Hey everyone

I am getting a dog and I am thinking about which breed is best for me.

Someone suggested the bulldog and I researched it and it seemed perfect in the way it did not need much exercise, its temperement and its inactivity however I decided against it due to the price and health issues. I then found out that there are different types and became drawn to the dorset olde tytme bulldog.

What is the main difference - is it that it is healthier and more athletic?

Would it be suitable for me, I dont have time for an energetic dog. I can provide it around 30 mins a day walking and a long weekend walk. It would get play and attention offcourse too. And when it was young I would make sure I devoted time to socialzing it and letting it experience things but would this be suitable in the long term?

Lots of people have told me that would be fine and that it would suit my life well as they are very adaptable but I want to make sure, before I commit to the breed that I have the truth about its exercise needs.

Many thanks, Leah

When you say you only have time for a 30 minute walk a day, how will you find time for everything else the puppy needs? Like play, cuddles, training, socialising, love? Who will be at home with the puppy in the daytime, as a young puppy really shouldn't be left for more than an hour at a time?

There are many breeds of dog which do not require much exercise, and so are suitable for older people or those with disabilities, but they all require a lot of time.

What is the main difference - is it that it is healthier and more athletic?

I'd say the MAIN difference is that a Bulldog is a KC registered breed, a Dorset Olde Thyme Bulldogge (and lots of other similar names) are actually crossbreeds.

Hi! I will definitly be able to provide, loive care and attention for the puppy. My mum is at home in the day and I have been researching about how to slowly built up the time your dog is left alone. The reason I saw this for the exercise is because I remember I had a dog before and I could not provide the vast ammount it needed which was not good at all. I have to consider my future and my mums life around this too. I need to make sure that in 5 years time I will still be able to proivde for this dog. I want to be safe and say 30 minutes rather than say more and end up in a bad situation in a few years.

But if I give the dog plently of attention and care espeiclaly in its first few years and that exercise would it be ok. Everyone else says it would be fine but I want to be sure

Sorry, had to cut that short as one of mine was scratching at the back door to get out. Took one look at the rain and came back in. Waited until I was sat down and decided he *really* did have to go, but only if I went out with him. Worse than kids!

Anyhow, it sounds like you should be able to manage if mum is at home, and it is sensible not to commit to more than you can handle. I don't know much about Bulldogs (though plenty on here do), but a lot of the toy breeds can make do with relatively little outdoor exercise, so long as they get one walk a day and plenty of playtime.

Thank you for replying

I do like the toy breeds however I would prefer a little more chunkier breed, I like the way bulldogs and lazy inside! I just want to make sure I have a clear picture before I commit

I was also thinking about the pugalier as it seemed a nice dog

>I want to be safe and say 30 minutes rather than say more and end up in a bad situation in a few years.

The more athletic the dog, more exercise it would need. A mere 30 minutes daily is very little, and means you're really limiting yourself to the smaller toy breeds.

Crossbreeds, such as the 'pugalier' (I assume you mean a pug x cavalier?) you mention, are a complete gamble. It might inherit the exercise requirements of either parent.

I take in what you are saying. In my perfect world I would get something like a larger dog and more energetic however I know it would not be suitable. I understand that through this I am limiting myself but that is the way it has to be if I want a dog, which i do and have done for a very long time. I hope this breed is suitable but I want to find before rather than after causing pain for both me and the dog. At the moment it seems that this dog would be perfect but I have a few doubts, from looking at the dogs itself I would have assumed it would need mofre exercise however from my research and other peoples opinions it seems that it does not.

I was also thinking about the pugalier as it seemed a nice dog



That's another crossbreed, not a breed, and there is definitely no such thing as a reputable breeder of that cross. Stay well clear -Cavaliers in particular have some serious health problems and you have no way of knowing if a puppy from one cavalier and one Pug parent will have inherited serious problems or not -those breeding crosses like those (designer crosses) tend to do it to make money only and do not health test their dogs. It's a myth that they are healthier than pedigree dogs-they are not.

A pug x cavvy cross? Who the hell thought that was a good idea? Take two breeds who's breed clubs are both trying to manage health problems in their dogs, and put them together???? Some so-called breeders are mad. No wonder people outside the dog world hear horror stories.

(sorry Leah - that wasn't aimed at you, just the people who come up with the idea to cross pedigrees without thinking through what they are doing)

no dont worry :)

everyone opinions are important

I liked the pugalier, I thought it looked lovely and also I thought that if you cross breed it cancelled the magority of health problems out but it seems that this is not always true...

I asked my vet and they said cross breeds are healthier but I dont know!

How much exercise do Cavaliers need? Many people have recommended them to me

> A pug x cavvy cross?

