5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a French Bulldog Puppy
Choosing a French Bulldog is a big decision. It’s a decades-long commitment and an investment. That’s why you must do your homework and visit a reputable breeder. Be wary of a breeder who advertises an abnormally low price for their puppies. The adage “if it’s too good to be true” usually applies.
What is the breeder’s reputation?
Buying a puppy, for instance, at Pawrade, is a decades-long commitment and investment, and you should take the time to make sure you are choosing the right French Bulldog breeder. A reputable breeder will have an extensive website with reviews and testimonials to help you decide. Be suspicious of any breeder who tries to hide their website or is reluctant to give you the contact information of previous adopters. This is a sign that they are not looking after the health and well-being of their puppies.
It would be best to ask how many litters the mother has had and how old they are. A good mother should only have one or two litters per year and be no older than three years. This avoids hereditary health issues such as dwarfism, hip and spine problems, shortened soft palate, and eye conditions. Being short-faced, Frenchies have more difficulty breathing than other breeds and can overheat quickly. They also have less tolerance for exercise and stress.
What is the breeder’s experience?
Before purchasing a puppy, you must visit the breeder’s facility and meet the litter. This is your opportunity to see how the breeder handles her dogs, which will influence how they behave in their new homes. Frenchies are brachycephalic, which means their noses and faces are squashed, so they are prone to breathing issues. You must ask the breeder if their dogs have been genetically cleared of these issues.
You should also ask if you can see the mother and puppies at any stage of their lives, mainly before eight weeks. This should be a red flag if a breeder is reluctant or finds excuses to avoid showing you the mother and puppies. The mother plays a crucial role in the puppies’ socialization and development, so you must ensure they interact appropriately.
What is the breeder’s health guarantee?
The breeder’s health guarantee is an essential part of the buying process. It covers the cost of veterinary care in case your puppy becomes sick or dies under their care. It’s also an excellent way to see if the breeder cares about their dogs and will be available for help and advice even after you bring your Frenchie home. Ethical breeders will stand behind their puppies and be willing to talk about them with you over the phone or on a video call. That is a big red flag if they’re reluctant or need help answering your questions.
Ask the breeder to provide you with references and contact information of previous buyers. They should be happy to do so and reassure you that their puppies are healthy, well-socialized, and well-cared for. They should also be able to give you an idea of how the puppies will turn out at maturity regarding their shedding, allergen-friendliness, and coat color. They should be able to explain the varying genetic conditions affecting your puppy too. For example, they should be able to explain dwarfism, joint and spine problems, soft palate issues, and eye diseases.
How old are the parents?
When choosing a puppy, catching up in the exhaustive wish list of colors, genders, pedigrees, and other details is easy. However, you must also ensure your puppy is healthy and can live a long life with you. Frenchies are brachycephalic dogs with short noses and mouths that can lead to breathing problems. Look for a breeder with a good track record of breeding healthy puppies. Ask the breeder about how many litters the mother has had.
Too many pregnancies can lead to over-breeding and health issues for the mom and the pups. Also, ask the breeder if you can see the father. Puppies that leave their mothers before eight weeks are not getting enough nutrients and may be more prone to health problems. It would be best if you also looked at the eyes of the pups to make sure they are bright and not cloudy. Also, avoid a breeder with the Frenchies’ tails docked or cut off, which can lead to spinal and nerve problems later in life.
What is the breeder’s shipping policy?
When choosing a French Bulldog puppy, you should do your homework and find the right one for you and your family. This is why it’s essential to ask the breeder a few questions and visit their facilities. By doing this, you can ensure that your new pup will be healthy and happy. Another essential question to ask is how many litters the mother has had. A reputable breeder will limit their breeding stock to only one or two litters yearly to help protect the dogs’ health.
If you see a breeder with multiple litters for sale, this is a red flag and should be avoided. It’s also good to ask the breeder about their shipping policy. Ideally, you’ll want to get your French Bulldog puppy from a breeder who will ship the puppies in an airline-approved carrier and ensure they are up to date on all their vaccines. This will give you peace of mind that your puppy is being cared for by a reputable breeder.
