How to Buy a French Bulldog
The purchase of the French Bulldog is an exciting but also a stressful experience. It is important to find a reputable dog breeder who will answer all your questions and not try to cover up everything.
You should also seek out a breeder that does health tests and doesn't breed dogs with similar characteristics. This will ensure that your puppy is healthy and has a good temperament.
1. Choose a reputable Breeder
A reputable breeder is someone who has been breeding French Bulldogs for several years and maintains high standards. They should be able to address your questions regarding their breeding practices and should have a lot of references from their previous clients. They should also have a clean and well-maintained facility.
You should take your time when searching for a responsible puppy breeder. A dog purchase is a major commitment. If a breeder has only been operating for a brief period of time or sell their puppies at extremely cheap prices, these are red flags that they might be operating a puppy mill.
Puppy mills generally operate without any regulations and are run by naive people who are only interested in making money at the expense animal welfare. These unscrupulous breeders produce litter after litter that has poor genetics and health tests. It is essential to purchase your French bulldog from a reputable breeder to avoid the chance of developing health issues.
You should be able meet the female and male parents when you visit a prospective breeder. If this isn't possible or practical, then a reputable dog breeder will give you videos of their parents so that your puppy is familiarized with the look of its parents as they develop.
Since they have extra skin folds on their faces, Frenchies are prone to skin fold dermatitis. This can lead to itchy, painful rashes that require antibiotic treatment. Be cautious when bathing them as excessive bathing can deplete the natural oils that maintain their skin's health. It is also recommended to clean their teeth at minimum three or four times every week to avoid tartar.
2. Visit the Breeder Home
The French Bulldog is the most popular breed in America. This popularity has led to puppy farms and unsanitary breeding practices. They are typically bred to make money and are kept in squalid conditions with little to no care or socialization which can lead to genetic health issues for their offspring. Most reputable breeders are willing to provide you with health records of their parents. They will also be transparent about their breeding practices as well as their philosophies.
When visiting the breeder's facility be aware of the surroundings in which the puppies are being raised. Are the areas in which the puppies are raised safe and clean? Are the puppies healthy-looking, with glowing eyes and a glossy coat? Then, you can ask the breeder questions about their breeding practices and philosophy.
Another thing to consider is whether or whether the breeder has an active waiting list for puppies. A good breeder is likely to be interested in finding the most compatible pairs and ensuring that their puppies are placed in the best homes they can.
A reputable breeder should also offer a health warranty for their puppies. They should be happy to explain the terms. This is a sign they are serious about their role in the preservation of breeds, and will do everything they can to ensure their pups well-being and health.
Frenchies are relatively low maintenance dogs with minimal exercise requirements They can easily adapt to most environments. However, they're not suitable for extremely hot weather, as their flat faces make it difficult for them to breathe. They also need regular grooming and frequent nail trimmings. You'll have to prepare for your visit by purchasing food water dishes, sleeping quarters, collars and leashes, as well as other supplies. BlueHaven examines a few of these items in FAQs.
3. Examine the health tests for puppies
Examine the coats and skin of the puppies when you visit the breeder. They should be smooth and supple with no unusual lumps or bumps. Also, they must be eating regularly and have regular stool movements. Pay attention to their interactions with their littermates. Social behavior and playfulness are excellent indicators. Afraid or shyness can be an indication of health issues.
Ask the breeder about the puppies' genetic health tests and their Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) numbers. These numbers are available on the internet and can provide valuable information on the hereditary issues affecting puppies such as joint problems and congenital hearts disease.
These health reports will aid you in determining whether your prospective French Bulldog is healthy, and suitable for your lifestyle. A reputable breeder is also concerned about the animal's welfare and will work to improve the quality of their lives.
Frenchies are at risk of hip dysplasia. It is an inheritable joint condition that can cause loose joints. If not treated, it can lead to chronic pain, incapacity to exercise or recurrent diarrhea episodes and even incontinence. Surgery is usually required to treat the condition.
Frenchies are also prone to eye problems such as distichiasis, which occurs when the lower and upper eyelids are rolled inwards, which causes the hairs on the eyelid to touch the eyeball, which can cause irritation, inflammation, tear, and corneal ulcers. They also are susceptible to entropion. This happens when the dog's eyes fall from their normal position along the edges of the lid and touch the eyeball, causing irritation, inflammation, tear and loss of vision.
4. Sign a contract
A French Bulldog can be a fantastic addition to your family. This breed is playful, easy-going and loving. They are a wonderful companion for anyone. However, there are some things you should know before buying one. You should first ask for a contract with the breeder. This should include information about the health of the puppy, its breeding history, and genetic problems. It should also detail your responsibilities as the owner of the dog.
Additionally, you should verify the reputation of the breeder. This can be done by reading reviews and visiting the breeder's facilities. In addition, you must request references from previous buyers. Ask the breeder for their screening policy to ensure that they use healthy parents and avoid hereditary disorders.
You should then get an agreement outlining the cost of the puppy as well as any additional fees. The contract should also specify that you will not sell or transfer the puppy to a different person. Additionally, you must agree to take the dog to a vet within a specific amount of time. This is important, as Frenchies are susceptible to hereditary diseases which can be passed on through their parents.
The contract should include any additional terms or conditions related to the puppy's care. For instance, it must declare that the puppy will not be left outdoors in temperatures that are extreme. This is because the breed can be afflicted by exhaustion or heatstroke. In addition, the contract should also make it clear that the puppy must not jump off surfaces that are high because this could cause hemivertebrae rupture.
The contract should also include a provision for an alternative puppy in the event of an inherited disease or congenital defect occurs. This could include conditions like cherry eye or entropian, loose knees or hips, and skin allergies. The contract does not include conditions that are common in French Bulldogs, like hemivertebrae and cataracts.
5. Make the payment
Once you have chosen to purchase a French bulldog, you will need to make the payment. Most responsible breeders require a deposit upfront to ensure that their puppies are placed in responsible homes. This will help them avoid breeding unhealthy pups that could be suffering from genetic disorders and diseases like cataracts, cherry eye, and Entropion. Get health tests from a reputable breeder prior to you make your final payment.
After you've paid, you can begin planning for the needs of your new puppy. This could include purchasing bedding, food, toys, a crate, and training supplies. Be aware of the costs associated with vet care and vaccinations. Frenchies are susceptible to numerous medical conditions, including deafness, obesity and the tracheal collapse. It is recommended to ensure your French bulldog for any unexpected vet expenses.
Frenchies make wonderful family dogs. They are loving and enjoy spending time with their humans. They don't like prolonged isolation and can be anxious when left alone. They are not suitable for families who often travel or work long hours.
A French bulldog bought from a trusted seller is an enjoyable experience. Responsible breeding practices can reduce the risk of health problems and a healthy puppy can be a joy for the rest of his life. Don't forget that there are a lot of homeless Frenchies in shelters across the nation who require loving homes as well. Please don't make the mistake of judging these dogs based on their price tags. If you cannot afford the cost of a Frenchie then you can adopt one from your local shelter or rescue group.