Completely agree on that one, what a stupid cross

If our unsure, why not offer a rescue dog a home with people who can advise you on the best suited dog to your requirements as you'll be sure to get the right dog for you from the Blue Cross :)
Half an Hour isnt enough for a bullbreed really as if their not walked enough they become destructive, just a friendly tip :)

>I thought that if you cross breed it cancelled the magority of health problems out

No. It means the puppies can have the health problems of both parent breeds.

I would be very careful if you get any other "type" of Bulldog. My brother has an "English Bulldog" and it is incredibly fit, takes a good hour and a half exercise a day, is a strong as my adult GSD and no where near as respectful and is fast as anything like 0-60 in 2 seconds. Also there is not a lot of support out there for these types of Bulldog unless you get a very caring breeder.

I dont know what British Bulldogs are like but I'm sure people on here can tell you.

Good luck with your choice :-)

Well I am glad I came to this forum. It seems that maybe they are not suitable for me. i would prefer a british bulldog but the prices are ridiculous.

Could anyone on here recommend a small, healthy, low energy and exercise need dog. I am aware all dogs need to be exercised though!

This may sound daft but a rescue greyhound may suit you well, it would be happy to sit on the couch infront of the fire all day and be pleased to see you for it's half hour walk, only trouble is you may have to muzzle when out.

ok, not small and not at all like the bulldog, but I can't help thinking a rescue greyhound would suit you. They're very quiet in the house and only need two short walks a day. They're such easy dogs and great family pets.

LOL posted at the same time as Nova - and with the same thoughts ;-)

If you like the mastiff/bulldog look but have to consider size and exercise - especially if your mum is looking after the dog in the daytime - what about...

A Boston Terrier :-D   have a look here http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/154

Failing that, there is a world of choice here http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/2102

All KC registered and you can easily identify breeds which would be suitable by size, exercise needs, grooming needs etc :-D

I have always loved greyhounds, I think they are stunning, kind dogs however their size would be an issue for my cats. If I were to get a greyhound it would have to be from puppy at 8 weeks because I need to integrate it successfully with my cats and they are not keen on dogs and would not accept an adult dog regardless of whether it liked them. And I would feel a little bad getting a greyhound puppy when there are so many adults out there in homes after their racing career. They would be good though, but my mum thinks they are too big.

I am having real trouble finding the right breed. I originally thought pugs but the way they shed and their health problmes are not for me. That is why i was looking at cross breed pugs. I like them also because they a little more sturdy than a lot of toy breeds. Terriers are out of the question. Infact it seems that the b ulldog or the dorset old tyme... is perfect however since coming on here I have got a different response and view so I am really confused!

I wouln't rule out an adult, as far as i am aware from reading other rescue forums there are loads of adult greyhounds who are fine with cats, lets face it if they don't want to chase the lure they are no good as a racing greyhound but may end up as a nice pet that isn't interested in cats. They are likely to be less manic than a puppy, and just becuase you have a dog from a puppy it doesn't mean they will be good with cats. I very much doubt a bouncy puppy will be readily accepted by cats, whereas a rescue greyhound that has been showed to have no interest in cats is more likely to be accepted by them if they are ignored by the dog. THey are big, but they fold up small in the house, and are very lazy and only need a short run each day.
From experience of working in a vets, if you are looking for a healthy dog that doesn't need exercise i would avoid bulldogs. If you want a crossbreed then go to a local rescue centre where you can find perfectly healthy dogs whom have been shown to be suitable for your situation. Most rescue will ask questions about what you are looking for and then match you up with a suitable one. They wil know the requirements and temperaments of their dogs. They will then be able to find a dog that doesn't require much exercise and is good with cats etc.
Whatever you do i would avoid buying a designer crossbreed with a silly name and expensive pricetag, because they are no better than any rescue dog that desperately needs a home.

I see what you say but my mum agrees that we would prefer a puppy for a variety of reaons. For us it would be a definite I am afraid. I am not planning on getting a corss breed for the name tag or status symbol, that would not even come to mind. I want to find a breed or a cross of dog that is going to suit my lifestyle and make a wonderful pet, if it is a designer then it is but that is not important to me

Trouble with a crossbreed/designer dog you are not going to know if it will suit your lifestyle because you will not know when you buy the pup what it will be like when it grows up, how could you. Each pup in a litter will have a different combination of genes from both parents and if those parents are different breeds you will not know how much from each breed your pup has or what health issues it may have.

> I have always loved greyhounds, I think they are stunning, kind dogs however their size would be an issue for my cats.

You could rule out a rescue greyhound then ! It would be very risky (even if rescue would allow it) to try that combo.

I think it sounds like Leah-Pardoh is being very sensible. If she finds the pug/bulldog types attractive, then I can see why she wouldn't be too keen on a greyhound. They are completely different shapes and in my experience different temperaments (though both lovely).

