Buy a French Bulldog With a Long Nose
French Bulldogs' 'bat ears" are part of what makes them attractive, but they can also be a health concern. The ear canals are narrow, which makes it easier for germs and debris to enter and cause infections.
Look for a puppy with tight, well-formed nares. Narrow nares can cause breathing issues. The rear feet must follow within the space of the forward feet. If they don't, then the movement will be bad.
What is what is a Frenchie?
Frenchies are affluent and loving companions that are a wonderful addition to any family. They are also highly capable of adapting to various living conditions including apartments. Like any dog however, they require regular exercise and veterinary care. When looking for a French Bulldog, choose a responsible breeder who keeps the puppies in a clean, healthy and safe environment and provide health records. A good breeder will also be capable of answering any questions you may have regarding the background or personality of the dogs they sell.
The French Bulldog has a short face, is dwarf (chondrodystrophic) and its ears are designed like bats. They're big dogs with strong bones and a sweet temperament. They can live between 10 and 14 years old.
Since they're susceptible to heat stroke, it's important for owners to keep their Frenchies indoors and out of direct sunlight. They can easily get overheated when they pant or engage in strenuous activity. They also have a smaller nasal airway than other breeds and are able to breathe more easily. This can lead to respiratory infections or nose bleeding. Snorring sounds could also signal an obstruction in the airway and suggest that your dog may be having breathing problems.
If you're interested in a French Bulldog and want to find a responsible breeder look for one who is associated with respected organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. They must also have a low rate of inbreeding. Breeders will test their dogs for genetic ailments such as bifida and hemivertebrae. They'll also check for hereditary cataracts and luxating patellas. They will also screen for the brachycephalic disorder, which is prevalent in Frenchies and short-faced breeds and can cause breathing problems and tracheal collapse.
A quality breeder will introduce their puppies to socialization right from the time they are born. These sessions will help your puppy get used to new people, sounds and experiences prior to moving into their new home. This will help them become confident, well-mannered pups. The process of socialization also gives the breeder the chance to spot any potential behavioral problems and correct them before they spread.
Characteristics
Frenchies are dogs with low energy levels that love a walk on a treadmill or a play session with their people. They are prone to heat, so regular exercise is essential to avoid overheating. This breed does not fit well in a household with pets of small size, such as cats, hamsters or birds, as they may think they are prey.
Like all puppies, Frenchies need to be educated and socialized consistently in order to become well-mannered adults. They are freethinking dogs that are very affectionate, which makes 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're interested in adopting a French Bulldog, seek out a responsible breeder who cares about the health and well-being of their pups. Reputable breeders will screen their breeding stock 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 and happy dogs. They might also overlook health click here issues such as congenital diseases and genetic disorders.
This breed requires regular visits to the vet for grooming and health maintenance. Regular brushing keeps their coats shiny and clean. Nail trimming can help prevent overgrowth. Particular attention should be paid to their ears and skin folds, which can cause irritation easily. Their anal sacs should also be checked frequently to ensure that they're not leaky.
French Bulldogs are prone to weight gain, which is why it's crucial to track their caloric intake and ensure they're exercising regularly. They could be more prone to respiratory problems and joint pain in the event that they are overweight.
Be prepared to spend a bit of money on the routine maintenance of an French Bulldog. The breed can be costly to maintain, especially when you select high-end dog food as well as regular visits to the vet. Think about using a credit card specifically designed for expenses related to pets like CareCredit to help you manage the costs of caring for your pet. This will allow you to pay for your pet's routine medical care or emergency procedures without breaking the bank.
Health Concerns
Frenchies can be afflicted by many 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 result in respiratory issues. Take your French Bulldog to the vet when they exhibit signs of difficulty breathing or sneezing. They might require medication or a surgery called an ear trephination to open their ear canals.
Frenchies have a jaw that is shorter which is why they must get their teeth examined and cleaned regularly. Their teeth are usually overcrowded, leading to tartar and gingivitis. Pet owners can avoid these problems by cleaning their Frenchies' teeth with a soft toothbrush and a dog-specific toothpaste. It is also important to avoid eating hard foods, as they can put additional strain on their teeth and jaws.
Frenchies like other short-faced dogs, are at a higher likelihood of developing heart issues. They are more susceptible to pulmonic stenosis. This is when the pulmonary valve and artery are narrowed. This can cause a decrease in the flow of blood to the lung and can affect oxygen circulation throughout the body. It is important that Frenchies regularly check-up with their veterinarians.
Similarly, Frenchies are predisposed to hip dysplasia. This is a condition in which the hip joint becomes loose and painful. Physical therapy and medications can alleviate symptoms, but severe cases might require surgery.
In terms of the brain, Frenchies can be prone to genetic spinal malformations that include hemivertebrae (incomplete vertebrae that can compress the spinal cord). They also have the risk of developing herniated discs in their spine. Certain herniated discs are minor and don't require treatment, however severe cases can result in paralysis.
Frenchies like other breeds, are prone to skin problems including allergies. They are susceptible to developing itchy skin, infections, and folds on their feet. They are more prone to gastrointestinal problems, such as 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 that want to please their people. They are quick learners, making them excellent candidates for training. Many Frenchies excel in rally, agility, and obedience. They can also make wonderful therapy dogs for hospitals and schools. Training builds a bond between the dog and owner. It helps reinforce the commands and behaviors you would like your Frenchie to observe. It is important to begin training your dog as early as possible. Ideally, this should happen when it is still a puppy. The training will be easy and fun for you both. It's never too late to start training your dog. The majority of dogs can learn new skills by patience, repetition and positive reinforcement.
Frenchies are social dogs and can be found with people and other animals. They can be too enthusiastic when playing with small children or other dogs and therefore it is best to keep them away from very young children or large dogs. It's essential to remain consistent in training them and not be annoyed.
It's important to use positive reinforcement and food rewards when training to train a French Bulldog. This will inspire the dog and motivate them to be cooperative during training sessions. It's also a good idea to keep the sessions short and entertaining to avoid the dog losing interest. Keep in mind that Frenchies have flat faces and can be prone to breathing issues and should not over exercise them in hot weather.
Once you've learned the basics of 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 retrieve toys. This kind of training is fun for both you and your dog. It's also a great way to burn additional energy.
It's a good idea as well, to incorporate training into your daily routine. This will help your French Bulldog learn to associate the word with positive things. You can instruct your dog to "sit" when you serve him food or "stay" when you open the front door. This will reinforce the commands that you have taught them and help them learn to obey you in any situation.