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Since we developed this site andcanal de youtubeSome readers have asked us what to look for when buying a French bulldog puppy and what questions to ask the breeder.
In this article, I'll give you a list of questions to ask and red flags to look out for that could be a sign that things aren't right. with Frenchie puppy, mother and breeder.
What you should know before buying a French bulldog puppy
Let's face it, who can't help but fall in love with a cute French bulldog puppy? I know I did when my wife talked us into seeing our own dog for the first time. I still remember that day clearly; We arrived at the kennel and saw a beautiful litter of four Frenchies to choose from.
Of the four, a little one ran up to me and immediately started biting my fingers. When I fell in love with it it was very easy to decide which one to take home. As you know, we called him Claude.
But in hindsight, there are a few questions I would have asked the breeder before deciding to buy. And there are also some things you should have looked for.
He was our first dog, so looking back on it is a wonderful thing.
Fortunately, we were very lucky with Claude. He has grown up to be a great dog and has become a big part of our family and I have not had any major problems with him.
But I know that's not always the case.
These cute little creatures with their fluffy bat ears play with your emotions and are easily carried away. However, there are unscrupulous breeders and certain physical and health problems (Check out all of the Frenchie's health conditions and concerns) you should check it out before you get too excited.
Before I get into those questions and trivia, here's a video of Claude arriving at our house after we bought him from a breeder.
Questions to ask a French bulldog breeder
Here is my list of questions to ask a French bulldog breeder before you decide to buy a puppy that suits your personality and lives a long and happy life. It also includes some questions to ask the breeder when purchasing a French bulldog puppy.
- Choose a male puppy if you want a more energetic dog.: or a female if you want a more relaxed dog. There are subtle behavioral differences between the two sexes that you can read about in this blog post where I discuss them.the differences between french men and women.
- Make sure that your creator separates:about raising and caring for puppies. I always researched the breeder online before visiting.
- Beware of seemingly abnormally low prices:This could be a sign of a sick dog.
- Check the eyes of the French Bulldog:and also check on the pup's parents to see if they look healthy. red eyes canSign of a health problem.
- Ask if there is a problem with the column:or back problems in the dog family.
- Look in the dog's mouth:to see if the dog has any abnormal excess fur on the inside.
- Ask the breeder how many litters the dam has had:a french bulldog shouldI really only have 1 litter a year.preferably every few years. More than that it is a warning sign that she is being overbred and there may be health problems.
- Ask if the puppy has been examined by a vet:and have the corresponding vaccinations. If not, steer clear as the breeder needs to address this before puppies are offered for sale.
- Ask to see the puppy's parents:It may not always be possible for the father, but it is an absolute must for the mother. This can give you an idea of what kind of dog her Frenchie puppy will turn out to be. If the breeder refuses to let you see the mother, walk away as this is a big red flag.
- Ask if the parents have had health checks:as this can give you an idea of possible health problems in the future. Conditions to watch out for include hip problems, cataracts,cherry eye, deafness and problems with the soft palate.
- Ask to see parental history:If the breeder cares about the well-being of the puppy, he will help you and give you all the necessary information, if not, ask and ask again.
- Ask the age of the parents:If the mother is younger than 3 years old, genetic health problems may not have manifested yet. It is preferable to have a Frenchie puppy from a mother of this age.
- Ask where the puppies lived:when dogs havehidden in the basement or garageThey have not been as socialized with human contact and may be more difficult to train.
- Ask how often the puppies were treated:The more puppies are handled by people, the easier it will be to get him used to all the excitement when you bring him home.
- Ask to speak to a previous customer:The best breeders are happy to let you talk to people who have already bought a French puppy from them. If they don't offer those credentials, it could mean they're hiding something.
- Request a hearing test:While this is not always possible, there is cause for concern. White Frenchmen in particular may develop hearing loss at birth due to a congenital problem. You can read more about it.my recent blog post on hearing loss in french bulldogs.
creator personality
Print these questions to ask a French bulldog breeder before you visit and decide to buy.
I also think it's important to get a sense of the breeder's personality, as you can often tell how a person treats a dog by how they treat you.
Cheap and rude creators are absolutely prohibited.
When buying your Frenchie, you need a loving breeder who will be happy to answer your questions, show you around the parents, and tell you about their history and problems.
If they treat you with respect, they are more likely to extend that kindness to the French mother and her brood.
