Archive for May 18th, 2008

Ask the Breeder - Help Picking the Proper Puppy

patpearce May 18th, 2008

My daughter is purchasing a french bulldog pup.  I am a little nervous about this because I don’t know if they have asked the breeder the important questions.  This pup is also $1,000 which I am told is very cheap for this breed.  It is solid black which I also read is not an acceptable color. 

 

They aren’t using this dog for a show dog.  I just don’t want them to end up with a sick pup down the road. 

 

Any information you can give me would be greatly appreciated.  Thanking you in advance

Pat writes -

Yes, most reputable breeders ask a lot more thatn $1000.00 for their puppies.

My first question would be  - are you getting a copy of the pedigree?  And I realize you may not be at all interested in the pedigree, but it does tell you where the pup came from..  If it is an import from another country that is a big red flag… and you need a copy of the puppy’s “papers”, which will help you to determine is it registrable with AKC (American Kennel Club)?

You also want to know the pup’s age. If the pup is not at least 10 weeks and perferably 12 weeks of age it is too young to leave its litter .

Black…  well most Frenchies have at least a touch of brindle somewhere on the body.. black is a black dog with not even a few hairs of brindle somewhere.  Some brindles are very dark - and appear black - but most have at least a touch of brindle..

Ask the breeder if he/she has the parents?  and if so can you have photos?  and what is the health and temperament of the parents.

And will the breeder be available for questions about the pup and other concerns regarding this pup touroughout the live of the dog?

Also you should ask for references from other pup owners

Please feel free to ask other questions as they come up

Good luck

Pat

(editor’s note: We have an extensive section devoted only to this topic - how do you choose a breeder, and what questions should you ask? Have a look, and it can actually be helpful to print out a copy and have it handy while on the phone, or while emailing questions to the prospective breeder you are contacting. Good breeders welcome questions - bad breeders avoid them). 

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Ask the Breeder - French Bulldog Pups With Cowlick

patpearce May 18th, 2008


I have a question……

 

I recently saw two cream french bulldog females….they are litter mates with what I can only describe as a “cowlick” patch of fur located between their shoulder blades.  One is a large patch while the other is quite small…..what causes this “cowlick”, is it hereditary? 

 

Thank you

 

Pat writes -

I’m not sure I understand your question.  It the patch a different color hair?  or are you talking about a different pattern in the hair?  If it is a pattern like waves, and this is a young dog, then they will likely out grow the odd pattern.

I occasionally have pups with funny patterns in the hair on their back, but when they mature it all sorts itself out…

Pat

(editor’s note: I have had Frenchies in the past with this ‘cowlick’ type pattern in the coat, usually over the withers. I believe it’s simply a differing thickness and pattern in the hair. It’s not mentioned in the standard as being a disqualification, so I personally wouldn’t worry about it. You could, theoretically, thin the patch out via grooming). 

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Ask the Trainer - Frenchie Won’t Walk on a Leash

gollygear May 18th, 2008


My Frenchie is 4 mos old. He hates to go outside, especially on a leash. He has gotten better, and enjoys being in the backyard, playing frisbee or catch in a field, etc., but refuses to walk on a leash unless we’re headed home. On our puppy kindergarten trainers advice, we’re using a comfort harness, but we literally have to drag him a long block or so before he’ll start walking.

 

We have tried high value treats, but this doesn’t work. I’m afraid to use a choke collar for fear of damaging his neck, and some high head collars say not to be used in flat face breeds.

 

Any suggestions?

Hope writes - 

Your little boy is showing his “bulldoggedness” early! The keys for training Frenchies (or any dog) are: patience, consistency, and praise.

To get your little guy used to a leash - let him drag it around the house while he’s “helping” you, doing normal household activities. If you’re using a retractable lead - stop. Just hook a light, four-foot or shorter lead to his collar and let him drag it around. Keep an eye out so it doesn’t get snagged on anything and that he doesn’t chew on it.

If it bothers him a lot, start with a short, light piece of string and work up to the leash.

Learning to “walk nice” on leash can be a slow process. The first month with Dax, I never made it past our own front yard! Go out with the puppy on leash and collar. If he’s walking around - good! Let him take the lead for a couple of steps. Then let him know you’re changing direction: “Here, puppy! We’re going this way!” and take a step or two, until the leash has no slack. Stay there. Be patient. As soon as he looks toward you, or makes any move in your direction, praise him! Tell him he’s wonderful. Make kissy noises! Laugh! Give cookies! And take another step or two to take up the slack. Your objective is to walk with your puppy on a loose leash - in the direction you choose to go. You won’t get anywhere quickly at first, but it will be worth it. You want your dog to be happy to take walks with you.

Hope
 

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