Before You Buy a French Bulldog
Whether you're considering the idea of a French Bulldog as a pet or are planning to add them to your breeding program, you need to consider a variety of aspects. For example pet owners can concentrate on color and coat preferences, personality and temperament.
Breeders must, on contrary, think about things like inbreeding, health testing and genetic testing.
How to Select a Breeder who is Reputable
Frenchies are the most loved breed of dog in America, and it's no wonder why. They are mellow, fun-loving dogs who love to please and can easily adapt to different environments. They are great companions for families and people of all ages, including kids. However, before you purchase a French bulldog, it's important to find a reputable breeder.
Asking your friends who own Frenchies for recommendations or asking your veterinarian to recommend a breeder they have previously worked with is the best way to get started. You can also search for breeders with a positive reputation on social media and review websites. It's important to visit potential breeders in person when you've made a list. You can meet the parents, visit the area where the puppies live and play, and learn about the conditions in which they are raised.
A reputable breeder will be delighted to meet you and show you around their facility. They should be willing to answer any questions you might have about Frenchies and their breeding program. They should be able to provide you with complete information regarding the puppies' health history and lineage, and provide you with a written contract outlining the terms of purchase.
You must also be able to meet the mother of the litter (dam) and the father of the puppies. They should look healthy and active, and their coats should be clean and free of smell. A reputable breeder can also give you information on the puppies' AKC registration, and their three-generation pedigree.
The popularity of French Bulldogs has attracted breeders who are more focused on profits than the wellbeing of the puppies. Inbreeding can lead to breathing issues and genetic problems in dogs. They can also result in overcrowded puppy farms where the animals are treated poorly. These conditions can cause issues with behavior and decrease the lifespan of puppies. The short back legs of the small breed and their curly tails put them at risk of a variety of issues, including spine pain, arthritis and discs that have slipped.
Health Tests for Health
Health testing is an important procedure that allows you to determine the genetics of a dog and how they may impact its overall health. In breeding programs, it's common to screen for specific diseases that could pass to the next generation. As part of our dedication to breeding healthy dogs, Johnson House Frenchies conducts many different health tests on our puppies.
We employ both genotypic and Phenotypic tests to evaluate the health of our puppies. Genotypic tests analyze the dog's DNA in order to determine if there is a mutation that can cause disease. Phenotypic tests involve physical examinations and diagnostic tools such as echocardiograms, x-rays, and eye tests.
Genetics-based health tests are a critical component of responsible breeding, and the majority of breeders who are credible employ them to check the quality of their breeding animals. It is essential to realize that not all genetics-based health tests are the same. It is essential to locate a lab who will accurately provide results and recognizes the breed-specific tests available for French Bulldogs.
Several genetics-based laboratories offer tests for a variety of conditions that affect a 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 allow pet owners to search for a dog's status in testing and also see the health histories of all its relatives. This lets the owner make informed decisions about breeding by analyzing the health of the dog's aunts, siblings, and uncles as well as the ancestors of the dog.
It is important to locate a breeder who only uses accredited OFA laboratories to perform genetic health tests. This is the best way to ensure the accuracy of the results and also to prevent false health claims.
There are a number of health panels for French bulldogs. They include the OFA Health Clear Panel and the 6-panel guarantee. These tests bundle a number genetics-based health tests specific to the French bulldog breed and reduce the cost. A "clear" result means that the dog does not carry the mutation that causes a specific disease. This lowers the chance that the mutation could be passed on to the offspring. A "copyright" result indicates that the dog is carrying one copy of the mutation, but doesn't show any signs of the disease, and the result of "at-risk" indicates the dog is more likely to develop the disease.
Socialization
French Bulldogs are pack animals that thrive in a hierarchy and require proper socialization to become friendly, well-mannered animals. This is a vital process that begins at birth. Socialization is the process of exposing your puppy to different 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 loyal, affectionate and playful pets that build strong bonds with their families. They can be stubborn and require patience as well as consistent techniques to train them, making them obedient and responsive.
While it is crucial to socialize your Frenchie at a young age but don't expose them frightening or potentially harmful experiences until they are fully immunised and prepared for these types of interactions. It is also essential to not reward their expressions of fear which could cause them to develop phobias later in life.
Socialization should be conducted in a controlled, safe environment, and on a regular basis so that your dog continues to grow comfortable in new situations. It could be as simple as taking your dog to a different area every week or welcoming him to new family members and acquaintances.
Your dog should also be exposed different sounds, sights and environments and also the types of activities they'll take part in throughout their lives, such as playing off-lead in a safe area or taking a ride in the car. This will help them become more flexible, confident, and resilient in any situation.
Many people think of Frenchies only as lap dogs. They are very active, social and fun-loving. They can easily be involved in agility, obedience, Rally, or field work. They can be wonderful therapy dogs and can even help people recover from surgeries or illnesses.
Training
Frenchies are easy to maintain, but they still need regular exercise and mental stimulation. These sociable puppies love to spend time playing with their humans as well as other dogs. Although they don't have the drive to be a good watchdog, they can be responsive to obedience training and will be keen on learning new tricks and commands. The breed is also a bit stubborn so patience is essential when training.
As with all dogs, Frenchies require regular grooming in order to maintain the health of their coat and skin. Regularly brushing will help to keep them free of oil and dirt as well as remove hairs that have fallen out. To stop their wrinkles from getting infected it is essential to give them a few extra minutes of attention using baby wipes that are not scented.
It is important to teach your Frenchie read more how to retain information. This will help them avoid potential dangers in situations. This is especially true in the event that you intend to take your Frenchie for a hike or other outings, where they might be inclined to explore and wander. Additionally teaching them to be ready when they are asked can save their life if they ever get lost or encounter traffic.
Frenchies can be stubborn so it's important to employ positive reinforcement when training them. This will help them understand that following your commands is the best way to earn food, toys, or attention. Avoid harsh methods of punishment as they may resist training. This could lead to behavioral issues in the future.
It is essential to begin puppy training as soon as you bring your Frenchie home. Most breeders will already have potty-trained their puppies. It is helpful to establish a routine for feeding, playtime, and training sessions and stick to it regularly. This will allow you to establish a solid base for your French Bulldog's foundational obedience. It will also help you train your dog in the future.