Buyer Resources

The American Bulldog Buyer's Guide: 12 Questions to Ask Any Breeder

These questions apply to every breeder you speak with, including Rosebull. A good breeder welcomes every single one. If any question makes a breeder defensive, that is important information.

1. 1

   What health tests have been done on the parents, and can I see the official certificates?

   American Bulldogs are a generally healthy, athletic breed, and the screening that matters most is for hip and elbow dysplasia. Ask specifically for OFA or PennHIP hip evaluations, OFA elbow clearances, and any DNA testing the breeder runs for the breed. Verbal assurances are not the same as certificates from an accredited organization.

2. 2

   Are the dogs registered with a recognized registry, and can I see the pedigrees?

   Registration with a reputable registry, such as ABRA (American Bulldog Registry and Archives), documents the dog's ancestry and confirms the breeder stands behind the bloodline. A printed pedigree lets you trace health history across multiple generations.

3. 3

   Can I meet the mother of the litter in person, and is the father on site or available to visit?

   Meeting the mother tells you more than any photo. Her temperament, size, and condition reflect what the puppies are growing up around. If the sire is off-site, a responsible breeder will share his health records and contact information for his owner.

4. 4

   Where are the puppies being raised, and how are they socialized before they leave?

   Puppies raised in a home environment, exposed to household sounds, different people, and varied surfaces, develop into more confident adults. Ask what the socialization protocol looks like from birth to pick-up week.

5. 5

   What does the purchase contract include, and what is the health guarantee?

   A well-written contract protects both parties. It should spell out the guarantee period, which conditions are covered, what proof is required to make a claim, and what remedies are offered. No contract is a red flag.

6. 6

   What is your return policy if I can no longer keep the dog?

   A breeder who cares about the dogs they produce will want them back rather than surrendered to a shelter. This one question tells you a great deal about the breeder's long-term commitment to the breed.

7. 7

   Can I see the veterinary records for the puppy and both parents?

   Vet records confirm vaccination schedules, deworming history, and any findings from well-puppy exams. They also show you whether the dogs are receiving consistent veterinary care, not just a pre-sale check.

8. 8

   Do you have references from past buyers I can speak with?

   A breeder with nothing to hide will connect you with previous families. Talking directly to someone whose puppy is now two or three years old gives you a real picture of the breed, the bloodline, and the breeder's after-sale support.

9. 9

   Do you screen applicants, and what does that process look like?

   The best breeders turn people away. If a breeder will sell a puppy to anyone with a deposit, that tells you the puppy's future matters less than the sale. Screening protects the breed and produces happier long-term outcomes for buyers and dogs alike.

10. 10

    Why was this particular breeding made?

    A thoughtful answer means the breeder paired these two dogs with a specific goal: to improve structure, temperament, working ability, or health outcomes. A vague answer, or one focused only on color or coat, is worth noting.

11. 11

    What support do you offer after the puppy goes home?

    New puppy ownership comes with questions. Ask whether the breeder is reachable by phone or email in the weeks after pickup, and whether they follow up. An experienced breeder who stays involved is one of the most valuable resources you will have.

12. 12

    What food, schedule, and environment do you recommend, and will you send the puppy home with anything?

    Consistency in diet and routine during the transition period reduces stress on the puppy. A good breeder sends a puppy home with a small supply of the food already being fed, a note on the schedule, and any comfort items that carry a familiar scent.