What made two bulldogs snap?

Since posting Anna's story, I have had several inquiries and questions on how did this happen. Most have never ever experienced it, and one major question is; is this common in Bulldogs.

What happened most likely was Rage Syndrome. Rage Syndrome Please read what is listed here.

It can happen in any dog breed, and if you go out on the internet some will say just train them, that will fix it or ignore it. I am here to tell you right here and now, DO NOT IGNORE IT..

This is a very real and dangerous issue. Rage Syndrome is most common in those cute cuddly English Cocker Spaniels. As you read about Rage Syndrome you will find it has a connection to Epilepsy, a neurologist is the specialist that would diagnosis this in an animal.

Please know this was one of the hardest issues I have had to deal with in a very long time. I wanted so badly to get these dogs and bring them to Florida. At first thought, I was sure we could evaluate them and get some help. However, as the day progressed I did a brief intake on them and realized this was more than a one time occurrence. I contacted a behavior specialist Vet who stated these dogs are far more aggressive than you are thinking and rehoming will never happen because there is something inside that snapped.  That's it, nothing further. Basically don't do it, but not anything further. Much more questions came to mind than answers.

After the girls went over Rainbow Bridge, I couldn't stop thinking of them and what happened. Anna and I spent time talking about what happened and she wrote a guest spot for the blog to get a little relief. I had so many more questions, as did Anna. Without ever wanting to give up on an animal, I felt I needed to reach out a little further and get an expert that I trusted and could count on getting the information; good/bad/ugly... The straight scoop so to speak.

I reached out to a very well known Bulldog breeder who is an AKC Breeder of Merit, and Bulldog Club of America, (BCA) Hall of Fame Breeder, with over 25 years experience in English Bulldogs.


I gave the specifics and when the expert came back, I was shocked.  I am sure my expert wanted to choke me with my 3 constant questions. However, she simply wrote; Rage Syndrome. One minute they can kiss your face and the next minute bite you.  Rage Syndrome is not something you ever want to deal with. My expert went on to explain to me in terms I could understand and relay to. She truly made me understand without making me feel stupid. She answered questions, and truly cared about the discussion. I cannot begin to thank her enough. EVERYONE should have an expert to call, go to, ask a question to... If you don't have one, FIND ONE! Everyone needs an expert.

The decision in putting an animal down is not a light one and upon continued research with the thanks to MY expert, not the Vet, I have realized there are medical issues and behavior issues, but there are breed-lines that do throw this and that is why you go to a Breeder that is reputable with a proven history. THIS is most important. KNOW YOUR BREEDER!!!!

This was not meant to bring pain, this post is to educate and hopefully prevent this from happening to someone else.

Kym -