Why You Should Buy French Bulldog Puppies
With their crinkly bodies as well as funny faces, French Bulldogs make great companions for singles or families with children, or couples. They're not a high-energy breed and require just a few daily walks and a little outdoor romp to keep them happy.
If possible, meet with the parents of the puppy. This will give you insight into the parents' appearance, health, and temperament.
AKC Registration
Only only if the parents of the Frenchie have been registered by the breeder and if it is a member in good standing of an AKC recognized parent club, can you identify your Frenchie. This process creates a pedigree which shows the dog's genetic lineage and can be beneficial in breeding. The AKC keeps track of dogs to prevent inbreeding. This can cause health problems such as heart and skeletal problems.
When a litter of puppies is born and the AKC sends the breeder an "litter kit." This includes an individual puppy registration application and information about the dam and sire which must be AKC-registered dogs. Breeders must also provide an AKC with unique names for each puppy, which adheres to AKC naming guidelines.
After all puppies have been registered, the breeder receives an official Certificate of Enrollment from the AKC. The document includes the registration numbers for each litter and an explanation of each pup, which can be helpful for identifying traits and determining the dog's potential. It also indicates that the puppy has been microchipped and can aid in the search for a lost pet.
A majority of breeders offer their puppies with full AKC registration. However, you don't have to purchase a Frenchie with this kind of registration if you are planning to keep it as a pet only or participate in AKC conformation events, which require full registration. Full registration is more expensive and breeders generally only offer it to people who intend to breed their dogs. A puppy with a full registration can be shown in all AKC venues, but it isn't a guarantee that the dog will do well or that it will meet a certain standard for the breed.
Health Tests
Responsible breeding practices include genetic health tests. Breeders can lower the chance of transmission of hereditary diseases to their pups by screening parents and puppies. The best french bulldog breeders conduct DNA tests to determine hereditary mutations and diseases that could affect the breed. Examples include degenerative myelopathy, hyperuricosuria and hereditary cataracts that are juvenile in nature. By selectively breeding clear or carrying these conditions, breeders can reduce the likelihood of inheritable diseases in future generations of Frenchies.
The top breeders of french bulldogs also conduct a variety of other health tests to ensure long-term health and wellbeing of their pups. These tests aid in identifying common issues like patellar luxation as well as cleft palate and tracheal collapse, which are particularly frequent in breeds with brachycephalic characteristics. They also conduct orthopedic examinations in order to assess the skeletal condition of the hip, for example dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. Other tests include PennHIP which tests the elasticity of the hip joint and is particularly useful in Frenchies.
These health tests and clearances are essential for ensuring that the puppy is healthy and ready for its new home. In addition, they provide a good indication of the breeder's commitment to responsible breeding.
A French Bulldog that is seeking a health clearance with four panels must be negative for four of the most commonly reported hereditary disorders that plague the breed. These include DM (degenerative myelopathy) and HUF (hyperuricosuria), and JHC (juvenile hereditary cataracts). For a French Bulldog to qualify for a 6-panel clearance, they need to undergo additional hereditary diseases testing as well as a cardiac evaluation and respiratory function grading.
Veterinarian Fees
French Bulldog puppies are adorable affectionate and loving pets, but they also come with cost-intensive upfront expenses. The upfront Frenchie cost is only a small part of the story, as pet parents will incur additional expenses over the life of their dog such as vet bills, food and supplies, and insurance premiums.
The cost of a veterinary visit for Frenchies is contingent on where you live and the quality of care that is provided. You should expect to pay for routine vaccinations, heartworm prevention medications as well as a physical exam and a complete physical examination. Your veterinarian may also recommend screening for obstructive airway disease, hip dysplasia, and abnormal vertebrae.
These tests are usually performed by an ophthalmologist that is an veterinary specialist board certified. The costs for these tests can be very expensive, yet they are essential to ensure that your puppy has good eyesight and is healthy.
Artificial insemination is yet another major expense associated with Frenchies. Because of their size and structure male Frenchies have a difficult time trying to get females to reproduce naturally. To overcome this, breeders will use artificial insemination to fertilize eggs. This involves inserting a sample of semen from the male into the female. Artificial insemination costs could range between $500 and $2,000 based on the breeder and quality of the parents.
Reputable breeders are invested in the health of their pups. They will do everything to make sure the puppies are healthy and well-adjusted and they will test for the most common genetic problems. Choose a breeder that has clean facilities and dogs that are well-socialized and content. Be aware of how the breeder interacts with the parents as well as the puppies. This will give you an idea of how your French Bulldog will be with people and other dogs.
Insurance
Frenchies are affectionate and playful dogs however, they can be susceptible to a range of health conditions. From respiratory issues such as brachycephalic obstructive airway disease and tracheal collapse, to back injuries from overexertion, birthing complications, skin problems, and many more, taking care of these pups can quickly become costly. Many pet owners choose insurance for their pets to cover a significant portion of their vet's expenses. This lets them concentrate on the health and wellbeing of their pet without worrying about financial burdens.
Some companies offer a variety of options to suit any budget, though the cost of pet coverage can be very different. LendEDU’s independent evaluations have revealed affordable plans for all breeds, as well as plans that provide full coverage for all types of accidents and illnesses. Some plans also include a preventive-care supplement that can help pay for routine vet visits.
It's important to remember that all policies come with a waiting period prior to when coverage begins, so the earlier you start enrolling the more advantageous. This can range between 0 and 15 for accidents; however, 14 days is typically the norm for illnesses. Some insurers may also require longer waiting times for orthopedic problems like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia or cranial ligament injuries.
When evaluating your options, take into consideration the medical needs specific to your new family member. For instance, if reside in an area with poor air quality and air pollution, your Frenchie may be more prone to respiratory problems. If your French Bulldog is prone to allergies, you should choose the policy that comes with an ample amount of coverage for allergy-related issues. You should ensure that your policy covers surgery to treat respiratory and spinal issues as these procedures can be costly.
Training
Frenchies are people pleasers with a big heart. They will be responsive to positive reinforcement in training. It's fun to let your puppy participate in activities that bring him to the center of attention. Teaching basic recall and obedience are great ways to spend time together. Attending trainer moderated puppy play sessions is a good way for your Frenchie to be taught how to read other dogs and to meet other people and pets in a controlled environment.
They don't require much exercise and a quick walk and their regular indoor activities will give them the exercise they need. It is best to stay away from exercising in hot weather since these dogs are brachycephalic and they cannot breathe as easily as other breeds.
Create a bedtime routine early on in order to help your puppy get used to sleeping in a crate at night. This will allow them to feel safe and enable you to go about your daily life without worrying about your dog. Crate training taps into the natural instinct to denning and provides them a safe and secure place to recharge and relax between playtime and training.
Encourage your puppy to play with toys and not shoes or other inappropriate objects. If your puppy starts to chew something they shouldn't be distracted, give them a chewing toy they can use. Be sure to congratulate them when they demonstrate the correct behavior to encourage them to continue it. It is also important to clean their wrinkles regularly as they can hold germs and dirt that can cause irritation and infection.