Buy French Bulldog Puppies From a Responsible Breeder
If you're planning to purchase French Bulldog pups, choose a reliable seller. They should have excellent breeding practices and provide you with health records for the parents.
If you can, try to know the parents. This will give you a good idea of the puppies' temperaments and overall health.
1. Reputable Breeders
If you're looking for your first Frenchie or are looking to add another puppy to your family Finding an ethical breeder is one of the most important things you can do. Reputable breeders carefully choose the dogs they breed and only release puppies for sale when they are sure that they will be good healthy and happy companions. Breeders will employ a set of criteria to determine the requirements of each puppy. They will only sell a puppy if it meets the breed standard for structure and temperament.
A responsible breeder will be transparent about their processes and expectations. They will welcome you to visit their breeding facility. They will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the parents, the health tests the puppies have had and the lifestyle requirements they have. They will also be able tell you about the personalities of the parents, their background and the traits that they want to emphasize in each litter.
Breeders who are dedicated to breeding quality dogs are extremely busy. They will interview prospective buyers as much as they can, in some cases more than they are being interviewed and they'll turn down buyers if they feel that the home won't be suitable for the puppy.
You should meet the parents, their siblings and see where the dogs live. You'll also want to know about the health history of their parents and whether they've been tested for common ailments like hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. Breeders who have a database of health information and ancestry records that spans generations are the ones to search for.
It is also a good idea to determine whether the breeder is part of a larger community of French Bulldog enthusiasts who can offer support and guidance should the breeder have any concerns about the puppy or its new owners. Many experienced breeders have mentors who they can count on for advice when they are not certain of the best method of action.
2. AKC Registration
It is important to purchase a French bulldog that has been registered by the AKC. This will ensure that your puppy is a purebred, has a pedigree with certified healthy genes. The AKC is an organization that records the genetic heritage of purebred dog breeds as well as studies their lineage. You'll receive from your breeder a certificate that lists the sire and dam of each puppy you purchase an AKC registered puppy.
The AKC also lists the kind of registration each dog has. Certain puppies, for instance, may be registered as Limited. Breeders can upgrade their dogs to full breed status by meeting certain requirements such as titles or health tests. The breeder could also decide to keep the dog's registration as Limited indefinitely.
A reliable breeder will test their breeding dogs for genetic diseases such as heart disease. This includes pulmonics, which is when the pulmonary artery and valve are more narrow than usual. This makes it more difficult for the heart pump blood into the lungs to get oxygen. A good breeder will test their studs for this condition and only breed females who have been cleared by an cardiologist.
Before purchasing a French bulldog puppy, ask the breeder about their AKC registered grandparents and parents. AKC requires both the sire and dam to be AKC registered in order to be able to register a litter. You can also request the breeder's AKC litter registration number and check the AKC website to see whether the litter has been accepted into any AKC-approved events.
If you are buying an AKC registered French bulldog, ensure that the litter is titled and each name follows AKC naming guidelines. If you would like to change the name of your dog after purchasing it, you'll have to submit an application to the AKC and pay a fee.
As with any large purchase, you should always get an agreement in writing from the breeder. It should contain a health guarantee, return policy, the name of the dog you are purchasing, AKC registration information and the pedigree for three generations. A good breeder will be happy to give you this information before you sign a contract.
3. Health Tests for Health
Frenchies are known to have an incredibly affectionate and playful character. They make great lap dogs, and they can be a good companion for children. They are also great companions for seniors and can get along with other pets in the household. It's important that you introduce them slowly.
Like all dogs, Frenchies require regular vet care and vaccinations. Make sure that their vaccinations are up to current as they are prone to infections such as rabies and the parvovirus. They are also susceptible to spinal and back problems, including hemidysplasia (a malformation of the vertebrae) and intervertebral disc diseases. Their snouts that are short can cause brachycephalic symptoms, which makes breathing difficult. This can lead to an intolerance to exercise, gagging and vomiting, sleep apnea and pneumonia when left untreated.
Their shorter noses may cause them to suffer from heat intolerance. As a result, it is essential that they live in temperature-controlled homes and are not exposed to high activity. They are also prone flatulence and digestive issues. However, Hamlin-Schwibbogen Französische Bulldogge report that switching to a healthy diet comprised of human-grade foods and vegetables has solved these issues.
Lastly, the bat-like ears of the French bulldog could be an ideal breeding ground for yeast and bacteria which can cause ear infections. Be aware of signs of irritation like excessive ear scratching and redness, and speak with your veterinarian about the best ways to treat these ailments.
DNA testing is another method that responsible breeders employ to prevent hereditary health issues in their puppies. Embark offers a 4-Panel Health Clear which tests for four common diseases in Frenchies. These include degenerative myelopathy (degenerative myelopathy), hyperuricosuria (hyperuricosuria) and juvenile hereditary catastrophies and canine multifocal retinal disease 1 (canine multifocal retinopathy 1).
These genetic tests are one aspect of the responsibility of being a puppy's parent. It is equally important to teach your dog basic behavior and be sure to supervise him around pets and children when he decides to chew them. Correct any behavior that isn't in line with confidence and firmness. If you don't, your puppy might develop Small Dog Syndrome, which is known as fear, aggression, and self-mutilation.
4. Socialization
To become well-adjusted, French bulldog pups need to be exposed to a variety of people and environments. All of these can help. Puppy classes, playdates supervised with other pets that have been vaccinated, and trips to dog friendly places are all beneficial. Socialization is a process that involves the puppy being exposed to new sounds, situations and objects. In this phase, it is crucial to set the boundaries of your puppy to prevent them from becoming overwhelmed.
If a puppy is scared during a session of training it's crucial to stop and re-try the same session later with an easier version. This will aid the puppy in gaining confidence and learn in a relaxed environment.
As breeds, Frenchies are very affectionate and loving. They make great family dogs. They can be very protective of their home and family Therefore, it is essential to establish clear boundaries and rules from the start. They are also amusing and funny and this can lead to mischief around the house if they aren't taught the right behavior. Introduce your Frenchie early to other pets in the house to ensure that they get along.
It is crucial to teach Frenchies basic obedience skills like sit and stay as well as walking leash down. These exercises will give your puppy a solid base upon which to build as they grow.
Frenchies tend to be stubborn and might need a little extra motivation during training sessions, so make sure to use positive reinforcement. This will help your puppy learn properly and not become frustrated. If you are having trouble in training your French bulldog puppy, you should consider hiring a professional dog trainer.
Like many other breeds, Frenchies can suffer from brachycephalic airway disorder. This condition causes the nose to be too small for the mouth, resulting in poor breathing. This condition is characterized by snoring and sleep apnea and vomiting. To help prevent the problem, it is important to provide your French bulldog plenty of exercise in a cool environment. You can also consider using a snore pillow or a dog vest to help with breathing during sleep.