Considerations When Purchasing a French Bulldog

Anyone who has ever owned a French bulldog or spent time with one will tell you that these dogs have a way of catching your attention.

The lovable, curious and playful nature of French bulldogs makes every experience with a ‘Frenchie’ different from a previous one.

These dogs are however, not meant for every one which is why you ought to consider some things before you purchase one yourself.

1. Cost

A good French bulldog will cost you anything from $1500 to $2000 dollars which is a high price for any average citizen. The cost of buying aside, you have to consider vet bills, food, toys and some additional expenses such as boarding fees if you have to travel, training and comfort of the dog. In total, a French bulldog will cost you up to $10,000 a year to maintain in good shape and health.

2. Time

If you want to have a well behaved ‘Frenchie’, you have to dedicate time to train him and spend time with him. French bulldogs are intelligent, but they are slow learners and some basics such as house training may take them months to learn. That aside, ‘Frenchies’ love attention and without it may develop behaviour problems and become destructive. One such problem is chewing which may be difficult to get rid of once it starts.

Though French bulldogs do not need a lot of exercise, they need to be taken for short walks to keep them in good shape. They also need to go out to eliminate every few hours to ensure they don’t soil the carpet, floor or furniture.

3. Health

French bulldogs suffer from some health problems that may prevent them from being at their best. One such problem is the respiratory syndrome where the dog suffers from a combination of four conditions. All of which compromise the activity of the respiratory system.

Some of these problems require surgical intervention which is costly and beyond the reach of many people. This syndrome is also the reason why French bulldogs are intolerant to heat, cannot engage in vigorous exercise and should have respiratory support whenever they are undergoing a surgical procedure.

4. Purpose

Do you want a house pet that will offer you companionship in the house or do you want a dog for your children? Do you want a Frenchie that will win medals in competitions?

If you want a dog for the kids then you should buy a slightly older French bulldog who is a bit mature and can handle children. It is always best to get the ‘Frenchie’ as a pup if you want a champion dog or one that fits your lifestyle.

This way it will be easier to train the dog yourself and mould him into what you want him to be. Getting the dog as a pup is also good since you have the chance to establish a bond with the dog that will only get stronger with age.

Be sure to weigh all your options in order to make the best decision.