Adelaide dog lovers falling for British bulldogs
WHO let the dogs out? Britain did — much to the delight of Adelaide dog lovers, who have fallen for the British bulldog. But they come at a serious cost. Warning: This story contains very cute puppies
WHO let the dogs out? Britain did — much to the delight of dog lovers across Adelaide, who love to don their activewear and head out with the cutest celebrity-endorsed accessory, the British bulldog.
But the cute pups come at a cost.
At Australia’s most expensive bulldog breeder, Andonas Bloodlines, British bulldogs puppies are being sold for $6000 each.
Vicky Grivakis, 20, is the daughter of successful American Staffordshire bull terrier breeder Theo Grivakis of Andonas Kennels and has been a registered bulldog breeder for three years.
She said British bulldogs “stole her heart” when she was a child at the Royal Show.
“There’s just something special about the British,” Grivakis said.
“I loved the way it huffed and puffed. The French are a bit more active and more jumpy.”
Ms Grivakis said the most expensive British bulldog puppy she has sold was a blue tri puppy for $12,500.
Although blue is not a registered colour for British bulldogs, some of her blue tri puppies carry choc, lilac, blue, blue tri and black tri — which makes them ideal for breeding.
Ms Grivakis sells her red/fawn, white and brindle-coloured British, and French bulldogs for up to $6000, which guarantees the health of the dog.
“The common problems with bulldogs, include breathing, a soft palate, or a cherry eye,” she said.
“Similar to the French (bulldog) and the pug (it’s) the way their face is structured.
“Most people tend to buy them as pets anyway, it’s about a thousand dollars difference to have them as pets than to breed and show the dogs.”
But a lot of the buyers forking out the money for the British bulldogs are families with an autistic child.
“They’re really great with kids who have disabilities because they’re a couch potato,” Ms Grivakis said.
“They lounge around the house, they’re very sensitive and they’re just really good companions.”
Dogs SA president Brian Parker said their website provides prospective dog owners with a list of 522 registered pedigree dog breeders in South Australia.
He said along with British and French bulldogs, other top-priced breeds include pugs, and crossbreeds with “flashy names” such as the Labradoodle and Cavoodle.
But he also warned buyers to check they are getting what they pay for.
“(Breeders) have to provide you with a certificate (and) are required to microchip and vaccinate them,” he said.
