Buying a French Bulldog is a great way to give your kids some fun with a dog that has been trained to be a good family pet. But, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when choosing your new puppy. For instance, a French Bulldog can have health issues, and you need to know what to look for.
Common colors
Choosing the right color for your French Bulldog can be a difficult decision. The breed is available in a wide variety of coat colors. While it is important to consider the health of your dog, the choice is ultimately personal.
If you are considering a French Bulldog, it is crucial to choose a breeder with a good history of producing healthy litters. The care and socialization of your puppy is often key to its health.
In the past, Frenchies were commonly crossbred with Merles. This results in an interesting color mix. These dogs have a combination of cream, white, or fawn with black or blue markings.
Another interesting color for French Bulldogs is a blue coat. The coat can range from completely blue to blue brindle. This particular color is popular amongst breeders. However, the American Kennel Club does not accept this color as a pure breed.
In addition to these common colors, French Bulldogs also come in rarer colors. These are more expensive to acquire and may be more likely to suffer from health problems.
Some of the rarer colors include Lilac, Blue, and Black and Tan. These are considered the best colors and are generally more expensive. Typically, these colors are more susceptible to color dilution alopecia. This condition causes the hair shafts to break, making the dog bald.
Fortunately, this genetic defect is easily avoided by selecting a responsible breeder. It is also important to research a breeder’s history and ask questions about their health and breeding practices. It is also a good idea to look for pet insurance. This can prevent the expense of high vet bills.
As with all breeds, it is important to do your homework when looking for a good dog. A responsible breeder will carefully select the parents for mating and take the necessary steps to protect your dog’s health.
Coat colors
Choosing the right French Bulldog coat colors can be very difficult. There are a few reasons for this. First, you need to consider your budget. Secondly, you need to choose a breeder that is reputable. Finally, you need to consider how much care your dog needs.
The standard French Bulldog color is fawn, though they can also come in other colors. You can get fawn, yellow, red, and even blue.
The best way to determine your dog’s coat color is to find a good breeder. They will have to test your dog’s genetic code, so they can tell you what color you should expect.
The AKC recognizes nine official French Bulldog coat colors. The most common is fawn.
You can find some less common ones, such as merle. This is a dark masked fawn that has slatey blue-grey hairs. It is a popular color, but can be associated with health issues.
Other more obscure colors include black and white. These are very rare, but can be very expensive. In addition, they are often associated with a health condition called color dilution alopecia. This causes abnormal hair growth.
The French Bulldog Club of America (FBDCA) has a CD that explains the different types of colors and what you should look for in a dog. This includes representative photos of the various colors.
“Fluffy Frenchies” are gaining in popularity. These are extremely cute and adorable. They can be very expensive, however, with prices in the thousands of dollars. The cost of this type of dog is very high because of the additional testing that goes into producing them.
If you want a French Bulldog in a rare color, plan on waiting a long time. Fortunately, there are some breeders who specialize in these types of dogs. These breeders are usually willing to pay a higher price for the chance to make a profit on their puppies.
Health issues
Despite its attractive, quirky appearance, the French Bulldog has a lot of health issues. The breed is prone to a variety of diseases, from allergies to spinal problems.
A recent study by the Royal Veterinary College in London found that a significant proportion of Frenchies were affected by at least one health problem. The study examined the medical histories of over 2,000 French Bulldogs.
Researchers looked at the symptoms and diagnosis rates of 43 disorders. They determined that Frenchies were at greater risk of obstructed airways, skin fold dermatitis, and abdominal pain.
Overbreeding has made brachycephalic dog breeds increasingly susceptible to problems. The breed has a 25% inbreeding rate, which is above the safe level for humans and wild animals.
Over the past few years, French Bulldogs have seen a 20-fold increase in U.K. Kennel Club registrations. The breed has become popular, and this has exacerbated some of the health problems.
The breed is also highly susceptible to deafness. This can develop over time, or at birth, due to genetic defects.
A dog’s ears are easy targets for bacteria and debris. The ears may become infected, and antibiotics are often prescribed to clear up the infection.
The breed is also highly prone to a condition called tracheal collapse. This is a chronic progressive disease that can occur at any age. Symptoms include breathing difficulties and a lack of appetite. Some dogs may require cryotherapy or radiation therapy to help treat glaucoma.
The French Bulldog is also at risk for a number of skin disorders. Allergic reactions can result from environmental factors, fleas, and food intolerances.
The breed is also prone to a variety of mobility conditions. In addition to the above issues, Frenchies can experience difficulty breathing, spinal disc problems, and reproductive issues.
Miscellaneous supplies
Keeping a French Bulldog requires a significant amount of time and effort. This includes housing, diet and veterinary care. These are all expensive doggie amenities. The breed is also highly susceptible to parasites and has a high mortality rate.
As for miscellaneous dog supplies, a good quality crate is one of the cheapest items on the checklist. A quality set of dog dishes will cost you anywhere from $10 to $25 a pop. The best dog beds are a splurge, but a snazzy new set is well worth the price.
The real nitpick is how to keep the dogs in one place. If you have a large outdoor kennel, your best bet is to install a dog fence. Alternatively, a dog house is a close second.
Besides the obvious dietary concerns, you may want to consider a tick and flea preemptive treatment. The average Frenchie can be subjected to blood clotting proteins from ticks and fleas, which will eat up your hard earned cash.
The best way to go about it is to enlist the help of a professional. They will have the knowledge and expertise to make your canine companion’s life a more pleasurable one. Some even offer a plethora of training techniques to make sure your puppy gets the most out of your home. You should also look into getting a few toys and games to keep your dog busy. The right dog toys can be a real time-saver.
Taking the right dog care steps will ensure your Frenchie is well-loved for years to come. Aside from the usual suspects, be on the lookout for other potential hazards such as sand and dirt.
Avoiding scams with cheap French bulldogs
Purchasing a pure bred French Bulldog can be a rewarding experience. However, buying a cheap puppy is a bad idea. Getting a puppy from a puppy mill or puppy farm can be dangerous for you and your dog.
Scammers often advertise free Frenchie puppies. Their aim is to lure you into transferring money. The price of the dog can then be reduced. The dog may be genetically unfit and prone to diseases.
Some of these scams have been reported in Reddit and other forums dedicated to exposing puppy scams. These sites have contact details for reporting a breeder. These sites also have a list of websites known to scam with dogs.
If you see an advertisement for a dog on a website, you should ask for the price. Some sellers are inexperienced or have ulterior motives.
Scammers will often ask you to send them a private message. These messages are virtually impossible to trace. They can be sent to a fake postal address or one that belongs to an innocent person.
Scammers can also create accounts in Facebook and other social networking sites. They will use ultra-cute photos of French Bulldogs to try and manipulate you. These pictures are stolen from Google or a stock photo.
If you suspect that you have been scammed, contact your bank and the police authorities. Do not transfer any funds until you verify the legitimacy of the documents. You should also arrange a DNA test before bringing your puppy home.
Typically, these scams are located on free on-line ad sites or newsgroups. They are often accompanied by rehoming fees. These fees can be very high.
Scammers can also take advantage of people’s emotions. They will sell a sad story. This story usually involves moving to Africa or placing a puppy for a dead relative.
