French Bulldogs are not only adorable, but distinctively unique. However, there’s a lot you need to know before buying a French Bulldog puppy, and we’ll cover it all in this blog.
Frenchies are smaller versions of bulldogs, originally bred in the 1800s. They come in a variety of colours, including white, black, fawn, blue, lilac, cream and tan, among other colour combinations.
It’s no wonder why Frenchies make great companions when they love attention more than anything. Since they’re generally great with people and other dogs, there’s a lot to love about this breed. However, what do you need to know before buying a French Bulldog puppy? Keep reading to discover the answers to frequently asked questions about French Bulldogs.
Image by Chloe Thistle.
Why can’t French Bulldogs breed on their own?
Frenchies can’t breed on their own because most French Bulldog stud dogs are unable to mount the female to mate naturally, due to the stud’s hips being too slim. This is why breeders use artificial insemination to get a female Frenchie pregnant.
Why are French Bulldogs so expensive?
If you’ve had a look at French Bulldogs for sale, you may notice they aren’t a cheap pooch. You may wonder, “Why are French Bulldogs so expensive?” The reason why is because breeding is not an easy process.
1. Mating & Insemination.
Natural breeding is a difficult process for French Bulldogs, so they need a lot of assistance mating, giving birth and caring for their young. This is why French Bulldog breeders use artificial insemination to impregnate female Frenchies. This process is not cheap either, with stud sperm costing between $500 to $1,000 and insemination costing $1,000 to $3,000.
2. Pregnancy.
While Frenchies can rarely naturally mate, they also almost always need a Caesarean section to give birth. This is because the French Bulldog puppies’ skulls are typically too large to pass through the mothers birth canal, making it too risky to give a natural birth. Depending when the C-section needs to occur (day or weekend) it can be between $750 to $1,200.
3. Taking care of the pups.
Newborn French Bulldogs need to eat every two hours and it’s common the mother will still be lethargic from the birth procedure and may be stressed mentally. This is why breeders will wake up every two hours throughout the night for up to two weeks to ensure the puppies are fed, warm and the mother isn’t sleeping on them. While it’s exciting to see puppies every two hours, it is extremely tiring and the process requires intensive care and minimal sleep. This is another reason why French Bulldog puppies are quite high in price.
What is a French Bulldog’s personality?
Frenchies are loyal dogs who love attention, so if you have more than one, they’ll often be fighting for your attention. Although they don’t have much of a tail to wag, they will bark when excited about something. They can be quite loud when they snort and snore, due to their nose structure (one of my partner’s Frenchies snores louder than the men in the house!).
This small breed of bulldog is intrigued by almost anything, loves playing, going for walks and is typically fine around other dogs, people and children. Although it’s important to ensure you socialise your Frenchie, if you have any more than one, they will spend most of their day sleeping or playing with each other. They aren’t ideal for people who aren’t home often as they need lots of attention, unless you have more than one to keep each other company.
Do French Bulldogs have trouble breathing?
French Bulldogs have a flat nose, which can lead to multiple breathing problems. These dogs are brachycephalic, or ‘short-headed,’ which means they have constricted, slit-like nostrils, small windpipes and an elongated soft palate, which can make breathing difficult. Other brachycephalic dogs include Shih Tzus, Pugs and Chow Chows. In some cases, French Bulldogs may require surgery to fix their nostrils, which is advised for moderate and severe cases.
Where should I buy a French Bulldog puppy?
French Bulldogs should NOT be bought from:
- Pet stores.
- Puppy mills.
- Irresponsible breeders.
When buying from a breeder, make sure:
- They are a registered dog breeder.
- You ask for health clearances/tests for both parents. This shows the parents have both been tested and cleared for certain conditions, like hip dysplasia.
- The puppies live at home and are handled by more than one person, meaning they are more likely to be friendly and relaxed around people.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Neither Localsearch nor the author are responsible for any misuse of any information within this article. Please see a vet for professional advice on dog breeds.
When buying a French Bulldog puppy, it’s important you have a reputable vet in mind. Find your local vet on localsearch.com.au.