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 vital that you consider a number of elements. For example pet owners can concentrate on color and coat preferences, personality and temperament.
Breeders must, on contrary, consider things like inbreeding health testing and genetic testing.
Selecting a Breeder who is reputable
It's not a surprise that Frenchies are the most sought-after dog breed. They are gentle, fun-loving dogs who are eager to please. They also adjust well to many different lifestyles. They are great companions for people and families of all ages, even children. However, before you purchase a French bulldog, it's important to locate a reliable breeder.
The best place to start is to ask for recommendations from people you know who own Frenchies or asking your vet to recommend a breeder they have worked with in the past. You can also search for breeders who have a good reputation through social media and review sites. It's important to visit potential breeders in person after you have a shortlist. This will give you an opportunity to meet the parents of the puppies, see where they live and play, and observe the conditions in the conditions they're kept.
A good breeder will be happy to welcome you and show you the facilities they have. They should be willing to answer any questions you might have regarding the 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 be able meet the mother (dam) of the litter, as well as the father who is biological. They should appear healthy and active and their coats should be clean and free of smell. A reputable breeder will also be capable of providing information on the puppies' AKC registration and their three-generation pedigree.
The popularity of French Bulldogs has attracted bad breeders, who are more focused on profits than the welfare of the pups. They may inbreed the dogs, causing genetic disorders and breathing problems or create puppy mills with a high number of puppies where the animals are poorly taken care of. These conditions can cause behavioral problems and reduce the lifespan of puppies. The small breed's short back legs and curled tail also make them vulnerable to various issues, including back pain, arthritis in the joints, and slipped discs.
Health Tests for Health
Health testing is a crucial procedure that allows you to determine the genetics of the dog and how they affect the overall health of the dog. It is a routine practice in breeding programs to test for specific conditions that can be passed on to the next generation. As part of our commitment towards producing healthy dogs, Johnson House Frenchies conducts many different health tests for our puppies.
The health tests we employ to assess our puppies include both genotypic and phenotypic tests. Genotypic tests analyze the dog's DNA to determine if the dog has a disease-causing mutation. Phenotypic testing involves physical examinations, as well as diagnostic tools such as x-rays or echocardiograms.
Genetically-based health tests are an essential aspect of responsible breeding. The majority of breeders with a reputation for quality employ them to ensure the highest quality in their breeding stock. However, it is crucial to recognize that not all genetics-based health tests are equal. It is essential to locate an organization that is able to deliver results and also recognize the breed-specific tests for French Bulldogs.
Several genetics-based laboratories provide testing for various conditions that affect a breed. The most reputable labs will transmit the results to OFA which maintains databases on every breed.
These OFA databases allow pet owners to search for a dog's test status and view the health history of their relatives. This allows pet owners to make informed decisions about breeding based on the health history of the dog's siblings, aunts and uncles and also the ancestors of the dog.
It is also important to look for breeders that use OFA accredited laboratories to conduct the genetic health tests. This is the most effective method to ensure accuracy and stop false health claims.
There are many health panels that are available for French bulldogs, such as the OFA Health Clear panel and the 6-panel health guarantee. These tests click here bundle a number genetics-based health test that are specific to the French bulldog breed and also reduce the cost. A "clear" result means that the dog does not carry the mutation that causes a particular disease. This lowers the chance that the mutation could be passed on to offspring. A "copyright" result indicates that the dog is carrying one copy of the mutation, but does not exhibit any symptoms of the disease. Likewise, an outcome of "at-risk" indicates that the dog is more likely to develop the disease.
Socialization
French Bulldogs are pack-animals that thrive in a hierarchy environment. They require socialization to become docile and well-mannered. This is a crucial process that begins from the time of the age of. Socialization is the process of exposed your puppy to various locations, people and things from the age of one to help build their confidence and strength. This involves interactions with dogs of all ages, and people and other dogs.
Frenchies are playful, affectionate and loyal dogs that have strong bonds with their families. They can be stubborn and require patience and consistent techniques to train them, making them more obedient and responsive.
It is crucial to get social with the Frenchie at an early age. But, you should not expose them to harmful or frightening experiences until they have been fully vaccinated. It is equally important to not reward their expressions of fear, since this could lead them to develop phobias that can last a lifetime.
Socialization should be done in a safe, controlled 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 place every week or the introduction of new family members and other pet owners.
Your dog should also be exposed other sounds surroundings, sights and sounds in addition to the types of activities they'll engage in throughout their lives, such as playing off-lead in a secure space or taking a ride in the car. This will ensure that they are adaptable and confident in any situation that may come their way.
Many people think of Frenchies as lap dogs, they are highly active, sociable and fun dogs that are easily involved in obedience classes, agility, Rally or field work. They can be fantastic therapy dogs and can even help people recover from illness or surgery.
Training
While Frenchies are generally low-maintenance dogs, they do require some daily exercise and stimulation for their minds. These playful puppies are a joy to play with their owners and with other dogs. They might not have the drive to become a formidable guard dog, but they'll respond well when they are taught new commands and tricks. This breed can be somewhat stubborn, so patience is required when training.
Like all dogs, Frenchies require regular grooming to maintain an enviable coat and skin. Brushing them regularly will stop the accumulation of dirt and oil, as well as remove hairs that have fallen out. Their wrinkles are a sign of age and need some extra care to avoid them getting infected. It's wise to give them a daily 3-5 minute rubdown using a non-scented baby wipe.
It is important to teach your Frenchie how to recall information. This will help them avoid potentially dangerous situations. This is especially true when you plan to take your Frenchie on a hike or other outings in which they are inclined to explore and wander. Instructing them to return when called can save their lives when they are lost or run through traffic.
Frenchies can be stubborn It is therefore important to use positive reinforcement when teaching them. This will help them learn that responding to your needs is the best method to earn rewards such as food or toys, as well as attention. Avoid harsh methods of punishment because they can be resistant to training. This could result in behavioral issues in the future.
It is essential to begin puppy training as soon as you bring your Frenchie home. Most breeders have already potty-trained them. Establish a schedule for feeding as well as playing and training and follow it. This will help your French Bulldog develop a strong base of basic obedience and make it easier to train in the future.