If you are dealing with a breeder who just wants to make a quick buck and won't tell you what you need to know, walk away.
Quickly.
The best way to buy a healthy French bulldog puppy
There are several factors to consider before purchasing a French Bulldog that we hope will lead a healthy life.
Unfortunately, Frenchies can have serious health problems in their bloodlines, which you should be aware of when purchasing your puppy.
Health problems can be:
- deafness
- Ancas
- cherry eye
- breathing problems
- stenotic nostrils
- tracheal stenosis
- heat stress
- Mole along the palate
- laryngeal collapse
- internal disc disease
- Cataract
- von Willebrand's disease
Therefore, the health history of the parents is one of the most important questions a breeder should ask when purchasing a French Bulldog puppy.
Health problems you can check for yourself
If you are not aware of his health issues, this is the most critical section of this article on what to know before buying a French Bulldog.
Due to a limited gene pool, many French Bulldogs have some common diseases and problems.
Fortunately, most diseases can be prevented by being aware of them. You should inspect the puppy before you buy it and check with the parents to see if they have any potential problems.
Some of the potential health issues to look out for when buying a French bulldog puppy are more obvious than others.
Did you know?French bulldogs are not hypoallergenic. If you are considering an allergy and suffer from allergies, you may want to reconsider.and here's why.
These are some of the simpler things to check.
eye health
The first thing to check on your prospective new bulldog is his eyes to see that they are in good health.
The reason for this is to control hereditary cataracts. This is a disease defined as clouding of the eyes that can affect vision and lead to total blindness with age.
If the pup's parents are nearby (and the mother should be, at least), look into their eyes as well.
Because it is a condition that worsens over time like a genetic defect, parental screening can be a great way to confirm eye health.
Dwarfism in French Bulldogs
french bulldogshave a form of dwarfismcalled chondrodystrophy. Chondrodystrophy (Read more about it here) affects the appearance of the French Bulldog and may be desirable to breeders. But the resulting features of chondrodystrophy can come at a price.
Sloping hips, back problems and a head that is too big in relation to the body are some of the problems.
As you know, French bulldogs have larger chests and smaller hips; Small hips are the part that makes natural childbirth difficult.
Chondrodystrophy can cause severe back pain and spinal problems; ask the breeder for authorization from the vet.
rabo de bulldog frances
As we all know, a Frenchie's tail is short (but not nested or truncated).
A common problem with this traditional short tail is back and mobility issues, as some breeders try to make an even longer bolt-on tail.
This can lead to a genetic condition that leads to spinal and nerve damage.
Again, ask if the vet did everything right.
Is a French Bulldog Right for You and Your Lifestyle?
You need to decide if a French Bulldog fits into your family's lifestyle.
Frenchies are known to be low energy dogs; They can't exercise for a long time because they can quickly get out of breath.
Practical tip:You may want to consider getting a pair of French Bulldogs. Experiencewhy 2 can sometimes be better than 1.
If you are looking for an active dog to take on your walks, then a Frenchie is not for you.
If you live in a small apartment, then a Frenchie is a great choice, but remember that they are not made for exercise and long walks.
At what age should I buy a French bulldog?
The age at which a French Bulldog can leave his mother is also very important. A responsible breeder will not sell a Frenchie puppy less than 8 weeks old (Find out why this age is so important), as before, they must live with their siblings and get all the support they need from their mother.
Do not buy a French bulldog puppy that is less than 8 weeks old!
Choose between male or female Frenchie
As I mentioned earlier, the sex of the pup can play a role, as they can be slightly different. In my experience, the male can be more energetic, loud, assertive, and playful.
Females can be much more lively and talking to other owners can make them more aggressive when tempted.
I don't know if it's usually like that, it's just my experience.
However, with the proper training, there is no reason why both sexes cannot quickly fit into their own family.
Don't fall for a scam
In recent years, there has been a huge increase in the number of scammers tricking people into buying a dog. I wrote aFrench Bulldog Cheat Guidetelling you what to look for.
conclusion
French bulldogs are one of the most popular dogs around, and for good reason. They are small, need little exercise, and do not bark as loudly and regularly as most small dogs.
In fact, we only hear Claude bark when he sees his reflection! He'sa useless watchdog…
But don't make a purchase decision lightly. Having a dog is a big commitment and I think it is even more so with the French.
They are a very social breed and will not be happy left alone for long periods of time.
