Table of Contents
ToggleYou’ve probably heard that Frenchies are difficult to breed. If you want a litter of French bulldog puppies then it might be time to start thinking about artificial insemination. Can French bulldogs give birth naturally is the next question to think of because most Frenchie dams require C-section surgery.
Why can’t French bulldogs give birth naturally?
Unlike other dog breeds, Frenchies have slightly narrow and tight birth canals. Since French bulldog puppies have big heads, vets often recommend performing a C-section surgery. It’s because puppies can get stuck in the birth canal and such a situation can end up tragically. Frenchie females’ hips are small, so the big head structure of puppies can’t go through naturally.
A few decades ago, dams have a bigger potential of giving birth naturally. However, after so much crossbreeding with different small dog breeds, Frenchie’s have changed their appearance considerably. The best example can be seen in their muzzle. In the past, Frenchie’s didn’t have flat muzzles. They breathed much easier and were not prone to respiratory problems.
Unfortunately, some French bulldogs evolved in a bad direction. Besides a visible change in a French bulldog’s muzzle, we can spot a difference in their hips too.
Can French bulldogs give birth naturally if they carry only one puppy?
C-section in Frenchie’s is often recommended not only because of their hips but also because of the number of puppies. Ultrasound can determine whether your pregnant French bulldog carries one or more puppies, however, it is not uncommon for a misjudgment to occur.
Speaking generally, it’s much easier to whelp only one puppy. Your vet is the only one who should determine the potential risks in your Frenchie dam. If a female has an extremely narrow birth canal, the labor will be painful and will last long. Therefore, C-section will definitely seem like a better option in any case.
How many C-sections can French bulldogs have?
A C-section is a surgery, so the dam requires some time to recover. So a C-section definite solution or can French Bulldogs give birth naturally. Therefore, it would be best to go through one cycle after giving birth to allow the female to fully recover. The greater the distance between mating after labor, the easier the pregnancy will be for your female. A C-section is always required, especially because the muscles are already weakened from the first labor.
When we talk about the price of a C-section in the USA, it usually costs between $600- and $2.500. Since every responsible breeder should take care of their dog’s health, it’s not recommended to have more than 2 or 3 C-sections throughout a lifetime.
How many litters can a French Bulldog have?
Unlike bigger dog breeds, Frenchie’s have fewer births. They usually carry from one to 4 puppies. The larger the number of puppies in the womb, the smaller in size they will be. The space in the dog’s womb affects the puppies’ development, so that’s why it’s not unusual to spot a runt in the litter. It’s the smallest and the weakest puppy in the litter that requires additional care from a breeder.
Can French Bulldogs Give Birth Naturally If My Vet Approves It?
Well, it’s important to mention that natural labor is taxing a female’s body. It last longer, and you should be conscious that complications may arise. You should keep an eye on your Frenchie all the time during labor and watch for other signs. Make sure nothing slips through the cracks! You are here for support in case anything does go wrong – just don’t let yourself get too far away from what matters most: Her health.
What are the signs of labor in French bulldogs?
Can French bulldogs give birth naturally shouldn’t be the only question to come to your mind. Labor is a difficult and sometimes dangerous process. It can be hard to know when your dog is in labor because they may show no signs at all or only subtle ones like becoming restless and distressed while their body readies itself for delivery.
Here is the list of symptoms that will tell you if the puppies are coming:
- Nesting
- Low body temperature (it drops below 100 degrees)
- The dog searches for a safe and silent place in the house
- Vomiting in your French bulldog
- Hardened abdomen
- Licking of the genital area
- Enlargement of mammary glands
- Shivering
- Refusal to eat
There’s nothing more rewarding than watching your pup go into labor and deliver their precious little bundle of joy! But if something doesn’t seem right, don’t hesitate to call the vet. If you notice any unusual aspects during the onset of labor, do not hesitate to call your veterinarian for assistance!