Why You Shouldn't Buy French Bulldog Puppies
Frenchies are popular because they are easy to handle and easily adapt to urban living. Popularity draws bad breeders who place profit ahead of health.
Be sure to find a responsible breeder who DNA tested their breeding dogs and provide comprehensive records. These records will indicate if the parents had any genetic illness that could pass to their puppies.
Health Care
Frenchies are susceptible to many health issues, including inheritable conditions like respiratory problems and heart defects. Although these issues can't always be prevented but there are steps you can take to help reduce their risk. A healthy diet, regular wellness checks, and pet insurance coverage are all crucial to your French bulldog's overall health.
When choosing the best Frenchie puppy, it's crucial to choose breeders who are focused on health and wellbeing. Breeders who are ethical will test DNA on their dogs and provide a detailed health history for each puppy. They will also follow an exact breeding plan and ensure that their puppies are up-to-date with vaccinations and veterinary examinations. It is also important to pay attention to how the littermates interact with each with each other. Playfulness and social behavior are good indicators, while aggression or shyness could indicate potential behavioral problems.
As with all puppies, it's important to take your new Frenchie to see a veterinarian for a health exam as soon as possible. A veterinarian will assess the health of the puppy overall and provide you with a list of home-based care to keep them happy and healthy. During the exam your vet will listen through a stethoscope to your puppy's chest and check for any unusualities.
Frenchies are more prone to respiratory issues due to their nasal airways being smaller and shorter. They can also experience gastrointestinal issues, including food allergies or chronic diarrhea. A clogged tear duct is another frequent issue for this breed, which can be corrected with surgery.
Due to the extra skin rolls on their faces, Frenchies can develop a condition called skin fold dermatitis or pyoderma. If not kept clean and dry these irritations could lead to to bacterial infections. Avoid overexertion as it may cause more harm.
When it is time to get pet insurance, it is important to choose a plan that covers the medical conditions Frenchies are most susceptible to developing. Pawlicy Advisor allows you to compare quotes from top providers and select the best plan for your budget. You can personalize your policy by choosing a variety of reimbursement and deductible options to meet the needs of your Frenchie.
Training
Frenchies are people pleasers that can be taught to follow their owners' instructions. They are incredibly strong-willed, but not difficult to train. In fact, early training can help to reduce the chance of having future behavioral issues such as excessive chewing, barking or separation anxiety. A properly sized crate will also make your Frenchie feel safe and secure, allowing them to experience their instinctive need for an area to call home. You can help reinforce this by bringing them along for bathroom breaks and teaching them to stay in the crate at times of quiet or when you are busy.
French Bulldog s require some level of regular maintenance, including grooming, nail trims and ear cleanings. They are at risk of developing gum disease and require regular dental treatment by a veterinarian to avoid painful issues as they age.
Because Frenchies are brachycephalic, also known as flat-faced dogs, they cannot breathe as easily as longer nosed breeds and may overheat quickly when exercising vigorously or in hot temperatures. Avoid training or playing in warm environments. Instead, short walks and indoor activities can provide the exercise your dog needs, without overdoing.
Frenchies aren't natural runners but they love to play games like fetch and can be taught to walk on a leash with gentle encouragement. They are also skilled in dog sports, such as agility and can be very competitive.
Teaching your Frenchie to be able to come when you call them is a crucial skill that can save their life if they ever get lost or are injured. Like any training positive reinforcement is the best approach. If your Frenchie is not motivated by food or toys and is prone to self-employment tasks like entering your recycling bin or getting into other mischief. A strop from a frightened dog can be difficult to reverse once learned therefore, you should teach them self-control exercises in their early years. This will also prevent them from getting injured or needing costly surgery as an adult. A proper socialization program is another way to avoid these issues So make sure that your Frenchie is socialized with other dogs and is exposed to a variety of different environments as they grow up.
Exercise
Frenchies are a friendly, affectionate pups who love to play with their owners. They're incredibly social and highly capable of being trained, making them a great fit for families of all sizes and ages. Consistent training does more than help your Frenchie learn new tricks and develop the ability to be obedient, but it also strengthens the bond between you and them, resulting in a happier, healthy dog.
Frenchies are more prone to overheat and have trouble breathing when exercising because of their noses being shortened. Avoid vigorous activities in humid or hot weather to protect their health. They could also develop joint issues which is why it is essential to keep track of their progress and take breaks when necessary.
Although you might 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. Until then, focus on indoor exercises such as playing hide and seek or fetch. These games can be a great way to exercise and can help you work on reducing the use of resources (try to teach your Frenchie that giving up their toys can earn amazing rewards).
Begin by taking your dog out for a walk around the yard or around the house once they are ready to leave. This will improve their spatial awareness as well as teach them to remain by your side while on leash. It is possible to eventually progress to formal lead walking training using a harness and collar. This is a crucial ability for your Frenchie because it can stop them from chasing another dog or getting into things that they shouldn't.
Frenchies are not known for their swimming ability and their head-heavy build can make them more vulnerable to drowning. They can learn to swim with your assistance and supervision. It's also a good idea to have your Frenchie wear a life vest whenever they're in water, even if they're just going for a brief swim. This will help keep your Frenchie safe in the event that they fall into the water or are knocked down by an accident on a boat.
Care of Children
Frenchies are a very social breed and thrive on human companionship. They love walking with the family, visiting cafes and spending time at home on the couch. They can adapt to a busy life, but they will need to be taught what is expected of them. This makes them good for families with children, provided they have been taught how to interact with the dog. Young children should be supervised when playing with a Frenchie and only offered small, controlled treats to keep them from becoming overexcited or threatening. They will benefit from early interaction with children and should be introduced to them from an early age so that they see the child as a part of the family, rather than an individual fighting for attention.
Due to their snout being short, Frenchies are prone to developing breathing issues such as brachycephalic airway disorder (BOAS). This condition can result in wheezing or breathing difficulties. It is essential to take your Frenchie examined by a veterinarian regularly. They are also prone to gain weight easily and you must make sure they have an appropriate diet and don't get overfed.
Patellar luxation is a different health issue for this breed. The kneecap can slip out of place when your dog is running or jumping. It can be a minor issue and require only pain relief or it can be very severe. In extreme instances, surgery to correct the kneecap's position could be required.
It's important to be aware that French Bulldogs are susceptible to allergies, just like humans. They are especially susceptible to reactions to pollen, mold and dust. Atopy is a skin allergic condition that can cause itching in the feet, belly, and folds of their skin. This is usually caused by the immune system reacting to triggers from the environment, and it can be hard to control.
Find a Kennel Club-Assured Breeder when you purchase a puppy. They have been subjected to extra health screenings and meet higher standards in breeding. Find out from a prospective breeder their vaccination schedule, and make sure the puppies are raised in a healthy atmosphere with lots of early socialisation.