I got me a bulldog..

BengaLover

Been toying with the idea of a puppy, as its probably one of only 2 or 3 breeds I would want, an English bulldog, but we have older kids and despite the puppies being soo cute we have decided to go for a retired female, she is 5.
I am going to switch the food that the breeders give her and try to source the best food for that breed for optimum health and condition - but dont want to ask the vet as i know that they endorse a brand for profit.
Can any bulldog experts/owners advise a good food that suits that breed - do they need extra protein or anything, or just regular good dried food like red mills.

andreac

What food did the breeder have it on? Is there a reason you want to change it? How old is the puppy?

I wouldnt call Red Mills that good to be honest...

Aaahh just realised its not a puppy, silly me!!

Can i ask why a breeder was selling their 5 year old dog??

Wisco

Couldn't agree more with andreac. If you're looking for top quality, you'll have to look farther than Red Mills. I know Royal Canin do some breed specific diets, I'd imagine their website would tell you if they do Bulldog specific food.
While Red Mills is fine for some dogs, if there are any digestive or skin issues with your particular dog, I'd be looking for something else.
I'd also strongly urge you to get pet insurance, as bulldogs (and any breed, TBH) can have a number of health problems. Since your dog is older, if she's been sick before, some stuff may be excluded, so worth having a look through her health history, but I'd still guess it's money well spent, and most companies will start insurance so long as the dog is under 8 years of age (some companies vary though).

audi a4 2008

BengaLover wrote: »

Been toying with the idea of a puppy, as its probably one of only 2 or 3 breeds I would want, an English bulldog, but we have older kids and despite the puppies being soo cute we have decided to go for a retired female, she is 5.
I am going to switch the food that the breeders give her and try to source the best food for that breed for optimum health and condition - but dont want to ask the vet as i know that they endorse a brand for profit.
Can any bulldog experts/owners advise a good food that suits that breed - do they need extra protein or anything, or just regular good dried food like red mills.

well done bengalover u got yourself a lovely dog:).
i find with my lady all she wants is sleep and 1 good meal a day.
once she has plenty water too.
as for the food im on the small nuts for her she finds it easyier to eat
and once its any of the good brands shes happy,but she does like some, not a lot of canned meat true it.

tk123

BengaLover wrote: »

Been toying with the idea of a puppy, as its probably one of only 2 or 3 breeds I would want, an English bulldog, but we have older kids and despite the puppies being soo cute we have decided to go for a retired female, she is 5.
I am going to switch the food that the breeders give her and try to source the best food for that breed for optimum health and condition - but dont want to ask the vet as i know that they endorse a brand for profit.
Can any bulldog experts/owners advise a good food that suits that breed - do they need extra protein or anything, or just regular good dried food like red mills.

Sorry and hopefully i'm way off but i have puppy farm alarm bells here - you're getting a 'retired' 5 year old dog from a breeder?! What is she retired from and why are they rehoming/selling her?! If eg she's being retired from breeding puppies for the last 5 years surely she would have been on a puppy/welping feed a lot of the time so her past is relevant. What food is she on now? From reading posts here there's different kinds of red mills - i think Leader is the best quality one but there's better foods out there. If you give an idea of your budget it'll be easier for everyone to suggest different food.

toadfly

RC do a bulldog food, it was recommended to me at the pet expo for my staffie!

BengaLover

The breeder is <MOD SNIP> and believe me after speaking to her on the phone a few times, you wont get a more dedicated breeder, she is absolutely and utterly passionate about her dogs, and this girl who we will be collecting on friday has only been retired since her last litter 4 months ago. All her dogs are house dogs, and she wont sell pups to just anyone either.. so im really happy about her background.
My cats hated Red Mills, but ill deffo try her on it anyway.
My cats are insured with pet insure but after a claim last year i didnt like their customer service so may switch em all to Allianz.
The dog is called Daphne <SNIP> other pics the breeder sent me show her in lovely shape.

She has never had cherry eye, but does anyone know could she get it in the future, or is it a birth defect or what..THAANKS!

andreac

BengaLover wrote: »

The breeder is <MOD SNIP> and believe me after speaking to her on the phone a few times, you wont get a more dedicated breeder, she is absolutely and utterly passionate about her dogs, and this girl who we will be collecting on friday has only been retired since her last litter 4 months ago. All her dogs are house dogs, and she wont sell pups to just anyone either.. so im really happy about her background.
My cats hated Red Mills, but ill deffo try her on it anyway.
My cats are insured with pet insure but after a claim last year i didnt like their customer service so may switch em all to Allianz.
The dog is called Daphne, <SNIP> other pics the breeder sent me show her in lovely shape.

