Buy a French Bulldog With a Long Nose
The French Bulldog's "bat ears" are a part of their charm, but they can also cause health problems. The ear canals are narrow, which allows dirt and bacteria to get easier access to cause infections.
Look for a dog with well-formed tight nares. Narrow nares can cause breathing issues. Also, the rear feet should be able to follow the same path as the front feet. If they don't, the movement will be bad.
What is what is a Frenchie?
Frenchies are playful companions that are great additions to any family. They are also extremely flexible dogs that can adapt to many different living conditions including apartments. However, just like all dogs, they require regular exercise and veterinary care. When looking for a French Bulldog, choose a responsible breeder who keeps the pups in a clean, healthy environment and provides health records. A reputable breeder will also answer any questions regarding the background 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 muscular dogs with heavy bones and a sweet temperament. They can live between 10 and 14 years.
Since they're susceptible to heat stroke, it's crucial for owners to keep their Frenchies indoors and out of direct sunlight. They can easily get overheated when they pant or engage in intense exercise. They also have a shorter nasal airway compared to other breeds, and can breathe more easily. This can result in to respiratory infections or nose bleeding. Snorring noises they make may also be an indication of an obstruction in the airway. It may indicate that your dog is experiencing breathing issues.
If you're interested in a French Bulldog and want to find a responsible breeder, choose one that is affiliated with reputable organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. They should also have a low coefficient of inbreeding. Breeders will be screened for genetic diseases that are that are common to this breed, including hemivertebrae, bifida, hereditary cataracts and luxating patellas. They will also screen for the brachycephalic disorder which is common among Frenchies and short-faced breeds. It can cause breathing problems and the collapse of the trachea.
A quality breeder will also introduce their puppies to socialization from the time they are born. These sessions will help your puppy get used to new people as well as sounds and experiences prior to moving into their new home. This helps them become confident, well-mannered pups. The socialization process also gives the breeder a chance to spot any potential behavioral issues and correct them prior to they can spread.
Characteristics
Frenchies are dogs with low energy levels that enjoy a stroll or play session with their people. Regular exercise is vital to keep them cool. They are sensitive to heat. This breed is not a suitable 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 snare them.
As with all puppies, Frenchies require consistent training and socialization to grow into a well-mannered adult. They are intelligent dogs who are devoted to pleasing. This makes them receptive to training methods such as positive reinforcement and food reward. Because of their love for their family members they thrive when they have lots of interaction with humans.
If you are interested in adopting an French Bulldog puppy, look for a responsible breeder who takes care of their pups well-being and health. Good breeders will test their breeding selection for health issues and socialize their dogs right from the beginning. Backyard breeders are more concerned with turning a profit than producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may also ignore important health concerns like genetic disorders and congenital diseases.
This breed requires regular visits to the vet to ensure health and grooming. Regular brushing helps keep their coat shiny and clean and nail trimming may aid in preventing overgrowth. Particular attention should be paid to their ears and folds, which may become irritated easily. Also, their anal sacs should be checked regularly to ensure that they're not leaky.
French Bulldogs tend to gain weight, so it is important to monitor the caloric intake of your dog and ensure that they get enough exercise. If they're overweight, they may be more at risk for various health issues, including joint issues and respiratory issues.
Be prepared to spend some money for the regular maintenance of a French Bulldog. This breed is expensive to keep, particularly when you select high-quality dog food and have regular visits to the vet. Think about using a credit card designed for pet expenses such as CareCredit to manage expenses for pet care. This will allow you to pay for your pet's routine care, emergency situations, and surgeries, without spending a fortune.
Health Problems
Frenchies are susceptible to a variety of health issues, many of which can be prevented with proper treatment. Their brachycephalic (short nose) anatomy makes it difficult for them to breathe through their noses and can lead to respiratory disorders. Take your French Bulldog to the vet in the event that they show signs of breathing difficulties or having a sneeze. They may require medication or an ear trephination procedure to open their ear canals.
Frenchies have a shortened jaw which is why they must be able to have their teeth examined and cleaned regularly. Their teeth tend to be overcrowded, which can lead to tartar buildup and gingivitis. Pet owners can avoid these problems by using a soft brush and dog-specific toothpaste to brush their Frenchies's teeth. It is also essential to avoid eating hard foods, as they can put extra strain on their teeth and jaws.
Frenchies, like other short-faced dogs are at a higher likelihood of developing heart issues. They are prone to pulmonic narrowing, which occurs when the pulmonary valve and the artery become narrowed. This can decrease the flow of blood to the lung and can affect oxygen circulation throughout the body. Pulmonic stenosis that is severe could lead to congestive heart failure, so it is important for Frenchies to have regular checkups and treatment as directed by their veterinarians.
Similarly, Frenchies are predisposed to hip dysplasia. This is a condition where the hip joint becomes painful and loose. The symptoms can be managed with medication and physical therapy however severe cases could require surgery.
For the brain, Frenchies can be prone to spinal malformations that are genetic that include hemivertebrae (incomplete more info vertebrae that compress the spinal cord). They are also at risk of developing herniated discs in their spines. Herniated disks may be minor and do not require treatment. However severe cases of herniated disks could cause paralysis.
As with other breeds, Frenchies are prone to skin problems, including allergies. They are prone to developing rashes and infections on their paws, skin folds and even in their ears. They are also more likely to suffer from gastrointestinal issues, such as peptic ulcers and inflammatory bowel disease. In addition, they can suffer from respiratory tract issues, like a weak upper airway and blocked sinuses.
Training
French Bulldogs are intelligent and are eager to please their owners. They are quick learners, which makes them ideal candidates for training. In fact there are many Frenchies excel in agility, obedience and rally. They can also make wonderful therapy dogs for hospitals and schools. Training helps build an emotional bond between the dog and its owner. It reinforces the commands you would like your Frenchie follow. It is important to begin training your dog as early as possible. Ideally, this should be when it is still a puppy. This way, the training will be enjoyable and easy for both of you. It is never too late for you to start training your dog. The majority of dogs can learn new skills through patience, repetition, and positive reinforcement.
Frenchies are very social dogs, so they are able to get along with most people and animals. It is recommended to keep Frenchies away from young children and large dogs as they can be too boisterous. They can also exhibit a stubborn streak, so it's crucial to remain consistent with training and not get annoyed.
When 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. Remember that Frenchies have faces that are flat and be prone to breathing issues and should not over exercise them in hot weather.
After you've completed basic obedience training with your French Bulldog, you can test more advanced tricks and abilities. For instance, you can train your dog to jump through a hoop or to retrieve toys. This type of training is enjoyable for both you and your dog. It's also an excellent way to burn extra energy.
It's also recommended to integrate training into your daily routine so that your French Bulldog will learn to associate it with positive things. You can request your dog to "sit" when you feed him food or "stay" when you open the front door. This will reinforce the commands that you have taught them and aid them to learn to obey you in all situations.