French Bulldog breeders shocked the English when they renamed a toy version of the English Bulldog after their own country. The Bulldog had long been a representative of English culture. However, the English had not accepted the smaller version of the Bulldog that the French came to love. In the 1800s, toy Bulldogs were exported from England to France. French Bulldog breeders began breeding specific traits into this smaller Bulldog to distinguish it from the English version. Today there are bullies and Frenchies in addition to American Bulldogs. All three are distinctive breeds although they share common ancestors.
Bulldog breeders, like most purebred breeders, love the breed, whether it is American, English or French. Bulldogs are not low-maintenance dogs, so it takes true love from breeders to dedicate their lives and homes to a specific breed. Each of the three versions has specific health, behavioral, and social needs, and good Bulldog breeders meet these needs and help potential buyers meet the needs of Bulldog puppies.
Bulldog buyers should educate themselves on general information on Bulldogs prior to purchase. All three varieties, American, English, and French, have similar health, grooming, discipline, and social requirements. English and French Bulldogs have noses and wrinkles. The short muzzle can make breathing difficult and these dogs can develop respiratory problems. They also respond poorly to extreme temperatures and are meant to be indoor dogs. Bulldogs can get heat stroke if left in a hot room or car.
Wrinkles and ears need to be cleaned daily to keep moisture and bacteria out. Bulldogs are prone to obesity and need to be active and walk at least every day. Larger American Bulldogs require a lot more activity to stay healthy and happy.
Bulldogs are social creatures and will follow their owners wherever they go. It is important that the owners interact with them and show them affection. Due to the Bulldog’s history of aggression, any behavior problems need to be dealt with on an ongoing basis from the time the dogs are puppies. Bulldogs respond well to positive reinforcement and tone of voice. Hitting or negatively reinforcing behavior can be detrimental to this breed. Buyers can ask American, English and French Bulldog breeders for additional details on the care and treatment of the breed.
In the world of dog breeding there are good and bad breeders. It is important that buyers of any breed of dog learn to recognize the traits of a bad versus a good breeder. The following will focus on French Bulldog breeders, but it is valid for all types of dog breeders. The following are signs of a bad dog breeder:
-Breeders offer “pets the next day”.
-The breeders do not have their own kennels.
-Pups and parents have not been screened for medical conditions.
-Breeders sell or trade puppies to pet stores.
-Breeders seem to have too many puppies available at one time.
-Pups are fickle, nervous and lack confidence.
-Breeders will not allow buyers to visit puppies prior to purchase.
-The breeders lack references and are not certified by any national association.
-Breeders do not ask buyers questions.
-Breeders cannot answer basic buyer questions about French Bulldogs.
-The breeders do not offer a guarantee or health guarantee.
-Breeders do not know how to discipline, train or care for French Bulldogs.
You will be sure to get a healthy and happy puppy simply by avoiding breeders with these characteristics.
