Buy a French Bulldog With a Long Nose
The French Bulldog's "bat ears" are part of their charm but they can create health concerns. The narrow ear canals allow debris and germs to have easier access to cause infections.
Find a dog with well-formed, tight nares. Narrow nares could cause breathing problems. Also the rear feet must track inside the span of the front feet. If they don't, the movement isn't as good.
What is an Frenchie?
Frenchies are fun-loving companions who are great additions to any family. They are also extremely flexible dogs that can adapt to a variety of living situations including apartments. Like all dogs however, they require regular exercise and veterinary attention. Choose a responsible breeder who ensures that the puppies are raised in a healthy, clean environment and keeps records of health. A reputable breeder will also answer any questions about the history or personality of the dogs they sell.
The French Bulldog is a short-faced, dwarf (chondrodystrophic) breed with soft coat and signature "bat" ears. They're big dogs with strong bones and a lovely temperament. They live between 10 and 14 years old.
As they're prone to heat stroke, it's crucial for owners to keep their Frenchies inside and out of direct sunlight. They can easily overheat especially during panting episodes or strenuous exercise. Additionally they have a smaller airway than long-nosed breeds, and may breathe more easily than other dogs which can cause nasal bleeding and respiratory infections. Snorring sounds could also signal obstructions in the airway, and indicate that your dog may be having breathing issues.
If you're interested in getting a French Bulldog, search for an ethical breeder who is affiliated with reputable organizations such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and has a low coefficient of inbreeding. Breeders will be screened for genetic diseases that are associated with this breed, such as hemivertebrae and bifida as well as hereditary cataracts, and luxating patellas. They'll also screen for brachycephalic disorder, which is common in Frenchies and other breeds with short faces and can lead to tracheal collapse and breathing difficulties.
A quality breeder will also introduce their puppies to socialization from the time they are born. These sessions will help your puppy become 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 also gives the breeder the chance to spot any potential behavior issues and correct them before they become a problem.
Characteristics
Frenchies are dogs that have low energy levels and love a walk on a treadmill or a play session with their people. They are often sensitive to heat, so regular exercise is essential to prevent overheating. This breed is not a good one to have in a home with small pets like cats or hamsters due to the fact that they might see them as prey and chase them.
Like all puppies, Frenchies need to be taught and socialized regularly in order to become well-mannered adults. They are intelligent dogs who are eager to please. This makes them receptive to training methods like positive reinforcement and food rewards. Because of their affection for their people they thrive when they are surrounded by plenty of human interaction.
If you're considering adopting a French Bulldog puppy, look for a responsible breeder that takes care of their pups health and well-being. Breeders who are reputable will check their breeding selection for health issues and socialize their dogs from birth. Backyard breeders are more focused on turning a profit than producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They also tend to overlook health issues such as congenital diseases and genetic disorders.
In addition to a healthy diet and exercise, this breed needs regular visits to the vet for grooming and health maintenance. Regular brushing keeps their coats shiny and clean. Nail trimming can also help to prevent overgrowth. Special attention should be given to their ears and skin folds, which can be easily irritated. Their anal sacs must also be inspected regularly to ensure that they're not leaking.
French Bulldogs are susceptible to weight gain, so it's important to monitor their caloric intake and make sure they're exercising regularly. They are more susceptible to respiratory issues and joint issues when they're overweight.
If you're thinking about a French Bulldog, be prepared to invest a bit in their routine maintenance. more info here is expensive to keep, especially when you select high-quality dog food and have regular vet visits. Consider using a credit cards designed for pet expenses like CareCredit to help manage the costs of caring for your pet. This can help you pay for your pet’s routine medical care, emergency situations and surgeries, without spending a fortune.
Health Problems
Frenchies are prone to some health issues, a lot of which are preventable by taking treatment. Their brachycephalic anatomy (short nose), makes it difficult for them to breathe through their nasal passages, which can result in respiratory issues. If your French Bulldog shows signs of difficulty breathing, sneezing, wheezing or coughing, visit the vet right away. They might require medication or a operation known as an ear trephination, which opens up their ear canals.
Frenchies have a jaw that is shortened, so they need to get their teeth examined and cleaned regularly. Their teeth tend to be overcrowded, which can lead to gingivitis and tartar accumulation. Pet owners can avoid these issues by using a soft toothbrush and a dog-specific toothpaste to clean their Frenchies' teeth. It is also essential to limit their intake of hard foods, which can cause extra stress on their teeth and jaws.
Like other short-faced breeds, Frenchies have a higher chance of developing heart conditions. The pulmonary valve and artery can narrow, causing pulmonic obstruction. This can reduce blood circulation to the lungs, and oxygen circulation throughout the body. Pulmonic stenosis in severe cases can lead to congestive heart failure. Therefore, it is important for Frenchies to be checked regularly and treatment according to the recommendations of their veterinarians.
Similar to that, Frenchies are predisposed to hip dysplasia, which is a condition in which the hip joint becomes loose and painful. Physical therapy and medication can help with symptoms, however severe cases might require surgery.
As for the brain, Frenchies can be prone to genetic spinal malformations such as hemivertebrae (incomplete vertebrae that may compress the spinal cord). Herniated disks may also be present in the spine. Certain herniated discs are minor and do not require treatment, however, severe cases could cause paralysis.
Frenchies, like other breeds, are susceptible to skin issues, including allergies. They may develop rashes or infections on their feet, skin folds and in their ears. They are more prone to digestive issues including peptic or inflammatory intestinal diseases. They can also have respiratory problems, like a weak upper-airway and obstructed sinuses.
Training
French Bulldogs are intelligent dogs who love to please their people. They are quick learners, making them excellent candidates for training. In fact, many Frenchies excel in agility, obedience and rally. They are excellent therapy dogs for hospitals and schools. Training can help build the trust and respect between the dog and its owner. It reinforces the commands you want your Frenchie follow. It is important to begin training as early as you can and ideally, when the dog is a puppy. The training will be easy and fun for you both. It is never too late for you to start training your dog. With perseverance, repetition, and positive reinforcement, the majority of dogs can learn new skills.
Frenchies are dogs that socialize and can be found with people and other animals. They may be a little too enthusiastic when playing with children or other dogs and therefore it is best to stay away from small dogs or children. It's essential to remain consistently in your training and not get annoyed.
When training for a French Bulldog, it's helpful to reward your dog with food and positive praise. This will inspire the dog and motivate them to be cooperative during training sessions. It's also an excellent idea to keep training sessions short and fun to keep the dog from losing interest. Be aware that Frenchies have faces that are flat and be prone to breathing issues 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. For instance, you can teach your dog to leap through a hoop or to retrieve toys. This type of training can be enjoyable for both you and your dog, and it's an excellent way to burn off some extra energy.
It's also a good idea to incorporate 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 give their food or "stay" while you open the door. This will reinforce the rules you have taught them and help them learn to obey you in any situation.