Information on our breeding program + frequently asked questions
Genetic & Health Testing?
We take the health and well-being of our dogs very seriously, and we ensure that all of our breeding dogs undergo comprehensive health testing, including those recommended by the breed club. This includes tests for conditions like BOAS and OFA evaluations, among other relevant health screenings specific to the breed. All of our puppies come with a 1-year health guarantee!
Rare & Exotic Colors?
At Shining C English Bulldogs, we specialize in producing rare-colored English Bulldogs, including exotic shades such as Merles, Blues, and Lilacs. These stunning colors are the result of extensive bloodline research and careful selection of high-quality studs. Through our dedication to breeding, we’ve created some of the most unique and highly sought-after bulldogs available today.
Our breeding program is meticulously crafted to produce not only beautiful color variations but also healthy, well-tempered dogs. The Merle gene, Blue, and Lilac colors are particularly rare and prized in the bulldog community. We have an exceptional stud who is a Blue Sable Tri Merle male and is triple Merle carrier with piercing blue eyes, a true standout in the world of rare bulldogs. Additionally, our Chocolate Seal female carries the blue gene & chocolate gene, making her a valuable addition to our breeding program.
Our commitment to excellence in breeding guarantees that you are getting a Bulldog that is as unique as it is healthy. Whether you're looking for a stunning companion or a future show dog, our rare-colored English Bulldogs are sure to turn heads and become cherished members of your family.
At Shining C, we have a deep love for our rare-colored puppies, but we also cherish the beauty of the traditional shades. Whether it's the striking brindle or the classic black seal, we embrace every unique hue that comes through our litters. Each pup is special, and we're proud to offer a variety of colors, from the bold to the timeless. Just let us know what you’re looking for & we will point you in the right direction!
Our Breeding Program
We are happy to accept female dogs for breeding with our stud. Your female must be AKC registered, current on vaccinations, non-aggressive, and brought directly to us for breeding. The comfort and safety of your female are our top priorities, and we take great pride in ensuring she feels right at home during her stay. While we will do everything we can to ensure a successful breeding, it's crucial that the female’s owner is transparent about her cycle, health, and breeding history. Breeding involves many variables, so clear expectations and open communication are key. For more details on our in-house breeding process, please contact us directly—we're here to help!
Understanding the Genetics of English Bulldogs: The Chocolate, Blue, Merle, and Traditional Colors
When breeding English Bulldogs, understanding the genetics behind coat colors is crucial for both aesthetic purposes and the long-term health of the breed. One of the most interesting and sought-after genetic combinations occurs when an English Bulldog carries the chocolate and blue genes. Thats why we love having Chocolate colored females at Shining C! When bred to a male who is a merle carrier or any color carrier for that matter, the resulting puppies can display a stunning array of colors, including blues, lilacs, merles, brindle and even traditional color patterns. But this combination comes with a few important considerations for prospective breeders.
What Are Merle, Blue, and Lilac Bulldogs?
In bulldog breeding, the merle gene is a dominant trait that creates a unique, mottled coat pattern of lighter and darker patches. The blue and lilac colors are the result of specific recessive genes, with blue being a dilution of the black gene and lilac resulting from a combination of the chocolate and blue genes. English bulldog merle genes are different than other traditional merle breeds like Australian Shepherds, so that must also be taken into consideration!
When breeding a merle or color carrier male to a female with chocolate and blue genes, you may see a variety of coat colors in the puppies, such as:
Blue Bulldogs: These dogs have a distinctive bluish-gray coat color, resulting from the dilution of the black gene.
Lilac Bulldogs: This color is a unique combination of chocolate and blue, creating a soft, light grayish-brown coat.
Merle Bulldogs: These dogs display a beautiful, patchy coat pattern, where the merle gene creates random areas of light and dark.
Traditional Bulldogs: Some puppies may not inherit the merle or color dilution genes and will maintain traditional coat colors like fawn, brindle, or white. These colors can still be cryptic carriers and its very important to do your research for responsible breeding!
Carriers of the Merle Gene and Blue Eyes
It's essential to know that puppies born from this combination can carry the merle gene even if they don’t show the merle coat pattern. Some of them may also inherit blue eyes, which is often a distinguishing trait of merle dogs. The presence of blue eyes in a puppy is not necessarily an indicator of merle, but it’s more common in dogs with a merle coat pattern.
The Importance of Researching Bloodlines and Avoiding Double Merle Breeding
When considering a female puppy for future breeding, especially one with a desirable color like chocolate, blue, or lilac, it's critical to research her bloodlines carefully. Specifically, ensure that there is no risk of "double merle" breeding. Double merle breeding occurs when both parents carry the merle gene, which can result in puppies with serious health problems, such as hearing or vision impairments. That is why at Shining C, we take our education very seriously & pride ourselves on informing our clients on this information if they choose to decide to breed their puppy in the future!
