Before You Buy a French Bulldog
If you're thinking about a French Bulldog for a pet or adding them to your breeding program it's important to consider a variety of aspects. Pet owners can consider color and coat preference as well as temperament, personality and.
Breeders must, on contrary, consider things such as inbreeding, health testing and genetic testing.
How to Select a Reputable Breeder
Frenchies are the most loved breed of dog in America, and it's no reason to wonder why. They are gentle, fun-loving dogs who love to please. They are also able to adapt to different lifestyles. They are wonderful companions for families of all ages even children. But before you buy a French bulldog, it's important to find a reliable breeder.
The best place to start is by asking for referrals from friends who have Frenchies or ask your veterinarian to suggest a reliable breeder that they have worked with in the past. You can also look for breeders with a good reputation on social media and review websites. It's important to visit potential breeders in person when you've narrowed down your choices. 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 in the conditions they're kept.
A good breeder will be happy to welcome visitors to their facility and be happy to show you around. They should be willing to answer your questions regarding Frenchies and their breeding program. They should be capable of providing you with specific information regarding the health history of the puppies and lineage, as well as provide you with written contracts that outline the terms of your purchase.
You should also be able to meet the mother of the litter (dam) and the biological father of the pups. They should appear healthy and active. Their coats should also be odor-free and clean. A reputable breeder should also provide you with information about the puppies' AKC registration, and their three-generation pedigree.
The popularity of the French Bulldog has drawn in bad breeders who focus on profit rather than the welfare of their pups. They can breed their dogs which can cause breathing problems and genetic disorders, or create puppy mills that are overcrowded where the animals are not properly taken care of. These conditions can result in issues with behavior and a lower life expectancy for puppies. The small breed's short back legs as well as its curled tail can put them at risk for a variety of issues, such as spine pain and arthritis in joints and discs that are slipping.
Health Tests
Health testing is a process that can help determine the genetics of an animal and how it may affect its overall health. It is a routine practice 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.
We employ both genotypic and Phenotypic tests to evaluate the health of our puppies. Genotypic tests examine the dog's DNA to determine if the dog has a disease-causing mutation. The tests are based on physical examinations and diagnostic tools like echocardiograms and x-rays as well as eye examinations.
Genetics-based health tests are an essential element of responsible breeding and the majority of breeders who are credible utilize them to ensure the quality of their breeding animals. It is essential to realize that not all genetics based health tests are created equal. It is important to find an organization that is able to give results and recognize the breed-specific tests that are available for French Bulldogs.
Several genetics-based laboratories provide testing for various diseases that affect breeds. The most reliable labs send the results to OFA who maintains databases for every breed.
These OFA databases allow pet owners to look up a dog's test status and view the health history of its relatives. This lets owners make informed choices about breeding based upon the health history of the dog's siblings and aunts and uncles, as well as its ancestors.
It is important to find a breeder who only uses OFA-recognized laboratories for genetic health tests. i was reading this is the best method to ensure the authenticity of the results and to stop false health claims.
There are many 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 test that are specific to the French bulldog breed, and reduce the cost. A result of "clear" indicates that a dog does not have the mutation responsible for a particular disease, thereby decreasing the chance of passing on the mutation to its offspring. A "carrier result" indicates that the dog is carrying an identical copy of the mutation, however, it does not 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 group and require proper socialization to become docile, well-mannered companions. This is an important process that begins from the time of the time of birth. Socialization is the process of exposing your puppy to different people, places and things at a young age to build their confidence and resilience. This includes interactions with people of all ages, other dogs, and different experiences like driving in the car, getting cleaned and even using a vacuum.
Frenchies are loyal, affectionate and playful dogs that form strong bonds with their families. They can also be somewhat stubborn, and require patience and consistent training methods to increase their determination and produce obedient, responsive dogs.
It is important to socialize a Frenchie from an early age. But, you should not expose them to any potentially dangerous or frightening situations until they are fully vaccination. It is equally important not to encourage the expressions of fear because they could develop phobias that last for a lifetime.
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 taking them to a different park each week or introducing them to different family members and friends. it should include short walks on the sidewalks around your neighborhood or trips to the pet store and visits to the vet for shots and grooming.
Your dog should also be exposed different sounds, sights and environments as well as the kinds of activities they will likely take part in throughout their lives such as playing off-lead in a safe area or taking a ride in the car. This will make them more adaptable, confident, and resilient in all situations.
Many people think of Frenchies as just lap dogs, they're actually active, sociable and fun-loving dogs that can easily become involved in agility classes, obedience classes, Rally or field work. They can also be fantastic therapy dogs and play a role in helping people recover from surgery or other illnesses.
Training
While Frenchies are generally low-maintenance dogs however, they require daily exercise and mental stimulation. These sociable pups enjoy spending time with their humans and will play happily with them or other dogs in the yard. They may not be able to become a great 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 require regular grooming in order to maintain the health of their coat and skin. Regularly brushing them will help prevent the accumulation of dirt and oil, as well as remove hairs that have fallen out. To prevent their signature wrinkles from getting infected it is crucial to give them a few extra minutes of care with a non-scented baby wipe.
It is important to teach your Frenchie how to remember information. This will allow them to avoid potential dangers in 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. Additionally teaching them to be ready when called can save their life if they ever get lost or get caught in traffic.
Frenchies aren't always easy to handle, so it's important to use positive reinforcement when training them. This will help them learn that responding to your demands is the best way to earn rewards like food or toys, as well as attention. Make sure you avoid using harsh methods of discipline, because this could cause them to be resistant to learning and could cause behavioral problems down the road.
It is important to start puppy training as soon you bring your Frenchie home. The majority of breeders have already potty-trained them. Create a schedule of feeding, playing, and training and adhere to it. This will aid your French Bulldog develop a strong base of basic obedience and will make them easier to train in the future.