Are bulldogs truly prone to health problems?

[Jschro]

I've always wanted a bulldog for as long as I can remember, a white one in particular. Now i'm 21, and my girlfriend (who is a dog fanatic, and bather at PetSmart) tells me that bulldogs are very prone to health issues, as far as breathing goes, and something about infections under the rolls of skin being likely, if they're not cleaned under daily.

My heart is set on a bulldog, but finances when moving out into the world are shaky obviously. Would it be a burden (more than most pets) to own a bulldog?

Any links or advice from professionals or people who own bulldogs and take care of them well is most appreciated.
Would you associate any extra financial burden with owning a bulldog over another type of dog, or are most of the problems handled with good care (like the infections, heat problems ect) and those that aren't fixable at all (like the short life span).

 

[tulip]

English Bulldog
Breathing problems; some have small windpipes as well. Also poor eyesight, very susceptible to heat stroke in warm weather or hot rooms and cars. Very cold sensitive. Puppies often delivered by caesarian section because of their broad heads. Its digestive system is very active and may be offensive to people with sensitive noses. Susceptible to skin infections. Also hip and knee problems.Bulldog sounds. Though they seldom bark, English Bulldogs are far from silent. Because of the short face, they snort, snuffle, wheeze, grunt, and snore loudly. The sounds are endearing to some people; nerve-wracking to others.

Also white dogs are very prone to sunburn and white dogs with blue eyes are also prone to deafness.
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/bulldog.htm

Boxer
Some major concerns are cardiomyopathy and other heart problems, sub-aortic stenosis, and thyroid. Can be prone to skin allergies. Sometimes prone to epilepsy and hip dysplasia. From age eight on they are more likely to get tumors than other breeds. Tendency for allergies. These dogs may drool and snore. May have excessive flatulence. Some white Boxers are prone to deafness.Boxer sounds. Because of the short face, Boxers snort, snuffle, wheeze, grunt, and snore loudly. The sounds are endearing to some people; nerve-wracking to others.

Bullmastiff
Prone to cancer. Beware of hip dysplasia, tumors, and some eyelid problems. They are also prone to boils on the lips and PRA (eyes). These dogs tend to bloat. It is a good idea to feed them two or three small meals a day instead of one large meal.Bullmastiff sounds. Because of the short face, Bullmastiffs snort, grunt, and snore loudly. The sounds are endearing to some people; nerve-wracking to others

Dogue de Bordeaux
Most are healthy, but the breed can be prone to hip dysplacia. There are also cases of epilepsy, heartproblems and hyperkeratosis.Dogue de Bordeaux sounds. Because of the short face, the Dogue de Bordeaux snorts, grunts, and snores loudly. The sounds are endearing to some people; nerve-wracking to others.

Mastiff
Beware of hip dysplasia. As these dogs are prone to bloat, feed two or three small meals a day, instead of one large one. Also prone to CHD, gastric torsion, ectropion, PPM, vaginal hyperplasia, elbow dysplasia and PRA. Occasionally seen is cardiomyopathy.Mastiff sounds. Because of the short face, the Old English Mastiff snorts, grunts, and snores loudly. The sounds are endearing to some people; nerve-wracking to others.

Neapolitan Mastiff
Prone to hip dysplasia, pano-ostiosis (growing pains), a condition which may occur when the dog is 4-18 months old and generally disappears on its own. Also prone to "cherry eye." The eye tissue protrudes more than normal and becomes red and inflamed. This condition is completely cured with minor surgery.Neapolitan Mastiff sounds. Because of the short face, the Neapolitan Mastiff snorts, grunts, and snores loudly. The sounds are endearing to some people; nerve-wracking to others.

Basically any short nose breed has issues breathing especially in hot weather

Affenpinscher
There are no major concerns, although some are prone to fractures and slipped stifle. Occasionally seen are PDA (patent ductus arteriosus), and open fontanel. Like any short-nosed breed, the Affenpinscher may suffer from respiratory problems in hot weather.

Brussell Griffon
They are difficult to breed. Dams often require Cesarean section for whelping. Some are prone to slipped stifle, eyes and respiratory problems.

Pekingese
Pekingese tend to catch colds very easily. Very difficult births. Prone to herniated disks and dislocated kneecaps. Trichaiasis (lashes growing inwards toward the eyeballs). Breathing problems and heart problems are also common.

Pug
Pugs catch colds easily and are stressed by hot and cold weather. They are prone to allergies and the short muzzle contributes to chronic breathing problems. (Pugs suffer from poor ventilation.) They are not the easiest whelpers. Expect Cesarean Section if breeding. There is a chance of keratites (inflammation of the cornea) and ulcers on the cornea. The delicate eyes are prone to weeping. This breed tends to wheeze and snore, but on the whole is a very easy-care dog. Do not overfeed a Pug, as they will eat more than is good for them, quickly becoming obese and living much shorter lives. Prone to skin problems. Pone to Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE), an inflammation of the brain that strikes adolescent Pugs usually between the ages of 2 and 3. The cause is unknown.

Maltese
Prone to sunburn along the hair parting; skin, respiratory, eye and tooth problems, and slipped stifle. Some may be difficult to feed with weak, upset digestion. They may get the chills, and they experience discomfort in hot weather. Maltese should be kept out of damp areas. It is a good idea to paper-train this breed - to avoid going out in weather extremes.

Shih Tzu
They tend to wheeze and snore. Some bloodlines are prone to ear, eye and respiratory problems. Spinal disc disease caused by a long back and short legs may be a problem. Their teeth need regular veterinary attention, as they tend to be lost early. These dogs gain weight easily and should not be overfed

French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are prone to eye and respiratory problems. If too overweight, the French Bulldog may have trouble breathing, because of a swollen abdomen. They may wheeze, snore and be gassy. It is said breed can not swim because of his physique, so be very careful around swimming pools, however some French Bulldog owners have reported that their dogs can indeed swim. Sometimes bitches must deliver by Cesarean section because of the puppies' large heads. Potential purchasers should be aware that these are high maintenance dogs and you can expect your vet bills can be big.

Boston Terrier
These short-faced dogs may have breathing difficulties when stressed by exertion in hot or cold weather and can overheat if they are pushed too hard. They may also snore or drool. Whelping is often difficult as the pelvis is narrow and the large headed pups are often delivered by cesarean section. Heart and skin tumors are common problems in this breed. The prominent eyes are prone to injury. Some badly bred Boston Terriers may have a bone defect in the skull that stunts brain growth, resulting in a retarded dog.

The only bulldog type breed NOT prone to breathing issues is the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog, however its not AKC reconised.