Responsible Ownership Part 2

Breed responsibly

• Breed To Improve
  Breeding should only be done for the advancement of the breed. If you are thinking about breeding your bulldog, consult your breeder for advice. Consider all the consequences-and expenses-of breeding a litter before you do so.

• Spay or Neuter
  If you do not plan to show your bulldog in AKC Conformation events, you should have it spayed or neutered. Spaying or neutering will prevent accidental breedings and may even prolong your bulldog's life. Spayed or neutered bulldogs can participate in AKC Obedience, Agility, Tracking and most Performance Events.

• Contain Bitches in Heat
  If your female bulldog goes into heat, or season, make sure to keep her properly secured. Males can sense a female in heat up to five miles away. An accessible bitch in heat can lead to unplanned breedings, not to mention fights among bulldogs frantic to get to her.

• Perform Genetic Screening
  If you plan to breed your bulldog, it is very important to test for health and disease. Perform all available tests to rule out the possibility of passing on a genetic defect.

Get involved with other Bulldoggers

• Join a BCA Member Club and the BCA
  Your local BCA Member Club is a great resource. (See subpages: About BCA, Division Organizations, Clubs). Many clubs offer educational seminars and health clinics. It's also a good place to start if you plan to compete in competitive events with your dog.

• Participate in BCA Events
  Explore the sport of dogs by participating in BCA events. The AKC offers titles for accomplishment in a wide variety of competition types and levels. Find an event that's right for your dog, and have fun. (See subpages: Events).

• Encourage Breed Behavior
  All purebred dogs were developed with a purpose in mind. Find activities that will encourage your dog to fulfill her breed's purpose.

• Involve the Kids
  Your children can have fun and learn more about dogs and dog care by participating in AKC Junior Showmanship events. Through the National Junior Organization, your child can compete in conformation and performance events, attend seminars, and earn scholarships.

• Find a Mentor
  If you plan to breed or show your dog, you will want to find a knowledgeable person in the breed to show you the ropes. A mentor can be an invaluable source of experience and information, and can help make your "novice" days much easier.

• Read All About It
  Keep up with the latest dog news and information by subscribing to our BCA Bulldogger publication; frequenting our website, joining a local member club, and/or becoming a member of the BCA.

Be an ambassador for your Bulldog

• Set a Good Example
  As a bulldog owner, you are responsible not only for your own bulldog's well being, but for the status of bulldogs everywhere. One irresponsible bulldog owner in town can make life difficult for bulldog owners all over. Owning a friendly, clean, well-mannered bulldog reflects positively on the species and may help protect our rights to own companion animals.

• Respect Your Neighbors
  Not everyone will love your bulldog as much as you do. Keep your bulldog on your property. Don't force your bulldog's company on a neighbor who isn't comfortable with bulldogs.

• Don't Leave Leavings
  Always carry a plastic "baggy" or two with you when you walk your bulldog to pick up any waste it leaves behind, then dispose of the waste properly. Failure to clean up after your bulldog is disrespectful to your neighbors.

• Respect Local Laws
  Heed the laws regarding bulldog ownership in your city or county. These may include registration, leash laws and nuisance barking laws. Failure to obey the laws in your area may not only result in the loss of your bulldogs, but may also infringe upon the rights of others in your area.

• Fight Anti-dog Legislation
  Be aware of any legislation developing in your city or state that may compromise the rights of responsible bulldog owners. Become an active voice against legislation directed against specific breeds. For more information, contact the Canine Legislation and Public Education departments at the AKC.

• Let Your Bulldog Help Others
  Bulldogs are invaluable in providing service to humans - visiting the sick, helping the disabled, locating missing persons, and much more. If your bulldog is of the correct temperament, you and he can reap the rewards of helping others.

• Get a Canine Good Citizen® Certificate
  Your bulldog can become an American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen by passing a test designed to demonstrate good manners and acceptable behavior in everyday situations. The CGC program has become a standard for recognizing obedient bulldogs and responsible bulldog owners throughout the country.

• Show Your Pride
  Of course you should let your bulldog know when you're proud of him, but let others know it too. Bringing a well-behaved bulldog into public places or showing off his talents at competitive events is an excellent way to "advertise" the rewards of canine companionship.

• Contact the AKC
  For more information on how to be a responsible dog owner, contact the American Kennel Club.

Register your Bulldog with AKC

An American Kennel Club (AKC) registration certificate identifies the dog as the offspring of a known purebred sire and pure bred dam, born on a known date. The AKC, a not-for-profit organization established in 1884, maintains a purebred dog registry, sanctions dog events, and promotes responsible dog ownership.

