English Bulldog Breeding Tips

Think carefully before breeding English bulldogs. Not only will you be responsible for trying to find the puppies homes, but you will not show a profit. Although bulldogs are a popular breed, the cost of breeding them far surpasses whatever money the puppies bring. According to the Bulldog Club of America Rescue Network, hundreds of bulldogs are abandoned by their owners annually.

  1. Mating

    • It is far better to do artificial insemination (AI) of a female English bulldog than to go through the traditional mating. Mating can lead to injury in both male and female dogs and can cause extreme stress if the female has to travel to the home of the stud dog. Stress can lower the female dog's immune system, making her more prone to get sick, and also make conception difficult. Since the female does not have to travel to the stud in AI, many more stud dogs can be considered than just what is locally available.

    Age

    • Although female bulldogs can conceive during their first season, which can happen when they are as young as six months old, they will be too immature to produce healthy puppies. The health of the mother may also be compromised as her body struggles to help the mother and puppies grow. The female should be at least 18 months old. If the female's mother was able to give birth naturally without complications, she has a better chance of surviving pregnancy than a puppy born from a Caesarean section (C-section).

    Delivery

    • Because of the English's bulldog's narrow hips, she cannot give birth to puppies (whelp) in the usual fashion, known as free whelping. The puppies' heads will not be able to fit through the cervix. According to Jo Anne Menefee (AKC/BFA Hall of Fame Breeder) 95 percent of all English bulldogs whelp by C-section rather than naturally. A veterinarian must determine the date for the C-section. Be sure this veterinarian can perform an emergency C-section at all hours or can refer you to a vet that can.

    Post-delivery

    • New English bulldog mothers need constant supervision, especially if they have had a C-section and may be frightened when awaking. Some bulldog mothers have been known to crush or kill puppies as they come out of anaesthesia and thrash about. The mother should let her milk down in the first 24 hours after surgery. If not, the puppies will need artificial colustrum to get necessary antibodies.