Introduction:

Oh, my dear friends, it’s delightful to see you all again! Today, we shall embark on a wonderful journey, one that involves finding the perfect furry companion for your home. Yes, we’re going to be talking about choosing the perfect French Bulldog puppy. A French Bulldog is an excellent choice for a pet – they’re small, cute, and make for great companions. But, as with any pet, choosing the right one is crucial. So, without further ado, let’s get cracking!

Reputable Breeder or Responsible Breeder:

Everything you need to know about a French Bulldog Breeder:

Ah, the ethical breeder – the person who brings forth these magnificent creatures into the world. When it comes to finding the perfect French Bulldog puppy, for many the breeder is the first port of call. But, dear reader, not all breeders are created equal. Some are good, while others…not so much. So, what makes a good or responsible breeder? 

Let’s have a closer look at some of the steps these breeders take to ensure the well being of little pooch which is welcomed into the world.

Veterinarian Health Checks of Parents:

Now, responsible breeders focus on the health and longevity of the breed. You can see them as the custodians of a specific breed ensuring the breed will remain for many years to come. These breeders do it for the love of the dog breed and not for the money. With almost all of the money going into the care of the parents and the pups when they arrive.

So, let’s talk about health checks. This is standard procedure when reputable breeders start the journey. They will have full DNA reports on the parents before breeding commences to identify any potential genetic issues. They will also consider factors like the parents temperament to ensure they are good straights passed on to the potential litter. 

Genetic health or certain health issues are specifically screen for like hip dysplasia and patellar luxation. They also have tests done on skin allergies and have x-rays done to ensure the airway of the parents are well formed and without obstruction to avoid potential breathing issues. Breeders will also ensure that the parent have thick bone structure to avoid a poor skeletal development in each pup.

When choosing a French Bulldog puppy, it’s important to ensure that both parents have been given a clean bill of health by a veterinarian. This will ensure that the puppy doesn’t inherit any genetic disorders or illnesses that could cause problems later on in life. So, don’t be afraid to ask for proof of these health checks from the breeder. A good breeder will be happy to provide you with this information.

From Birth to when Puppy goes to it’s Forever Home:

Great care and attention will be given to the mother and the pups. The mother will be kept in excellent health and well-maintained at all times. Special care is given before the pregnancy by ensuring the mother is an adult dog before she is mated with. If the mother is still a pup herself when the little was born this should be a warning sign to you.

The mother is also placed on a special diet, just like when human woman are pregnant they require added vitamins and minerals, the same goes for dogs. She will continue to eat the added nutrient food to assist her with producing the best milk the puppies need to grow strong and healthy. 

When the puppies move on to solid food, the breeder will ensure they have a formulated dog food specific to the needs of the puppy. Information around feeding frequency and portion size will also be shared with you. In all cases the breeder will inform you on what food the puppies are on and most of them will even send home a small bag of food with you and the pup.

As the pooches start to grow and running a muck the breeder will spend a significant amount of time socialising the puppies through socialization and taking note of all there little characters. This aids the dogs to develop well rounded personalities. They can even help you choose a dog which is best suited for your lifestyle based on their temperament. They will also be reluctant to allow you to take your puppy home before it is 12 weeks old due to the socialisation aspect and health checks and inoculations the puppy needs.

Breeder Contracts:

This might seem a little strange dear reader but a contract will be sent to you from the breeder. This document will have some terms and conditions around the sale of the puppy. Information around having your dog neutered or spaded, the linage or line of Frenchies before your pup arrived and most importantly the clause which speaks about what happens if you can’t care for your dog anymore.

We all know life happens and if the occasion arose that you are not able to look after your dog any more no matter what age you will need to return it back to the breeder. Added to this contract will also be an information pack about feed and exercise requirements, recommendations for puppy classes and veterinarians in your area who knows the breed and when you will receive your registered papers if that is valid. All the in’s and out’s of owning a French Bulldog.

A quick review on an ethical breeder is one who cares for their dogs and puppies with love and compassion. They don’t view their dogs as commodities, but as family members. They’ll ensure that their dogs are healthy, happy, and well-cared for. So, do your research and choose a breeder who has a reputation for being ethical.

No breeder will refuse to answer questions about the parents, puppies or anything related to the breed. So ask the breeder and please make sure to ask lots of questions. You can even schedule an appointment and go a meet the puppies before making a choice. It is well worth the effort.

The Dangers of Backyard Breeding:

Oh, my dear friends, let me tell you about the dangers of backyard breeding. Backyard breeders are those who breed dogs without any regard for their health or well-being. They are the complete opposite of responsible breeders. They don’t perform any health checks on the parents, and they often keep the dogs in poor conditions.

he price might be more alluring in the beginning as their puppy prices are vastly lower than that of the ethical breeder but you might pay the price later with far more vet bills than you prepared for, healthy French Bulldog’s should be the first priority of any dog breeder. The puppies produced by these breeders are often sickly and have a higher risk of developing health problems later on in life. So, my dear friends, stay away from backyard breeders. 

Avoid Puppy Mills:

And now, we come to the dreaded puppy mills. They are the leading cause for puppies landing at recue centres or groups. Puppy mills are commercial breeding facilities that churn out puppies in large quantities, often in inhumane conditions. Not potential genetic conditions are screened for this particular breed. The love and attention is not present at all which Frenchies need as they affectionate dogs. These puppies are then sold to pet stores or online, often with little regard for their health or well-being. So, my dear friends, please avoid buying one from a puppy mill. It’s better to adopt a rescue dog than to support this cruel industry.

Health of Puppy over the Appearance of the Dog:

Not getting caught up on the cuteness fact of these pooches is a difficult feat indeed. With their bat ears, wrinkly faces and bodies it is no wonder we just melt when we see them. The pure excitement of knowing a new puppy will be coming home can also cloud.

When choosing a French Bulldog puppy, it’s important to prioritize their health over their appearance. Yes, a French Bulldog with a cute face and adorable wrinkles might be tempting, but if they’re not healthy, it’s not worth it. So, make sure that the puppy you choose is healthy and free from any genetic defects or illnesses.

Quick Guide on What Questions to Ask:

And finally, my dear friends, let’s talk about what to ask and know what to look for when choosing a French Bulldog puppy. When you’re meeting with the breeder,

• Ask to see the puppy’s parents, and make sure they’re healthy and well-cared for.
• Ask for any health records or genetic testing that has been done on the parents.
• Ask about the contract and anything that might not be clear in it.
• Ask if you can schedule a visit to see the parents and puppies in person
• Ask about how breeder’s spend their time with the dogs
• Share your lifestyle for the right French bulldog puppy which will match it
• Ask about the puppies health checks and inoculations

Lastly take a close look at the pup’s overall appearance – are they alert, playful, and energetic? Do they have any physical deformities or abnormalities? Are they a healthy French bulldog, clean and well kept? And, most importantly, trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s better to walk away and keep searching for the perfect puppy.

Good places to start in finding the perfect puppy is speaking to French Bulldog Clubs or the American Kennel Club (AKC). They have a list of breed clubs, French Bulldog Groups and information on purebred dogs. They can even inform you about dog shows if you want to have a show dog or partake in it. You will meet a wide variety of people through the AKC which will aid you greatly on your quest on how to choose a Frenchie.

Conclusion:

And there you have it, my dear friends – a guide to choosing the perfect French Bulldog puppy. Remember to choose a good breeder, prioritize the health of the puppy over their appearance, and avoid backyard breeders and puppy mills. And, most importantly, choose a puppy with love and care. With a little patience and persistence, you’ll find the perfect furry companion to bring into your home. Happy puppy hunting, my dear friends!