Before You Buy a French Bulldog
If you're considering getting having a French Bulldog for a pet, or adding them to your breeding program, it's crucial to think about a range of factors. Pet owners should consider the coat color and color preference as well as temperament, personality and.
Breeders should, on the contrary, think about things such as inbreeding, health testing and genetic testing.
How to Choose a Breeder with a Good Reputation
It's no surprise that Frenchies are America's most popular dog breed. They are gentle, fun-loving dogs who are eager to please. They also adapt well to different lifestyles. They are wonderful companions for all ages and families, including children. But before you buy a French bulldog, you need to find a reputable breeder.
Asking friends and family members who have Frenchies for recommendations or asking your veterinarian to recommend a breeder they have worked with before is the most effective way to start. You can also search for breeders with a good reputation on social media and review websites. Once you have a list of possible breeders, it's important to visit them in person. You can meet the parents, visit the place where the puppies live and play, and learn about the conditions under which they are raised.
A reputable breeder will greet you and show you around their facility. They should be willing to answer any questions about Frenchies and their breeding program. They should be able to provide you with detailed information about the health history of the puppies and lineage, as well as give you an agreement in writing that outlines the terms of your purchase.
You are also expected to meet the mother of the litter (dam) and the biological father of the pups. They must appear healthy and active. Their coats should be odor-free and clean. A reputable breeder will also be in a position to provide details regarding the puppies' AKC registration and their 3-generation pedigree.
The popularity of the French Bulldog has drawn in bad breeders who concentrate on the profit and not the wellbeing of their pups. Inbreeding can cause breathing problems and genetic disorders in the dogs. They can also result in overcrowded puppy farms where the animals receive inadequate care. These conditions can result in problems with behavior and reduce life expectancy of the puppies. The small breed's short back legs as well as its 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 process that helps determine the genetics of an animal and how this could affect the overall health of the animal. In breeding programs, it is common to test for specific diseases that could pass to the next generation. At Johnson House Frenchies, we perform a variety of health checks for our puppies as part of our efforts to breed healthy dogs.
The tests we use to evaluate our puppies are based on genotypic and phenotypic tests. Genotypic tests examine the dog's DNA to determine if it is carrying a disease-causing mutation. The tests are based on physical examinations and diagnostic tools such as x-rays, echocardiograms, and eye tests.
Genetically-based health testing is a crucial component of responsible breeding. The majority of breeders with a reputation for quality utilize them to ensure high-quality in their breeding selection. However, it is important to realize that not all tests based on genetics are in the same way. It is crucial to locate a lab that can recognize the breed specific tests for French bulldogs and can provide exact results.
Several genetics-based laboratories offer testing for various conditions that affect a breed. The most reliable ones will send the results of these tests to OFA, which maintains databases for each breed-specific test.
These OFA databases allow pet owners to look for the status of a dog's health testing and view the health history of all its relatives. This lets the owner make informed decisions about breeding in light of the health of a dog's siblings, aunts, and uncles as well as its ancestors.
It is crucial to locate a breeder who only uses accredited laboratories of OFA for genetic health tests. This is the best method to ensure accuracy and stop false health claims.
There are several health panels for French bulldogs. These include the OFA Health Clear Panel and the 6-panel guarantee. These tests combine a number of genetics-based health tests specific to the French bulldog breed and also reduce the cost. A "clear" result indicates that the dog is not carrying the mutation that causes a specific disease. This decreases the likelihood that the mutation could be passed on to offspring. A "copyright result" means that the dog has a copy of the mutation, but doesn't show any symptoms of disease. A result of "at risk" indicates that the dog is at risk of developing the disease.
Socialization
French Bulldogs are pack animals that thrive in a hierarchy environment. They require socialization to become docile and well-mannered. This is an essential process that starts at birth. Socialization is the process of exposed your puppy to various locations, people, and things from the age of one to build their confidence and resiliency. This includes interactions with dogs of all ages and people who are also dogs.
Frenchies are playful, affectionate and loyal dogs that bond strongly with their families. They can also be somewhat stubborn, which requires patience and consistent training methods to make them friendly, well-behaved dogs.
While it is essential to make friends with your Frenchie at a young age be sure to keep them away from frightening or potentially harmful situations until they're fully vaccine-free and prepared for these types of interactions. It is equally important not to encourage their expressions of fear since this could lead them here to develop phobias that last for a lifetime.
Socialization should occur in a controlled, safe environment on a regular basis to ensure that your dog is comfortable in new environments. It could be as easy as taking them to a new park every week or the introduction of them to different family members and friends. it should include short walks on the sidewalks around your neighborhood, trips to the pet store and visits to the vet for grooming and shots.
Your pup must also be exposed to other noises surroundings, sights and sounds in addition to the types of activities they will likely take part in throughout their lives, such as playing off-lead within a safe area or going on rides in the car. This will ensure that they are adaptable, confident and resilient to any situation that comes their way.
While many people think of Frenchies as purely lap dogs, they are actually active, sociable and fun-loving dogs that are easily involved in agility classes, obedience classes, Rally or field work. They also make excellent therapy dogs and assist people recover from surgery or other illnesses.
Training
While Frenchies are fairly low-maintenance dogs However, they do require daily exercise and mental stimulation. They love to spend time with their human family and are happy to play with them or other dogs in the yard. They may not be able to become a great guard dog, but they will respond well when they are taught new commands and tricks. This breed can be a bit stubborn, so patience is required when training.
Like all dogs, Frenchies require regular grooming to ensure an enviable coat and skin. Brushing them regularly will prevent the accumulation of oil and dirt as well as removing hairs that have fallen out. The wrinkles that are characteristic of them will require a little extra care to avoid them getting infected. It is recommended to give them a daily 3-5 minute rubdown using a scentless baby wipe.
Recall training is an important skill to teach your Frenchie because it will help them avoid dangerous or unsafe situations. This is particularly true if you plan to take them on hikes or any other outings where they may be inclined to wander off and explore. In addition teaching them to return when they are called could save their life in the event that they get lost or encounter traffic.
Frenchies can be stubborn, so it's important to use positive reinforcement in training them. This will help them understand that responding to your needs is the best method to earn rewards such as food and toys as well as your attention. Avoid harsh punishments as they may become resistant to training. This could result in behavior problems in the future.
Although the majority of Frenchies will be potty trained by their breeders, it's essential to begin puppy training as soon as you bring them home. It is helpful to establish the schedule for feeding as well as playtime and training sessions, and adhere to it consistently. This will aid your French Bulldog develop a strong base of basic obedience, and make it easier to train in the future.