Why You Shouldn't Buy French Bulldog Puppies
Frenchies have become extremely popular due to their ability to adapt to urban lifestyles and are a relaxed breed. Popularity draws bad breeders who focus on profit over health.
Find a responsible breeder who has tested their breeding dogs' DNA and can provide complete documents. These records will reveal whether the parents suffered from any genetic diseases that could be passed on to their pups.
Health Care
Frenchies are prone to a variety of health problems, including inherited conditions such as heart defects and respiratory issues. These ailments cannot always be prevented however there are ways to reduce the chance of developing. For your French bulldog, a healthy diet, regular wellness checks and coverage through insurance for pets are essential.
When you are choosing a Frenchie puppy, it's crucial to work with breeders who value wellbeing and health. Breeders who are ethical DNA test their dogs, and provide a complete health record for every puppy. Additionally, they adhere to a strict schedule for breeding and make sure their puppies are up to date on vaccinations and veterinary examinations. You should also be attentive to how the littermates interact with one other - playfulness and social interaction are good indicators, while aggression or shyness could indicate potential behavioral problems.
As with all puppies, it's important to bring your new Frenchie to a veterinarian for a health exam whenever you can. The vet will assess the puppy's health and provide you with a list of ways to keep your puppy healthy and happy. During the exam, your veterinarian will listen using the stethoscope of the chest of your puppy and look for any signs of abnormalities.
With their shortened airways and nostrils, Frenchies are predisposed to respiratory issues. They can also suffer from digestive issues, such as chronic diarrhea or food allergies. A clogged tear duct is a common issue for this breed. It can be treated surgically.
Due to the extra skin rolls on their faces, Frenchies can develop a condition called skin fold dermatitis or pyoderma. These irritations can cause infections with bacteria if they aren't kept clean and dry. Avoid overexertion as it can worsen the symptoms.
When it comes to pet insurance, it is important to select a policy that will cover the medical conditions Frenchies are most prone to develop. Pawlicy Advisor allows you to compare quotes from the best providers and select a plan within your budget. You can personalize your plan with a variety of deductibles and reimbursement options to suit the needs of your Frenchie.
Training
Frenchies are people pleasers that can be trained to follow their owners' instructions. Training early can help prevent future behavioral issues, such as excessive chewing or separation anxiety. They are stubborn but not impossible to train. A crate that is properly sized can also help your Frenchie relax and feel secure by using their natural instinct to den. You can reinforce this by taking them on potty breaks outside and teaching them to stay in the crate during quiet times or when you are busy.
The French Bulldog requires some daily maintenance, including trimming of nails and ear cleanings. They are susceptible to gum disease and will require regular dental visits by a veterinarian to avoid painful issues in adulthood.
Because Frenchies are brachycephalic, also known as flat-faced dogs, they are unable to breathe as easily as longer nosed breeds and can overheat quickly when exercising vigorously or in hot weather. Training or playing in hot conditions is not recommended, and short walks and indoor activities can give them the exercise they need without overdoing it.
While Frenchies are not natural runners, they do enjoy playing games such as fetch and can learn to walk on a leash with gentle encouragement. They are also skilled in dog sports, such as agility and can be very competitive.
It is crucial to teach your Frenchie how to respond quickly when you call them. This can save their lives if they get lost or hurt. Like any training positive reinforcement is the best method. If helpful resources does not respond to food or toys, it may resort to other self-employment activities like climbing into your recycling bin. A strop from a frightened pup can be hard to reverse after learning therefore, you should teach them self-control exercises in their early years. This can help prevent them from injuring themselves or having to undergo expensive surgery when they become adults. A proper socialization program is another way to prevent these issues, so make sure your Frenchie interacts with other dogs and is exposed to a variety environments as they grow.
Exercise
Frenchies are affectionate, friendly puppies who love to play with their humans. They're extremely social and trainable, making them an ideal fit for families of all sizes and age groups. Regular training does more than help your Frenchie learn new tricks and improve their obedience skills, but also strengthens the bond between you and them, which results in a happier, healthy dog.
Frenchies are more prone to overheat and experience difficulty breathing when exercising because of their noses being shortened. Avoid vigorous activities in humid or hot weather to safeguard their health. They could also develop joint issues which is why it is essential to monitor and take breaks when necessary.
While you may be eager to introduce your new French Bulldog puppy to the outdoors, it's best to wait until they're at least six months old. In the meantime, you should focus on indoor exercises such as playing hide and seek or fetch. These games are great for exercise and can also help reduce resource guarding. (Teach your Frenchie to let go of their toys in exchange for fantastic rewards.
Start by taking your dog for an exercise in the garden or house once they are ready to go outside. This will improve their spatial awareness and help them learn to stay close to you while on the lead. It is possible to eventually progress to formal lead walking training using the harness and collar. This is a vital capability for your Frenchie as it can help keep them from chasing other dogs or getting into things they shouldn't.
Frenchies aren't well-known for their swimming abilities and their head-heavy build makes them prone to drowning. They can learn to swim with your help and supervision. It's important to ensure that your Frenchie wear a life vest at all times while in water, even if just taking a quick swim. This will ensure their safety in the event they slip into the water or get struck by a boat or watercraft.
Children's Care
Frenchies are extremely social dogs that thrive on human companionship. They love to go on walks with their family or visit cafes. They also love spending time at home. They can adapt to a more active lifestyle, but they will need to know what is expected from them. This makes them good for families with children, as long as they have been taught to interact with the dog. Children should be monitored and offered small treats when playing with Frenchies to prevent them from becoming too excited or aggressive. They will benefit from early interaction with other children and should be introduced to them at an early age to ensure that they view the child as a member of the pack rather than being a rival fighting for attention.
Frenchies have a short snout and are at risk of breathing problems such as brachycephalic (or "brachy") airway syndrome. This condition can cause wheezing and difficulty breathing, so it's important to get your Frenchie checked by a vet regularly. You should also make sure that they are eating a balanced diet and aren't being fed too much.
Patellar luxation is a different health issue that can be found in this breed. This is a condition where the kneecap slips out of place, often when your pup is running or jumping. It can be a minor issue and only require pain relief or it can be severe. In extreme cases, surgery may be needed to restore the correct positioning of the kneecap.
Lastly, it's important to be aware that French Bulldogs can suffer from allergies just as humans. They are especially susceptible to allergic reactions to pollen as well as dust and mold. They can also develop a skin allergy referred to as atopy, which causes their belly, feet and skin folds itchy. It is typically caused by the immune system reacting to environmental triggers and can be difficult to manage.
When buying a puppy, look for a Kennel Club Assured Breeder as they have undergone extra health screening and meet higher standards of breeding. It is also recommended that you inquire with a potential breeder about their vaccination schedule and make sure that the puppies are kept in a healthy and safe environment that has plenty of socialization in the early years.