How to Buy a French Bulldog
The purchase of an French Bulldog can be an thrilling, but also stressful experience. It is important to look for a reliable breeder who will be available to answer your questions and will not attempt to conceal any information.
You should also seek out a breeder that does health testing and doesn't breed with dogs. This will ensure your puppy is healthy, and is a pleasant person.
1. Look for a Reputable Breeder
A reputable breeder of French Bulldogs is one who has been breeding French Bulldogs and maintains high quality standards for many years. They should be able to answer questions about their breeding practices and have a lot of references from past clients. They should also have a well-maintained and clean facility.
The purchase of a puppy is a serious commitment and you should be sure to look for an ethical breeder. If a breeder is operating for a short period of time, or if their puppies are sold at very low prices, this could indicate that they run a puppy mill.
Puppy mills are generally operated by people who don't care about the welfare of their animals and want to earn money. These breeding companies that are not ethical produce litters after litters with poor genetics. It is important to only purchase your French bulldog from a reputable breeder to minimize the chance of developing health issues.
When you visit a potential breeder, you should be able to meet both male and female parents of your puppy. If this isn't possible or practical, then a reputable breeder will be able to provide videos of their parents so that your puppy can be familiar with the appearance of its parents as they develop.
Due to the extra skin folds on their faces, 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. It is also recommended to clean your teeth at least three or four times a week in order to prevent tartar.
2. Visit the Breeder's Home of the Breeder
The French Bulldog's massive popularity as the most pawpular breed in America has resulted in puppy mills and less-than-safe breeding practices. The French Bulldog is frequently bred to make money, and cruel conditions are used to raise them. They receive very little or no attention or socialization. This can lead to genetic health issues. The most reliable breeders will provide you with the health records of their parents. They will also be open in their breeding practices and philosophies.
While visiting the breeder, look at their facility and take note of the conditions in which their puppies are being raised. Are the areas where the puppies are kept well-maintained and secure? Are the puppies healthy, with bright eyes and a glossy coat? Then, you can ask the breeder any questions about their breeding methods and the philosophy behind them.
A breeder's waiting list is another thing to keep an eye out for. A good breeder will be interested in finding the best-matched pairs and ensuring that their puppies are placed with the best homes.
A reputable breeder will have a health guarantee for their pups, and they should be happy to explain the conditions of this guarantee. This is a sign they take their role in preserving 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 since their rounded faces make breathing difficult. They also require regular grooming, including periodic nail trimming. You'll also need to prepare your home in advance by purchasing food, water bowls, sleeping quarters, collar and leash appropriate toys, and other items. BlueHaven reviews a few of these items in FAQs.
3. Look at the Puppies"Health Tests"
Take a look at the coats and skins of the puppies when you visit the breeder. They should be shiny soft and smooth, without bumps or lumps. They should be eating well and having regular stool movements. Be aware of their interactions with their littermates. Social interaction and playfulness are excellent indicators, whereas shyness or aggression could indicate health issues.
Ask This Internet site for the results of the genetic health tests on the puppies as well as their Canine Health Information Center numbers. These numbers are available online and can give important information regarding the hereditary issues affecting puppies such as joint problems or congenital hearts disease.
These health reports will help you decide whether your prospective French Bulldog is healthy, and suited to your lifestyle. A reputable breeder will also be concerned with the welfare of animals and will work to improve the quality of their life.
Frenchies are more susceptible to hip dysplasia. It is an inheritable joint disorder that leads to loose joints. If not treated it can result in chronic pain and exercise intolerance, frequent episodes of diarrhea, and even incontinence. Surgery is usually required to remedy the condition.
Frenchies are also prone to eye problems such as distichiasis. It occurs when the upper and lower 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 are also susceptible to entropion. This occurs when the dog's eyelashes move out of their normal place along the edge and rub against the cornea and cause irritation as well as tears, inflammation and loss vision.
4. Sign a contract
Inviting an French Bulldog into your life is an exciting time. This breed is easy-going and fun which makes them a wonderful pet for anyone. However, there are a few things to consider prior to purchasing one. You should first inquire about a contract with the breeder. It should contain information about the puppy's health, breeding background, and genetic defects. It should also outline your responsibilities as the dog's owner.
Also, you should check the reputation of the breeder. You can do this through reading reviews and visiting the facilities of the breeder. In addition, you should seek out references from previous buyers. Ask the breeder about their screening policy to ensure that they have healthy parents and avoid hereditary disorders.
You should then get a contract detailing the cost of the puppy and any additional costs. The contract should also stipulate that you are not transferring or selling the puppy. Additionally, you must agree to take the dog to a vet within a specified period of time. This is important because Frenchies are prone to hereditary diseases that can be transmitted through their parents.
The contract should include any other terms or conditions relating to the puppy's care. It should, for example stipulate that the puppy shouldn't be left outside in extreme temperatures. This is because the breed can suffer from exhaustion or heat stroke. In addition, the contract should also make it clear that the puppy must not jump off high surfaces because this could cause hemivertebrae rupture.
Additionally, the contract should also provide for replacement in the event that the puppy develops a hereditary or congenital disease. This could include conditions such as cherry eye or the entropian condition (a condition in which the eyes are squinting inwards) loose knees and hips, or skin allergies. The contract does not cover conditions that are normal in French Bulldogs, for example cataracts and hemivertebrae.
5. Make the payment
Once you've chosen to purchase a French bulldog, you will need to make the payment. Breeders that are responsible require deposits to ensure that their pups are in good families. This can prevent them from breeding unhealthy pups that may be afflicted by genetic diseases and disorders such as cataracts, eye problems, and Entropion. Ask for health tests from a reputable breeder prior to you pay the final amount.
After you've paid the fee, you can begin planning for the requirements of your new puppy. This can include buying food, toys, bedding as well as a crate and training materials. Take into consideration the cost of the veterinary treatment and vaccinations. Frenchies are susceptible to many medical conditions, including deafness, obesity and collapsing trachea. It is recommended that you take your French bulldog insured to cover any unexpected veterinary expenses.
Frenchies are great family dogs. They are extremely affectionate and love to spend time with their human companions. However, they are unable to like long periods of isolation and can develop separation anxiety if left on their own for too long. They are not suitable for families who travel frequently or work long hours.
A French bulldog purchased from a reputable seller can be an enjoyable experience. Responsible breeding can reduce the risk of health issues, and a healthy puppy can be a joy to keep for the rest of your life. But don't forget that there are many abandoned Frenchies in shelters across the country who need loving homes too. Don't fall into the trap of judging these puppies based on their price tags. If you can't afford a Frenchie then adopt one from your local shelter or rescue group.