She has never had cherry eye, but does anyone know could she get it in the future, or is it a birth defect or what..THAANKS!

I know all about her!!

Dedicated my arse!! :mad: Selling off her bitch who had a litter 4 months ago?? If shes so passionate, why is she selling her beloved dogs??

Shes so dedicated that she had her bitches for sale on a website who were actually in pup!! There was war with the IKC and her over this, its a disgrace!!
Ill hold my tongue on this one...:mad::mad:

Whispered

Best of luck with your new dog OP. I hope you've many happy years ahead of you.

Must say though, any breeder who I know or would recommend wouldn't sell a dog 4 months after a litter. Sure their body is still recovering. I wouldn't like to say your wrong as you've done your research, but I would run a mile as soon as I hear it to be honest.

ppink

I know nothing about bulldog food but their website says they have excellence in health so they must be feeding good food? no reason to switch if the dog is in excellent health.
how does she keep all those bulldogs, shar-peis and great danes inside her house...must be huge!
best of luck

toadfly

BengaLover wrote: »

The breeder is <MOD SNIP>and believe me after speaking to her on the phone a few times, you wont get a more dedicated breeder, she is absolutely and utterly passionate about her dogs, and this girl who we will be collecting on friday has only been retired since her last litter 4 months ago. All her dogs are house dogs, and she wont sell pups to just anyone either.. so im really happy about her background.

Why is she selling her dog? To me the only reason is she cant get anymore litters from her, has made her money and now will replace her with a new young dog that can churn out pups for a few years and will then be for sale as well and the cycle continues. Backyard breeder at best IMO. If it were me I would run a mile. Plenty of dogs in rescue that you could get.

BengaLover

If you look at her website you will see that she is no backyard breeder. She also shows her dogs. She will NOT sell a puppy to anyone she hasnt met first and sells all her dogs with a money back garuantee that they can bring back the animal to her at any time if there are any problems, in fact you have to sign a contract to say so, so that comment is uncalled for.
Why shouldnt she sell a retired bitch? If she needs more time to concentrate on nurturing other dogs and doing shows then she is happy to retire a dog to a loving home.

Edited to add, I want to switch food to whats available in my area, I cant get her food here.

portgirl123

BengaLover wrote: »

If you look at her website you will see that she is no backyard breeder. She also shows her dogs. She will NOT sell a puppy to anyone she hasnt met first and sells all her dogs with a money back garuantee that they can bring back the animal to her at any time if there are any problems, in fact you have to sign a contract to say so, so that comment is uncalled for.
Why shouldnt she sell a retired bitch? If she needs more time to concentrate on nurturing other dogs and doing shows then she is happy to retire a dog to a loving home.

Edited to add, I want to switch food to whats available in my area, I cant get her food here.

did you not watch the programme on tv3 the other nite about puppy farms???????

BengaLover

andreac wrote: »

I know all about her!!

Dedicated my arse!! :mad: Selling off her bitch who had a litter 4 months ago?? If shes so passionate, why is she selling her beloved dogs??

Shes so dedicated that she had her bitches for sale on donedeal who were actually in pup!! There was war with the IKC and her over this, its a disgrace!!
Ill hold my tongue on this one...:mad::mad:

I dont know anything about IKC rules about selling dogs in pup, but I do know that the pups she has had on DD for some time could have been sold over and over but not to good homes, surely its a sign of a good breeder that they put the dog first over just getting cash for them?

toadfly

I said it was in my opinion and I am entitled to that. If she was a good breeder she would not sell her dog once she is done making money off her. She obviously doesn't want to pay money to keep the dog until old age as she will no longer be making money off her.

portgirl123

BengaLover wrote: »

I dont know anything about IKC rules about selling dogs in pup, but I do know that the pups she has had on DD for some time could have been sold over and over but not to good homes, surely its a sign of a good breeder that they put the dog first over just getting cash for them?

any good breeder would not be advertising on dd. they would have a waiting list. has she met you?

BengaLover

portgirl123 wrote: »

did you not watch the programme on tv3 the other nite about puppy farms???????

What puppy farms have you heard of that have award winning dogs and show them?

BengaLover

portgirl123 wrote: »

any good breeder would not be advertising on dd. they would have a waiting list. has she met you?

