How to Buy a French Bulldog
The purchase of a French Bulldog can be an thrilling, but also stressful experience. It is essential to look for a reliable breeder who will be willing to answer any questions you may have and will not try to hide any information.
You should also look for a breeder who performs health tests but does not breed related dogs. This will ensure that your puppy is healthy and has good temperament.
1. Find a Reputable Breeder
A reputable French Bulldog breeder is one who has been breeding French Bulldogs and maintains high quality standards for several years. They should be able to answer all your questions about their breeding practices, and have a number of references from past clients. They should also maintain a clean and well-maintained facility.
It is important to be patient when looking for a responsible puppy breeder. A dog purchase is a significant investment. If a breeder has only been operating for a short amount of time or are selling their puppies for very low prices, they are red flags that they are probably operating as a puppy mill.
Puppy mills typically operate without regulation and are run by uncaring individuals who only care about making money, but at the expense of animal welfare. These untrustworthy breeding companies create litters following litters that have poor genetics. It is essential to buy your French bulldog from a trusted breeder to avoid the chance of developing health issues.
When visiting a potential breeder it is important to meet both the male and female parents of your puppy. If this isn't feasible or practical, then a reputable dog breeder will give you videos of their parents to ensure that your puppy can be familiarized with the look of its parents as they grow.
Frenchies are susceptible to skin fold dermatitis since they have folds of skin on their faces. This can result in itchy, painful rashes that require antibiotic treatment. Be cautious when bathing them as too much can strip the natural oils that keep their skin healthy. It is recommended to brush their teeth at least three or four times each week to prevent tartar.
2. Visit the Breeder's Home
The French Bulldog's ubiquity as the most pawpular breed in America has led to puppy mills and unsafe breeding practices. They are usually bred exclusively to make money and kept in inhumane conditions, with minimal socialization or care and can cause genetic health issues for their offspring. The most reliable breeders will provide you with the parents' health records. They will also be honest regarding their breeding practices and philosophies.
While visiting the breeder, take a look around their facility and observe the environment in which their puppies are kept. Do they have a secure and clean area for the puppies? Do the puppies have sparkling eyes and a shiny coat? Then, you can ask the breeder about their breeding philosophy and practices.
Another thing to take note of is whether or the breeder has a waiting list for their puppies. A good breeder is likely to be interested in finding well-matched pairs and ensuring their puppies are placed in the most suitable homes.
A reputable breeder should also offer a health warranty for their puppies. They should be able to explain the terms. This is a sign that they take their responsibility in preserving the breed seriously and will do all they can to ensure the health and well-being of their puppies.
Frenchies are dogs that require minimal maintenance. They require only minimal exercise and can adapt well to any environment. They are not suited to hot weather because their rounded faces make breathing difficult. They also require regular grooming, which includes regular nail trimming. You will need to prepare for your arrival by buying food, water dishes, sleeping quarters, collars, and leashes, as well as other supplies. BlueHaven offers an inventory of these products in the FAQ section.
3. Take a look at the health tests for puppies.
Look at the coats and skins of the puppies as you visit the breeder. They should be shiny, supple and free of lumps or bumps. They should be eating well and have regular stool movements. Pay attention to their interactions with their littermates. Social interaction and playfulness are excellent indicators, whereas aggression or shyness could indicate health problems.
Ask the breeder for results of the genetic health tests conducted on the puppies and their Canine Health Information Center numbers. These numbers can be accessed online and will provide you with useful details about the puppy's history of hereditary ailments like joint issues and congenital heart disease.
A reputable breeder will French Bulldog be willing to provide these health reports, which will help you determine if your potential French Bulldog is healthy and suitable for your lifestyle. A reputable breeder is also concerned about the well-being of animals and will strive to improve the quality of life for their animals.
Frenchies are susceptible to hip dysplasia. This is an inherited joint disorder that causes joints to become loose. Untreated, it may cause chronic pain, incapacity to exercise and recurrent diarrhea episodes and even incontinence. Surgery is typically required to treat the problem.
Frenchies are also susceptible to eye problems, including distichiasis. This happens when the upper eyelid and lower eyelids move inwards which causes the eyelid hairs to touch the cornea, which causes irritation, inflammation and tears. They are also prone to entropion. This occurs when the dog's eyes move from their normal position along the edge and contact the cornea, causing irritation as well as tears, inflammation and loss of vision.
4. Get 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. There are some things you should consider before buying one. It is best to first request an agreement with the breeder. This contract should include information about the health status of the puppy, its breeding history, and any genetic issues. This should also include a description of your duties as the dog's owner.
Also, make sure to check the breeder's reputation. You can do this by reading reviews or visiting their facilities. Additionally, you should ask for references from previous buyers. Also, you should ask the breeder about their screening policy to ensure that they have healthy parents and avoiding hereditary disorders.
You should then get an agreement outlining the cost of the puppy and any additional fees. The contract should also specify that you will not resell or transfer the puppy to another person. Finally, you should be able to take the dog to a vet within a specific amount of time. This is important because Frenchies are prone to hereditary diseases that can be passed on through their parents.
The contract should also contain any other terms and conditions pertaining to the puppy's care. It should, for example mention that the puppy should not be left in temperatures that are extreme. This is because the breed can be afflicted by exhaustion or heat stroke. The contract should also state that the puppy will not be allowed to jump off high surfaces since this could rupture the hemivertebrae.
The contract should also include the possibility of a replacement puppy if an inherited condition or congenital defect is discovered. This includes conditions such as cherry eye or entropian, loose knees or hips and skin allergies. However the contract does not cover hereditary conditions considered normal in French Bulldogs such as cataracts or hemivertebrae.
5. Make the payment
If you decide to purchase a French Bulldog, you will have to pay for it. Breeders that are responsible require deposits to ensure that their puppies go to responsible families. This helps them avoid breeding pups with genetic disorders and illnesses like cataracts, Cherry eye, and Entropion. Ask for health test results from a reputable breeder before you pay the final amount.
After you've paid, you can begin planning for the requirements of your new puppy. You can purchase bedding, toys, food and food, as well as the crate and training supplies. It is also important to take into consideration the potential costs of vet visits and vaccinations. Frenchies are susceptible to many medical conditions, including deafness, obesity, and collapsing trachea. It is recommended that you take your French bulldog insured to cover any unexpected vet expenses.
Frenchies are wonderful dogs that can be a great addition to any family. They are affectionate and enjoy spending time with their human. However, they are unable to enjoy long periods of solitude and can develop separation anxiety if left in a secluded area for too long. Because of this, they are not a good choice for families who frequently travel or work long hours.
A French bulldog bought from a reputable seller is an enjoyable experience. Responsible breeding practices can help to reduce the risk of developing health problems and a healthy dog can be a joy for the rest of his life. Don't forget the countless Frenchies that are in need of homes and in shelters across the country. They need homes that are nurturing as well. Please do not make the mistake of judging dogs according to their cost. If you're unable to afford the cost of a Frenchie, adopt one from a local shelter or rescue group instead.