Before You Buy a French Bulldog
If you're considering getting having a French Bulldog for a pet or incorporating them into your breeding program, it's vital to think about a range of elements. For instance pet owners should focus on coat color and color preferences, personality and temperament.
Breeders on the other hand should take into consideration things like inbreeding and health testing.
How to Choose a Breeder who is Reputable
Frenchies are the most loved breed of dog in America and there's no reason to wonder why. They are mellow, fun-loving dogs that are devoted to pleasing and can easily adapt to different environments. They are great companions for families of all ages, including children. However, before you purchase a French bulldog, you need to find a reliable breeder.
Asking friends and family members who have Frenchies for suggestions or asking your vet to recommend a breeder they have worked with previously is the most effective way to start. You can also look for breeders with good reviews on review sites and social media. It's important to visit potential breeders in person when you've narrowed down your choices. This gives you the opportunity to meet the parents of the puppies, look where they live and play, and also observe the conditions in which they live.
A good breeder will be happy to welcome you to their facility and be delighted to show you around. They should be happy to answer any questions about Frenchies and their breeding program. They should be able provide you with complete information regarding the health history of the puppies and their lineage. You should also receive a contract detailing the terms of purchase.
You should be able to meet the mother (dam) of the litter and the father who is biological. They should look healthy and active and their coats should be clean and free of odor. A reputable breeder should also provide you with information about the puppies' AKC registration, and their three-generation pedigree.
The popularity of French Bulldogs has drawn bad breeders, who are more concerned with profits than the welfare of the puppies. Inbreeding can cause breathing problems and genetic disorders in dogs. They can also result in overcrowded puppy farms in which the animals are treated poorly. These conditions can lead to behavioral problems and reduce the lifespan of puppies. The short back legs of the small breed and their curled tails put them at risk of many problems, including back pain, arthritis and slipped disks.
Health Tests for Health
Health testing is a method that can help determine the genetics of an animal and how this could affect its overall health. It is a common practice in breeding programs to screen for specific conditions that can be passed on to the next generation. At Johnson House Frenchies, we run a variety of health tests for our puppies as part of our effort to breed healthy dogs.
We use both genotypic as well as Phenotypic tests for assessing the health of our puppies. Genotypic tests look at the dog's DNA to determine if there's an underlying mutation that causes disease. Phenotypic testing includes physical examinations, as well as diagnostic tools like xrays or echocardiograms.
Genetically-based health tests are an essential aspect of responsible breeding. The majority of reputable breeders employ them to ensure the highest quality in their breeding animals. However, it is crucial to recognize that not all genetics-based health tests are in the same way. It is vital to find an animal testing lab that is able to recognize the breed-specific tests specific to French bulldogs and will provide precise results.
A variety of genetics-based labs offer testing for various diseases that affect a breed. The most reliable ones will send the results of these tests to OFA which keeps 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 allows pet owners to make informed decisions regarding breeding based on the health history of the dog's siblings and aunts and uncles as well as its ancestors.
It is also essential to find breeders that use OFA recognized laboratories to perform the genetic health tests. This is the best method to ensure accuracy and prevent false health claims.
There are many health panels that are available for French bulldogs, such as the OFA Health Clear panel as well as the 6-panel health guarantee. These tests include a variety of genetics-based health tests specific to the French bulldog breed, and can reduce the cost. A result of "clear" means that a dog doesn't have the mutation for the disease, thus decreasing the risk of passing that mutation to the offspring of that mutation. A "carrier result" means that the dog is carrying a copy of the mutation, however, it does not show any signs 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 interaction to become docile and well-mannered. This is a vital process that starts at birth. Socialization involves exposing your dog to a variety of things, places and people at a young age to help build their confidence and resilience. This involves interactions with dogs of all ages and people and other dogs.
Frenchies are playful, affectionate and loyal pets who form strong bonds with their families. They can be stubborn and require patience and constant methods to train them, making them more obedient and responsive.
It is essential to interact with a Frenchie from a young age. But, you should not expose them to any potentially harmful or frightening experiences until they are fully vaccine-free. It is also important to not reward their fearful expressions in order to prevent them to develop fears for the rest of their lives.
Socialization should take place in a controlled, safe environment and on a regular basis so that your dog can become comfortable in new environments. This could be as simple as taking them to a different park each week or introductions to other family members and friends. it should include short walks along the sidewalks in your neighborhood and trips to the pet store and visits to your vet to get shots and grooming.
You should also expose your dog to different sounds, sights, and environments. They should also be exposed to the kinds of things they will likely do throughout their lives like playing in a secure area without a lead or taking rides in the car. This will help ensure that they are able and confident in any situation that comes their way.
Many people think of Frenchies only as lap dogs. However, they are extremely active, social, and fun-loving. French Bulldog niedlichfranzösischebulldoggenwelpen can easily be involved in agility, obedience, Rally, or field work. They can be wonderful therapy dogs, and even help people recover from illness or surgery.
Training
While Frenchies are generally low-maintenance dogs, they do require some daily exercise and mental stimulation. These playful puppies are a joy to play with their owners and with other dogs. They might not be able to become a formidable guard dog, but they will be responsive when taught new commands and tricks. This breed is also a bit stubborn, so patience is required when training.
Like all dogs, Frenchies need regular grooming to maintain their coat and skin healthy. Brushing them regularly will stop the accumulation of dirt and oil, as well as remove any hairs that are loose. Their signature wrinkles will need some extra attention to prevent them from getting infected. It is advised to give them a daily 3-5 minute rubdown using a non-scented baby wipe.
Recall training is a crucial skill to teach your Frenchie as it will help them avoid dangerous or hazardous situations. This is especially important when you plan to take them on hikes or other activities where they are inclined to wander off and explore. Teaching them to come back when called can save their lives when they are lost or get caught through traffic.
Frenchies aren't always easy to handle, so it's important to use positive reinforcement in training them. This will teach them that following your commands is the best way to get food, toys, or attention. Avoid harsh methods of punishment because they can resist training. This could result in behavioral issues in the future.
Although the majority of Frenchies will be potty-trained by their breeders, it is crucial to start puppy training as soon as you bring them home. Establish a schedule for feeding, playing, and training and adhere to it. This will aid your French Bulldog develop a strong base of basic obedience, and make it easier to train in the future.