No, she wants us as a family to come and visit first.

andreac

BengaLover wrote: »

If you look at her website you will see that she is no backyard breeder. She also shows her dogs. She will NOT sell a puppy to anyone she hasnt met first and sells all her dogs with a money back garuantee that they can bring back the animal to her at any time if there are any problems, in fact you have to sign a contract to say so, so that comment is uncalled for.
Why shouldnt she sell a retired bitch? If she needs more time to concentrate on nurturing other dogs and doing shows then she is happy to retire a dog to a loving home.

Edited to add, I want to switch food to whats available in my area, I cant get her food here.

Believe what you want, websites always look great. Im telling you now i wouldnt touch this lady with a barge pole and i know A LOT of people in the know about this lady.
She was advertising her bitches that were actually in pup on a website and you dont think theres a problem with that??
The president of the IKC actually got involved so im just giving you warning.

People are well able to talk the talk, trust me.

Look believe what you want, but i know for a fact that i wouldnt buy a dog off her.

Why dont you ask her why she had her bitches for sale that were in pup and she what she has to say??

No good, reputable breeder would sell their dogs like this and then sell on their bitches that they cant be bothered to keep as their pets. If they were as good a breeder as they say, then they wouldnt sell off their old dogs like this, its a disgrace!!!

portgirl123

BengaLover wrote: »

What puppy farms have you heard of that have award winning dogs and show them?

didnt say she was a puppy farmer. but anyone that sells a "familydog" just because she has had her quoter of pups aint no better in my opinion

andreac

BengaLover wrote: »

What puppy farms have you heard of that have award winning dogs and show them?

I know several...

You seem very gullible OP, and im sorry but you really need to open your eyes and see this for what it is, and it certainly isnt a reputable breeder who loves her dogs...:rolleyes:

portgirl123

BengaLover wrote: »

No, she wants us as a family to come and visit first.

if that is so, why are you jumping the gun looking to put dog on different food. i guarantee you will come home with that dog. just out of interest is she selling the dog or just looking for a good home

BengaLover

Maybe I will give the IKC a call then, would they be able to tell me anything?

falabo

TillyGirl wrote: »

. She obviously doesn't want to pay money to keep the dog until old age as she will no longer be making money off her.

Then she's only after the money and DOES NOTLOVE her dogs. a dog is for life not just an appliance to get rid off or like shares that we trade/sell when no longer "profitable"

portgirl123

BengaLover wrote: »

Maybe I will give the IKC a call then, would they be able to tell me anything?

not sure, a mate ofmine rang them about a dog that she found. long story cant go through it here. she found them very unhelpful. no harm in giving them a call though. saying that andreac on here usually knows her stuff

BengaLover

Andrea maybe u could pm me plz.. thanks

ppink

just to get back to the food the best thing I would think is to ask what she is on as in the total breakdown of the food and then try to get similar. red mill is not the greatest food and if you do get her you dont want to end up with problems in your first few months with her.
you should not change her all of a shot either so get the breeder to give you a supply that you can wean her over.

I do agree witht he others above too. I could never give away/sell my dog unless I was homeless and it was best for them.
Is she selling this dog too? or is it proper retirement, if she is selling is she just trying to extract as much money as poss out of the poor dog instead of wanting her beloved pet to get a nice retirement home?

BengaLover

Its retirement with a small fee to cover her spaying, which sounded great to me, because when I bought my pedigree Bengals, the breeder doesnt let them go without them being spayed/neutered. Anyhow I started this thread to ask about food not to start a heated debate so im going to get some help from Andrea if she contacts me, and do some more checking.

portgirl123

BengaLover wrote: »

Its retirement with a small fee to cover her spaying, which sounded great to me, because when I bought my pedigree Bengals, the breeder doesnt let them go without them being spayed/neutered. Anyhow I started this thread to ask about food not to start a heated debate so im going to get some help from Andrea if she contacts me, and do some more checking.

in all fairness we were only trying to help you see that this dog might not be what you think it is and might not of came from the best possible place.
why is she charging a price for spaying, again this rings alarm bells. any good owner would get this done anyway to protect her dog.
anyways we have gave you some info up to you what you do with it. me, i would run a mile. onlymaking room for another poor dog to be used as a potential breeding machine

BengaLover

If Im not happy with the dogs behaviour and surroundings then there is no way I would come home with it anyway. Ive been looking for 6 months, and honestly seen some awful things on DD that have made me stay away from sellers, but Im not part of the doggy circle and dont know much about rules and regs of breeding so forgive my ignorance, however, I AM taking whats said here on board, and getting more info.

