In recent years, owning a French Bulldog has become a popular craze around the world. Many influencers and prominent celebrities flaunt their French Bulldogs on social media, such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Lady Gaga.
The Kennel Club in the UK has recently revealed that there has been an increase in registration from 14,607 to 21,470 last year.
However, it is a poor choice to choose a breed for fashionable reasons over the suitability of the owner’s lifestyle. In general, choosing a French Bulldog puppy requires careful consideration.
4 Considerations When Buying a French Bulldog Puppy
1. Size
Pet care costs largely depend on your canine’s size. However, it is a misconception to say that the smaller the size, the lesser its maintenance. It is not always the case.
| Small Dogs | Large Dogs |
|---|---|
| Small dogs and small children do not always have a good relationship. | Large dogs may have surprisingly great self-control and can be comfortable around children. |
| Small dogs are easy to carry when you go out. | Large dogs eat a lot more than smaller ones. |
| Small dogs do not demand big spaces to play in. | Most large dogs, such as the Great Dane, were bred to be guard dogs. Therefore, it enjoys sitting around observing rather than playing carelessly. |
2. Grooming Needs
Remember that all dogs need grooming. Basic grooming includes nail trimming, ear cleaning, baths, and teeth brushing. However, long-haired dog breeds need more regular coat trimming to avoid matted hair. With that, you should include grooming in your budget.
3. Playfulness
You must include these activities in your daily routine if you want an energetic dog. Dogs that don’t get enough exercise can become bored and release pent-up energy in destructive ways.
4. Temperament
Temperament refers to the dog’s general attitude and manner towards humans and other animals. It is shaped by inherited factors and learned behaviours.
It’s essentially how a dog reacts to his environment, including people, animals, noises, distractions, and other sources of stimuli. Temperament is a huge factor in determining the kind of dog that will best fit your lifestyle and personality.
The French Bulldog is a small compact-size canine that is suitable for urban living. He has an average lifespan of over fourteen years. Knowing the temperament of a French Bulldog will help you determine if he is compatible with you, your family, and your living situation.
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The Selection Process When Searching for a French Bulldog Puppy
- Read the French Bulldog breed standard to learn about the ideal appearance, characteristics, and temperament of the breed.
- Ask the breeder about the history of their Frenchie puppies’ Make sure that their pooches have taken health tests and have been cleared of hereditary health problems. Frenchies are susceptible to hip dysplasia and patellar luxation. Dogs diagnosed with these conditions should not be bred.
- When presented with a litter of French Bulldog puppies, quietly observe their social skills. Take note of how they interact with each other. A good breeder will explain which puppy is the perfect match for you based on your requirements.
- Sit down with the puppies and let them interact with you. Observe how they respond to human contact. Evaluate their behaviour and get acquainted with their energy level.
How to Find Trustworthy French Bulldog Breeders
To acquire a purebred French Bulldog puppy, you should get referrals from veterinarians, the Kennel Club for a KC registered breeder or local breed club.
Reputable breeders will provide straightforward answers to any questions you may have. Make sure to ask important questions that help rear your pup:
- The puppy’s ancestry (parents’ and grandparents’ temperament and behaviour)
- The energy level of the chosen French Bulldog puppy
- The puppy’s socialisation process and some basic tips, which include his training capability
- The puppy’s food requirements and feeding schedule
- Basic instructions that include healthcare advice (deworming, vaccination, and breed-specific hereditary ailments)
- Registration papers of the French Bulldog puppy
Once everything is settled, ensure that your French Bulldog puppy gets a thorough examination by a veterinarian. A good breeder will have you sign a contract with details about proper care, potential health concerns, and return policies.
Visit several breeders before making a decision. Don’t be disheartened when you don’t click with any of the puppies presented to you. Sometimes, it takes visits to a few more breeders to find the right French Bulldog puppy for you.
Be wary of unscrupulous breeders who produce Frenchie puppies unethically for profit. They often forego basic safe breeding practices and focus on developing extreme traits and fad coat colours.
This commonly leads to the prevalence of breed-specific health issues and deformities in the litter, such as elongated soft palate, breathing difficulties, and skin problems.
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FAQs on How to Choose a French Bulldog Puppy
1. What Should I Look for When Buying a French Bulldog Puppy?
When buying a French Bulldog puppy, some of the things you should look for in your ideal pet are a stable temperament and good health.
Ask the breeder for documents proving that all puppies in the litter as well as the breeding stock are vaccinated and health-tested. Doing so ensures that you are bringing home a healthy puppy.
To know if your chosen puppy is well socialised, spare some time to observe him interact with other puppies in the litter. It will give you a good grasp of what he is like as a canine companion.
2. How Do I Find a Reputable Breeder for French Bulldogs?
You can find a reputable breeder for French Bulldogs by asking for referrals from a trusted veterinarian or checking the KC for assured breeders. Visiting a local French Bulldog club in your area is a good idea as well.
3. What Kind of French Bulldog Colour Should I Get?
Although coat colour should be the least of your worries when choosing a French Bulldog, we recommend choosing a colour that is not linked to health issues. For instance, blue colouration can cause colour dilution alopecia although rare.
Merle Frenchies, especially those with two copies of the Merle gene, are highly at risk of hearing impairment and ocular problems.
4. Should I Get a French Bulldog Puppy? What Are the Downsides?
Keep in mind that just because you can get a French Bulldog puppy does not mean you should.
Compared to other canines, the French Bulldog breed is typically born with congenital malformations due to his distinct physical traits. In turn, this makes him prone to developing a variety of health issues as he grows older.
Only buy a French Bulldog puppy if you are financially secure and have backup plans whenever money gets sparse. Otherwise, you might fail to provide your pooch with proper healthcare and medical treatment when he needs them the most.
Conclusion
Bringing home a French Bulldog puppy should not be a hasty decision. Caring for this type of dog requires a high level of commitment because of his predisposition to many health issues.
So be a responsible animal lover and carefully think things over with thorough consideration. If you decide to go through with owning one, have pet insurance in place in case of emergencies.
