Before You Buy a French Bulldog
If you're thinking about a French Bulldog as a pet or if you're planning to add them to your breeding program, you need to think about a range of factors. For example, pet owners can focus on coat and color preferences, temperament and personality.
Breeders however should take into consideration things such as inbreeding and health tests.
How to Select a Breeder with a Good Reputation
Frenchies are the most sought-after breed of dog in America, and it's no wonder why. They are fun-loving, mellow dogs who love to please and adapt well in many different kinds of lifestyles. They make great companions for people and families of all ages, even children. But before buying a French bulldog, it's crucial to find a reliable breeder.
Asking people you know that have Frenchies for recommendations or asking your veterinarian to recommend a breeder they have worked with before is the best way to get started. You can also look for breeders who have a good reputation on review sites and social media. It is essential to visit prospective breeders in person when you have a shortlist. You can meet the parents, visit the place where the puppies live, play and discover the conditions in which they're raised.
A good breeder will welcome visitors to their facility and be delighted to show you around. They should be willing to answer any questions you may have regarding the Frenchies and their breeding program. They should be able to provide you with specific information about the health background of the puppies as well as their lineage. You should also be provided with a contract detailing the terms of the purchase.
You should be able meet the mother (dam) of the litter, as well as the father of the litter. They should appear healthy and active. Their coats must be odor-free and clean. A reputable breeder will also be capable of providing details about the puppies' AKC registration and their three-generation pedigree.
The popularity of French Bulldogs has drawn breeders who are more focused on profit than the welfare of the pups. Inbreeding can lead to breathing issues and genetic disorders in the dogs. They may also create overcrowded puppy farms in which the animals receive inadequate care. These conditions can cause behavioral problems and reduce the life expectancy of puppies. The short back legs of the small breed and their curly tails put them at risk of a variety of issues, such as back pain, arthritis and slipped disks.
Health Tests for Health
Health testing is a procedure that can help determine the genetics of an animal and how it could affect the overall health of the animal. In breeding programs, it's common to screen for specific diseases that could pass to the next generation. At Johnson House Frenchies, we run a variety of health tests for our puppies as part of our commitment to produce healthy dogs.
The health tests we employ to assess our puppies include both genotypic and phenotypic testing. Genotypic tests look at 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 exams.
Genetically-based health testing is an essential aspect of responsible breeding. The majority of reputable breeders use them to ensure quality in their breeding stock. It is important to know that not all genetics-based health tests are alike. It is essential to locate an lab that can accurately give results and recognize the breed-specific tests for French Bulldogs.
There are several genetics-based labs that offer tests for a variety of illnesses that affect the breed. The most reputable will provide the results of these tests to OFA, which maintains databases for each breed-specific test.
These OFA databases permit pet owners to search for a dog's status in testing and also see the health histories of all of its relatives. This allows owners to make informed choices regarding breeding based on the health history of their dog's siblings, aunts and uncles as well as its ancestors.
It is essential 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 stop false health claims.
There are several health panels for French bulldogs, including the OFA Health Clear panel as well as the 6-panel health guarantee. These tests are a combination of several genetics-based health tests that are specific to the breed, and can cut down the cost of individual genetic tests. A "clear" result indicates that the dog does not carry the mutation that causes a particular disease. This decreases the likelihood that the mutation will be passed on to offspring. A "copyright" result indicates that the dog has a single copy of the mutation but does not exhibit any symptoms of the disease. Likewise, an outcome of "at-risk" get more info indicates that the dog is more likely to develop 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 vital process that starts at the age of. Socialization involves the exposure of your dog to various things, places and people from a young age to help build their confidence and build up their resilience. This involves interactions with dogs of all ages, and people and other dogs.
Frenchies are affectionate, playful and loyal pets that have strong bonds with their families. They can also be stubborn, which requires patience and a consistent approach to training to make them an obedient, receptive dog.
It is essential to interact with the Frenchie from a young age. However, don't expose them to potentially dangerous or frightening situations until they have been fully vaccination. It is equally important not to encourage the expressions of fear as they could develop phobias that will last for a lifetime.
Socialization should be done in a secure, controlled environment, and on a regular basis so that your dog can grow comfortable in new situations. It can be as easy as taking your dog to a different park every week or the introduction of new family members and other pet owners.
Your pup should 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 within a safe area or going on rides 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. However, they are extremely active, social and fun-loving. They are easily involved in agility, obedience, Rally, or field work. They can also be fantastic therapy dogs and help people recover from surgery or other illnesses.
Training
While Frenchies are fairly low-maintenance dogs However, they do require daily exercise and stimulation for their minds. They love to spend time with their humans and will play happily with them or other dogs in the yard. They may not have the drive to become a great guard dog, but they'll respond well when they are taught new commands and tricks. The breed is also somewhat stubborn, so patience is required when training.
Like all dogs, Frenchies need regular grooming to keep their coats and skin healthy. Regularly brushing will help to keep them free of oil and dirt and also remove hairs that have fallen out. Their wrinkles are a sign of age and need some extra care to prevent them from becoming infected and it is wise to give them a daily 3-5 minute rubdown with an unscented baby wipe.
It is crucial to teach your Frenchie how to recall information. This will allow them to avoid dangerous situations. This is especially important if you are planning to take your Frenchie for excursions or hikes that they may be inclined to wander and explore. Also, teaching them to come when they are called could help them if they ever get lost or get caught in traffic.
Frenchies aren't always easy to handle, 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 get food or toys, as well as attention. Be sure to avoid using harsh methods of discipline as this will only make them more resistant to training and could lead to issues with behavior later on.
It is important to start puppy training as soon you bring your Frenchie home. Most breeders already have potty-trained their puppies. It is beneficial to establish an established routine for feeding time, playtime, and training sessions and stick to it regularly. This will aid your French Bulldog develop a strong base of basic obedience and make it easier to train in the future.