Selecting the Right Puppy
from a Litter
Selecting the right puppy from a litter is the last stage.  (see Buying a bulldog puppy ?) After having made sure that this is the right breed for you and having selected the right breeder, the final step is to select the right puppy from a litter. 

Most dog owner's guides point out which are physical and health problems to watch out for and it seems mere common sense to opt for a puppy which has no health problems, eye infections, etc. but usually this disqualifies the litter as a whole and does not constitute a selection criterion for one puppy instead of another.  Things to watch for in particular are a smooth coat, plenty of loose skin, a short back, a large nose and open nostrils,  tight feet and straight bone in the front legs.  The position of the ears is also an important criterion, but be aware that at the age of 8 weeks the puppy's ears may not 'have risen' to their final rose-shaped ears form yet.  The puppy should have a well-fed appearance, but no distended abdomen, which may indicate the presence of worms.
The sex of the puppy is often a matter of personal preference.  Many people choose a bitch because they fancy the idea of breeding a litter of their own.  One should therefore know that  this breed is not an easy breed to a start as a breeder.

As Christian Bruton points out the Bulldog is one of the few breeds in which often the males are more affectionate than the bitches.  Also, bitches are usually not just loyal to their owner in particular, but to the house and the family as a whole and will therefore often be a better guardian of the premises.  A dog instead, is especially loyal to one person in particular.  A further difference between bitches and dogs is, according to Dickerson, that dogs learn more slowly but retain the lesson longer.
A part from the physical aspects and the choice in function of the sex of the puppy, one should look at the overall temperament of the puppy.  A simple personality test may be run on the puppy aged 6 to 8 weeks, which may help determine if it has a dominant, submissive or anxious disposition.  This is important to know regarding the puppy's future 'job description', whether the puppy is meant to become a pet or 'companion' dog in a family, with or without kids, or if it is going to be used as a watch dog (in which case however, other breeds may be more suitable).  To read more about the subject consult our article Selecting a Puppy.
Selecting a puppy
Characteristics of the Bulldog
Basic Needs of the Bulldog
bulldog information
by C. Marien-de Luca
Bulldog Information 2003-2006 © All rights reserved by the author and The Bulldog Information Library 
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