• Benefits of AKC Registration
  The owners of registered dogs have access to numerous educational and informational services provided by AKC, as well as to various competitive events.

• Rules and Regulations of the AKC
  The Rules and Regulations of the American Kennel Club stipulate that whenever someone sells or delivers a dog  registerable with AKC, the dog must be identified by providing the buyer with a properly completed AKC Dog Registration Application for a dog not yet individually registered or a properly completed AKC Registration Certificate for a registered dog.

• Filling out the Application - Puppy/Dog Not Yet Individually Registered:

  The Dog Registration Application must be filled out jointly by the litter owner(s) and the new owner(s) of the dog. The application is color-coded for the convenience of both parties.

  The litter owner(s) must fill out the most of the application, including the following information: 

  • Sex of dog

  • Color and markings of dog

  • Registration type (Full or Limited)

  • Transfer date

  • Name and address of all new owners and co-owners

  • Signatures of all litter owners

  The new owner(s) of the dog must fill out the following:

  • Name of dog

  • Signatures of all owners and co-owners

  • Payment information

  • Registration Options (For purchasing pedigrees and DVDs)

  Filling out the Application -  For a Dog Previously Registered

  The new owner(s) of the dog must fill out the following:

  • Breed

  • Registered name

  • Registration number

  • Date sold or delivered

  Please be advised that a dog will not be registered or transferred without the proper AKC registration papers. Processing fees are nonrefundable, and all fees are subject to change without notice. Please note that each litter owner and each new owner must sign the application individually. It is crucial that all sections of the application are filled out correctly. Failure to properly complete the application will result in processing delays.

  If you did not acquire the dog directly from the litter owner(s), you must include a Supplemental Transfer Statement for each intermediate transfer with the application.

  When the application has been received and processed by the AKC, an AKC Registration Certificate will be mailed to the owner. The owner should examine the certificate carefully and report any errors to the AKC.

If you are buying a dog that is supposed to be registrable with the AKC you should realize it is your responsibility to obtain complete identification of the dog or you should not buy the dog. Failure to get AKC "registration papers" causes significant grief to buyers of alleged purebred registrable dogs.

Spaying and Neutering

• Myth or Fact

  • "My Pet will get fat and lazy". MYTH. The truth is that most pets get fat and lazy because their owners feed them too much and don't give them enough exercise.

  • "Its better to have one litter first". MYTH. Medical evidence indicates just the opposite. Females spayed before their first breed cycle are typically healthier. Check with your bulldog experienced veterinarian about the appropriate time for these procedures.

  • "But my pet is a purebred". SO, unfortunately so are some dogs in animal shelters around the country.

  • "Neutering my dog will make him less protective". MYTH. Sterilization does not affect a dog's natural instincts to protect its home and family.

  • "My male dog will feel less male". MYTH. Pets don't have any concept of sexual identify or ego. A male dog doesn't suffer any kind of emotional reaction or identify crisis when neutered.

  • "Its too expensive to have my pet spayed or neutered". MYTH. Spay and Neuter surgery is a relatively small, one time cost when compared to the benefits. It is a small price to pay for your pet's health and the prevention of unwanted animals.

  • "Spayed and neutered pets live longer, healthier lives." IT DEPENDS. Spaying or neutering changes the hormonal balance in your dogs. As noted below, studies have shown that certain genetic illnesses can be reduced by spaying or neutering. However, other studies have shown that, on balance, females neutered late in life live significantly longer than those spayed early in life. Whether it is right for your pet depends on its familial history, breed prevalence of certain diseases, and how the dog fits into your life and family.

  The Facts

  Spaying female dogs eliminates the possibility of uterine, or ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the incidence of breast cancer, especially when the pet is spayed before the first estrous cycle.

  • Neutering male dogs reduces the incidence of prostate cancer and prostate disorder.

  • Early spaying or neutering affects the growth plates in the animals, resulting in dogs that are taller and longer than the breed is naturally. It does not look like an excellent example of the breed.

  • Longitudinal studies have shown that un-spayed females live longer lives on the average than spayed females do when all other considerations are accounted for.

  • Spaying a female dog eliminates its heat cycle; often twice a year in bulldogs. Females in heat can show nervous behavior and attract unwanted male animals.

  • Spaying a female dog eliminates the chance of an unplanned pregnancy or an unwanted litter.