Hello all.

My ancient beagle is getting on in her years, and I would like to get a new dog before she goes off to the never never in order to ease the transition. My wife and I have done some research and we really like an English bulldog.

From what I have read, they are tricky because a poorly bred dog is a real bad problem. We don't appear to have any breeders near us, Southern Ohio, at least none I can find on the internet.

Does anyone know of a good reputable breeder within driving distance of South Eastern Ohio/Charleston, WV area?

The local Petland has one right now, and I really need to reassure my wife that they are NOT the only option and that there are BETTER options available.

I don't know a breeder per-say but I would recommend that you start here (http://www.thebca.org/).

The Bulldog Club of America should have a decent referral program to point you toward a reputable breeder in the general area.

Good luck with your search, and remind the wife where those pups in the pet store really come from... :mad:

i agree, do not get the pet store bulldog unless you can go see where the parents are and the conditions they are kept in. what kind of breeder would ever give one of their beloved puppies to a store and never know what became of it. have you thought of getting an irish wolfhound--hahahjust kidding

My mother bread bulldogs 30 years ago. there were health issues back then due to poor breeding I imagine that they are still there or worse. do go to the Bulldog club and get a breeder's list.
If there is a local dog show go wander around look at the different breeds talk to the owner. They should point out the good and the bad about the breed. Even if you don't want a "show" dog most breeders have dog that will be healthy and loving but not win in the show ring.

An alternative is also adoption through a Bulldog Rescue org.. With a rescue, you will be most likley be looking at a full-grown dog, not a puppy - but they will usually be very well evaluated as to their tempermanet, any health issues, etc. which has some advantages.

http://www.rescuebulldogs.org/display.pl

http://www.ohiobulldogs.com/rescue.htm

http://tri-statebulldogrescue.org/

Thanks, everyone. I have looked at rescues, and that's an option that is in play.

As for the pet store . . . we know better. My worry with my wife is that she will grow impatient with me and do something drastic. Simply seeing me work on the problem should be enough to prevent her from impulsively buying a dog.

I'm taking my time with this. We have a beagle and a lab, so we do have enough dogs for now. I just really want to have a friend for my lab once Maggie does leave us. There is no immediate hurry, but still . . .

Good thing you are doing your research. I would say start with a Bulldog rescue. Then contact the Bulldog club. You may have to ship a puppy, but people do it all the time, and if you choose a reputable breeder, you should have no problems. Have your wife watch a puppy mill video, that should help her understand to never buy from a pet store no matter what!!

Good luck with your search. EBs are a hard breed to find and gettting one through a pet store is a potential disaster.