If you work all day, don't even think about getting one, you'll end up with an unhappy, depressed dog.
The conclusion is the following; Any purchase of a puppy must be well thought out, but even more so when buying a Francesinha puppy.
Practical tip:Print the questions and save them to ask the French bulldog breeders I mentioned earlier in this guide.
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FAQs
What should I look for when buying a French Bulldog puppy? ›
Conditions to look out for include hip problems, cataracts, cherry eye, deafness, and soft palate issues. Ask to see the parent's history: if the breeder has the puppy's best interests at heart, they will help you out and give you all the information you need, if not ask, ask and ask again.
How can you tell a good quality French Bulldog? ›Things You Should Know
Look for a French Bulldog's signature "bat ears" and short tails. Purebred French Bulldogs are typically muscular and short. Check for short, smooth fur, in either white, fawn, or cream. Some French Bulldogs have black or brown spots as well.
well-developed cheek muscles • deep, square, broad, upswept jaw • flews overhanging the sides. Note good layback, upturn of underjaw and rounded forehead in this young dog. A straight line should connect the under-jaw, tip of nose, and top of the stop. The forehead is rounded when viewed from the side.
What tests should French Bulldogs have before breeding? ›We are initially requiring that a dog be entered in a hip, eye, patella, and cardiac (heart) registry. We also recommend additional testing for thyroid and juvenile cataracts conditions.
Are Boy or Girl French Bulldogs better? ›It is generally assumed that males are more mischievous, energetic, confident and bold while females are shy and a bit more relaxed. As a result, they are considered much easier to train and house break than the male. Females are also regarded to be incredibly affectionate with a high snuggling ability.
What is the most desirable French Bulldog? ›The Blue French Bulldog is one of the rarest colors. For that reason alone people pay very high prices for them. There is usually a waiting list for blue ( aren't so much blue as gray) puppies. You can expect to pay twice or triple as much for a blue French Bulldog than the average price for a standard French Bulldog.
How do I know if my Frenchie is pure? ›Physical appearance
Their bat-like ears are a hallmark of their pure genes. If you see a French Bulldog's ears drooping or having rounded tips, it is not purebred. A purebred French Bulldog must have short and curled tails. If you get confused between an English and a French Bulldog, just take a look at their sizes.
The neck is thick and well arched with loose skin at the throat. The back is a roach back with a slight fall close behind the shoulders; strong and short, broad at the shoulders and narrowing at the loins. The body is short and well rounded. The chest is broad, deep, and full; well ribbed with the belly tucked up.
What makes a French Bulldog aggressive? ›Separation anxiety is one of the most significant causes of aggression in a French bulldog puppy or adult, and it can be difficult to undo once it's become a prominent struggle for your pup. Improper socialization, training, and breeding can also cause Frenchie aggression.
How do I choose a French Bulldog breeder? ›- Start With Some Research. ...
- Make Contact and Get to Know the Breeder. ...
- Be Prepared to Pass a Test as Well. ...
- Ask For Certifications and Medical History. ...
- Schedule a Visit. ...
- Ethical Practices of a French Bulldog Breeder. ...
- Other Concerns to Look For. ...
- Wrapping up.
What is the 4 panel test for Frenchies? ›
In general, the "classic" French Bulldog DNA Health Panel is usually referring to the following four tests: DM, HUU, JHC and CMR1. If you are purchasing a puppy from a breeder and they cannot provide you with details of the parent's basic four panel tests, you might want to swipe left.
What checks should a dog have before breeding? ›Commonly performed tests include hip and elbow dysplasia testing, eye testing and heart testing. Gene tests for many breed-related problems are available and often may need just a simple cheek swab or blood sample. These can be very cost-effective.
Should I get a male or female puppy? ›If you have lots of people in and out for gatherings or like to take your dog into public places, a female may be the best choice. If you have several dogs or intend to add to your canine family, a male may be a better fit. Females tend to have more problems with anxiety and phobias.
How long does it take to toilet train a Frenchie? ›French Bulldogs are not the hardest breed to train, but they're not the easiest either! Some Frenchies take up to 8 months to potty train, which can be frustrating for the owner. It's important you stay persistent and calm throughout the whole process. Your pup isn't trying to be a nuisance!
How long do French Bulldogs live? ›A healthy Frenchie dog can live 10 to 14 years. There are several factors that impact your dog's lifespan. Breeding, genetics, lifestyle, and overall health all affect how long a French Bulldog with live.
