" for the all mighty dollar.