Buy a French Bulldog With a Long Nose
The French Bulldog's 'bat ears' are part of their charm, but they can also cause health problems. The narrow ear canals let germs and debris easier access to cause infections.
Look for a puppy with well-formed, tight nares. Narrow nares can cause breathing problems. The rear feet should also be able to follow the same path as the forward feet. If they don't, the movement won't be as smooth.
What is an Frenchie?
Frenchies are a fun and affectionate companions that make a great addition to any family. They are also very capable of adapting to many different living conditions including apartments. Like any dog, however, they need regular exercise and veterinary care. Choose a responsible breeder who provides the puppies with a healthy, clean environment and keeps records of health. A reputable breeder will be in a position to answer any questions you might have about the background or personality of the dogs they sell.
The French Bulldog is a short-faced and dwarf (chondrodystrophic) breed with soft coat and signature "bat" ears. They are muscular dogs with a strong bone structure and an affable disposition. They live between 10 and 14 years.
As they're prone to heat stroke, it's important for owners to keep their Frenchies inside and out of direct sunlight. They can easily overheat if they pant or do intense exercise. They also have a narrower nasal airway than other breeds, and can breathe more easily. This can lead nasal bleeding or respiratory infections. Snorring noises they make may also be an indication of a blocked airway and could mean that your dog is suffering from breathing problems.
If you're interested in a French Bulldog and want to find a responsible breeder ensure that they are affiliated with reputable organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. They should also have a low percentage of inbreeding. These breeders will screen for genetic diseases that are that are common to this breed, like hemivertebrae and bifida as well as hereditary cataracts, and luxating patellas. They'll also test for brachycephalic disorder, which is common in Frenchies and other breeds with short faces and can cause breathing difficulties and tracheal collapse.
A reputable breeder will introduce their puppies to socialization from the time they are born. These socialization sessions can help your puppy get used to different people, sounds and experiences prior to when they move into their new homes. This helps them grow up to be confident, well-mannered dogs. The socialization process also gives the breeder a chance to spot any potential behavioral issues and correct them prior to they become a problem.
Characteristics
Frenchies are low-energy dogs that enjoy a stroll or playing with their humans. Regular exercise is necessary to keep them cool. They are sensitive to heat. This breed is not a suitable one to have in a home with small pets such as cats or hamsters, because they may perceive them as prey and pursue them.
As with all puppies, Frenchies require consistent training and socialization to grow into well-mannered adults. They are free-thinking dogs who are prone to pleasing, which makes them receptive to training techniques such as positive reinforcement and food rewards. They thrive when they can communicate with their owners.
If you're interested in adopting an French Bulldog puppy, look for a responsible breeder that cares about their pups' health and well-being. Good breeders will test their breeding selection for health issues and will socialize their dogs right from the beginning. Backyard breeders are more concerned with making money than creating healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may also ignore the health issues of congenital diseases and genetic disorders.
In addition to proper diet and exercise, this breed needs regular visits to the veterinarian for grooming and health maintenance. Regular brushing keeps their coat shiny and clean and nail trimming may help prevent overgrowth. Pay particular attention to their ears and skin folds, which can cause irritation easily. Their anal sacs should also be inspected regularly to ensure that they're not leaking.
French Bulldogs are prone to weight gain, which is why it's crucial to track their intake of calories and ensure that they're getting enough exercise. They may be more susceptible to respiratory issues and joint pain in the event that they are overweight.
Be prepared to spend a bit of money for the regular care of a French Bulldog. This breed can be expensive to keep, particularly when you choose high-end dog food and frequent visits to the vet. You may want to consider using credit cards specifically designed for expenses related to pets like CareCredit to help you manage the costs of caring for your pet. This will allow you to pay for your pet’s routine care, emergency situations, and operations without having to break the bank.
Health Problems
Frenchies can be afflicted by many health issues however many of them can be avoided by taking good care. Their brachycephalic (short nose) anatomy makes it difficult for them to breathe through their nostrils which can result in respiratory problems. If your French Bulldog shows signs of difficulty breathing, sneezing, wheezing or coughing, take them to the vet immediately. They may require medication or an ear trephination operation to open their ear canals.
Due to their jaws being shortened, Frenchies need to have their teeth checked regularly and cleaned. Their teeth are overcrowded and can cause tartar buildup and gingivitis. Pet owners can prevent these problems by using a soft brush and a special toothpaste for dogs to brush their teeth with. It is also important to limit their intake of hard foods, which can put extra strain on their teeth and jaws.
Frenchies like other short-faced dogs are at a higher chance of developing heart problems. They are susceptible to pulmonic narrowing, which is when the pulmonary valve and artery become narrowed. This can decrease the flow of blood to lung and can affect oxygen circulation throughout the body. Severe cases of pulmonic stenosis can result in congestive heart failure, so it is essential for Frenchies to undergo regular checkups and treatment according to the recommendations of their veterinarians.
Frenchies are also predisposed to hip dysplasia. This is a condition in which the hip joint becomes painful, loose and susceptible to dislocation. The symptoms can be controlled with medication and physical therapy however, severe cases may require surgery.
Frenchies are susceptible to spinal malformations which can affect the brain. This includes hemivertebrae which are incomplete vertebrae and may compress the spinal chord. They are also at risk of developing herniated discs in their spines. Some herniated discs are mild and do not require treatment but severe cases can cause paralysis.
As with other breeds, Frenchies are prone to skin problems, including allergies. They can suffer from skin infections, rashes and folds on their feet. They are more prone to gastrointestinal problems including peptic or inflammatory bowel diseases. In addition, they can have respiratory tract issues such as a weakened upper airway or blocked sinuses.
Training
French Bulldogs are smart and love to please their owners. They learn quickly, making them ideal candidates for training. In fact, many Frenchies excel in agility, obedience and rally. They are excellent click here therapy dogs for schools and hospitals. Training helps build bonds between dog and owner. It helps reinforce the commands and behaviors you would like your Frenchie to observe. It's important to start training as early as possible and ideally, when the dog is still a puppy. This way, the training will be fun and easy for both of you. But, it's never too late to begin training a dog. Dogs can learn new skills through patience, repetition, and positive reinforcement.
Frenchies are extremely social dogs, which is why they are able to get along with most people and animals. It is best to keep Frenchies away from young pets and large dogs since they can be a bit too rambunctious. It's essential to remain consistent in training them and not be frustrated.
When you are training for a French Bulldog, it's helpful to use food rewards and positive praise. This will motivate the dog to cooperate and encourage them during the sessions. It's also an excellent idea to keep the sessions short and entertaining to keep the dog from losing interest. Be aware that Frenchies have flat faces and may suffer from breathing problems Don't overexert yourself or exercise them during hot weather.
Once you've learned the basics of obedience training with your French Bulldog, you can test more advanced tricks and skills. You can teach your dog to jump over a hoop or retrieve toys. This kind of training can be enjoyable for both you and your dog. It's also an excellent way to burn additional energy.
It's also an excellent idea to integrate training into your daily routine, so that your French Bulldog will learn to associate it with positive things. For instance, you could ask your dog to "sit" before you hand their food or "stay" while you open the door. This will reinforce the commands you have taught them and help them learn to follow your commands in all situations.