How to Buy a French Bulldog
Buying a French Bulldog is an exciting but daunting experience. It is crucial to find a reputable breeder who will answer all your questions and not try to cover up anything.
You should also look for a breeder that does health testing and doesn't breed related dogs. This will ensure your puppy is healthy and has a positive disposition.
1. Choose a reputable Breeder
A reputable breeder is one who has been breeding French Bulldogs for several years and has maintained high standards. They should be able answer any questions you have about their breeding practices and have a number of references from past clients. In addition, they should have an up-to-date, clean facility.
It is important to be patient when looking for an ethical puppy breeder. Buying a dog is a major commitment. If a breeder is in business for a short period, or their puppies are sold at extremely low prices, it could be a sign that they operate a puppy mill.
Puppy mills are generally operated by people who do not care about the welfare of their animals and are looking to earn money. These unscrupulous breeding companies produce litters following litters that have poor genetics. It is important to only purchase your French bulldog from a trusted breeder to reduce the risk of health issues.
You should be able to meet parents of both genders when you visit a prospective breeder. If this isn't feasible or practical, an established breeder should offer videos of the parents, so that you get an idea of what your puppy will look like when they reach the age of.
Frenchies are prone to skin fold dermatitis due to the fact that they have extra folds of skin on their faces. This can cause painful, itchy skin rashes that require treatment using antibiotics. Be cautious when bathing them as excessively can strip away the natural oils which keep their skin healthy. It is recommended to brush their teeth at least three or four time every week to avoid tartar.
2. Visit the Breeder Home
The French Bulldog is the most popular breed in America. This popularity has resulted in puppy farms as well as unsafe breeding practices. They are usually bred exclusively to make money and are kept in squalid conditions with little to no socialization or care, which can result in genetic health issues for their offspring. The most reputable breeders will be able to provide you with the parents' health records. They also will be transparent in their breeding practices and philosophies.
While visiting the breeder, take a look around their facility and observe the environment in which their puppies are being raised. Are the areas in which the puppies are raised well-maintained and secure? Are the puppies healthy with glowing eyes and a glossy coat? You can ask the breeder about their breeding philosophy and methods.
A waitlist for breeders is another thing to look out for. A good breeder is likely to be interested in finding the most compatible pairs and ensuring that their puppies are placed in the most suitable homes.
A reputable breeder must also provide a health guarantee for their puppies. They should be happy to explain the conditions. This is a sign that they are committed to their role in preserving breeds and will do everything they can to ensure their pups' health and well-being.
Frenchies are a breed of dog that require little exercise and can adapt well to any environment. However, they aren't suitable for extremely hot weather, because their sloping faces make it difficult for them to breathe. They also require regular grooming and frequent nail trimmings. You will also need to prepare your home prior to the time by purchasing food sleeping quarters, water bowls collar and leash, appropriate toys, and other things. BlueHaven has an inventory of these items in the FAQ section.
3. Take a look at 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 glossy soft and smooth, without lumps or bumps. Additionally, they should be eating well and have regular bowel movements. Pay attention to their interactions with their littermates. Playfulness and social behaviour are excellent indicators. Shyness or aggression can be an indication of health issues.
Ask the breeder for results of the genetic health tests on the puppies and their Canine Health Information Center numbers. These numbers are accessible online and can provide important information regarding the hereditary issues affecting puppies like joint issues and congenital hearts disease.
A reputable breeder should be able to provide these health reports, which will help you determine whether your prospective French Bulldog is healthy and suitable for your lifestyle. A reputable breeder will consider the wellbeing of their animals and strive to improve their quality of life.
Frenchies are prone to hip dysplasia. It is an inheritable joint condition that causes loose joints. If left untreated it can result in chronic pain and exercise intolerance, frequent episodes of diarrhea or even incontinence. Surgery is usually required to treat the condition.
Frenchies are also susceptible to eye issues, like distichiasis. This occurs when the upper and lower eyelids roll inwards, causing the eyelid hairs to touch the cornea, which causes irritation, inflammation and tearing. They are also prone to entropion. This happens when the dog’s eyelashes move out of their normal place along the edge and touch the cornea and cause irritation as well as tears, inflammation and loss of vision.
4. Sign a Contract
A French Bulldog can be a wonderful addition to your family. This breed is easygoing, playful, and loving which makes them a wonderful companion for anyone. However, there are a few things you need to know prior to buying one. You should first ask for a contract with the breeder. This should include information about the health of the puppy, its breeding history, and genetic defects. It should also outline your obligations as the pet's owner.
It is also essential to ensure that the breeder is reputable. You can do this by reading reviews and visiting the facilities of the breeder. In addition, you should request references from previous buyers. Ask the breeder for their screening policies to ensure they use healthy parents and avoid hereditary disorders.
Also, ensure that you have a contract in place that outlines the price of the puppy as well as any additional costs. The contract should also state you will not transfer or sell the puppy. Also, you must accept to bring your dog to the vet within a specific time frame. This is essential, as Frenchies are susceptible to inheritable illnesses that can be passed down through their parents.
The contract should contain any additional terms or conditions related to the puppy's care. For instance, it should stipulate that the puppy is not to be left out in extreme temperatures. This is because the breed can suffer from exhaustion or heat stroke. The contract should also state that the puppy isn't permitted to jump off of high surfaces, since this could rupture the hemivertebrae.
Additionally, helpful resources should also provide for a replacement if the puppy develops a hereditary congenital disorder. This could include conditions such as cherry eye and the entropian condition (a condition in which the eyes are squinting inwards), loose knees and hips or skin allergies. However the contract does not cover hereditary diseases that are considered normal in French Bulldogs, such as cataracts or hemivertebrae.
5. Make the payment
Once you have decided to buy a French bulldog, you need to make the payment. Breeders that are responsible require deposits to ensure that their pups are in good families. This will help them avoid breeding unhealthy pups that may have genetic illnesses and disorders such as cataracts, cherry eye, and entropion. It is essential to locate an established breeder and request for health test results before making the final payment.
After you have paid you have paid, you can begin to plan for the needs of your new puppy. This may include purchasing bedding, food, toys as well as a crate and even training equipment. It is also important to consider the cost of vet visits and vaccinations. Frenchies are susceptible to a number of common medical conditions, such as obesity, overheating, deafness, and tracheal collapse. It is recommended to purchase your French bulldog insured to cover any unexpected vet expenses.
Frenchies are fantastic dogs that can be an excellent addition to any family. They are extremely affectionate and enjoy spending time with their human companions. They do not tolerate long periods of isolation and may develop separation anxiety when left alone. They are not suitable for families who frequently travel or work long hours.
A French bulldog bought from a trusted seller is an enjoyable experience. Responsible breeding can lower the chance of developing health issues and a healthy dog is a joy to have for the rest of your life. Don't forget that there are thousands of abandoned Frenchies in shelters across the country who require loving homes as well. Don't make the mistake of judging puppies by their price tags. If you're not able to afford the cost of a Frenchie adopt one from local shelters or rescue group instead.