Why You Shouldn't Buy French Bulldog Puppies
Frenchies have become extremely popular as they adapt well to urban life and are easy-going dogs. Popularity attracts bad breeders that prioritize profit over health.
Make sure to find a responsible breeder who DNA tested their breeding dogs and provide complete records. These records will reveal if the parents had any genetic disease that may be passed on to their puppies.
Health Care
Frenchies are prone to a variety of health problems, including inherited diseases like breathing problems and heart defects. While these ailments cannot always be avoided but there are steps you can take to reduce the risk. For your French bulldog, a healthy diet, regular wellness checks and coverage through insurance for pets are essential.
It's important that you choose a Frenchie breeder who puts health and well-being first. Breeders who are ethical DNA test their dogs and provide a complete health history for every puppy. They also follow a strict breeding program and ensure that their puppies are current on vaccinations and veterinary examinations. Also, be aware of how the littermates interact with each with each other. Playfulness and social interaction are good indicators, while aggression or shyness could be a sign of behavioral issues.
As with all puppies, it's vital to get your new Frenchie to see a veterinarian for a health checkup as soon as you can. The vet will evaluate the health of your puppy and provide you with an array of tips for keeping your pet healthy and happy. During the examination, your veterinarian will listen with the stethoscope of your puppy's chest and check for any signs of abnormalities.
Frenchies are susceptible to respiratory problems due to their noses and airways that are smaller. They can also suffer from digestive issues, like food allergies or chronic diarrhea. A clogged tear duct is a common issue for this breed, which can be fixed with surgery.
Frenchies might develop pyoderma or skin fold dermatitis because of the skin folds that are aplenty on their faces. These irritations can cause infections with bacteria if they aren't kept clean and dry. Avoid overexertion as it can make the symptoms worse.
You'll want to select a pet insurance plan that will cover the medical conditions Frenchies tend to develop. You can find a policy that is affordable by using Pawlicy Advisor to instantly compare quotes from top-rated companies. With a variety of reimbursement and deductible options you can tailor your plan to meet the needs of your Frenchie.
Training
Frenchies are a breed that is popular with people and can be taught to obey their owners' commands. Early training can help to reduce future behavioral issues like excessive chewing or separation anxiety. They can be stubborn, but they are not impossible to train. A crate that is properly sized can also help your Frenchie relax and feel at ease, tapping into their natural instinct to hide. You can reinforce this by accompanying them for bathroom breaks and teaching them to remain in the crate during quiet times or when you are working.
The French Bulldog requires some daily maintenance, including nail trimmings and cleaning the ear. They are susceptible to gum disease and require regular dental check-ups by a vet to avoid painful problems as they grow older.
Because Frenchies are brachycephalic or flat-faced dogs, they cannot breathe as easily as larger nosed breeds and may overheat quickly when exercising vigorously or in hot temperatures. Training or playing in hot areas should be avoided, and short walks and indoor activities can give them the exercise they require without overdoing it.
Although Frenchies are not natural runners, they love playing games such as fetch and can learn to walk on a leash with gentle encouragement. They also excel at dog sports, such as agility and are often competitive.
Teaching your Frenchie to reliably come when you call is an essential ability that could save their life in the event that they lose their way or suffer an injury. As with all training positive reinforcement is the most effective approach. If your Frenchie does not respond to toys or food, it may resort to other self-employment options, such as getting into your recycling bin. A slap from a frustrated pup can be hard to reverse once learned to control it, so you should teach them self-control techniques in their early years. This will also prevent injuries or needing expensive surgery as adults. Socialization is a great method to avoid problems like this. Make sure your Frenchie is exposed to different environments and meets other dogs as they develop.
Exercise
Frenchies are friendly, affectionate dogs who love playing with their human. They are extremely social and trainable, which makes them an ideal companion for families of any size and age. Regular training will not only help your Frenchie learn new tricks and improve their behavior skills, but also strengthens the bond between you and them, resulting in happy, healthy dogs.
Due to their narrow noses, Frenchies can experience difficulty breathing when exercising and are prone to overheating. Avoid vigorous activities in hot or humid weather to safeguard their health. They can also develop joint pain which is why it is essential to take breaks and monitor their health whenever needed.
While you may be eager to introduce your new French Bulldog puppy to the outdoors, it's best to wait until they're at minimum six months old. You should concentrate on indoor games like hide and fetch and seek until they are. These games are great for exercise and can assist you in working to reduce the need to guard your resources (try to teach your Frenchie that giving up their toys can earn amazing rewards).
Start by taking your dog for an exercise in the yard or around the house once they are ready to venture out. This will help improve their spatial awareness and teach them to stay close to you when on a lead. You may eventually be able to move to formal lead walking using a harness and collar. This is a crucial ability for your Frenchie because it can stop them from running after another dog or getting into things that they should not.
Frenchies aren't known for their swimming skills, and their head-heavy builds make them more susceptible to drowning. They can learn to swim with your help and supervision. Even even if your Frenchie is just going for a quick swim it's best to ensure they wear a life jacket at all times. This will ensure that your Frenchie is secure in the event they fall into the water, or are knocked to the ground by an accident on a boat.
Children's Care
Frenchies are extremely social dogs and thrive on human companionship. They love going for walks with their families or visit cafes. They also love spending time at home. They can adjust to a busy lifestyle, but they'll need to know what is expected from them. This makes them good for families with children, as long as they have been taught how to interact with their dog. Children should be watched when playing with the Frenchie and only be given small, controlled treats to keep them from becoming too excited or aggressive. They will benefit from early socialisation 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 group, not being a rival fighting for attention.
Frenchies have a snout that is short and are at risk of breathing problems such as brachycephalic (or "brachy") airway syndrome. This condition can lead to wheezing or breathing difficulties. It is crucial to take your Frenchie examined by a vet regularly. They are also prone to gain weight easily and it is important to ensure that they are eating an appropriate diet and don't get overfed.
Patellar luxation is another common health issue that can be found in this breed. This is where the kneecap can slip out of position, typically when your dog is running or jumping. It can be a minor issue and only require pain relief or it may be very severe. In extreme instances, surgery to correct the kneecap's position may be necessary.
In the end, it's crucial to be aware that French Bulldogs can suffer from allergies, just like humans. Hamlin-Schwibbogen Französische Bulldogge are particularly susceptible to reactions to pollen, mold and dust. They may also develop a skin allergy known as atopy. This causes their belly, feet and skin folds itchy. This is usually due to the immune system reacting to environmental triggers and can be hard to control.
Look for a Kennel Club-Assured Breeder when you purchase puppies. They have been tested with additional health screenings and have passed higher standards of breeding. It is also recommended to inquire with the prospective breeder about their vaccination schedule, and make sure that the puppies are raised in a healthy environment with plenty of early socialisation.