Buy a French Bulldog With a Long Nose
The French Bulldog's "bat ears" are part of their charm but they can cause health issues. The narrow ear canals make it easier for bacteria and debris to enter and cause infections.
Look for a puppy that has well-formed, tight nares. Narrow nares can lead to breathing issues. The rear feet must follow within the space of the forward feet. If they don't, then the movement is not good.
What is a Frenchie?
Frenchies are affluent and loving companions that make a great addition to any family. They are also highly capable of adapting to various living conditions including apartments. However, like any dog they require regular exercise and veterinary attention. Select a responsible breeder who provides the puppies with an environment that is clean and healthy and maintains health records. A reputable breeder will be in a position to answer any questions you may have regarding the background or personality of the dogs they sell.
The French Bulldog is a short-faced, dwarf (chondrodystrophic) breed with soft coat and signature "bat" ears. They're big dogs with strong bones and a pleasant temperament. They can live between 10 and 14.
As they're prone to heat stroke, it's essential for owners to keep their Frenchies inside and out of direct sunlight. They can easily get overheated when they pant or engage in vigorous activities. They also have a shorter nasal airway when compared to other breeds and are able to breathe more easily. This can cause nose bleeds or respiratory infections. Snorring noises they make could also be a sign of a blocked airway and may indicate that your dog is suffering from breathing difficulties.
If you're thinking of purchasing a French Bulldog, search for a responsible breeder who works with reputable organizations, such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and has a low coefficient of inbreeding. These breeders will screen their dogs for genetic disorders such as bifida and hemivertebrae. They'll also check for hereditary cataracts and luxating patellas. They will also test for the brachycephalic disorder which is prevalent among Frenchies and short-faced breeds. It can cause breathing difficulties and tracheal collapse.
A reputable breeder will engage their puppies from the moment they are born. These sessions will help your puppy get familiar with new people, sounds and experiences before moving into their new home. This will help them grow to be well-mannered, confident dogs. The socialization process also gives the breeder an opportunity to identify any potential behavioral problems and correct them before they become a problem.
Characteristics
Frenchies are dogs with low energy levels that appreciate a brisk walk or play session with their people. They are prone to heat, and regular exercise is essential to prevent overheating. This breed doesn't do well in a household with pets that are small, such as cats, hamsters or birds because they might consider them prey.
Like all puppies, Frenchies need to be educated and socialized consistently to be well-mannered adults. They are freethinking dogs that are prone to pleasing, which makes them open to training methods like positive reinforcement and food rewards. They thrive when they are able to interact with their owners.
If you are interested in adopting a French Bulldog puppy, look for a responsible breeder who is concerned about their puppies health and well-being. Reputable breeders screen their breeding stock to look for health issues and then socialize their dogs from birth. Backyard breeders are more focused on turning a profit than producing healthy, well-adjusted and happy dogs. They might also overlook the health issues of genetic disorders and congenital disorders.
In addition to a healthy diet and exercise, this breed needs regular visits to the veterinarian for grooming and health care. Regular brushing helps keep their coats shiny and clean and nail trimming may help prevent overgrowth. Particular attention should be paid to their ears and skin folds, which may cause irritation easily. Also, their anal sacs should be checked regularly to ensure that they're not leaking.
French Bulldogs are prone weight gain, so it's crucial to track their caloric intake and make sure they're exercising regularly. They could be more prone to respiratory problems and joint issues in the event that they are overweight.
Be prepared to spend a bit of money for the regular care of an French Bulldog. This breed can be expensive to keep, particularly when you choose high-end dog food and frequent visits to the vet. Consider using a credit cards designed for pet expenses like CareCredit to help manage expenses for pet care. This can help you pay for your pet's routine medical care, emergency situations and procedures, without having to break the bank.
Health Concerns
Frenchies are prone to some health issues, many of which can be prevented with proper care. Their brachycephalic (short nose) anatomy makes it difficult for them to breathe through their noses which can result in respiratory problems. If similar internet page shows signs of difficulty breathing, sneezing coughing, or wheezing, take them to the vet right away. They might require medication or surgery called an ear trephination procedure to open up their ear canals.
Frenchies have a jaw that is shortened which is why they must be able to have their teeth examined and cleaned regularly. The teeth of Frenchies are often crowded and can cause tartar and gingivitis. Pet owners can prevent these problems by brushing their Frenchies teeth using soft toothbrushes and a dog-specific toothpaste. It is crucial to limit their intake of hard food, because this puts additional strain on their jaws and teeth.
Frenchies as well as other short-faced dogs, are at a higher likelihood of developing heart issues. The pulmonary valve and artery can narrow, causing pulmonic blockage. This can cause a decrease in blood flow to the lungs and oxygen circulation throughout the entire body. It is important that Frenchies regularly check-up with their veterinarians.
Frenchies are also predisposed to hip dysplasia. This is a condition where the hip joint becomes swollen, painful and susceptible to dislocation. The symptoms can be controlled through physical therapy and medication however severe cases could require surgery.
As for the brain, Frenchies can be prone to genetic spinal malformations, including hemivertebrae (incomplete vertebrae that can compress the spinal cord). Herniated disks may also be present in the spine. Herniated disks may be minor and not require treatment. However, severe cases of herniated disks could cause paralysis.
Like other breeds, Frenchies are prone to skin issues, such as allergies. They can develop rashes and infections on their skin folds, paws, and in their ears. They are also more likely to have digestive issues, including peptic ulcers and inflammatory bowel disease. In addition, they can have respiratory tract issues, such as a weakened upper airway and obstructed sinuses.
Training
French Bulldogs are intelligent and want to delight their owners. They are quick learners, making them excellent candidates for training. In fact there are many Frenchies excel in obedience, agility, and rally. They also make great therapy dogs for hospitals and schools. Training helps build the trust and respect between the dog and its owner. It also reinforces the behavior and commands you want your Frenchie to observe. It is crucial to start training your dog as soon as possible. The ideal time to begin should happen when it is still a puppy. This way, the training is enjoyable and simple for both of you. It is never too late for you to start training your dog. Most dogs can be taught new skills by perseverance, repetition and positive reinforcement.
Frenchies are extremely social dogs, which is why they are able to get along with most people and animals. It's best to keep them away from young pets and large dogs since they can be a bit too exuberant. They may also exhibit a stubborn streak, which is why it's important to keep up with their training and avoid getting annoyed.
It's important to employ positive reinforcement and food rewards when training the French Bulldog. This will help motivate the dog and encourage them to be cooperative during training sessions. Keep the training sessions short and fun to avoid the dog losing interest. Also, remember that Frenchies are dogs with flat faces and may have breathing issues, so it's crucial not to overexert them or exercise them in hot weather.
Once you've mastered basic obedience training with your French Bulldog, you can try more advanced tricks and abilities. You can train your dog to jump over a hoop, or retrieve toys. This type of training is enjoyable for both you and your dog. It's also an excellent way to burn off excess energy.
It's also a good idea to incorporate training into your daily routine, so that your French Bulldog will learn to associate it with positive things. You can request your dog to "sit" when you serve his food or "stay" when you open the front door. This will reinforce the commands that you have taught them and will help them learn to obey you in any situation.