Why You Shouldn't Buy French Bulldog Puppies
Frenchies are becoming very popular due to their ability to adapt to urban environments and are a relaxed breed. Popularity draws bad breeders who place profit ahead of health.
Find a responsible breeder who has tested their breeding dogs for DNA and can provide complete records. These records will show whether the parents suffered from any genetic diseases that could pass to their puppies.
Health Care
Frenchies may be afflicted with a variety of health issues, especially genetic conditions like breathing problems and heart defects. While these ailments cannot always be avoided, there are ways you can lower the risk. A healthy diet, routine health checks and insurance for pets are all important for your French bulldog's overall health.
It's crucial to select a Frenchie breeder who puts health and wellbeing first. Breeders who are ethical will test DNA on their dogs and provide a detailed health record for each puppy. They also follow an exact breeding plan and ensure that their puppies are current on vaccinations and veterinary examinations. Be aware of how the littermates interact. Playfulness and social behaviour are good indicators, whereas aggression and shyness can be indicators of behavioral issues.
It is essential to take your new Frenchie for a checkup at the vet as early as you can. The vet will assess the health of the puppy and provide you with a list of tips for keeping your pet healthy and happy. During the examination your vet will listen to your puppy's heart with a stethoscope and look for any unusualities.
Frenchies are prone to respiratory issues due to their noses and airways that are smaller. They can also experience gastrointestinal issues, like food allergies or chronic diarrhea. Another common problem is a blocked tear-duct which can be treated through surgery.
Frenchies could develop pyoderma and skin fold dermatitis because of the skin folds that are aplenty on their faces. These irritations can cause bacterial infections if not kept clean and dry. It is also important to avoid too much exercise, as it can increase the severity of these ailments.
You'll want to select an insurance policy for your pet that will cover the medical ailments Frenchies tend to develop. You can find a plan that fits your budget by using Pawlicy Advisor to instantly compare quotes from top-rated companies. With a wide range of options for reimbursement and deductibles you can tailor your policy to meet the requirements of your Frenchie.
Training
Frenchies are dogs that love people and can be taught to obey their owners' commands. They're strong-willed, but they're not impossible to train, and early training can to reduce the chance of having future behavioral issues such as chewing too much, barking, or separation anxiety. A properly sized crate can also help your Frenchie feel safe and secure, allowing them to access their natural desire for an area to call home. You can encourage this by taking them on bathroom breaks and teaching them to remain in the crate during quiet time or when you are busy.
The French Bulldog requires daily maintenance, including nail trimmings and cleaning the ear. They are at risk of developing gum disease and require regular dental treatment by a veterinarian to avoid painful issues as they grow older.
Because Frenchies are brachycephalic or flat-faced dogs. They are unable to breathe as easily as larger nosed breeds, and they can become overheated quickly when they are exercising intensely or in hot weather. Avoid playing or training in warm areas. Instead short walks or indoor activities will give your dog the exercise your dog needs, without overdoing.
While Frenchies aren't natural runners, they enjoy playing games such as fetch and can be taught to walk on leash with gentle encouragement. They are also very good at dog sports, such as agility and can be extremely competitive.
Training your Frenchie to consistently show up when you call is an essential skill that can save their life in the event that they lose their way or suffer an injury. Positive reinforcement is key to any kind of training. If your Frenchie isn't responsive to toys or food and toys, it could resort to other activities for self-employment, like climbing into your recycling bin. A strop from a frightened dog can be difficult to reverse after learning to control it, so you should teach them self-control techniques in their early years. This can help prevent them from injuring themselves or needing costly surgery as an adult. Proper socialization is another way to prevent these issues Make sure your Frenchie interacts with other dogs and is exposed to a variety of different environments as they grow older.
Exercise
Frenchies are affectionate, people-oriented dogs who love having fun with their human companions. They're extremely social and trainable, which makes them an ideal companion for families of all sizes and different ages. Consistent training does more than help your Frenchie learn new tricks and improve behavior skills, but also strengthens the bond between you and them, resulting in a happier, healthy dog.
Frenchies are more likely to overheat and have trouble breathing when exercising due to their shortened noses. To ensure their health, they should avoid vigorous activities that are strenuous in humid or hot conditions. In addition, they can develop joint problems which is why it's essential to monitor their level of activity and take breaks when needed.
While you may be eager to introduce your new French Bulldog puppy to the outdoors, it's best to wait until they are at least six months old. You should concentrate on indoor games such as hide and fetch and seek until they are. These games are great for exercising and also aid in reducing resource guarding. (Teach your Frenchie to let go of their toys in exchange for fantastic rewards.
Begin by taking your dog out for an outing around the yard or around the house once they are ready to venture out. This will improve their spatial awareness, and teach them how to remain close to you when on the lead. At some point, you'll be able to begin formal lead walking with a harness and collar. This is a crucial capability for your Frenchie, as it will prevent them from running after other dogs or getting into situations they shouldn't.
Frenchies aren't known for their swimming abilities and their head-heavy build makes them more prone to drowning. They can learn to swim with your help and supervision. Even even if your Frenchie is going to take an hour or so of swimming it's best to ensure they're wearing a life jacket at all times. This will help keep them safe in the event that they fall into the water, or get hit by a boat or other watercraft.
Children's Care
Frenchies are extremely social dogs and thrive with human companionship. They love going for walks with their families and visit cafes, as well as spend time at home. They can adjust to an active lifestyle, but they will need to know what is expected from them. This makes them ideal for families with children as long as they have been taught to interact with their dog. Children should be monitored and given small treats when playing with Frenchies in order to prevent them from becoming overly excited or aggressive. They will benefit from early socialisation with other children and should be introduced to them from an early age to ensure that they see the child as a part of the group, not being a rival fighting for attention.
Frenchies have a short snout and are susceptible to breathing issues like brachycephalic (or 'brachy') airway syndrome. This condition can result in breathing problems or wheezing. It's important that you take your Frenchie examined by a veterinarian regularly. You should also make sure that they're eating a healthy diet, and are not overfed.
Another health issue that is common to this breed is patellar luxation. This is a condition where the kneecap can slip out of position, typically when your pup is running or jumping. It can be quite minor and may not require treatment other than pain relief, or it could be more serious. In extreme cases, surgery might be required to restore the proper position of the kneecap.
Lastly, it's important to be aware that French Bulldogs can suffer from allergies, just like humans. Pollen dust and mold can cause allergic reactions in French Bulldogs. Atopy is a type of skin allergy that can cause itching in the belly, feet, and folds of their skin. This is due to the immune response to triggers from the environment. It can be difficult to manage.
Look for a Kennel Club-Assured Breeder when purchasing a puppy. They have been screened for additional health screenings and meet higher standards of breeding. Find out from a prospective breeder their vaccination schedule, and ensure that the puppies are raised in a healthy environment with plenty of early socialization.