Part 1- Chose a Suitable Mate

Understand the responsibility of breeding. If you do not have a long-term commitment to the breed of dog you are working with, just stop now.  The health and safety of the female and her puppies should be your concern here.  You should be an expert in the breed before you begin.  What we see is a lot of people jumping in thinking its super easy to do.  The pricing on breeding English Bulldog Puppies and French Bulldog Puppies are high for a reason.  It takes time and money and most important patience.  Bulldogs are a unique breed and there are too many backyard breeders in North Texas, Dallas and all over the US.  The sad part is most forums where these types of breeders post their girls and puppies don’t allow negative feedback and they are only looking to line their pockets with cash.  In the end, this is not good for the breed itself and causes fluxuations in the market that otherwise wouldn’t exist.  

Test your Bulldog before you breed.  Here at Ballpark Bulldogs, this one seems like a no brainer, but you would be surprised.  ALL responsible breeders will spend the money to test for genetic diseases in their bulldogs. If they can’t show you the paperwork, just walk away.  If a DR couldn’t show you a certificate about his training to become a DR, you wouldn’t use that DR.  Bulldogs have breathing issues due to them having flat faces, large tongues, and small windpipes. If either of the mating pair of bulldogs has had to have surgery in order to open up their nostrils, trim back parts of their soft palates, or remove their tonsils, do not breed them. Their genetics will be passed onto the puppies and will perpetuate these distressing problems.  This could have been stopped if you had tested from the get-go.

What is the female’s temperament? Science has proven that the mother’s character is passed down to her offspring. If the mom is aggressive or nervous or any other non-ideal characteristics, you probably shouldn’t breed her.  Look for more ideal behavior patterns.  Calm, gentle, non-aggressive, compassionate bulldogs are ideal.  This will also help be a better mother as well.  

Check the Bulldog for mites. As with any breed, keep your puppy clean.  Make sure their skin is healthy and has no parasites.  If your female has demodex, the stress of pregnancy could make this worse. Then, the demodex mites are passed down to the puppies.  So, in addition to health issues, that would make selling puppies extremely difficult if their coats don’t look good in pictures.  You can also get these mites on your hands when washing or handling them.  

Take your Bulldog for a Checkup at the Vet – Before you are about to breed, go and get a checkup.  Make sure she is up to date on shots and worming and working. They usually can’t take these once pregnant.  Make sure both mom and dad have been tested for STDs and brucellosis.  Both of these have the potential to cause a spontaneous abortion or kill them once born.  

Don’t Breed before the second cycle. This one is simple so just don’t do it.  It can kill your Bulldog and all science suggests they are not fully grown.  She will go into heat in 6 months.  Just wait.