Buy a French Bulldog With a Long Nose
French Bulldogs' 'bat ears" are a part of what makes them attractive but they can also be a health risk. The ear canals are narrow, which makes it easier for germs and debris to get in and cause infections.
Look for a puppy with tight, well-formed nares. Narrow nares can cause breathing issues. Also the rear feet should track inside the span of the front feet. If they don't, the movement will be bad.
What is what is a Frenchie?
Frenchies are a fun and affectionate companions that can be a wonderful addition to any family. They're also highly adaptable dogs which can adapt well to different living situations including apartments. Like all dogs however, they require regular exercise and veterinary care. Choose a responsible breeder who provides the puppies with a healthy, clean environment and maintains health records. A good breeder will answer any questions about the background or personality of the dogs they sell.
The French Bulldog has a short face, is dwarf (chondrodystrophic) and its ears are shaped like bats. They are muscular dogs with bone structure that is strong and a sweet temperament. They live between 10 and 14 years.
Owners should be sure to keep their Frenchies in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight, since they are susceptible to heatstroke. They can easily overheat when they sweat or engage in intense exercise. They also have a narrower nasal airway when compared to other breeds, and they are able to breathe more easily. This can lead nose bleeds or respiratory infections. Snorring noises that they make can also be indicative of an airway obstruction and could indicate that your dog is suffering from breathing problems.
If you're thinking of buying a French Bulldog, search for a responsible breeder who works with reputable organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and has a low rate of inbreeding. Breeders will test for genetic diseases that are associated with this breed, including hemivertebrae, bifida, hereditary cataracts, and luxating patellas. They will also screen for the brachycephalic disorder which is prevalent among Frenchies and short-faced breeds. It can cause breathing issues and tracheal collapse.
A good breeder will introduce their puppies to socialization from the time they are born. These sessions will help your puppy get familiar with new people as well as sounds and experiences prior to moving into their new home. This helps them become confident, well-mannered puppies. The socialization process gives the breeder the chance to recognize and correct any possible behavioral issues before they become a problem.
Characteristics
Frenchies are low-energy dogs that enjoy a stroll or playing with their humans. Regular exercise is vital to keep them cool. They are sensitive to heat. This breed is not a good fit for a home with pets that are small, such as cats, hamsters, or birds, because they may perceive them as prey and pursue them.
Like all puppies, Frenchies need to be taught and socialized regularly in order to become well-mannered adults. They are freethinking dogs that are prone to pleasing, which makes them more receptive to techniques for training like positive reinforcement and food rewards. They thrive when they are able to communicate with their owners.
If you are interested in adopting a French Bulldog puppy, look for a responsible breeder that cares about their pups well-being and health. Reputable breeders will screen their breeding stock for health issues and will socialize their dogs from birth. Backyard breeders are more concerned with making money than raising healthy, well-adjusted pups. They also tend to overlook crucial health issues such as genetic disorders and congenital diseases.
In addition to a healthy diet and exercise, this breed needs regular visits to the veterinarian to groom and maintain their health. Regular brushing will keep their coats clean and shiny. Nail trimming can also help prevent overgrowth. Their ears and skin folds should receive special attention, since they can easily become annoyed. Also the anal sacs of their patients should be checked regularly to ensure that they aren't leaking.
French Bulldogs tend to gain weight, which is why it is crucial to keep track of the caloric intake of your dog and ensure that they exercise regularly. If they're overweight, they may be more susceptible for several health problems, including joint issues and respiratory issues.
If you're considering a French Bulldog, be prepared to spend a little on their routine care. The breed is costly to keep, especially if you choose high-quality dog food and schedule regular visits to the vet. You may want to consider using credit cards specifically designed for expenses related to pets such as CareCredit to manage pet care costs. This can help you to pay for your pet's routine care, emergency situations, and procedures, without having to break the bank.
Health Concerns
Frenchies can suffer from a variety of health problems however many of them can be cured by taking care of them. Their brachycephalic (short nose) anatomy makes it difficult for them to breathe through their nostrils and can lead to respiratory disorders. If your French Bulldog shows signs of difficulty breathing, sneezing or wheezing or coughing, take them to the vet immediately. They may need medication or an ear trephination procedure to open their ear canals.
Due to their jaws being smaller, Frenchies need to have their teeth regularly examined and cleaned. Their teeth are overcrowded which can lead to gingivitis and tartar accumulation. Pet owners can avoid these problems by using a soft brush and a dog-specific toothpaste to clean their Frenchies' teeth. It is crucial to limit their intake of hard foods, because this puts additional stress on their jaws and teeth.
Frenchies, like other short-faced dogs, are at a higher chance of developing heart problems. The pulmonary valve and artery can narrow, causing pulmonic obstruction. This can reduce blood circulation to the lungs, and oxygen circulation throughout the body. Severe cases of pulmonic stenosis could lead to congestive heart failure, which is why it is important for Frenchies to be checked regularly and treatment as directed by their veterinarians.
Frenchies are also predisposed to hip dysplasia. This is a condition where the hip joint becomes loose, painful, and susceptible to dislocation. Medications and physical therapy can alleviate symptoms, but severe cases might require surgery.
In terms of the brain, Frenchies can be prone to genetic spinal malformations, including hemivertebrae (incomplete vertebrae that can compress the spinal cord). They also have the risk of herniated discs in their spine. Certain herniated discs are minor and do not require treatment but severe cases can cause paralysis.
As with other breeds, Frenchies are prone to skin issues, such as allergies. They may develop rashes or infections on their skin folds, paws, and even in their ear. They are more susceptible to digestive issues, such as peptic and inflammatory intestinal diseases. In addition, they can have respiratory tract issues for example, a weaker upper airway and obstructed sinuses.
Training
French Bulldogs are smart and love to please their owners. They are quick learners, making them excellent candidates for training. Many Frenchies are excellent in rally, agility and obedience. They are excellent therapy dogs for schools and hospitals. Training helps to build a bond of trust and respect between the dog and its owner. It reinforces the rules you would like your Frenchie to follow. It is essential to begin training your dog as soon as you can. Ideally, this should happen when it is still a puppy. The training will be easy and here enjoyable for both of you. It is never too late to start training your dog. With patience, repetition, and positive reinforcement, the majority of dogs can develop new skills.
Frenchies are very social dogs, and they are able to get along with most people and animals. They can be too boisterous when playing with small dogs or children It is recommended to avoid them from young kids or large dogs. It is essential to be constant in their training and not be annoyed.
It is important to utilize positive reinforcement and food rewards when training a French Bulldog. This will encourage the dog to cooperate and will encourage them during the sessions. Keep training sessions short and enjoyable to avoid the dog losing interest. Be aware that Frenchies have flat faces and may be prone to breathing issues and should not over exercise them during hot weather.
Once you have mastered basic obedience with your French Bulldog you can move onto more advanced tricks. You can train your dog to jump over a hoop or retrieve toys. This kind of training can be fun for both of you and your dog and is a great method to burn off any extra energy.
It's also recommended to incorporate training into your daily routine so that your French Bulldog will learn to associate it with positive things. For instance, you can ask your dog to "sit" before you give them their food or "stay" when you open the door. This will reinforce the commands you have taught them and will help them learn to obey you in any situation.