Our family lost our yellow Labrador in October and are now looking to adopt a French Bulldog puppy. Who would you all recommend as a reputable breeder in Switzerland?
Thank you
Our family lost our yellow Labrador in October and are now looking to adopt a French Bulldog puppy. Who would you all recommend as a reputable breeder in Switzerland?
Thank you
Bracycephalism-influenced respiratory issues, eye problems, heart problems, spinal and hip problems, skin issues, 'novel' coat colors that can be linked to genetic defects, are among the things to research.
---
The Swiss breed club for Frenchies within the SKG is here:
You will want to get to know the breeders, assess the breeder's program and facilities, including early socialization program. Do this well before you meet any puppies - assessment should be done in the clear light of day, not when the sight of adorable little gremlins gets the oxytocin flowing.
And be prepared for the breeder to assess you. Many good breeders have waiting lists.
---
I stress assessing breeders because unfortunately Frenchies, as one of the most popular dog breeds today, are often victims of battery producers.
To lessen your chance of running into the bad actors, start with the SKG breed club, and if you decide to look outside Switzerland go through the national club affiliated with the FCI. Affiliation does not preclude the necessity to do your own research, though.
---
This thread, an oldie but certainly goody and still relevant today, would be worth reading:
https://www.englishforum.ch/pet-corn...e-breeder.html
(One update is that the mandated SKN classes mentioned in the old thread were abolished.)
---
If you were so inclined, be aware that Frenchies come into rescue with some regularity.
---
All the best with your search!
I also might add, that I'm not aware of any other Frenchie owner, who didn't have to go through surgery, including ours and ours was from a reputable breeder. In addition to the medical issues, you'll also be dealing with excessive snoring, farting and shedding.
When we decided to adopt a dog, we opted for the same breed we always owned (Basset Hound). Puppies are rarely available for adoption. Breeders sell puppies. I did ask a few if they knew of any dogs to rehome, but they all wanted to sell me a puppy. Some of the clubs for a breed may learn of a dog needing rehoming, but we found that the shelters and rescue groups on Facebook were the best places to look.
Don't know much about French bulldogs, as for the "snoring, farting, shedding" some of us put up with that from humans we share our home with.
We adopted from them .. Very professional, all legit, everything you'd expect from a reputable adoption society.
We adopted an 8 year old so we dodged all the training, already fully health checked, vaccinated, well behaved.
Swimming too, as in they don't swim.. We have a pool so we've got the dog a life jacket
Mine can swim but she's gets into panic mode, so I'm avoiding water. Well, let me rephrase it. Mine never used to swim and for anatomical reasons, she would sink awkwardly in a front roll. Now, there was the swan incident. 2 swans gently floated by and had apparently said something insulting to her....she wouldn't let it rest and midst all her vitriolic diatribe fell down the stairs and into the water. The swans dispersed and she found herself in the lake, freaking out. That's when survival mode kicked in and she suddenly remembered how to swim.
My youngest kid wants/tries to do the same but dog tones it down and just refuses to grab the ball while it's in her hand, it jumps around crazy but won't attack, much to kids annoyance
My older kid is a little scared, dog just drops the ball at her feet and waits nicely for it to be thrown.
We're luckily surrounded by fields and forest so ours is only on lead on the street.. It just ignores other people and dogs and comes straight back when called.
Shame I can't take the credit for this training and behaviour since we got her at 8 years old.
As can be seen from this thread those who own a certain breed understand the specifics to that breed. That being said, often generalizations are made which do not apply. We were told Basset Hounds are not very good swimmers and yet many years ago our youngest Basset was the first to jump into the pool at the dog kennel. The other two didn't even dip a paw in the water. So there are exceptions.
As for the heat, as suggested, walk very early morning and late evening. Our dog doesn't like the cool mats ( something about the smell even though I put a pillowcase on them). He finds floor tiles the most comfortable.
but I cannot emphasise getting one from a reputable breeder- so many sad cases of dogs that have been overbred and puppies with massive health issues.
I support 2 rescue groups in the UK and sadly so many dogs are being surrendered because people cannot afford the health costs.
Typical problems that the breed suffer from are allergies, many need BOAS surgery for their breathing and quite a few develop back issues.
Yes, you will not get a lovelier dog but do be prepared for potential vet bills