How to Buy a French Bulldog
A purchase of a French Bulldog is an exciting but a daunting experience. It is crucial to search for a reliable breeder who will be available to answer any questions you may have and will not attempt to hide any information.
You should also locate an breeder who does health tests and does not breed dogs with similar characteristics. This will ensure your puppy is healthy and has a positive disposition.
1. Find a reputable Breeder
A reputable breeder is one who has been breeding French Bulldogs for several years and has maintained high standards. They should be able to answer questions regarding their breeding methods and have plenty of references from past clients. They should also have a well-maintained and clean facility.
You should be patient when looking for a responsible puppy breeder. The purchase of a dog is a major commitment. If a breeder has been in business for a brief period of time, or if they are selling their puppies for very low prices, they are indicators that they might be operating an animal farm.
Puppy mills typically operate without regulation and are run by naive individuals who are focused on making money at the expense of animal welfare. These unscrupulous breeding companies produce litters following litters that have poor genetics. It is important to only buy your French bulldog from a trusted breeder to avoid the risk of health issues.
When visiting a potential breeder you should be able to meet both the male and female parents of your puppy. If this is not possible or feasible, an established breeder should offer videos of the parents, so that you get an idea of what your puppy might look like when they reach the age of.
Since they have extra skin folds on their face, Frenchies are prone to a condition known as skin fold dermatitis. This can lead to painful, itchy rashes which require antibiotic treatment. Be cautious not to over-bath them, as this could take away the natural oils that help to keep their skin healthy. You should also brush your teeth at minimum three or four times a week in order to prevent tartar.
2. Visit the Breeder Home
The French Bulldog's massive popularity as the most paw-friendly breed in America has resulted in puppy mills and unsafe breeding practices. The French Bulldog is frequently bred for profit, and inhumane conditions are used to keep them. They receive no or little attention or socialization. This can result in genetic health issues. The majority of breeders who are reputable will be willing to give you health records of the parents. They will also be honest about their breeding practices and their philosophies.
When visiting the breeder, take a look around their facility and observe the environment in which their puppies are raised. Do they have a safe and clean area for the puppies? Are the puppies healthy and beautiful with bright eyes and a glossy coat? Then, you can ask the breeder any questions about their breeding practices and the philosophy.
A breeder's waiting list is another thing to look out for. A good breeder will be interested in finding the best-matched pairs and making sure their puppies are placed in the most suitable homes.
A reputable breeder should also provide a health guarantee for their puppies. They should be willing to explain the terms. This is a sign they take their role in the preservation of the breed seriously and do everything they can to ensure the health and well-being of their puppies.
Frenchies are dogs that require minimal maintenance. They require little exercise and can easily adapt to any setting. They are not suited to hot weather because their rounded faces make breathing difficult. They also require regular grooming, including regular nail trimming. You'll also need to prepare your home in advance by purchasing food sleeping quarters, water bowls collar and leash, appropriate toys, and other supplies. BlueHaven offers an inventory of these items in the FAQ section.
3. Examine the health tests for puppies
When you visit the breeder, take a closer look at the coats and skin. They should be shiny and soft with no bumps or lumps. They should also be eating well and have regular stool movements. Also, pay attention to how they interact with their littermates. Social interaction and playfulness are excellent indicators. Aggression or shyness could be a sign of health issues.
Ask the breeder about the puppies genetic health tests and their Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) numbers. These numbers are accessible on the internet and can provide important information regarding a puppy's hereditary conditions like joint issues and congenital hearts disease.
These health reports can help you determine whether your possible French Bulldog is healthy, and suited to your lifestyle. A reputable breeder will consider the wellbeing of their animals and work to enhance their quality of life.
Frenchies are at risk of hip dysplasia. It is an inheritable joint disease that can cause loose joints. If not treated, it can cause chronic pain, exercise intolerance, recurrent episodes of diarrhea or even incontinence. Surgery is often required to treat the problem.
Frenchies are also susceptible to eye problems, such as distichiasis. This happens when the upper and lower eyelids are rolled inwards, which causes the hairs on the eyelid to rub against the eyeball and result in irritation, inflammation, tear and corneal ulcers. They are also prone to entropion. This happens when the dog's eyes move out of their normal place along the edge and rub against the cornea, causing irritation as well as tears, inflammation and loss of vision.
4. Sign a contract
Inviting the French Bulldog into your life is an exciting time. This breed is fun, friendly and easy to get along with. They are a wonderful companion for any. But there are a few things to consider prior to buying one. First, ensure that you have a contract signed by the breeder. The contract should contain information about the health status of the puppy, its breeding history, and any genetic issues. This should also outline your obligations as the dog's owner.
It is also essential to ensure that the breeder has a good standing. You can do this through reviewing reviews and visiting the facilities of the breeder. You should also request references from past buyers. Finally, you should ask the breeder about their screening policies to ensure they are utilizing healthy parents and avoiding hereditary disorders.
You should then sign an agreement outlining the cost of the pup and any additional fees. The contract should also state you are not transferring or selling the puppy. It is also important to be able to take your dog to a vet within a specified time frame. This is important because Frenchies are susceptible to hereditary illnesses that could be passed down through their parents.
The contract should contain any additional terms or conditions related to the puppy's care. For instance, it must state that the puppy will not be left outdoors in temperatures that are extreme. This is because the breed could suffer from exhaustion or heatstroke. The contract should also stipulate that the puppy will not be allowed to leap off high surfaces as this can rupture hemivertebrae.
The contract should also include replacement in the event that the puppy develops a hereditary congenital illness. This could include conditions such as cherry eye or the entropian condition (a condition where the eyes are turned inward) as well as loose knees and hips or skin allergies. However the contract doesn't cover hereditary diseases that are considered normal in French Bulldogs, such as cataracts or hemivertebrae.
5. Make the Payment
Once you have decided to purchase a French bulldog, you need to make the payment. Breeders who are responsible need deposits to ensure that their puppies go to responsible families. This will help them avoid breeding unhealthy pups that could be afflicted by genetic diseases and disorders such as cataracts, eye problems, and entropion. It is essential to locate an established breeder and request for the results of a health test prior to making the final payment.
After you have paid, you can begin planning for the needs of your new puppy. This may include purchasing food, toys, bedding, a crate, and even training equipment. It is also important to think about the cost of veterinary visits and vaccinations. Frenchies are susceptible to a number of common medical conditions, such as overheating, obesity, deafness, and the collapse of the trachea. More is recommended to get your French bulldog insured to cover unexpected vet expenses.
Frenchies are wonderful dogs that can be a great addition to any family. They are extremely loving and enjoy spending time with their human companions. However, they are unable to enjoy long periods of solitude and can develop separation anxiety when left on their own for too long. Because of this, they are not a good choice for families who travel often or work for long hours.
Purchasing the French bulldog from a reputable breeder can be a rewarding experience. Responsible breeding practices can help to reduce the chance of developing health issues and a healthy puppy can be a joy for a lifetime. Don't forget the countless Frenchies that are in need of homes and in shelters across the country. They require homes that are nurturing as well. Please don't make the mistake of judging these pups by their price tags. If you cannot afford a Frenchie then you can adopt one from your local shelter or rescue group.