Buying a Bulldog Puppy  The process of buying a puppy should consists of the 3 following steps in this order: 1.  Choosing a breed 2. Choosing a breeder 3. Selecting a Puppy All to often, the prospective buyer behaves the other way around.  He does not have a clear idea about which breed to choose, didn't make a selection of potential breeders, but impulsively jumps at the first puppy that appeals to him, often in a commercial pet store, where usually a dozen of different breeds are being sold.  Others do have a clear idea about the breed they want, do a good job in selecting the right breeder, but do not properly select the right puppy (for them) in a litter.   1.  Is a bulldog the right dog breed for you? Before committing to buying or adopting a Bulldog be aware of the following: Hundreds of Bulldogs are abandoned, taken to animal shelters, or surrendred to rescue evey year.  This is the price it pays for its popularitiy (the Bulldog ranks among the 2 most popular breeds).     Buyers are intrigued by the Bulldog's many charms, when they don't buy one just as a status symbol, only later to discover the special care and attention that may come with their wrinkles, eyes, flat faces, tail, unusual structure or irregular energy levels, and unfortunately in some cases, genetic defects resulting from irresponsible breeding.   Bulldogs never really grow up; they are perpetual puppies.  It is often said that while the average dog matures at 12 or 18 months, the bulldog only does at 36 (i.e. 3 years).  Bullddogs also live less longer than most other breeds, which means that the time span during which a bullodg is adult and still vigorous is much shorter as compared to other breeds. They are real 'companion' dogs and require lots of atttention from their owner.  When left alone, Bulldogs can be very destructive without the proper socialization.  They may need to be crated when they are not being supervised.  A Bulldog shold never be left unattended in your backyard.  Not only is it dangerous to the Bulldog's well being, but Bulldogs are often targeted for theft. An additional problem is that despite its popularity among the public, the specficity of the bulldog is poorly known by most veterinarians.  What may be the right treatment or action with all other breeds may be disastrous to a bulldog.  Since not all veterinarians are knowledgeable of this, you should consult experienced Bulldog owners or the rescue to find a 'bulldog-qualified' veterianarian.  Any veterinarian who will be doing surgery on your Bulldog should have previous experience with putting Bulldogs under anesthesia.  If you don't have such a veterinarian in a reasonable range of your home, if you don't know any other bulldog owners and if the breeder you intend to buy your bulldog puppy from, doesn't seem the type to provide follow-up service, it may be not a wise decision to choose a bulldog.   Bulldogs are extremely intolerant of heat and excessive exercise, whether the temperature is very warm or cold.  A Bulldog is not for someone who enjoys taking a dog for long walks through the countryside. Moreover, bulldogs may have genetic defects and are also subject to various illnesses that affect many breeds.  Common bulldog health problems you may encounter include; elongated soft palate, small trachea, allergies, dermatitis, demodetic mange, eyelid anomalies, hip dylplasia and heart problems.  some of them have a tendency toward self-mutilation (especially if they have itchy skin), so owners should watch carefully for signs of skin irritation and scratching.  If you are adopting an older dog, many of these conditions will already have been identified. Although some breeds have been severly damaged by poor breeding, the best response to a long list of possible defects and problems is to be alert for them at the outset.  Also, keep in mind that the length of a list may reflect the state of knowledge about a breed more than the likelihood of running into problems, meaning that they have been studied more intensively. Uncommon or rare breeds are generally less well studied than more common breeds like the bulldog, resulting in shorter lists.  A defect in a rare breed may also propagate more quickly and be harder to eliminate from the smaller population.   2.  It is generally a good idea to invest more by selecting a reliable and ethical small-scale breeder.  A good breeder is also going to ask you questions as he will be eager may be a good owner for his puppy and for this matter is usually also prepared to provide follow-up service.  In this way, on can save a great deal of trouble and money in the long run (thousands on vet bills, or the agony of having a cherished pet put to death). Fortunately, due to the high cost of breeding and the small profit margin, commerical breeders usually stay out of the business of breeding bulldogs.  However, this does not mean that all bulldog breeders are responsible breeders.  Some may be not driven by the money but the drive for fame of breeding good show dogs may bring them to (in-) breeding and raising dogs with emphasis on physical conformation with the show standard, neglecting and equally good temperment and health.       3.  Selecting the right puppy from a litter is the last stage.  After having made sure that this is the right breed for you and having selected the right breeder, one should pay special attention in selecting the right puppy.  Most dog owner's guides point out which are physical and health problems to watch out for and it seems mere common sense to opt for a puppy which has no health problems, eye infections, etc. but usually this disqualifies the litter as a whole and does not consttitute a selection criterion for one puppy instead of antoher.  Things to watch for in particular are a smooth coat, plenty of loose skin, a short back, a large nose and open nostrils, tight feet and straight bone in the front legs.  The position of the ears is also an important criterion, but be aware that at the age of 8 weeks the puppy's ears may not have risen to their final rose-shaped ears form yet.  The puppy should have a well-fed appearance but not a distended abdomen, which may indicate worms. The sex of the puppy is often a matter of personal preference.  Many people choose a bitch because they fancy the idea of breeding a litter of the own.  One should therefore know that this breed is well known for complications in whelping and rearing. As Christian Bruton points out the Bulldog is one of the few breeds in which often the males are more affectionate than the bitches.  Also bitches are usually not just loyal to its owner in particular, but to the house and the family as a whole and will therfore often be a better guardian of the premises.   A dog instead is especially loyal to one person in particular,  its owner.  A further difference between bitches and dogs is, according to dickerson, that dogs learn more slowly but retain the lesson longer. A part from the physical aspects and the choice in function of the sex of the puppy, one should look at the overall temperament of the puppy.  A simple personality test may be run on the puppy aged 6 to 8 weeks, which may help determine if it has a dominant, submissive  or anxious disposition, whether the puppy is meant to become a pet or companion dog in a family with or without kids, or if it is going to be used as a watch dog (in which case however, other breeds may be more suitable).