What's the rarest Frenchie color? ›Blue and Merle French Bulldogs are two of the rarest colored Frenchies, but this means they may have various health troubles. This holds true, especially for blue French Bulldogs.
What is the most desired French Bulldog color? ›- Blue. The color blue is one of the rarest colors on a French bulldog. ...
- Chocolate. This can be a tricky concept when it comes to genetics. ...
- Cream. Cream Frenchies have a tan-type color. ...
- Black And Tan. ...
- Pure Black. ...
- Black Fawn.
The average cost of a French Bulldog in the U.S. is between $1,500 and $3,000. This price can fluctuate based on the reputation and location of the breeder. To ensure the best care for your puppy, be sure to find a reputable breeder. You can also consider adopting a pup from a French Bulldog rescue organization.
What papers should you ask from a breeder? ›- The puppy's breed.
- The puppy's microchip number.
- Basic details like the puppy's sex, colour, country of birth, and birthdate.
- Details of the puppy's parents, grandparents, and great grandparents.
- The breeder's name and registration number.
- Ask to meet the parents. ...
- Have health tests been performed on the parents? ...
- How long have you been breeding? ...
- How do you socialize your puppies? ...
- Are the puppies up-to-date on vaccinations?
What should a breeder give you? ›
A good breeder will always provide you the paperwork for your dog or cat, which must include not only breed registration papers but also paperwork from a veterinarian demonstrating that the animal has had an examination as well as all the appropriate vaccinations and dewormings.
What not to say to a French Bulldog? ›- “What a cute little fatty!” ...
- “Are you really French?” ...
- “No more treats today.” ...
- “I'd love to introduce you to my cat!” ...
- “You're sleeping in your bed tonight.” ...
- “You're probably not very smart.” ...
- “Let's go for a jog.” ...
- “How do you breathe with that nose?”
Try an Herbal Supplement for Your French Bulldog with Calming Herbs Like Chamomile, Passion Flower, Ginger Root or Valerian Root. Many calming supplements exist for dogs that are palatable for dogs, easy-to-feed, and can help quickly relieve your french bulldog's stress and give a sense of safety and calm.
How often should you bathe a French Bulldog? ›A general rule of thumb
Frenchies should be bathed once every 1 to 2 months. Although many French Bulldog owners say they wash them about 5 or 6 times a year, or as needed, most owners find the as needed comes more often than 5 or 6 times a year.
Appearance. The Fluffy French Bulldog isn't much different from other Bulldogs in terms of appearance. The only main difference is that they have slightly longer, fluffier hair than the average French Bulldog. According to the AKC breed standard, only dogs with short hair can compete.
What colors are acceptable for French Bulldogs? ›The only correct colours are: Brindle; Fawn; Pied; Brindle – Colour pattern caused by a mixture of black hairs and fawn hairs. White markings permitted provided that brindle predominates. Eye rims, eyelashes and lips black.
How can you tell if a Frenchie is Merle? ›Merle French Bulldogs are probably one of the most distinct and unique looking dogs in the Frenchie world. They're quite easy to recognize, having a light base coat with darker mottled patches all around their bodies. These patches can be of various colors ranging from blue, black or even lilac.
Where should your puppy sleep the first night? ›On the first night, and for about three weeks, have the puppy sleep in a dog crate next to the bed. Line the base with blankets so that it is cosy and drape another blanket over the top to help it feel more secure. Give the puppy the stuffed toy that has its littermates' scent on it to snuggle up to.
What is the difference between L1 and L4 in French Bulldogs? ›The French bulldog Coat Length test is designed to look for both coat length mutations found in the breed (L1 and L4). L4 is slightly more common than L1 but both may lead to fluffy dogs. Any combination of two L alleles (L4/L4, L4/L1, or L1/L1) will result in a fluffy coat.
How long can you leave a 8 week old puppy in a crate? ›DO stay mindful of the amount of time you leave your dog in her crate. Puppies and younger dogs don't have as much bladder control, so the maximum time for an 8- to 10-week old puppy is 30–60 minutes.
Do Frenchies bond with one person? ›
Are French Bulldogs loyal? French bulldogs are loving creatures that show large amounts of affection toward their owner. Single-person homes may be ideal because otherwise the dog might compete for the affection of everyone in the household.