tk123

OP I'm sitting beside my 2 year old retriever who had to have his leg surgically straightened on Tuesday (the other one was done last year) because of a crappy breeder who was just out to make money - not all back yard breeders have sheds full of puppies like you see on tv etc. They may have them in the house etc etc which is what fools a lot of people - it definitely fooled me anyways. Lots of people on here have first hand experience which is why everyone is so passionate about it - if I came off as telling you off or anything like that I apologize. I would walk away from this breeder and look at rescues - there was a beautiful bulldog at Pet Expo that a rescue had for rehoming. I don't think we're allowed name rescues but PM if you want any info.

ANYHOOs...
My - well my dog's - food experiences :
RC - runny poos every few weeks
Burns - nice nugget poos but his coat was always dull (he's a retriever)
Luath/Robbies cereal based - same poos as Burns and lovely shiny coat but it just stopped agreeing with him after 9 months on it and he seemed to develop an intolerance to rice
Happy Dog Supreme (It's german from zooplus) - I tried both grain free (Africa) and rice free (Ireland) - nice poos and no problems BUT the ceral free one was €65 for 12kgs so I'm switching to JWB cereal free as it's more affordable and the cereal free definitely agrees with him best.

The key with any food is to make the change SLOWLY over a couple of weeks to a month - so a handful this week, then 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 - if you do it too quickly the dog could get an upset tummy which could mean a trip to the vets if it gets bad. ALSO don't go and buy a big bag to save money no matter how tempted you are until you know it agrees with the dog.

star-pants

I have snipped the name of the breeder - NOT because we're interested in protecting anyone, but rather protecting ourselves/yourselves from any potential libel.
I'm leaving the rest of the posts in tact, so all the information is still there as well as the advice.

Whispered

BengaLover wrote: »

I AM taking whats said here on board, and getting more info.

That's all you can do really. Also watch her behaviour carefully to see if she's used to being in the house.

With regards to food, I think it really depends on the dog. Why are you looking to change her food? I found RC very rich for mine, a lot of scratching, loads of poos and windy. Harleys anal glands really were terrible on it. But then I know others who are very happy with it.

I have my two on Bewi, it's a German brand which I happened to find through our local kennels. Harleys anal glands immediately improved, their coats are great. Even Phoe, who was baldy when he arrived thrived on it and looks great now.

I don't know what to suggest for a bitch who will need a lot of dietry support after pups, but I suppose I just wanted to point out that if you must change food, it might take a few tries to get something which suits your dog. If it doesn't suit her, it doesn't mean it's a bad food, just not the right one for her.

getz

BengaLover wrote: »

Been toying with the idea of a puppy, as its probably one of only 2 or 3 breeds I would want, an English bulldog, but we have older kids and despite the puppies being soo cute we have decided to go for a retired female, she is 5.
I am going to switch the food that the breeders give her and try to source the best food for that breed for optimum health and condition - but dont want to ask the vet as i know that they endorse a brand for profit.
Can any bulldog experts/owners advise a good food that suits that breed - do they need extra protein or anything, or just regular good dried food like red mills.

most of these posts have not been very helpfull over the years i have had two staffies, and i am on my third bully,each of my bullies liked a different food,the one thing i have been consistant on is to give him a little goats milk, and a egg,in his food,if you are still bothered about what to feed her,go on any bullie web site,the breeders will be so happy to give you their experience on bully food, bullies have a different outlook to other dogs,if you let them they are quite happy to be couch potatoes,so make sure you give her a walk ,or like humans who dont walk she will get overweight and may have health problems,on the down side ,they also get very stubborn[like the british in a way] and dont they snore,at times its like a motorbike in the house,the other problem is to expect to be stopped by people in the street, if you want to know more , you can send me a message,and i will give you my e/mail

BengaLover

Thank you for all your informative replies - My priorities are that the dog (IF i take her) is in top health, well socialised and has proof of pedigree and vets history.
So I will be taking a list of questions that I will ask, and like you said, watch to see if she is used to being in the house, how she acts around other dogs and our daughters, and her owners. I may also borrow my mother in laws spaniel to see how she reacts to a strange dog.
I would LOVE the option of a rescue dog of this breed, but in Ireland they seem few and far between and may come with the risk of behavioural problems.

marley123

On topic - Royal Canin does breed specific food which is prob one of the best..

