Our Breeding Program
Dedicated to Raising Bulldogs the Right Way
At House of Payne English Bulldogs, breeding is not just a process—it’s a responsibility. We are deeply committed to the well-being of our dogs and puppies, and over time, we’ve refined our standards and practices to reflect that. Through experience, continued education, and the lessons learned along the way, our program has evolved into one that prioritizes the mental, emotional, and physical health of every member of our pack.
Thoughtful Mating
We plan each pairing with intention. Temperament, structure, health history, and genetic compatibility are all taken into consideration to ensure that our puppies inherit not only beautiful features but strong, healthy foundations. All of our breeding dogs are AKC registered and DNA tested through Embark for breed purity and genetic health conditions. We do not breed for color alone—health, conformation, and temperament always come first.
We only move forward with a breeding when conditions are optimal. Our females are closely monitored throughout their cycles, and surgical insemination is performed by reproductive specialists to give our litters the best chance at success.
As part of our nutritional protocol during heat and gestation, we feed Royal Canin HT 42d and transition to Royal Canin Mother and Puppy Starter for gestation, lactation, and weaning. We also use Oxy-Mate Prenatal and Oxy-Mate Postnatal vitamins to support our females throughout the process.
Respectful Whelping
Our mothers are treated like queens—and that’s not just a figure of speech. We take their sacrifice seriously. Because dogs cannot consent to breeding, we believe it is our ethical duty to protect their quality of life. That means going beyond vet visits and nutrition—we prioritize their comfort, minimize stress, and provide one-on-one care throughout their pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum recovery.
As long as they remain in good health, our breeding females will have no more than three litters in their lifetime. They will have their first litter after their third heat, followed by a one-year break between each litter. When it’s time to retire, we carefully match them with a forever home where they can live out the rest of their life spoiled, adored, and free. We work with a trusted network of veterinary clinics and specialists to ensure every bulldog receives the highest standard of care throughout their life.
Bulldogs cannot whelp naturally due to the risks involved. All of our litters are delivered via scheduled cesarean section at trusted reproductive veterinary clinics. After delivery, mothers are given time to rest while we assume full-time neonatal care of the puppies around the clock. We are present for every feeding, every stimulation, every squeak and sneeze—day and night—for the first critical weeks.
Our puppies are kept warm and safe in the Cu Cradle Pet Brooder 90 with oxygen, anion therapy, nebulizer, and humidifier. This state-of-the-art incubator helps maintain a stable environment and supports early respiratory and immune health.
Puppy Rearing
Puppies are raised in our home—not in kennels, garages, or outdoor enclosures. They live alongside us, surrounded by sights, sounds, love, and daily socialization. We believe a family dog should be raised in a family environment.
From the start, we invest in developmental stimulation, cleanliness, and safety. Puppies are kept warm in incubators until they can regulate their body temperature. We introduce appropriate enrichment activities as they grow and monitor them closely for any signs of concern.
As we begin transitioning to solid food, we use PetAg Goat’s Milk Esbilac for nutritional support and to create a healthy mush blend that eases the weaning process.
By the time they go home—typically around 8–10 weeks of age depending on development and vet clearance—they have already been loved, handled, and gently exposed to a variety of people, textures, sounds, and situations.
Nutrition & Wellness
We are proud to feed all of our dogs a premium, nutrient-rich diet tailored to their individual needs. We exclusively use Royal Canin products including:
- English Bulldog Puppy
- English Bulldog Adult
- Royal Canin Sensitive Skin Care
For added wellness support, all of our bulldogs are on Ready Pet Go! Skin & Coat Omega-3 and Joint & Hip Mobility Supplements.
Matching Puppies to Families
We believe that placing a puppy is a lifelong decision—not a transaction. That’s why we require video interviews before confirming any reservations. Our goal is to ensure that every puppy is matched with a home that understands the breed, is prepared for the responsibility, and aligns with our values.
We maintain a single reservation list, and selection is done in order of deposit after the puppies are born. Families receive detailed updates, photos, videos, and guidance throughout the process. If a family isn’t ready, or doesn’t find the right match, they may defer to a future litter with no penalty.
Each puppy goes home with a full welcome kit, up-to-date vaccinations, vet records, and lifetime breeder support.
Our Commitment
We are dedicated to the dogs we bring into the world for life. That means we are always here as a resource, and if a family’s circumstances change, we will take our dog back—no questions asked. Our return policy is simple: they are our responsibility, always.
This program continues to grow and improve with every litter. We are students of the breed and passionate about learning. Whether it’s refining our feeding protocols, upgrading equipment, or offering better support to our families—we are committed to doing what’s right, not what’s easy.
We’re proud of how far we’ve come—and even more excited about where we’re going.