Are Frenchies easy to train? ›“Because of their ritualistic nature, Frenchies can be very easy to train,” says Dykes. “You must simply train yourself. Set a schedule and stick to it. If you are not consistent, it will be harder to train your puppy.”
What are French Bulldogs behaviors? ›Dogs of few words, Frenchies don't bark much'¿but their alertness makes them excellent watchdogs. They happily adapt to life with singles, couples, or families, and do not require a lot of outdoor exercise. They get on well with other animals and enjoy making new friends of the human variety.
Should I feed my Frenchie wet or dry food? ›The dry kibble helps to keep your French Bulldog's teeth healthy by removing plaque and tartar. Excellent oral health for your pet can be easily maintained with dry kibble as the main component in your French Bulldog's diet. The moist dog food from cans do not provide the same benefit.
How often should I feed my Frenchie? ›Feed a Frenchie puppy four times a day. Gradually decrease this to 3 times a day around three months old. At 6 to 8 months, you can switch to twice a day if desired. Adult dogs should be fed twice a day.
Do French bulldogs love to sleep? ›Sure, Frenchies tend to sleep quite a bit, and if you are a new Frenchie owner you might be worried your pooch is sleeping a lot. In fact, some Frenchie may sleep for as much as 20 hours per day. The fact is, Frenchies are suited for indoor life where they can snuggle in comfortable beds than other dogs.
What questions should you ask when buying a French Bulldog? ›- Vaccinations. Puppies are expected to get their first vaccination when they are 50-60 days old. ...
- Health clearance certificate. ...
- Breeding frequency. ...
- Age of the parents and medical check. ...
- Frequency of handling the puppies.
Physical appearance
Their bat-like ears are a hallmark of their pure genes. If you see a French Bulldog's ears drooping or having rounded tips, it is not purebred. A purebred French Bulldog must have short and curled tails. If you get confused between an English and a French Bulldog, just take a look at their sizes.
The neck is thick and well arched with loose skin at the throat. The back is a roach back with a slight fall close behind the shoulders; strong and short, broad at the shoulders and narrowing at the loins. The body is short and well rounded. The chest is broad, deep, and full; well ribbed with the belly tucked up.
What is the best way to buy a French Bulldog puppy? ›- From a breeder registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC)
- From a reputable French bulldog rescue network.
- Get in contact with Royal Empire French Bulldogs today.
What are the standards for a French Bulldog? ›
The French Bulldog resembles a Bulldog in miniature, except for the large, erect 'bat ears' that are the breed's trademark feature. The head is large and square, with heavy wrinkles rolled above the extremely short nose. The body beneath the smooth, brilliant coat is compact and muscular.
What questions should you ask when buying a dog? ›- Ask to meet the parents. ...
- Have health tests been performed on the parents? ...
- How long have you been breeding? ...
- How do you socialize your puppies? ...
- Are the puppies up-to-date on vaccinations?
- Blue. The color blue is one of the rarest colors on a French bulldog. ...
- Chocolate. This can be a tricky concept when it comes to genetics. ...
- Cream. Cream Frenchies have a tan-type color. ...
- Black And Tan. ...
- Pure Black. ...
- Black Fawn.
Blue and Merle French Bulldogs are two of the rarest colored Frenchies, but this means they may have various health troubles.
How do you know if your French Bulldog carries the fluffy gene? ›Testing Tips. Genetic testing of the FGF5 gene will reliably determine whether a dog is a genetic Carrier of long hair. Long hair is inherited in an Autosomal Recessive fashion, meaning that two copies of the Lh variant are required to produce long hair.
What do I need to know about French Bulldog puppies? ›They are relatively sociable dogs, and typically get along with people and as well as other pets. Their big personalities and even temper make them entertaining and lovable companions. Like most breeds, Frenchies require regular grooming, but their short coats and minimal shedding means it can be done less frequently.
Should I get one or two Frenchies? ›French bulldogs are social animals and they will instinctively love being in a pack. Generally, French bulldogs will be happier when they have another Frenchie for a companion. They will keep each other company, exercise each other and a bonus is that they can be left alone together for longer periods of time.
At what age should I buy a French Bulldog? ›At 12 weeks it's safe for French Bulldogs to leave their mothers and litters and be placed in your home. When welcoming new Frenchies into your pack, families should be prepared for these first four key milestones, starting right upon getting a new puppy – so when they're 12 weeks old.