Artificial Insemination is the preferred method of Insemination for French Bulldogs for the prevention and transmission of sexually transmitted infections.
Why French Bulldogs Require Artificial Insemination
Canines can contract a variety of serious infections that can compromise the health of a stud, dam, or offspring.
Breeding French Bulldogs naturally can be challenging due to their unique anatomy. Unlike other breeds, French Bulldogs don’t tie easily during mating because of their unbalanced structure. It takes them a longer time to transfer sperm successfully.
The process of transferring sperm in French Bulldogs is slow and different from what we might expect. It is difficult for the male to support his weight on his hind legs for an extended period, and the female struggles to bear the weight as well. Natural breedings can happen but are less predictable than in other breeds. If you want to increase the chances of pregnancy significantly, artificial insemination is the recommended option.
Challenges of AI
Timing is crucial for successful insemination. Without the usual social cues between dogs, determining the right time to breed becomes more difficult. Testing progesterone levels through a blood test is a reliable way to overcome this challenge. Progesterone levels spike during a heat cycle, and insemination should occur within 48 hours of this spike, which typically lasts around 7-10 days for the average French Bulldog. Each female is different, with some having a spike that lasts up to 15 days.
Another challenge is the availability of veterinarians and their services for artificial insemination. Weekends can pose problems if progesterone levels need to be evaluated, as some veterinarians may not be available. Additionally, not all veterinarians offer breeding services, so it’s important to have a well-thought-out plan. Working with a breeder who provides these services can offer more flexibility and convenience.
Which type of AI?
There are two common methods of artificial insemination used in French Bulldogs: Standard AI and Transcervical AI.
Standard AI involves injecting semen into the vaginal canal using a syringe with a narrow rod. It is crucial to follow the correct method and guide the rod to the proper location. The direction of insertion is important, starting at an upward angle before leveling the rod towards the uterus. It’s important to note that this procedure should only be performed under the supervision of a trained professional and not attempted on your own.
Transcervical AI, on the other hand, allows for more precise placement of semen directly into the uterus using a device equipped with an endoscope (camera). This method is necessary when working with sperm samples that do not meet the concentration standards for standard breeding. For example, frozen semen requires a Transcervical AI because the freezing process degrades sperm quality. Whenever dealing with lower sample sizes, such as low sperm count, split collection, or extended storage duration, Transcervical AI is the preferred method.
Artificial Insemination also allows you to improve semen quality by adding an extender to it which allows for it to survive longer. This is part of our standard process when performing an AI. We prepare semen the same way for a side-by-side AI as we do when we are shipping it, you can learn more about our process here.
If you would like to book an Artificial Insemination or learn more about the process, please contact us at info@blufrenchibles.com or message us on Instagram or Facebook.
Frequently Asked
The average is 12 days from the first sign of menstrual bleeding, but each dog is different. Progesterone testing will identify the optimal day for insemination.
We can ship chilled semen overnight across North America in a temperature-controlled container. You can learn more about our semen shipping process here.
Yes, they do with some challenges. The structure of the dog makes mating difficult and artificial insemination is the preferred method.
A standard AI from a vet can usually range between $200-600 for each visit when performed by a vet.