Buy a French Bulldog With a Long Nose
French Bulldogs' 'bat ears" are part of what makes them so attractive, but they could also be a health risk. The ear canals are narrow, which makes it easier for germs and debris to get in and cause infections.
Look for a puppy that has tight, well-formed nares. Narrow nares may cause breathing issues. Also the rear feet should track inside the span of the front feet. If they don't then the movement will be faulty.
What is a Frenchie?
Frenchies are a fun and affectionate companions that make a great addition to any family. They are also very adaptable dogs who can adapt to a variety of living situations including apartments. Like any dog, however, they need regular exercise and veterinary care. When looking for a French Bulldog, choose a responsible breeder who keeps the pups in a clean, healthy and safe environment and provides health records. A good breeder will also be able to answer any questions you might have about the personality or history of the dogs they sell.
The French Bulldog has a short face, is small (chondrodystrophic) and its ears are designed like bats. They're muscular dogs with heavy bones and a lovely disposition. They can live between 10 and 14 years old.
Owners should ensure that they keep their Frenchies in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight as they are prone to heatstroke. They can easily overheat if they pant or do intense exercise. In addition they have a narrower airway than breeds with long noses and can breathe more easily than other breeds which can cause nose bleeds and respiratory infections. The snoring noises they sometimes make could also be a sign of an airway obstruction and could mean that your dog is experiencing breathing difficulties.
If you are interested in a French Bulldog and want to find a responsible breeder ensure that they are affiliated with reputable organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. They must also have a low percentage of inbreeding. Breeders will screen their dogs for genetic ailments such as hemivertebrae and Bifida. They'll also test for hereditary cataracts and luxating patellas. They also look for the brachycephalic disorder, which is prevalent among Frenchies and short-faced breeds. It can cause breathing difficulties and the collapse of the trachea.
A reputable breeder will engage their puppies from the moment they are born. These sessions will help your puppy become familiar with new people, sounds and experiences before moving into their new home. This will help them grow to be confident, well-mannered dogs. The socialization process also gives the breeder an opportunity to spot any potential behavior issues and correct them prior to they spread.
Characteristics
Frenchies are dogs with low energy levels that love a walk on a treadmill or a playtime with their owners. They tend to be sensitive to heat, and regular exercise is important to avoid overheating. This breed is not a good fit for a home with pets that are small, such as cats or hamsters as they might perceive them as prey and snare them.
Like all puppies, Frenchies require consistent training and socialization to grow into a well-mannered adult. They are intelligent dogs that love to please. This makes them open to training methods like positive reinforcement and food incentives. They thrive when they are able to interact with their owners.
If you're interested in adopting a French Bulldog, seek out an ethical breeder who is concerned about the health and well-being of their puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their breeding animals for health issues and will socialize their dogs right from the beginning. Backyard breeders are more concerned with making a profit rather than producing healthy, well-adjusted and happy dogs. They might also overlook health issues such as genetic disorders and congenital disorders.
This breed requires regular vet visits to ensure health and grooming. Regular brushing helps keep their coat shiny and clean and nail trimming can aid in preventing overgrowth. Particular attention should be paid to their ears and folds, which could be easily irritated. Their anal sacs must also be checked frequently to ensure they are not leaky.
French Bulldogs tend to gain weight, so it is important to monitor the caloric intake of your dog and make sure that they get enough exercise. They could be more prone to respiratory problems and joint issues when they're overweight.
If you're considering a French Bulldog, be prepared to invest a bit in their regular maintenance. This breed is expensive to maintain, particularly when you opt for high-quality dog food and have regular vet visits. You may want to consider using credit cards specifically designed for expenses related to pets such as CareCredit to manage pet care costs. This will allow you to pay for routine pet care or emergency procedures without spending a fortune.
Health Problems
Frenchies can be afflicted by various health issues however many of them can be prevented by taking care of them. Their brachycephalic (short nose) anatomy makes it difficult for them to breathe through their noses, which can cause respiratory issues. If your French Bulldog shows signs of difficulty breathing, sneezing coughing, or wheezing, visit the vet immediately. They might require medication or a surgery known as an ear trephination procedure to open up their ear canals.
Due to their read more jaws being smaller, Frenchies need to have their teeth checked regularly and cleaned. Their teeth are usually overcrowded and can cause gingivitis and tartar. Pet parents can prevent these issues by using a soft toothbrush and a dog-specific toothpaste to clean their Frenchies' teeth. It is also essential to restrict their intake of hard food items, which could cause extra stress on their teeth and jaws.
As with other breeds with short faces Frenchies have a higher chance of developing heart issues. They are prone to pulmonic stenosis. This is when the pulmonary valve and artery are narrowed. This can reduce blood circulation to the lungs and oxygen circulation throughout the entire body. Pulmonic stenosis in severe cases could lead to congestive heart failure, which is why it is crucial for Frenchies to be checked regularly and treatment as recommended by their veterinarians.
Similar to that, Frenchies are predisposed to hip dysplasia. This is a condition where the hip joint becomes loose and painful. The symptoms can be treated through physical therapy and medication however, severe cases may require surgery.
Frenchies are susceptible to spinal malformations which can affect the brain. This includes hemivertebrae, which are vertebrae that are not complete and may compress the spinal chord. They also are at risk of disc herniation in their spines. Some herniated discs are not severe and do not require treatment, but severe cases can result in paralysis.
Frenchies, like other breeds, are prone to skin problems including allergies. They can develop rashes and infections on their skin folds, paws, and in their ears. They are more susceptible to gastrointestinal problems including peptic or inflammatory digestive disorders. They may also suffer from respiratory issues, including a weakened upper-airway and blocked sinuses.
Training
French Bulldogs are smart and are eager to delight their owners. They are quick learners, making them great candidates for training. In fact they are a lot of Frenchies excel in obedience, agility and rally. They also make great therapy dogs for schools and hospitals. Training helps to build a bond of trust and respect between the dog and its owner. It reinforces the commands you would like your Frenchie to follow. It is important to begin training your dog as early as possible. Ideally, this should be when it is still a puppy. Training will be simple and fun for you both. But, it's never too late to begin training a dog. Most dogs can be taught new skills with perseverance, repetition and positive reinforcement.
Frenchies are social dogs and can be found with people and other animals. It is best to keep them away from pets and large dogs since they can be too exuberant. It's essential to remain constant in their training and to not become frustrated.
When you are training the French Bulldog, it's helpful to make use of food rewards and positive praise. This can motivate the dog to cooperate and encourage them during training sessions. It's also a good idea to keep training sessions short and fun to keep the dog from losing interest. Keep in mind that Frenchies have flat faces and can be prone to breathing issues, so don't overexert or exercise them during hot weather.
Once you have mastered basic obedience with your French Bulldog you can move on to more advanced tricks. You can train your dog to jump over a hoop, or retrieve toys. This type of training can be enjoyable for both you and your dog, and it's a great way to burn off 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 instruct your dog to "sit" when you serve his food or "stay" when you open the front door. This will help reinforce the commands you've taught them and teach them to obey you even in non-structured situations.