Have you considered a boston terrier? They belong to the pug/bulldog type in terms of look, but are a lighter dog and make lovely pets, though the ones I have seen have all been a bit too nervy for my liking.

I think your attitude towards cross breeds is fair. Many of them make lovely dogs, but do remember that you may not save money in the long run as vets bills could be higher compared to a healthy pedigree dog from health checked parents. I would be especially wary of "designer crosses", as you will be paying a premium price for the "brand", but are ultimately getting a mongrel and nobody really knows how they will turn out. Every cross breed will be completely different, even if they come from the same litter, and you have no idea what characteristics they will get from each parent until they are full grown. Breeders advertise their crosses as taking the best of both breeds but remember that it is equally likely that they will take the worst of both breeds.

If your heart is set on the good old fashioned bulldog (and I don't mean the Dorset Olde Tyme variety), I think the best advice is to save up and get the dog you really want, even if it is a bit more expensive. You may have this dog for 15 years, so spending an extra couple of hundred quid now for a healthy dog that you really want must be worth it.

hiya leah, if your after a small bulldog type dog your choices are really the bulldog, the french bulldog, the boston terrier and the pug. these are all gorgeous breeds, but they are also not the cheapest of breeds if money is a factor.

i would say have a look into all of them, decide which you like and then save up. a dog such as any of these is work the wait and the work. it will also give you a chance to research your breed further, and remember you need to find a breeder you like and who likes you and then you need to wait for a pup which could be a long time coming.

you mentioned the health issues of bulldogs and pugs- please be aware that a good breeder will be breeding the healthiest dogs possible and will be happy to discuss the health of the dogs that they are breeding from and give you evidence of any essential health checks.

Some people are out to exploit the bulldog with many crosses and i would be very careful where you got one of these crosses from. IMO they look similarly built to americal bulldog which being very athletic would need a fair bit more than 30 mins to stop it from being a handful. Also being a stubborn breed i wouldnt recommend as they need alot of training which takes time. How about a french bulldog, feisty little dogs but lovely and 30 mins would be a good walk and i find that with any free time i spend with the dogs, i get more out of them for it. They again come with a price-tag but not as expensive as the british. I agree with mark save up if its the dog you want and stay away from crosses.

> How about a french bulldog, feisty little dogs

certainly on my wish list :)

a long wait for pups though i understand?

Out of interest, what would a good breeder charge for a pedigree british bulldog? Ballpark?

there is some debate on that... i've seen where people charge up to £2000. can't say i'd pay that myself though and you can get well bred ones far cheaper than that.

About £1500 from what I've read. Of course, that's also the price of some of these crosses!

I have seen them for £2800 and im not sure what the top kennels charge as they dont have their prices on show but i can imagine homes more important than price. for a dog with ocobo/mystyle lines people charge loads but i dont know about the actual kennel themselves. £1800+ is pretty norm. Frenchies i havent really looked into them, too small for me i think maybe when i retire lol 50 years time. Not many show breeder i dont think so i can imagine there being a list. U on a list?

oh wish list i get u

£2800???

Oh my. Oh my oh my oh my!!!

I had no idea they were going for that much. Now I understand the problem. And I thought £1100 was a lot when we got our last wheaten (that usually go for around £850 with all health checks etc), and only agreed to pay that because they'd had to pay to bring the sire over from the US for a dirty weekend, and the litter was quite small so I thought it fair enough that the price per pup was high to cover their costs.

How much are bostons going for, very similar in looks i think

The Ocobo Mystyle kennels charge the same as some pet people do,in fact in some cases they are cheaper than the BYB.
Ive just had the most delicious male bulldog puppy from them,Im chuffed to bits with him.

> U on a list?

no, i'll not be getting one for a while! next dog we get is bf's choice and then i think i'll want a mastiff, but i'll definately be having one at some point. my aunt had them when i was wee and i just loved them :)

Carolyn your new boy is absolutely gorgeous.

To the original poster I would also recommend saving up for the real deal. Although I think someone should have told my Buddy that the bulldog isn't meant to be an energetic breed!! He is absolutely bonkers compared to the mastiffs!!:-D

Hi Leah,

What about one of the non shedding crosses, there are some really pretty ones. Any of the bichon crosses are lovely, but I wouldn't go for a cross with a Cavalier, they do have health problems. The shitzu X bichon like Paul O'Grady's Buster are sweet and are chunky dogs under their coats. You could always keep them clipped if you don't want a long haired dog. Bichons X Maltese terriers are gorgeous too. Both these examples could manage on 30 mins exercise a day as long as they got some off lead running. They love to run and play, but also to curl up and cuddle.

The bull dog type breeds are physically very strong for a girl to take out  so I would think hard about getting one and although Frenchies are cute they are very very expensive and being a brachycephalic breed they do have problems too.

