A Bulldog may not be the right choice for every family. Living with a Bulldog can be very rewarding, but you must be committed to meeting the Bulldog's particular needs.   They are, in my opinion, the greatest dogs in the world!  With that said, they are a lot more work than other breeds of dogs.  They are wonderful companions, but if you do not have the time to dedicate to a bulldog, do not apply to adopt.  Remember: these dogs are rescue dogs.  They are going to need extra special care.

Some things to consider:

Bulldogs are perpetual children: they never grow up. A Bulldog does best in a loving environment, free from fear and neglect. They are happiest when with people and require lots of attention from people. When left alone, Bulldogs can be very destructive. They may chew throughout their lifetimes. They may need to be crated when they are not being supervised. A Bulldog should never be left unattended in your backyard. Not only is it dangerous to your Bulldog's wellbeing, but Bulldogs are often targeted for theft.

Please keep in mind that rescued Bulldogs are not always happy, healthy or well adjusted. If you are considering adopting a rescue it should be because you are committed to giving a homeless dog a second chance. This means having the time and patience to work with social, emotional and behavioral problems. In some cases, a health issue is present. Many rescued Bulldogs don't get along with other animals and some can't be placed with children.

If you're seeking a rescue as a way to obtain a cheap Bulldog, you've come to the wrong place. You must be passionate about the breed to accept what baggage comes along. If you're looking for perfection, buy from a reputable breeder.   A list of reputable breeders can be found at  www.thebca.org

Also, rescue is not the place to be looking for a puppy.  We rarely get in dogs under 2 years of age.

                                     Danger of Overheating:

Bulldogs are extremely intolerant of heat. They must be kept in an air-conditioned area with limited trips outside when the outside temperature is over 80 degrees or the humidity is high. Close supervision is required during outside activity, especially in spring and summer to prevent over-exertion leading to over-heating. They also are not usually capable of prolonged physical activity 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.

There is a limit to how much strenuous physical activity a typical Bulldog can safely tolerate. Their short muzzles and narrow windpipes, relative to the size of their bodies, limits their oxygen intake and causes them to become easily winded. This can result in acute respiratory distress and sometimes death. Like it or not, most Bulldogs do not have great physical endurance. They are more like short-distance sprinters than long-distance runners. Bulldogs don’t realize this; your own common sense must prevail. 


                                                 After Adoption:

Although all Bulldogs that we place are subjected to a thorough veterinary examination and are evaluated for soundness of temperament, we do not guarantee that they will not have any problems in their new homes. In fact, a period of adjustment is expected during which the Bulldog and the new owner will be getting acquainted with each other, and the Bulldog will be "settling in" to a new routine.   Most rescues will have potty training issues in their new home.  You have to be ready to deal with that.  We will be more than happy to discuss what works for us, but you have to know that there will be accidents.

If we have any doubts about a Bulldog's ability to deal with certain situations, we put restrictions on the type of home in which it will be placed (for example, by requiring no young children and/or no other pets.) We also provide guidelines for the new owners to ensure that they are aware of any special treatment the Bulldog may require. With the application of a little common sense in following the guidelines, new owners will find the transition into owning a rescue Bulldog to be relatively simple.

                                              NO SWIMMING!

You may have heard Bulldogs do not swim.  You are right.  

Just like children, most bulldogs love to swim.  They will jump right in before you know it.  They sink like an anchor.  This is why at rescue, we do not adopt to homes with unfenced pools.  There are NO EXCEPTIONS.