Before You Buy a French Bulldog
If you're thinking about a French Bulldog as a pet or planning to include them in your breeding program, you need to think about a range of factors. Pet owners can think about color and coat preference as well as temperament, personality, and color.
Breeders however must take into account things such as inbreeding and health tests.
Selecting a Breeder with a Good Reputation
Frenchies are the most sought-after breed of dog in America and there's no wonder why. They are fun-loving, mellow dogs that love to please and adapt well in many different lifestyles. They are great companions for families and people of all ages, including children. It is crucial to find a reputable breeder before buying the French Bulldog.
The best place to start is by asking for referrals from people you know who own Frenchies or ask your veterinarian to recommend a breeder that they have worked with in the past. You can also search for breeders with a good reputation via social media and online review websites. It's important to visit potential breeders in person after you've narrowed down your choices. This will give you an opportunity to meet the parents of the puppies, observe the places they live and play, and also observe the conditions under which they live.
A reputable breeder will meet you and show you around their facility. They should be willing to answer any questions you have regarding the Frenchies and their breeding program. They should be able to provide you with detailed information about the puppies' health history and lineage, and provide you with an agreement in writing that outlines the terms of purchase.
You should be able meet the mother (dam) of the litter as well as the biological father. They should appear healthy and active, and their coats should be clean and free of smell. A reputable breeder will provide you with information about the puppies' AKC registration, and their three-generation pedigree.
The popularity of the French Bulldog has drawn in breeders who are focused on making money rather than the welfare of their pups. Inbreeding can result in breathing problems and genetic problems in dogs. They could also lead to overcrowded puppy farms in which the animals receive poor care. These conditions can cause issues with behavior and decrease the lifespan of puppies. The small breed's short back legs and curled tails also put them at risk for a variety of problems, including spine pain and arthritis in joints, and slipped discs.
Health Tests for Health
Health testing is a method that helps determine the genetics of an animal and how it may affect the overall health of the animal. It is a standard procedure in breeding programs to screen for specific diseases that could be passed on to the next generation. As part of our effort to breeding healthy dogs, Johnson House Frenchies conducts many different health tests for our puppies.
The tests we employ to assess our puppies are based on genotypic and phenotypic tests. Genotypic tests analyze the dog's DNA to determine if it is carrying an underlying mutation that causes disease. Phenotypic tests include physical examinations and diagnostic tools like echocardiograms and x-rays as well as eye exams.
Genetically-based health testing is an essential aspect of responsible breeding. The majority of breeders with a reputation for quality utilize them to ensure high-quality in their breeding animals. It is essential to realize that not all genetics-based health tests are created equal. It is important to find an lab that can accurately deliver results and also recognize the breed-specific tests for French Bulldogs.
There are a variety of genetics-based labs that offer testing for a variety of diseases that affect the breed. The most reputable ones will report the results of these tests to OFA, which maintains databases for each breed-specific test.
These OFA databases permit pet owners to search for a dog's testing status and also see the health histories of all its relatives. This allows pet owners to make informed breeding decisions based on the health of the dog's siblings, aunts and uncles as well as the ancestors of the dog.
It is also essential to choose breeders that only use OFA recognized laboratories to carry out the genetic health tests. This is the best method to ensure accuracy and stop false health claims.
There are many health panels that are suitable for French bulldogs. They include the OFA Health Clear Panel and the 6-panel guarantee. These tests combine a number of genetics-based health test that are specific to the French bulldog breed, and reduce the cost. A result of "clear" indicates that a dog doesn't have the mutation for a particular disease, thereby decreasing the chance of passing the mutation on to its offspring. A "copyright" result indicates that the dog has one copy of the mutation but doesn't show any signs of the disease, and an outcome of "at-risk" indicates that the dog is at risk of developing the disease.
Socialization
French Bulldogs are pack animals that thrive in a symbiosis and require the right socialization in order to become docile, well-mannered companions. This is an important process that starts at the age of. Socialization is the process of exposed your puppy to various people, places and things at the age of one to build their confidence and resilience. This includes interactions with dogs of all ages and people, as well as other dogs.
Frenchies are affectionate, playful and loyal pets that bond strongly with their families. They can also be stubborn, which requires patience and consistent training techniques to make them friendly, well-behaved dogs.
It is essential to interact with an Frenchie from a young age. However, do not expose them to any potentially harmful or frightening experiences until they have been fully vaccinated. It is equally important to not encourage their expressions of fear because they could develop phobias that can last for a lifetime.
Socialization should be conducted in a controlled, safe environment and on a regular basis so that your dog continues to become comfortable in new environments. This could be as simple as taking them to a different park every week or the introduction of them to different family members and friends, and it should include short walks along the sidewalks of your neighborhood or visits to the pet store and visits to the vet to get shots and grooming.
You should also expose your pup to other sounds and sights as well as environments. They should also be exposed to types of activities that they are likely to engage in throughout their lives, like playing in a secure space without a leash, or taking rides in the car. This will make them more adaptable, confident, and resilient in any circumstance.
Many people think of Frenchies only as lap dogs. They are very active, social and fun-loving. They are easily involved in agility, obedience, Rally, or field work. They can be wonderful therapy dogs, and even help people recover from surgeries or illnesses.
Training
While Frenchies are fairly low-maintenance dogs However, they do require daily exercise and stimulation for their minds. These sociable pups love to spend time with their humans and will happily play with them or other dogs in the yard. Although they don't have the drive to be a superb watchdog, they be able to respond well to obedience training and be eager to learn new tricks and commands. This breed can be somewhat stubborn, so patience is required when training.
Like all dogs, Frenchies require regular grooming to ensure the health of their coat and skin. Regularly brushing will help to stop the accumulation of dirt and oil, and also remove any loose hairs. To stop their wrinkles from getting infected it is essential to give them a few extra minutes of attention with an unscented baby wipe.
It is essential to teach your Frenchie how to remember information. This will help them avoid dangerous situations. This is particularly true in the event that you intend to take your Frenchie on excursions or hikes that they may be inclined to wander and explore. Making them return when called will ensure their safety in the event that they wander off or get caught in traffic.
Frenchies aren't always easy to handle It is therefore important to use positive reinforcement when training them. This will help them learn that responding to your demands is the best method of earning rewards such as food, toys, and attention. Be careful not to use harsh methods of discipline because this could make them resistant to training and could lead to issues with behavior later on.
It is crucial to begin puppy training as soon you bring your Frenchie home. Most breeders will already have them potty-trained. It is beneficial to establish an established schedule for feeding, playtime, and training sessions, get more info and adhere to it regularly. This will aid your French Bulldog develop a strong base of basic obedience, and make it easier to train in the future.