Breeding a double merle can lead to puppies that may suffer from congenital defects, and this is a risk that all responsible breeders aim to avoid. Always consult with professionals and perform genetic testing to confirm the health and genetics of the breeding pair before proceeding. This is the most effective way to ensure that you are breeding healthy puppies who will thrive in their new homes!
Conclusion
Purchasing a female puppy with the intention to breed in the future is an exciting and rewarding decision, but it must be done with a full understanding of the genetic factors at play. Researching bloodlines and ensuring that the breeding pair is free from double merle genetics & hereditary health issues, will safeguard the health of the puppies and promote responsible breeding practices. By paying close attention to coat color, genetic inheritance, and potential health risks, you can ensure that your English Bulldogs are not only stunning in appearance but also healthy and well-bred for the future. At Shining C, we promise to keep our clients informed on their puppy's pedigree and take extreme measures to make sure our females are only bred to appropriate AKC registered English Bulldog studs. We have made a contract to not only protect the health and safety of our puppies but our business as well. We take great pride in our dogs & want the Shining C name to be highly sought out and thought of.
Why purchase from a breeder when there are so many dogs in shelters?
We completely understand the concerns about shelter dogs, and we share your passion for ensuring all dogs find loving, forever homes. We want to assure you that we take extreme measures to ensure our puppies go to responsible owners. We have a strict process in place to make sure the families who adopt our puppies are fully equipped to provide lifelong care. Additionally, if for any reason the new owner is unable to keep the dog, we are notified before the puppy is re-sold or re-homed. This policy helps us prevent our puppies from ending up in shelters, as we understand the current challenges shelters face with overcrowding.
We also take great pride in responsible breeding practices. Our dogs are bred with care and attention to their health and temperament, and once our dogs are finished with breeding, they are spayed to prevent further unwanted litters. We are committed to ensuring that our practices help reduce the number of dogs ending up in shelters.
What is the difference between receiving full AKC Registration or Partial AKC Registration when purchasing a Shining C puppy?
When a puppy is sold with full AKC registration, it means that the puppy’s pedigree is eligible for breeding, and the new owner has the ability to register litters produced by that dog. With that being said, if you choose to purchase a puppy with Full AKC Registration, a Breeding Contract will need to be signed. Even if the buyer says they don’t intend to breed their puppy and still want Full AKC Registration, the contract is mandatory incase the buyer changes their mind in the future. It is important to note that, in alignment with our breeding program and the health of our puppies, we have established this contract & policy requiring that customers who purchase a FULL AKC REG. female puppy must sign when puppy is purchased. This policy is in place to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of our puppies and to prevent unwanted or irresponsible breeding practices.
In contrast, partial AKC registration limits the puppy's ability to be bred and registered. This option is typically offered for pets only that are not intended for breeding. Only a Puppy Sale Agreement contract will be signed when purchasing a limited AKC registered puppy. Both male and female.
Please Note -
Full registration can be a powerful tool for responsible breeders who are committed to maintaining the breed standard, but it also comes with a responsibility. By limiting the breeding of our puppies to those who adhere to these specific guidelines, we ensure that each breeding is done in a controlled and informed manner, with consideration for the welfare of both the dog and any potential litters.
Following this policy is critical not only for maintaining the integrity of the breed but also for the health and safety of our puppies. We want to ensure that every puppy is placed in a suitable and responsible home, and we strongly discourage any breeding practices that might lead to overcrowded situations or health issues for the puppies involved.
We appreciate your understanding and adherence to these guidelines, as they are in place to protect the long-term health and safety of all our dogs.
Family Owned & Operated
Being a small, family-owned and operated breeder is at the heart of everything we do. Our passion for breeding English Bulldogs goes beyond just producing beautiful dogs—it’s about creating a meaningful bond with our puppies and their future families.
From the moment each puppy is born, they receive individual attention and care. We take the time to ensure every puppy is handled with love, socialized properly, and given the TLC they need to grow into well-adjusted, healthy companions. Being a small breeder allows us to focus on the quality of care, attention, and affection each puppy receives, ensuring they are raised in a nurturing and loving environment.
Our commitment to our customers goes beyond just selling a puppy—we strive to build long-lasting relationships. We want you to feel supported and confident in your decision, which is why we’re always here to answer your questions and offer guidance whenever you need it. Whether it's advice on training, health concerns, or simply checking in on your pup’s progress, we’re dedicated to being a resource for you every step of the way.
Choosing a puppy from Shining C English Bulldogs means becoming part of our extended family. We’re here to ensure that your experience is exceptional and that the bond you share with your new Bulldog is as special as the care and attention we put into raising them.
