What Experts In The Field Would Like You To Know?
Buy a French Bulldog With a Long NoseFrench Bulldogs' "bat ears" are a part of what makes them so attractive but they also pose a health risk. The narrow ear canals make it easier for bacteria and debris to enter and cause infections.
Look for a dog with well-formed tight nares. Narrow nares can cause breathing issues. The rear feet should also follow within the space of the forward feet. If they don't then the movement will be bad.
What is an Frenchie?
Frenchies are playful and loving companions that make a great addition to any family. They are also extremely adaptable dogs who can adapt to various living conditions including apartments. But, as with all dogs they require regular exercise and veterinary attention. Choose a responsible breeder that raises the puppies in a healthy, clean environment and maintains health records. A reputable breeder will 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 shaped like bats. They are muscular dogs with bone structure that is strong and an affable temperament. They live between 10 and 14 years old.
Since they're susceptible to heat stroke, it's essential for owners to keep their Frenchies in a dark, sheltered area and away from direct sunlight. They can easily overheat when they sweat or engage in strenuous activity. Additionally, they have a shorter airway than long-nosed breeds and may breathe more easily than other dogs, which can lead to nosebleeds and respiratory infections. The snoring noises they sometimes make can also be indicative of a blocked airway and may indicate that your dog is suffering from breathing problems.
If you're interested in purchasing a French Bulldog, search for an ethical breeder who is affiliated with reputable organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and has a low rate of inbreeding. These breeders will screen their dogs for genetic ailments like hemivertebrae and bifida. They'll also look for hereditary cataracts and luxating patellas. They'll also look for brachycephalic disorder, which is common in Frenchies and other breeds with short faces and can lead to tracheal collapse and breathing difficulties.
A reputable breeder will socialize their puppies right from the moment they are born. These sessions will help your puppy get used to new people, sounds and experiences before moving into their new home. This helps them become confident, well-mannered pups. The process of socialization gives breeder the opportunity to spot and correct any potential behavior issues before they spread.
Characteristics
Frenchies are low energy dogs who enjoy a brisk stroll or play session with their owners. They are often sensitive to heat, and regular exercise is essential to avoid overheating. This breed does not fit well in homes with small pets such as cats, hamsters or birds because they might perceive them to be prey.
Like all puppies, Frenchies require consistent training and socialization to grow into well-mannered adults. They are free-thinking dogs who love to please, making them receptive to training techniques such as positive reinforcement and food rewards. Because of their affection for their companions, they thrive when they are surrounded by plenty of human interaction.
If you are interested in adopting a French Bulldog puppy, look for a responsible breeder who cares about their pups well-being and health. Reputable breeders will screen their breeding animals for health issues and will socialize their dogs from birth. Backyard breeders are more focused on making money than creating healthy, well-adjusted and happy dogs. They also tend to overlook crucial health issues such as genetic disorders and congenital diseases.
This breed requires regular vet visits for grooming and health maintenance. Regular brushing will keep their coats shiny and clean. Nail trimming can aid in preventing overgrowth. Their ears and skin folds should receive special attention, as they can easily become irritated. Also the anal sacs of their patients should be checked regularly to ensure they're not leaky.
French Bulldogs are prone to weight gain, and it's crucial to track their caloric intake and make sure they're getting enough exercise. If they're overweight, they could be more at risk for several health problems like joint problems and respiratory difficulties.
Be prepared to spend some cash on the regular care of a French Bulldog. This breed is expensive to keep, particularly if you choose high-quality dog food and have regular visits to the vet. To reduce the cost of care for your pet, consider using a credit card specifically designed specifically for pet expenses like CareCredit. This will allow you to cover your pet's routine care, emergency situations, and surgeries without having to break the bank.
Health Concerns
Frenchies are susceptible to many health issues however, many of them can be prevented by taking good care. Their brachycephalic (short nose) anatomy makes it difficult for them to breathe through their nostrils and can lead to respiratory problems. If your French Bulldog shows signs of difficulty breathing, sneezing, coughing or wheezing, here you should visit the vet immediately. They may need medication or an ear trephination surgery to open their ear canals.
Because of their shortened jaws, Frenchies need to have their teeth regularly examined and cleaned. The teeth of Frenchies are often crowded which can lead to gingivitis and tartar. Pet owners can prevent these problems by brushing their Frenchies teeth using a soft toothbrush and dog-specific toothpaste. It is also essential to restrict their intake of hard foods, as they can put additional strain on their jaws and teeth.
Frenchies as well as other dogs with short faces are at a greater risk likelihood of developing heart issues. The pulmonary valve and artery can narrow, leading to pulmonic obstruction. This can affect blood circulation to the lungs, and oxygen circulation throughout the body. Severe cases of pulmonic stenosis could lead to congestive heart failure, so it is essential for Frenchies to undergo regular checkups and treatment as directed by their veterinarians.
Similarly, Frenchies are predisposed to hip dysplasia, which is a condition where the hip joint becomes stiff and painful. The symptoms can be treated with medication and physical therapy however severe cases could require surgery.
Frenchies are susceptible to spinal malformations that can affect the brain. This includes hemivertebrae, which are incomplete vertebrae and can cause compression of the spinal cord. Herniated disks may also be present in the spine. Some herniated discs are mild and do not require treatment however, severe cases could cause paralysis.
Frenchies like other breeds, are susceptible to skin issues, including allergies. They can suffer from rashes, infections and skin folds on their feet. They are more vulnerable to digestive issues like peptic and inflammatory intestinal diseases. They may also suffer from respiratory issues, including a weak upper-airway and obstructed sinuses.
Training
French Bulldogs are intelligent dogs who love to please their people. They are quick to learn, which makes them ideal candidates for training. Many Frenchies are excellent in rally, agility and obedience. They are great therapy dogs for schools and hospitals. Training helps build bonds between dog and owner. It reinforces the commands you would like your Frenchie to follow. It is important to begin training as early as you can and ideally, when your dog is a puppy. Training will be simple and fun for you both. However, it is never too late to start training a dog. With patience, repetition, and positive reinforcement, many dogs can develop new skills.
Frenchies are extremely social dogs, which is why they get along well with most people and other animals. It's best to keep them away from pets and large dogs since they can be a bit too boisterous. It is essential to be constant in their training and not be annoyed.
It's important to use positive reinforcement and food rewards when training to train a French Bulldog. This can help to keep the dog motivated and also encourage them to be cooperative during training sessions. It's also recommended to keep training sessions short and fun to avoid the dog losing interest. Also, keep in mind that Frenchies are flat-faced dogs and can have breathing issues, so it's important not to overdo it or exercise them in hot weather.
Once you have mastered basic obedience with your French Bulldog you can move onto more advanced tricks. For instance, you could train your dog to jump through a hoop, or 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 a good idea too, to include training in your daily routine. This will help your French Bulldog learn to associate the word with positive things. You can ask your dog "sit" when you give him his food or "stay" when you open the front door. This will reinforce the commands you've taught them, and help them obey you even in non-structured situations.