If you have done your research and are sure a Bulldog is the one for you, you have two options: A reputable breeder or a rescue.

A reputable breeder is a dog fancier who shows their dogs, does health checks for heritable conditions, is a member of the breed club, and has a genuine interest in improving the breed. Their dogs should have show titles, health clearances, and be registered with the AKC. Don't be fooled by breeders who just have "nice family dogs," and nothing to back it up, because nice is not enough. The breeding of a dog impacts its temperament, so the "niceness" of your dog is also at stake. You will not find good breeders selling to pet shops, and you won't find them advertising in newspaper classifieds or on puppy finder websites. Ethical breeders will also have an interest in what kind of home their puppies are going to, so be prepared to not only ask a lot of questions, but answer them, too. It is not uncommon to be on a waiting list for your next pup, as responsible breeders don't have constant breedings and may only breed once a year. They tend to have homes already lined up before the puppies are even born. Dogs sold to pet homes (as opposed to show homes) usually come with a spay/neuter contract. With the right breeder, you will have a relationship where you can always get guidance and advice on your new dog.

Another great option is to find a Bulldog in need of a home through a rescue or shelter. You will find Bulldogs of all origins, and of all ages and types, but they have one thing in common: they need a forever home. When you rescue, you don't expect to get a "perfect specimen of the breed", although you may end up with a great dog. Some rescue dogs were given up for health or behavioral reasons, others for personal or family reasons. Many rescued Bulldogs are retired breeding females who were used up and throw away. Once they had several c-sections and could no longer be bred, the backyard breeders or commercial breeders simply dumped them. Don't be set on a puppy, give an older dog a chance. According to the BCA Rescue Network website "The average age of rescue Bulldogs is about four or five, and few Bulldogs are ever surrendered to rescue under the age of three."

A rescue organization will help match you up with the right dog for you and your family. The process starts by filling out an application and going through an approval process and interview. They do this not to make you "jump through hoops" but to ensure that the dog will have a good fit, and won't be bounced around from home to home as some of the dogs have been in the past. Expect to pay an adoption fee that could be around $400, or various amounts depending on the organization. The adoption fee helps pay for all the medical bills of the rescued dogs, including surgeries, vaccines, medications, heartworm treatments, and spay/neuter surgeries provided by the rescue, a non-profit organization. Many people find it worthwhile and very fulfilling to provide a forever home to a dog in need.