Before You Buy a French Bulldog
If you're thinking about having a French Bulldog for a pet, or adding them to your breeding program, it's crucial that you consider a number of elements. For instance pet owners can concentrate on coat and color preferences, temperament and personality.
Breeders should, on the contrary, take into consideration things like inbreeding, health testing and genetic testing.
How to Select a Breeder who is Reputable
It's not a surprise that Frenchies are the most loved breed of dog. They are mellow, fun-loving dogs who love to please and adapt well in many different lifestyles. They make great companions for families of all ages and children. However, before you purchase a French bulldog, it's crucial to locate a reliable breeder.
Asking people you know that own Frenchies for suggestions or asking your vet to recommend a breeder who they have worked with before is the best way to get started. You can also look for breeders with a good reputation on social media and review websites. It is essential to visit prospective breeders in person once you have a shortlist. This will give you an opportunity to meet the parents of the puppies, look where they live and play, as well as observe the conditions under the conditions they're kept.
A good breeder will be happy to greet you and show you the facilities they have. They should be able to answer any questions about Frenchies and their breeding program. They should be capable of providing you with detailed information about the puppies' health history and lineage, as well as give you an agreement in writing that outlines the terms of your purchase.
You should also be able to meet the mother of the litter (dam) and the father of the pups. They should appear healthy and active and their coats must be clean and free of odor. A reputable breeder will be capable of providing information on the puppies' AKC registration and their 3-generation pedigree.
The popularity of the French Bulldog has drawn in bad breeders who concentrate on making money rather than the welfare of their pups. They can breed their dogs which can cause breathing problems and genetic disorders, or create puppy mills with a high number of puppies where the animals are not properly taken care of. These conditions can lead to behavioral problems and reduced life expectancy for puppies. The short back legs of the small breed and their curled tails can put them at risk of a variety of issues, including spine arthritis, pain, and discs that are slipping.
Health Tests
Health testing is a procedure that helps determine the genetics of an animal and how it may affect its overall health. In breeding programs, it is common to test for certain conditions that could be passed down to the next generation. As part of our commitment towards producing healthy dogs, Johnson House Frenchies conducts many different health tests on our puppies.
The health tests that we use to evaluate our puppies include genotypic and phenotypic tests. Genotypic tests look at the dog's DNA to determine if there is a mutation that causes disease. Phenotypic tests include physical examinations and diagnostic tools such as echocardiograms and x-rays as well as eye exams.
Genetically-based health testing is an essential element of responsible breeding. The majority of reputable breeders employ them to ensure the highest quality in their breeding animals. However, it is important to realize that not all genetics-based health tests are created to be the same. It is essential to find an animal testing lab that is able to recognize the breed-specific tests specific to French bulldogs and can provide precise results.
There are numerous genetics-based labs that provide tests for a range of diseases that affect the breed. The most reputable will provide the results of these tests to OFA who maintains databases for every breed-specific test.
These OFA databases enable pet owners to search a dog's health status and see the health history of the dog's relatives. This allows pet owners to make informed breeding decisions by analyzing the health of a dog's siblings, aunts, and uncles, as well as the ancestors of the dog.
It is crucial to choose a breeder that only uses OFA-recognized laboratories to perform genetic health tests. This is the most effective 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 test that are 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 particular disease. This reduces the risk that the mutation will be passed on to offspring. A "copyright result" indicates that the dog is carrying a copy of the mutation but does not display 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 hierarchical environment. They require interaction to become docile and well-mannered. This is a critical process that begins at the age of. Socialization involves click here the dog being exposed to various people, places and things at a young age to increase their confidence and resiliency. This involves interactions with people of all ages, dogs and various experiences such as riding in the car, getting washed and even using a vacuum.
Frenchies are affectionate, playful and loyal pets that bond strongly with their families. They can also be somewhat stubborn, which requires patience and consistent training techniques to harness their determination and create obedient, responsive dogs.
It is important to socialize the Frenchie from an early age. However, do not expose them to harmful or frightening experiences until they have been fully vaccine-free. It is also crucial to not reward their expressions of fear, as this can cause them to develop phobias for the rest of their lives.
Socialization should take place in a safe, controlled environment regularly to ensure that your dog is comfortable in a new environment. This can be as simple as going to a new park each week or introductions to other family members and their friends. it should include short walks along the sidewalks in your neighborhood, visits to the pet store and visits to the vet for shots and grooming.
Your puppy must also be exposed to different sounds and sights and also the types of activities they will likely take part in throughout their lives, such as playing off-lead in a safe space or taking a ride in the car. This will help them become more flexible, confident and resilient in any situation.
Many people view 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 also make wonderful therapy dogs and even play a role in helping people recover from illnesses or surgeries.
Training
Frenchies are low-maintenance, but they still need regular exercise and mental stimulation. These sociable pups love to spend time with their human family and will play happily with them or other dogs in the yard. Although they don't have the drive to be a superb watchdog, they can be responsive to obedience training and be keen on learning new tricks and commands. The breed also has a tendency to be somewhat stubborn, so patience is key when it comes to training.
Like all dogs, Frenchies need regular grooming to keep their skin and coat healthy. Regularly brushing will help to stop the accumulation of dirt and oil, as well as remove any hairs that are loose. Their wrinkles are a sign of age and need some extra attention to avoid them getting infected. It's wise to give them a daily 3-5 minute rubdown with an unscented baby wipe.
Recall training is an important skill to teach your Frenchie, as this can help them avoid danger or unsafe situations. This is especially true if you plan to take them on hikes or any other excursions where they might be inclined to wander off and explore. Also teaching them to return when called can save their lives in the event that they get lost or encounter traffic.
Frenchies can be stubborn so it is important to employ positive reinforcement when training them. This will help them understand that following your commands is the best way to earn food or toys, or even attention. Avoid harsh methods of punishment as they may resist training. This could lead to behavioral issues in the future.
Although the majority of Frenchies will be potty-trained by their breeders, it is important to begin puppy training when you bring them home. Set a schedule for feeding, playing, and training and follow it. This will help you establish a solid base for your French Bulldog's foundational obedience. It will also aid in training your dog in the future.