Off topic - Andreac, am sure you are one who will remember this plenty of "Show dog " owners mistreat their animals including below

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2004359/Crufts-winning-mother-daughter-plead-guilty-keeping-104-dogs-horrific-conditions.html

BengaLover

just rang EGAR and left a message on the offchance they may have something.

toadfly

BengaLover wrote: »

just rang EGAR and left a message on the offchance they may have something.

Sarah who runs EGAR is sick at present and unable to answer the phone. Try emailing her: egarbullbreedrescue@gmail.com

Best of luck OP, sorry if I seemed to be preaching but I have strong opinions on this and just wanted to warn you.

toadfly

A dogs life have an American bulldog, only Bulldog I can find on irishanimals.ie

andreac

Sorry guys, im up to my eyes at the moment in work and dont have time, plus i just got an appt in the vet college for Flo in the morning to be seen so im bit all over the place.

I really dont have much to add, ive said what i had to. I wouldnt recommend that breeder esp knowing what ive heard shes done. Having her bitches in pup for sale is a huge no no for me and i wouldnt touch someone like that if you ask me.

BengaLover

UPDATE: Several phonecalls today confirm what you have said here, in fact she was kicked out of the Irish Bulldog Club, I WONT be taking the dog and am now concentrating on finding a rescue one of this breed.
Thanks everyone.

toadfly

BengaLover wrote: »

UPDATE: Several phonecalls today confirm what you have said here, in fact she was kicked out of the Irish Bulldog Club, I WONT be taking the dog and am now concentrating on finding a rescue one of this breed.
Thanks everyone.

Thanks OP, most people don't listen.

tk123

Ah you're making the right decision OP! In the meantime while you find the right dog you can give yourself a meltdown trying to figure out which foods you're going to try lol :pac:

meoklmrk91

BengaLover wrote: »

UPDATE: Several phonecalls today confirm what you have said here, in fact she was kicked out of the Irish Bulldog Club, I WONT be taking the dog and am now concentrating on finding a rescue one of this breed.
Thanks everyone.

Fair play to you OP, you stuck by your word. I know a lot of people that come to the animal issues website may be a little overwhelmed by the response's regarding their choice of breeder etc. people sometimes feel like they are getting a lecture. However I rarely see one of those ''preachy'' posts that not dead on. Anyone who is in anyway involved in animal welfare is frustrated at the way things are done in this country, and especially trying to educate people on Animal Welfare issues and at this stage responsible breeding is at the centre of the whole thing. People see a pup/dog on a website, all looks well, they are IKC registered so it must be okay right?, sadly wrong, I know I was one of those people but I now know better and so will do better.

I wish you all the best with everything and I hope you find the right dog for you and your family.

pokertalk

BengaLover wrote: »

UPDATE: Several phonecalls today confirm what you have said here, in fact she was kicked out of the Irish Bulldog Club, I WONT be taking the dog and am now concentrating on finding a rescue one of this breed.
Thanks everyone.

fair play to ya done the rite thing

Wibbs

Fair play to BengaLover and I have to say fair play to meoklmrk91 for this;

meoklmrk91 wrote: »

sadly wrong, I know I was one of those people but I now know better and so will do better.

Few enough admit feckups, even less change. Kudos.

Honey-ec

As someone has already mentioned, A Dog's Life have a beautiful American bulldog named Blue who has been in foster for an age and really needs a forever home, would you consider him at all?

getz

Honey-ec wrote: »

As someone has already mentioned, A Dog's Life have a beautiful American bulldog named Blue who has been in foster for an age and really needs a forever home, would you consider him at all?

does not the american bulldog come under the restricted breed in ireland ?,if anyone is looking for a resque english bully,you may have a long wait,even in england there a very few about,the bulldog resque in the UK has a long waiting list,so i would think in ireland it would be next to inpossible to get one,but i believe in northern ireland there are a lot of bully breeders.you could try your luck there

Honey-ec

getz wrote: »

does not the american bulldog come under the restricted breed in ireland?

No, the American Pit Bull is on the RB list, not the bulldog. In fairness, even if the bulldog was on it, I wouldn't see it as an issue. The whole thing is a complete load of crap.

BengaLover

Yea he is lovely but comes with health issues, that involve skin irriration and breathing, I have 3 cats so may not be a good idea. Would ye look at the size of the lad on him too..:D

Honey-ec

BengaLover wrote: »

Yea he is lovely but comes with health issues, that involve skin irriration and breathing,

You'll be hard pushed to find an English bully without breathing issues too, I'm afraid. It comes with the territory.