How to Buy a French Bulldog
A purchase of an French Bulldog is an exciting but a daunting experience. It is crucial to find a reputable breeder who will answer all your questions and will not try to conceal everything.
You should also find an breeder who does health testing and does not breed related dogs. This will ensure your puppy is healthy, and has a good disposition.
1. Find a Reputable Breeder
A reputable breeder of French Bulldogs is one who has been breeding French Bulldogs and maintains high quality standards for a long time. They should be able to answer all your questions about their breeding methods, and should have numerous references from their previous clients. They should also have a well-maintained and clean facility.
A puppy purchase is a significant investment and you must take the time to look for a responsible breeder. If a breeder's only been in business for a short period of time or if they offer their puppies at very low prices, these are signs that they might be operating as a puppy mill.
Puppy mills are generally run by individuals who don't care about animal welfare and only want to earn money. These untrustworthy breeding companies create litters following litters that have poor genetics. It is crucial to purchase your French bulldog from a reputable breeder to minimize the risk of health problems.
When visiting a prospective breeder it is important to meet both male and female parents of your puppy. If this is not possible or practical, an experienced breeder should be able to provide videos of the parents so that you get an idea of what your puppy will be like when they are older.
Frenchies are susceptible to skin fold dermatitis since they have extra folds of skin on their faces. This can lead to painful, itchy rashes that require treatment with antibiotics. Be careful when bathing them as excessively can strip away the natural oils which keep their skin healthy. It is recommended to brush their teeth at minimum three or four times every week to avoid tartar.
2. Visit the Breeder Home
The French Bulldog is the most well-known breed in America. This popularity has led to puppy farms and unsafe breeding practices. They are often bred solely for profit and are kept in squalid conditions with no care or socialization which can lead to genetic health issues in their offspring. The most reliable breeders will provide you with the health records of their parents. They also will be transparent in their breeding practices and philosophies.
When you visit the facility of the breeder take note of the area in which the puppies are being raised. Are the areas where the puppies are kept well-maintained and secure? Are the puppies healthy-looking, with sparkling eyes and a shiny coat? Then, you can ask the breeder questions about their breeding practices and philosophy.
Another thing to take note of is whether or the breeder has an active waiting list for puppies. A good breeder will be looking for well-matched pairs and ensuring their puppies are placed in the best homes they can.
A reputable breeder will also have a health guarantee for their puppies, and they will be happy to explain the terms of this guarantee. This is a sign they are committed to their role in the preservation of breeds and will do all they can to ensure their puppies' health and well-being.
Frenchies are low-maintenance dogs that require only minimal exercise and can adapt well to any environment. However, they are not suited for very hot weather because their flat faces make it difficult for them to breathe. They also need regular grooming and frequent nail trimmings. You will need to prepare for your visit by purchasing food water dishes, sleeping quarters, collars and leashes, in addition to other necessities. BlueHaven reviews some of these items under FAQs.
3. Take a look at the health tests for puppies.
Look at the coats and the skin of the puppies when you visit the breeder. They should be shiny soft and smooth, without lumps or bumps. They should be eating well and have regular stool movements. Pay attention to their interactions with their littermates. Social behavior and playfulness are positive indicators. Aggression or shyness could indicate health problems.
Ask the breeder about the puppies' genetic health tests and their Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) numbers. These numbers are on the internet and can provide important information regarding a puppy's hereditary conditions such as joint problems or congenital hearts disease.
These health reports can help you determine whether your possible French Bulldog is healthy, and suited to your lifestyle. A reputable breeder will prioritize the welfare of their animals and work to enhance their quality of life.
Frenchies are at risk of hip dysplasia. This is an inherited joint condition that can cause loose joints. If it is not treated it can result in chronic pain as well as exercise intolerance, repeated episodes of diarrhea, and even incontinence. Surgery is typically required to treat the condition.
Frenchies can also suffer from eye problems, including distichiasis. This happens when the upper eyelid and lower eyelids roll inwards and cause the hairs of the eyelids to touch the cornea leading to irritation, inflammation, and tear. They are also susceptible to entropion, which occurs when the dog's eyelashes drop out of their normal position at the edge of the lid and touch the eyeball, causing irritation, inflammation, tearing and loss of vision.
4. Sign a Contract
Bringing a French Bulldog into your life can be a thrilling experience. This breed is playful, gentle and affectionate. They make a great companion for anyone. However, there are a few things to consider prior to purchasing one. First, make sure you get a contract from the breeder. This contract should include details about the health of the puppy as well as its breeding history and any genetic defects. It should also define your duties as the dog's owner.
It is also essential to ensure that the breeder has a good reputation. You can do this by reading reviews or visiting their facilities. It is also advisable to request references from past buyers. Ask the breeder for their screening policy to ensure that they use healthy parents and to avoid hereditary disorders.
Also, ensure that you get a contract which outlines the cost of the puppy and any additional fees. The contract should also state that you will not sell or transfer the puppy to a different person. In addition, you must agree to take the dog to a vet within a specified amount of time. This is important because Frenchies are prone to hereditary diseases that can be passed down through their parents.
The contract should also include any other terms and conditions related to the puppy's care. For instance, it must stipulate that the puppy should not be left outside in temperatures that are extreme. The breed is vulnerable to exhaustion and heatstroke. Additionally, the contract should also make it clear that the puppy must not jump off high surfaces because this could cause hemivertebrae rupture.
The contract should also contain a provision for an alternative puppy in the event of the hereditary disease or congenital defect occurs. This includes conditions like cherry eye and entropian (a condition in which the eyes are squinting inward) loose knees and hips, or skin allergies. However, the contract does not cover hereditary conditions that are considered normal in French Bulldogs, such as hemivertebrae or cataracts.
5. Make the payment
When you have decided to purchase a French Bulldog, you'll be required to purchase it. Responsible breeders will require a deposit upfront to ensure that their pups are placed in homes that are responsible. This can help them avoid breeding unhealthy pups that could be suffering from genetic disorders and diseases like cataracts, cherry eye, and entropion. Ask for health test results from a reputable breeder prior to you make the final payment.
After paying the fee after the payment, you can begin making plans for your puppy's needs. This can include buying food, toys, bedding, a crate, and even training equipment. Take into consideration the cost of the veterinary treatment and vaccinations. Frenchies are susceptible to a number of ailments that are common to all dogs, including obesity, overheating deafness, tracheal collapse. It is recommended to cover your French bulldog for any unexpected vet expenses.
Frenchies are wonderful dogs for families. They are affectionate and love spending time with their humans. They don't like long periods of solitude and can develop separation anxiety when left alone. Due to this, they are not a good fit for families that travel often or work long hours.
A French bulldog purchased from a trusted seller is an enjoyable experience. Responsible breeding can decrease the chance of developing health issues, and a healthy puppy can be a joy to own for a lifetime. Don't forget that there are many homeless Frenchies in shelters across the country who require loving homes too. Don't fall into the trap of judging these dogs based on their price tags. If you're unable to afford the cost of a Frenchie adopt one from an französische bulldogge kaufen animal shelter or rescue group instead.