Buy a French Bulldog With a Long Nose
The French Bulldog's "bat ears" are a part of their charm but they can create health concerns. The ear canals are narrow, which makes it easier for germs and debris to enter and cause infections.
Look for a dog with well-formed tight nares. Narrow nares can cause breathing problems. The rear feet should follow within the space of the forward feet. If they don't, the movement isn't good.
What is what is a Frenchie?
Frenchies are fun-loving companions who are great additions to any family. They're also highly adaptable breeds that are able to adapt to various living environments including apartments. However, just like all dogs, they require regular exercise and veterinary treatment. Choose a responsible breeder who provides the puppies with an environment that is clean and healthy and keeps records of health. A reputable breeder will also answer any questions about the background or character of the dogs that they sell.
The French Bulldog has a short face, is small (chondrodystrophic) and its ears are shaped like bats. They're strong dogs with thick bones and a lovely temperament. They live between 10 and 14.
Because they are prone to heat stroke, it's crucial for owners to keep their Frenchies indoors and out of direct sunlight. They can easily overheat when they pant or engage in vigorous activities. They also have a shorter nasal airway than other breeds, and they are able to breathe more easily. This can cause to respiratory infections or nose bleeding. The snoring noises they sometimes make can also be indicative of an airway obstruction and could indicate that your dog is experiencing breathing difficulties.
If you're thinking of purchasing 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 test their dogs for genetic disorders such as bifida and hemivertebrae. They'll also test for hereditary cataracts and luxating patellas. They will also test for brachycephalic disorders, which is prevalent in Frenchies and short-faced breeds. It can cause breathing difficulties and tracheal collapse.
A quality breeder will also engage their puppies from the moment they are born. These sessions will help your puppy become used to new people, sounds and experiences prior to moving into their new home. This will allow them to grow to be well-mannered, confident dogs. The process of socialization gives breeder an opportunity to identify and correct any potential behavior issues before they can spread.
Characteristics
Frenchies are dogs that have low energy levels and enjoy a stroll or playing with their humans. Regular exercise is necessary to keep them cool. They are sensitive to heat. This breed doesn't do well in households with pets of small size, such as hamsters, cats or birds because they might consider them prey.
Like all puppies, Frenchies need to be socialized and trained consistently to be well-mannered adults. They are a free-thinking breed that are very affectionate, which makes them more receptive to techniques for training such as positive reinforcement and food rewards. Because of their affection for their companions, 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 cares about their pups well-being and health. Breeders with good reputations test their breeding stock to look for health issues and socialize the puppies from the time they are born. Backyard breeders are more concerned with making money than raising healthy, well-adjusted puppies. They may also ignore health issues like genetic disorders and congenital disorders.
This breed requires regular visits to the vet for health maintenance and grooming. Regular brushing keeps their coats shiny and clean and nail trimming may help to prevent overgrowth. Particular attention should be paid to their ears and skin folds, which could become irritated easily. Also their anal sacs must be checked frequently to ensure that they're not leaky.
French Bulldogs tend to gain weight, which is why it is essential to track the caloric intake of your dog and ensure they exercise regularly. They may be more susceptible to respiratory and joint problems in the event that they are overweight.
If you're considering getting a French Bulldog, be prepared to invest a bit in their routine maintenance. The breed is costly to keep, particularly when you select high-quality dog food and schedule regular vet visits. You may want to consider using credit cards specifically designed for expenses related to pets such as CareCredit to help you manage expenses for pet care. This can help you to cover your pet's routine treatment, emergency situations and surgeries, without having to break the bank.
Health Problems
Frenchies can be afflicted by various health issues however many of them can be avoided by taking proper care. Their brachycephalic (short nose) anatomy makes it difficult for them to breathe through their nostrils which can result in respiratory issues. If your French Bulldog shows signs of difficulty breathing, sneezing, coughing or wheezing, you should take them to the vet right away. They may require medication or an ear trephination surgery to open their ear canals.
Frenchies have a shortened jaw which is why they must have their teeth cleaned and examined regularly. The teeth of Frenchies are often crowded, leading to gingivitis and tartar. Pet owners can prevent these problems by using a soft toothbrush and dog-specific toothpaste to brush their Frenchies' teeth. It is also essential to restrict 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 problems. The pulmonary valve and artery can narrow, leading to pulmonic obstruction. This can cause a decrease in blood flow to the lungs and oxygen circulation throughout the body. It is crucial that Frenchies get regular checkups with their veterinarians.
Frenchies are also predisposed to hip dysplasia. This is a condition where the hip joint becomes painful, loose, and susceptible to dislocation. The symptoms can be treated with medication and physical therapy however severe cases could require surgery.
As for the brain, Frenchies can be prone to spinal malformations that are genetic, including hemivertebrae (incomplete vertebrae that can compress the spinal cord). They are also at risk of developing herniated discs in their spine. Herniated disks are not always severe and do not require treatment. However, severe cases of herniated disks can cause paralysis.
As with other breeds, Frenchies are prone to skin issues, such as allergies. They can develop rashes, infections and skin folds on their feet. They are more vulnerable to digestive issues, such as peptic and inflammatory digestive disorders. In addition, they can have respiratory tract issues, such as a weakened upper airway and obstructed sinuses.
Training
French Bulldogs are intelligent dogs who want to please their owners. They are quick to learn, which makes them excellent candidates for training. Many Frenchies are excellent in agility, rally, and obedience. They also make excellent therapy dogs for schools and hospitals. Training helps to build an enduring bond of trust and respect between the dog and its owner. It helps reinforce the commands and behaviors you want your Frenchie to observe. It is important to begin training your dog as soon as possible. The ideal time to begin should occur when the dog is a puppy. So, the training will be fun and easy for both of you. But, it's never too late to start training your dog. Most dogs can be taught new skills by patience, repetition, and positive reinforcement.
Frenchies are dogs that socialize and get along with people and other animals. It is recommended to keep Frenchies away from dogs and children as they can be too rambunctious. They may also have a stubborn streak, so it's essential to keep up with their training and avoid becoming frustrated.
When training the French Bulldog, it's helpful to make use of food rewards and positive praise. This can motivate the dog to cooperate and will encourage them during sessions. It's also recommended to keep training sessions short and fun to prevent the dog from losing interest. Remember that Frenchies have flat faces and can have breathing issues and should not over exercise them in 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 even retrieve toys. This type of exercise can be enjoyable for both dog and owner, and it's an excellent way to burn off extra energy.
It's also an excellent idea to incorporate training into your daily routine so that your French Bulldog will learn to associate it with positive things. For instance, you can ask your dog to "sit" before you serve them food or "stay" when you open the door. This will reinforce the commands you've taught them, and teach them to obey your commands even in chaotic situations.