In this article
As one of the most easily recognized dog breeds, the English Bulldog has many unique features that make this dog popular. These telltale features include a short nose and flat wrinkled face, a low and wide stance, and a boxy, muscular body. English Bulldogs are also one of the breeds that typically require the females to be artificially inseminated and puppies to be born via a c-section, even though some English Bulldogs can breed naturally.
Why English Bulldogs Have to be Artificially Inseminated
A male English Bulldog typically cannot mount and enter a female mate due to his stocky, front-heavy body. The breed standards for the English Bulldog include short and strong back legs and a very broad chest, which makes it difficult for a male to have a successful pairing with a female.
While a male English Bulldog might be able to mate with a female, it’s usually only successful after lots of time and effort on his part and a whole lot of good luck! Additionally, their inability to cool themselves adequately if a prolonged “tie” occurs between the male and the female makes natural breeding more risky.1
Breeding and Puppy Costs Are High
Artificial insemination should be done by a licensed veterinarian who has the necessary experience, training, and equipment to do it. Unsurprisingly, having a dog professionally artificially inseminated carries costs.
Because it can cost several hundred dollars to have an English Bulldog artificially inseminated, owners of these dogs often pass the extra cost onto the people buying the puppies. But artificial insemination isn’t the only thing driving up the price of English Bulldog puppies.
Most pregnant English Bulldogs need C-sections to have their puppies delivered because of this breed’s large skull, which often can’t fit through the birth canal.
A scheduled C-section with a vet can cost $1,000 or more, while one done on an emergency basis can cost well over $5,000. The reason why C-sections are so expensive is that the procedure is a major surgery performed to deliver the puppies in the safest way possible for both them and the mother.
Other Health Issues Affecting English Bulldogs
On top of needing artificial insemination and C-sections to have puppies, English Bulldogs also face several health issues. These flat-faced dogs often suffer from brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), which is an upper airway abnormality that often causes breathing problems and other issues, like an intolerance to exercise.
As they grow, English Bulldogs are susceptible to developing joint disorders like elbow and hip dysplasia due to the incorrect development of the joints. As they grow older, these dogs with joint problems can develop canine arthritis, which can severely affect their mobility.
Because an English Bulldog has excessive skin over the face and eyes, the dog’s eyelids can droop either downward or inward, causing them to rub against the eye itself, which can lead to problems. All that extra skin can also put this breed at risk for skin infections due to the skin folding over and causing bacteria to build up.
Remember to have regular vet visits when owning an English Bulldog to keep their health and well-being. If you’re concerned about your dog’s health, we suggest you speak to a vet.
Did you know you can speak to a veterinarian without having to travel? Just head over to PangoVet. It's our online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!
Is It Worth It to Get an English Bulldog?
If you’re thinking of getting an English Bulldog but aren’t sure if it’s worth it considering all the health issues this breed faces, your hesitancy is understandable. The price of these dogs alone can be problematic for many people. Most English Bulldog puppies are born via C-section, which brings a higher cost compared to other breeds. There may be artificial insemination charges to consider, depending on which breeder you use.
If you can afford anywhere between $1,500–$4,500 for an English Bulldog puppy, you should consider getting one. English Bulldogs are adorable dogs that make wonderful family pets. This is a dog that’s bursting with personality and one with some serious swagger, along with an awesome appearance and a quirky canine attitude.
Don’t forget that the dog you get may develop some health problems common to English Bulldogs. It’s advisable to cover your dog with health insurance, feed them quality dog food, and visit a veterinarian often for routine checkups. If your English Bulldog does develop a health problem, don’t ignore it. Instead, be proactive and get in touch with a vet so you can provide your dog with the best treatment.
Conclusion
English Bulldogs can breed naturally, but it’s not the safest thing to do. Most often, the females of this breed have to be artificially inseminated to have puppies, which are typically delivered via C-section due to the puppies’ large heads.
While English Bulldogs face some unique health-related challenges and can be pricey to buy, they make amazing family pets! If you decide to get an English Bulldog, monitor your dog’s health and visit the vet whenever you notice symptoms you don’t understand.
Featured Image Credit: Shawna and Damien Richard, Shutterstock
