Is there any such thing as a healthy bulldog?

[fakenamefornow]

I'd love to have a bulldog, they look so cuddly and I can't image them running riot the way my jack russell does. Everything I've heard seems to be that they're a walking vets bill and the picture of Ill health. Do you get long living fit healthy bulldogs?

There are a tiny minority of breeders working towards a more moderate, healthier bulldog, who are screening for things like hip dysplasia and BOAS, selecting for longer muzzles, open nares etc.

Personally I like a dog whose muzzle isn't smashed back into its face, causing innumerable health and welfare issues...!

Any dog that is brachycephalic has the potential to have serious issues with its breathing so I'm going to say no. Makes me sad that it's a problem caused by humans wanting dogs to look a certain way.

I work in a vets and I can't remember ever seeing a bulldog that doesn't have some form of health problem. I always feel really sad for them, not being able to do half of what a 'normal' dog does and would never support the breeding of them.

So, that's a no then. My Jr is 13 in never had a day's illness in her life. Completed nuts though

I have seen a couple of 'olde English Bulldogs'. A newish breed, designed to avoid the excesses of the normal bulldog. They have longer legs, longer muzzles, and narrower chests. Like a bulldog but much more sensible.

That's interesting, Nellieellie.
They are often great characters but the usual ones we see are desperately physically handicapped.
I'm a vet and I've never seen a healthy one or an old one.

I have a friend who absolutely loves Bulldogs, he has lots of pictures in his house etc and even called his company Bulldog.
He has a Dalmation!!!!!
He says much as he loves them he couid never have one due to their health issues

There are a few good breeders as mentioned above
I know of several owners and some have had problems, some haven't
My one is a rescue and has numerous problems including dodgy knees and skin issues.
Luckily she doesn't have breathing problems, but lots do
They are a lovely breed although stubborn at times