Why You Should Buy French Bulldog Puppies
French Bulldogs are great companions, whether you're single, a family with children, or a couple. Their crinkly body and witty faces make them suited to all kinds of people. They're not the most energetic dogs and need only daily walks and a short outdoor run to keep them entertained.
If you can, visit the parents of the puppy. This will provide insight into their health, appearance and the temperament of the puppy.
AKC Registration
You can only be able to register a Frenchie with the AKC if your breeder has registered both of its parents and is recognized by an AKC-recognized parent club. This process provides a pedigree which displays the dog's family tree and can be helpful for breeding purposes. The AKC also keeps records of dogs to avoid breeding that could result in a variety of health issues including skeletal defects and heart problems.
When puppies are born when a litter of puppies is born, the AKC sends the breeder a "litter kit." It includes an individual registration form for each puppy and details about the sire and dam, which must be AKC-registered dogs. The breeder also must provide the AKC with the unique name of each puppy in the litter, which adheres to the AKC's naming guidelines.
The AKC issues an official Certificate of Registration to the breeder after all pups are registered. This document contains the litter's registration numbers and a description of each pup, which can be useful for identifying the traits and determining the potential of the dog. The document also shows that the puppy is microchipped. This can help locate a lost pet.
Most breeders offer their puppies with full AKC registration. It is not necessary to purchase this kind of registration for the Frenchie when you plan to keep it as your pet or if you want to compete in AKC conformation competitions that require full AKC registration. There are extra fees associated with buying a full-registration puppy and a lot of breeders only offer it to those who plan to breed their dogs. A puppy with complete papers is able to be shown at all AKC venues. However this does not mean that it will guarantee the dog's performance, or that it will meet the standards for breeds.
Health Tests
Responsible breeding practices include genetic health tests. Breeders can reduce the chance of transmission of hereditary diseases to their pups by screening their parents and pups. The best breeders of French Bulldogs conduct DNA tests to determine hereditary mutations and diseases that can affect the breed. Examples include degenerative nephropathy, hyperuricosuria, and juvenile hereditary lenses. Breeders can lower the risk of hereditary disease in the future generations by selectively breeding carriers or clearing of these conditions.
The best french bulldogs breeders also perform a variety health tests to ensure that their puppies live a long and healthy life. These tests enable them to identify common ailments like patellar laxation and cleft palate, and tracheal collapsing, which are more common in brachycephalic dogs. They also conduct orthopedic examinations to identify the skeletal problems like hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. Other tests include PennHIP which tests the laxity of the hip joint and is especially beneficial in Frenchies.
These health tests and clearances guarantee that a puppy is healthy and ready to go to its new home. They also show the breeder's commitment to responsible breeding.
A French Bulldog that is seeking a health clearance with four panels must be free of 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). To allow a French Bulldog to qualify for a 6-panel clearance, they must undergo additional hereditary diseases testing including cardiac evaluation and a respiratory function grading.
Veterinarian Fees
French Bulldog puppies can be adorable, loving, and lovable pets. However, they are expensive to buy. The initial Frenchie cost is just one aspect of the equation pet owners will be faced with additional costs over the course of their dog's life including vet expenses, food and other supplies, as well as insurance premiums.
The cost of a vet for Frenchies differs based on where you live and the level of care that is offered. It is possible to pay for routine vaccinations, heartworm medication along with a physical exam, and a complete physical examination. Your physician may also recommend testing for obstructive airway syndrome hip dysplasia, hip dysplasia, or abnormal vertebrae.
These tests are usually conducted by an ophthalmologist who's an veterinary specialist board certified. These tests are costly, but necessary to ensure that your puppy is healthy and has a clear vision.
Artificial insemination is a further significant expense associated with Frenchies. Because of their size and structure, male Frenchies are unable to mount females for natural reproduction. To overcome this breeders employ artificial insemination to fertilize the eggs. This involves inserting a small amount of semen from the male into the female. Artificial insemination costs can be anywhere from $500 to $2,000 depending on the quality of the breeder and the quality of the parents.
Reputable breeders invest in the health of their puppies. They will do all they can to make sure the puppies are healthy, well-adjusted, and will test for genetic problems. Look for a breeder with clean facilities and dogs that are socialized and content. Observe how the breeder interacts both 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, but they can also be susceptible to a range of health conditions. The treatment for these dogs is costly. From respiratory issues like brachycephalic obstruction of the airway syndrome, back injuries caused by excessive exercise and birth complications, to skin conditions and more. This is why many pet owners decide to get insurance for their pets to cover the majority of vet costs, so that they can concentrate on their pet's health and well-being without worrying about the financial burdens.
While the cost of pet insurance can vary significantly however, some companies offer various options to meet the needs of any budget. LendEDU's in-depth evaluations of insurance companies for dogs have uncovered affordable plans for all breeds, including options that offer comprehensive coverage for all types of illnesses and accidents. Some plans include a preventive-care option that pays for routine vet appointments.
Remember that all policies require a waiting period to begin coverage. The earlier you enroll the more favorable. It can vary from 0 to 15 for accidents; however, 14 days is usually the norm for illness. Additionally, some insurers might require additional waiting periods for orthopedic problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia or cranial cruciate ligament injury (both of which are prevalent in Frenchies).
As you evaluate your options, think about the medical needs specific to your new family member. For instance, if reside in an area with poor air quality or a lack of air quality, your Frenchie could be more susceptible to respiratory issues. If your French Bulldog is allergic it is recommended to select an insurance policy that has a large limit on claims for allergy-related issues. It is also important to ensure that your chosen policy includes coverage for surgeries that is related to respiratory problems and spinal issues, as these procedures can be extremely expensive.
Training
Frenchies are people-pleasers with a huge heart. They will appreciate positive reinforcement during training. They enjoy participating in fun activities that draw their attention, so teaching basic obedience and recall is an excellent opportunity to bond with your new puppy. Participating in trainer-led puppy play groups is a good way for your Frenchie to learn to read other dogs and to meet new people and pets in a controlled environment.
The dogs don't require much exercise. A short walk every day and their usual indoor activities should suffice. It is advised to avoid exercising in hot weather since these dogs are brachycephalic and cannot breathe as easily as some 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 help them feel safe and allow you the freedom to go about your day without worrying about them. Crate training will also stimulate their instinct for spotting danger and provides them with to have a safe space to relax and recharge in between playtime and training sessions.
Encourage your puppy to play with toys instead of shoes or other inappropriate objects. If they begin to chew on something that isn't appropriate, stop them and then immediately offer them a chew toy that is suitable. Praise them when they are doing the right thing to reinforce that behavior. It's also essential to clean their wrinkles regularly because they could harbor germs and dirt that lead to irritation and infections.