How to Buy a French Bulldog
The purchase of an French Bulldog can be an exciting, but also a daunting experience. It is crucial to search for a reliable breeder who will be available to answer any questions you may have and won't try to hide anything.
You should also find a breeder who performs health tests and does not breed related dogs. This will ensure that your puppy is healthy, and has a positive disposition.
1. Find a Reputable Breeder
A reputable breeder of French Bulldogs is one who has been breeding French Bulldogs and maintains high quality standards for a long time. They should be able answer all your questions regarding their breeding practices and should have numerous references from previous clients. They should also maintain a clean and well-maintained facility.
You should be patient when looking for an ethical puppy breeder. A dog purchase is a big commitment. If a breeder has been in business for a brief period of time or if they offer their puppies at extremely low prices, they are signs that they may be operating an animal farm.
Puppy mills are generally operated by people who don't care about animal welfare and only want to earn money. These unscrupulous breeders produce litter after litter with poor genetics and health testing. It is important to only purchase your French bulldog from a trusted breeder to minimize the risk of health problems.
When visiting a prospective breeder it is important to meet both the male and female parents of your puppy. If this isn't feasible or practical, a reputable breeder will provide you with videos of their parents to ensure that your puppy is familiarized with the look of its parents as they grow.
Due to the extra skin folds on their faces, Frenchies are prone to a condition known as skin fold dermatitis. This can result in painful, itchy rashes which require antibiotic treatment. You should also be careful when bathing them since excessively can strip away the natural oils that keep their skin healthy. It is recommended to brush their teeth at least three or four times a week in order to prevent tartar.
2. Visit the Breeder Home
The French Bulldog's huge popularity as the most pawpular breed in America has led to puppy mills and unsafe breeding practices. They are often bred solely for profit and are kept in squalid conditions with no socialization or care which can lead to genetic health issues in their offspring. The most reputable breeders will give you the parents' health records. They will also be honest about their breeding practices and philosophies.
When you visit the facility of the breeder, observe the environment where the puppies are raised. Are the areas where the puppies are cared for safe and clean? Do the puppies have bright eyes and a shiny coat? You can inquire with the breeder about their breeding philosophy and methods.
A waitlist for breeders is another thing to keep an eye out for. A good breeder is interested in finding the best-matched pairs, and ensuring that 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 these conditions. 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 relatively low-maintenance dogs with minimal exercise requirements They are also able to adapt to all kinds of environments. They are not suitable for hot weather because their flat faces make breathing difficult. They also require regular grooming, such as periodic nail trimming. It is also necessary to prepare your home ahead of time by purchasing food water bowls, sleeping quarters, collar and leash, appropriate toys, and other items. BlueHaven examines a few of these items under FAQs.
3. Check out the health tests for puppies.
If you visit the breeder, take a close look at the coats of the puppies and skin. They should be smooth and soft, with no noticeable bumps or lumps. Also, they should be eating regularly and have regular bowel movements. Pay attention to their interactions with their littermates. Playfulness and social behavior are positive indicators, whereas shyness or aggression could indicate health issues.
Ask the breeder for results of the genetic health tests performed on the puppies and their Canine Health Information Center numbers. These numbers are online and can provide valuable information on a puppy's hereditary conditions such as joint problems or congenital heart disease.
These health reports can help you determine if your potential French Bulldog is healthy, and suitable for your lifestyle. A reputable breeder will also consider the welfare of their animals, and will strive to improve their lives.
Frenchies are susceptible to hip dysplasia. This is a genetic joint disorder that can cause loose joints. If not treated, it can cause chronic pain, exercise intolerance, recurrent episodes of diarrhea, and even incontinence. Surgery is usually required to treat the condition.
Frenchies are also susceptible to eye problems, such as distichiasis. This happens when the lower and upper eyelids roll inward, causing the hairs on the lid to touch the eyeball and result in irritation, inflammation, tearing and corneal ulcers. They are also susceptible to entropion, which occurs when the dog's eyes fall from their normal position along the edges of the lid and contact the eyeball, causing irritation, inflammation, tears and loss of vision.
4. Sign a contract
A French Bulldog can be a fantastic addition to your family. This breed is playful, gentle and affectionate. They are a wonderful companion for anyone. There are a few points you should think about before purchasing one. It is best to first request a contract with the breeder. This contract should include information on the health of the puppy as well as its breeding history and any genetic issues. This should also include a description of your obligations as a dog's owner.
It is also essential to ensure that the breeder is reputable. You can do this by reading reviews and visiting their facilities. In addition, you must seek out references from previous buyers. Ask the breeder about their screening policy to ensure they have healthy parents and avoid hereditary disorders.
You should then sign an agreement outlining the cost of the pup and any additional fees. The contract should also stipulate that you will not transfer or sell the puppy. Also, you must be able to bring your dog to the vet within a specific time frame. This is essential, as Frenchies are prone to inheritable illnesses that can be passed on through their parents.
The contract should include any other terms or conditions relating to the puppy's check here care. It could, for instance, state that the puppy shouldn't be left in temperatures that are extreme. The breed is susceptible to exhaustion and heat stroke. The contract should also specify that the puppy isn't allowed to leap off high surfaces because this could cause hemivertebrae to rupture.
Finally, the contract should also contain a replacement if the puppy develops a genetic or congenital disease. This could include conditions such as cherry eye, the entropian condition (a condition in which the eyes are squinting inwards) as well as loose hips and knees, or skin allergies. However the contract does not cover hereditary conditions considered normal in French Bulldogs like hemivertebrae or cataracts.
5. Make the Payment
If you decide to purchase a French Bulldog, you'll need to pay for it. Breeders that are responsible require deposits to ensure that their puppies are placed in responsible families. This can help them avoid breeding unhealthy pups who could have genetic illnesses and disorders like cataracts, cherry eye and the entropion. It is crucial to find a reputable breeder and ask for health test results before making the final payment.
After you've paid, you can begin planning for the requirements of your new puppy. You can purchase bedding, toys, food and food, as well as the crate and training supplies. It is also important to consider the costs associated with vet visits and vaccinations. Frenchies are susceptible to numerous medical conditions, including deafness, obesity and collapsing trachea. It is recommended that you take your French bulldog insured to cover unexpected vet costs.
Frenchies are wonderful dogs for families. They are loving and enjoy spending time with their humans. However, they are unable to like long periods of isolation and may suffer from separation anxiety if left in a secluded area for long enough. They are not suitable for families who travel frequently or work long hours.
The purchase of a French bulldog from a reputable breeder can be a rewarding experience. Responsible breeding practices can reduce the risk of health problems and a healthy dog is a joy to have for the rest of his life. Don't forget the countless Frenchies that are in need of homes and in shelters all over the country. They need homes that are loving and supportive. Don't fall into the trap of judging these dogs based on their price tags. If you can't afford a Frenchie then you can adopt one from your local shelter or rescue group.