Before You Buy a French Bulldog
If you're considering getting having a French Bulldog for a pet or adding them to your breeding program, it's crucial to consider a variety of factors. Pet owners can consider color and coat preference, personality, and temperament.
Breeders on the other hand should take into consideration things like inbreeding and health testing.
How to Select a Reputable Breeder
It's no surprise that Frenchies are the most loved breed of dog. They are mellow, fun-loving dogs who are devoted to pleasing. They also adapt well to many different lifestyles. They are great family members for families and individuals of all ages, including kids. It is crucial to locate a reliable breeder prior to purchasing a French Bulldog.
Asking people you know that own Frenchies for recommendations or asking your veterinarian to recommend a breeder who they have previously worked with is the best way to begin. You can also search for breeders with a positive reputation via social media and online review sites. It is important to visit potential breeders in person when you have a shortlist. This gives you the opportunity to meet the parents of the puppies, observe where they live and play, and also observe the conditions in which they are kept.
A good breeder will welcome you to their facility and be happy to show you around. They should be happy to answer any questions you may have about Frenchies and their breeding program. They should be in a position to provide you with specific information regarding the health history of the puppies and lineage, and give you written contracts that outline the terms of purchase.
You should be able to meet the mother (dam) of the litter, as well as the biological father. They should appear healthy and active. Their coats should also be clean and odor-free. A reputable breeder will provide you with information about the puppies' AKC registration, and their pedigree of three generations.
The popularity of French Bulldogs has attracted bad breeders, who are more concerned about profit than the welfare of their pups. They could breed the dogs creating breathing issues and genetic disorders or create overcrowded puppy mills where the animals are not properly taken care of. These conditions can cause behavioral problems and reduced life expectancy in the puppies. The short back legs of the small breed and their curled tails put them at risk of a variety of problems, including back arthritis, pain and slipped disks.
Health Tests
Health testing is a procedure that can help determine the genetics of an animal and how this could affect the overall health of the animal. In breeding programs, it's typical to test for certain conditions which could be passed on to the next generation. As part of our dedication 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 it has a disease-causing mutation. Phenotypic testing includes physical examinations as well as diagnostic tools such as x-rays or echocardiograms.
Genetically-based health tests are a crucial component of responsible breeding. The majority of breeders who are reputable use them to ensure quality in their breeding stock. It is important to know that not all genetics based health tests are created equal. It is crucial to locate a lab that can recognize the breed specific tests for French bulldogs and will provide accurate results.
Many genetics-based laboratories provide testing for various conditions that affect a breed. The most reliable labs forward the results to OFA which maintains databases on each breed.
These OFA databases allow pet owners to look up a dog's health status and see the health history of its relatives. This allows the owner 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 also crucial to look for a breeder that only uses OFA accredited laboratories to conduct the genetic health tests. This is the best method to ensure the authenticity of the results and to prevent false health claims.
There are many health panels available for French bulldogs. These include the OFA Health Clear Panel as well as the 6-panel guarantee. These tests combine a number of genetics-based health tests specific to the French bulldog breed, and can reduce the cost. A result of "clear" indicates that a dog doesn't have the mutation for the disease, thus decreasing the risk of passing that mutation to the offspring of that mutation. A "copyright" result means the dog has a single copy of the mutation but does not show any symptoms of the disease. 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 develop into gentle, well-mannered pets. This is a critical process that starts at the time of birth. Socialization is the process of exposing your dog to various objects, people, and places from a young age to help build their confidence and resiliency. This includes interactions with people of all ages, dogs and various experiences such as taking a ride in the car, being washed and even using a vacuum cleaner.
Frenchies are loyal, affectionate and playful dogs that form strong bonds with their families. They can be stubborn and require patience as well as consistent techniques to train them and make them obedient and responsive.
It is essential to interact with a Frenchie from a young age. But, you should not expose them to dangerous or frightening situations until they've been vaccination. It is equally important not to reward the expressions of fear since this could lead them to develop phobias that will last for a lifetime.
Socialization should be done in a safe, controlled environment and on an ongoing basis to ensure that your dog can grow comfortable in new situations. It's as simple as taking your dog to a different park every week or the introduction of new family members and acquaintances.
It is also important to expose your puppy to other sounds and sights as well as environments. They should also be exposed to the types of activities that they will likely do throughout their lives, such as playing in a secure space without a leash, or taking a ride in a vehicle. This will help ensure that they are able and confident to any circumstance that may come their way.
Many people see Frenchies only as lap dogs. They are extremely active, social, and fun-loving. They are able to be involved in obedience, agility, Rally, or field work. They are excellent therapy dogs and can even aid people recovering from surgery or illness.
Training
While Frenchies are generally low-maintenance dogs, they do require some daily exercise and stimulation for their minds. These playful dogs are a joy to be with their humans and will happily play with them or other dogs in the yard. While they don't have the desire to be a great watchdog, they can respond well to obedience training and be keen on learning new tricks and commands. The breed is also known to be a bit stubborn, so patience is key when it is time to train.
As with all dogs, Frenchies require regular grooming to maintain the health of their coat and skin. They should be groomed regularly to prevent the buildup click here of oil and dirt and to remove loose hairs. To prevent their signature wrinkles from getting infected, it is important to give them a few extra minutes of care with baby wipes that are not scented.
Recall training is an important skill to teach your Frenchie, as this will help them avoid dangerous or dangerous situations. This is particularly true if you plan to take them on hikes or other outings where they may be inclined to wander off and explore. Additionally teaching them to be ready when they are asked can help them in the event that they get lost or encounter traffic.
Frenchies can be stubborn, so it is important to employ positive reinforcement when teaching them. This will teach them that following your instructions is the best way to earn food, toys, or attention. Avoid harsh methods of punishment because they can resist training. This could result in behavioral issues in the future.
Although the majority of Frenchies are potty-trained by their breeders, it's essential to begin puppy training as soon as you bring them home. It is helpful to set an established schedule for feeding as well as playtime and training sessions, and adhere to it regularly. This will help you establish a solid base for your French Bulldog's fundamental obedience. It will also aid in training them in the future.