>I asked my vet and they said cross breeds are healthier but I dont know!

I agree with your vet. My sister has a  1st cross springer X lab and he has never been to the vets in his life other than to have his vacs and he is 13 now.

>-those breeding crosses like those (designer crosses) tend to do it to make money only.

There are many breeders of crossbreeds who rear their puppies with just as much love and care as breeders of pedigree dogs. Try and find someone you have been recommended to and feel happy with.

Liz

> The bull dog type breeds are physically very strong for a girl to take out  so I would think hard about getting one

damn i must be butch :) it is not difficult to walk a well trained bulldog as a girl, i walk my very oversized bullmastiff fine and have never had a prob walking any dog (bulldog, frenchie, bullmastiffs, mastiff, rottie...except a husky but i was about 9 lol)

> What about one of the non shedding crosses, there are some really pretty ones. Any of the bichon crosses are lovely, but I wouldn't go for a cross with a Cavalier, they do have health problems. The shitzu X bichon like Paul O'Grady's Buster are sweet and are chunky dogs under their coats. You could always keep them clipped if you don't want a long haired dog. Bichons X Maltese terriers are gorgeous too

why not any of the actual breeds of these? and its not only cavs that have problems all breeds and all cross breeds do

not a toy breeds person but never new the maltese was a terrier

> although Frenchies are cute they are very very expensive and being a brachycephalic breed they do have problems too

i have never known an unfit frenchie and i have known lots and lots of them. they are actually increadibly athletic. they can get a bit of heat stroke if you let them sunbathe but its not exactly an insurmountable issue.

> I agree with your vet. My sister has a  1st cross springer X lab and he has never been to the vets in his life other than to have his vacs and he is 13 now.
>
>

you make that statement based on 1 example? we have had crosses with physical problems and major mental ones (not a rescue, an accidental mating- not ours) and i know plenty of others that have to. thats a ridiculous thing to say. did it occur to you that perhaps vets don't see well bred, health tested dogs that often to be able to make a comparison?

This may sound daft but a rescue greyhound may suit you well, it would be happy to sit on the couch infront of the fire all day and be pleased to see you for it's half hour walk, only trouble is you may have to muzzle when out

Just out of curiosity why does a retired Greyhound need to wear a muzzle?
Is it the chase instinct or something?

you make that statement based on 1 example? we have had crosses with physical problems and major mental ones (not a rescue, an accidental mating- not ours) and i know plenty of others that have to. thats a ridiculous thing to say. did it occur to you that perhaps vets don't see well bred, health tested dogs that often to be able to make a comparison?

Our girl is a cross per say and she has been riddled with health problems from a puppy, so it bears no truth what so ever that crosses are healthier because they aint!!

ta for the back up rach :)
sorry but such falsehoods really annoy me...

> The shitzu X bichon like Paul O'Grady's Buster  - suffers from arthritis

Yes Paul O'Grady is a big supporter of rescues

> "those breeding crosses like those (designer crosses) tend to do it to make money only."
> There are many breeders of crossbreeds who rear their puppies with just as much love and care as breeders of pedigree dogs. Try and find someone you have been recommended to and feel happy with.
>
> Liz

It's not about love and care but the reason these dogs are being bred.While there are rescues up and down the country full up with crossbreeds no one should be producing more,especialy when they have no good reason to other than to sell pets.

Leah,have you thought about going to discover dogs or if that's too far some more local dogs shows? It's a great place to meet breeders and ask about the pros and cons of the dogs.

> It's a great place to meet breeders and ask about the pros and cons of the dogs.

also you get to see dogs in flesh that you might only have seen in pictures- it does make a difference.

> Bichons X Maltese terriers are gorgeous too.

I really can't think of a more pointless cross!  If you want a small white dog that does not moult get a Bichon.  If you want a small white dog that does not require clipping get a Maltese.  Get a cross bred puppy and you don't know what you will end up with.  In addition if you choose the pedigree you can choose a reputable breeder via the breed club that conforms to their code of ethics and is far more likely to be devoted to the breed rather than their potential profits.

>> Bichons X Maltese terriers are gorgeous too.

> I really can't think of a more pointless cross!

Oh, there's always one Isabel - the Poodle x Bichon ...... work the reasons for that out and bred to order by one of the top winning toy exhibitors too

> the Poodle x Bichon

Totally baffling.

Yep - for the breeder it's obviously a money spinner but JP is just plain crazy (and my OH knows two folks who've bought them from different litters (same breeder!) because their friends' had bought them already and thought they were SO cute (?) :(  )

i know someone who has just bought one 9bichon x poodle) (groan) :( :( Dread to think what she paid for it....she never saw the parent...the woamn just delivered it to her door and she felt sorry for it and paid. no wormers, no diet sheet nothing. :(