English bulldogs are loyal and good-natured puppies which makes them ideal family pets. While they are great pets, the puppies tend to suffer from a number of genetic defects such as hip dysplasia.

Although, the dogs are prone to diseases you can choose a healthy English bulldog puppy for sale by putting the following tips into consideration:

Age

The right age to buy a puppy is from 8 to 16 weeks of age. At this age the dog will have become self-reliant, but will still be impressionable. This age is great to start training the dog. The age is also great to build bonds of affection.

When making the selection, you should avoid a puppy that seems withdrawn and inactive. This is because it might be sick. As rule of thumb you should go for one that is active, eager for attention, and reacts positively to affection.

Breeder

Once you have decided that an English bulldog puppy is the right one for you, you should start researching on the best breeders to buy from. While you can easily find cute puppies in your local pet store, these dogs are usually overpriced and most of them come from questionable sources.

To ensure that you are buying a healthy dog, you should research and identify a reputable dealer in your area. One of the best places to begin your research is in The Bulldog Club Of America. The club offers referral service to some of the best breeders in America. It's also wise to visit dog shows.

Head

In addition to being cautious of the breeder you buy from, you should examine the head of the dog. The nose should be dry, gums bright pink, teeth clean and straight, and eyes bright and clear. The eyes should also look straight ahead.

Eyes easily show signs of diseases; therefore, you should pay great attention to them. You should check for redness or inflammation of the third eyelid and if there is inflammation or redness, you should not buy the puppy. You should also check the ear canals and ensure that they are clean and odor-free.

The body

You should feel the puppy's stomach and ensure that it's in good condition. A swollen stomach is an indication of poor diet or possible worm infestation while a bulge at the groin or navel can mean a hernia. You should ensure that the coat is clean, fluffy, and free of mats.