English Bulldog Breeding Tips

By Rena Sherwood

Instructions

Mating

Step 1:
It is far better to do artificial insemination (AI) of a female English bulldog than to go through the traditional mating. Mating can lead to injury in both male and female dogs and can cause extreme stress if the female has to travel to the home of the stud dog. Stress can lower the female dog's immune system, making her more prone to get sick, and also make conception difficult. Since the female does not have to travel to the stud in AI, many more stud dogs can be considered than just what is locally available.

Age

Step 1:
Although female bulldogs can conceive during their first season, which can happen when they are as young as six months old, they will be too immature to produce healthy puppies. The health of the mother may also be compromised as her body struggles to help the mother and puppies grow. The female should be at least 18 months old. If the female's mother was able to give birth naturally without complications, she has a better chance of surviving pregnancy than a puppy born from a Caesarean section (C-section).

Delivery

Step 1:
Because of the English's bulldog's narrow hips, she cannot give birth to puppies (whelp) in the usual fashion, known as free whelping. The puppies' heads will not be able to fit through the cervix. According to Jo Anne Menefee (AKC/BFA Hall of Fame Breeder) 95 percent of all English bulldogs whelp by C-section rather than naturally. A veterinarian must determine the date for the C-section. Be sure this veterinarian can perform an emergency C-section at all hours or can refer you to a vet that can.

Post-delivery

Step 1:
New English bulldog mothers need constant supervision, especially if they have had a C-section and may be frightened when awaking. Some bulldog mothers have been known to crush or kill puppies as they come out of anaesthesia and thrash about. The mother should let her milk down in the first 24 hours after surgery. If not, the puppies will need artificial colustrum to get necessary antibodies.

Resources

More Puppy Pages

Tips and Advice on Training a Bulldog Puppy

Bulldogs (also known as English bulldogs or Churchill dogs) originated in England in the early 1800s, and were bred in order to fight bulls. When bull baiting was outlawed, bulldogs became pets. By the early 1900s, they were even bred with shorter legs...

French Bulldogs are a much-loved breed due to their short faces, and small, squatty bodies, but unfortunately the physical characteristics that make them so popular can also lead to serious health problems. French Bulldog health problems, while they may...

The Basset Hound is a popular breed of hound in many countries around the world. Easily recognizable by its long body, short stature and long hanging ears, the Basset has been owned by kings and peasants for centuries. Basset Hounds are generally good...

Having a pregnant basset hound can be both scary and exciting at the same time. Being prepared and knowing what to expect will help ease your mind.

Whelping boxes can help to ensure the safety of newborn puppies during and soon after the birthing process. Whelping boxes bring several advantages over the days of allowing your mother dog to just wander off and have her pups in a closet, or of placing...