Before You Buy a French Bulldog
Whether you're considering the idea of a French Bulldog as a pet or are planning to include them in your breeding program, you need to consider a variety of aspects. For instance, pet owners can focus on coat color and color preferences, temperament and personality.
Breeders should, on the contrary, consider things such as inbreeding, health testing, and genetic testing.
How to Select a Breeder with a Good Reputation
Frenchies are the most loved breed of dog in America and there's no surprise why. They are gentle, fun-loving dogs who are devoted to pleasing. They also adapt well to different styles of living. They are great companions for people and families of all ages, including kids. However, before you purchase a French bulldog, it's crucial to find a reputable breeder.
Asking your friends who own Frenchies for recommendations or asking your veterinarian to recommend a breeder who they have worked with before is the best way to get started. You can also look for breeders who have good reviews on review sites and social media. Once you have a list of potential breeders, it's important to visit them in person. This will give you an opportunity to meet the parents of the puppies, see where they live and play, and observe the conditions under the conditions they're kept.
A good breeder will welcome visitors to their facility and will be more than happy to show you around. They should be able to answer any questions you might have regarding the Frenchies and their breeding program. They should be able to provide you with complete information regarding the puppies' health history and lineage, as well as provide you with a written contract outlining the terms of purchase.
You should be able to meet the mother (dam) of the litter and the biological father. They should be healthy and active, and their coats should be clean and free of smell. A reputable breeder can also provide you with information regarding the puppies' AKC registration, and their pedigree of three generations.
The popularity of French Bulldogs has attracted breeders who are more focused on profits than the welfare of their pups. Inbreeding can result in breathing problems and genetic disorders in dogs. They could also lead to overcrowded puppy farms in which the animals are treated poorly. These conditions can lead to behavioral problems and reduce the lifespan of puppies. The small breed's short back legs as well as its curled tails also make them vulnerable to many problems, including spine pain and arthritis in joints and slipped discs.
Health Tests
Health testing is an important process that helps identify the genetics of dogs and how they affect the overall health of a dog. In breeding programs, it's common to test for specific conditions that could be passed down to the next generation. At Johnson House Frenchies, we run a variety of health tests for our puppies as part of our efforts to produce healthy dogs.
Französische bulldogge welpen zu kaufen employ to assess our puppies include genotypic and phenotypic testing. Genotypic tests examine the dog's genetics to determine if there is a mutation that can cause disease. Phenotypic testing involves physical examinations, as well as diagnostic tools like xrays or echocardiograms.
Genetically-based health tests are an essential element of responsible breeding. The majority of breeders with a reputation for quality employ them to ensure the highest quality in their breeding animals. However, it is essential to understand that not all genetics-based health tests are created to be the same. It is important to find an lab that can accurately deliver results and also recognize the breed-specific tests for French Bulldogs.
There are a variety of genetics-based labs that provide testing for a variety of illnesses that affect the breed. The most reliable labs forward the results to OFA who maintains databases for every breed.
These OFA databases enable pet owners to search a dog's test status and view the health history of the dog's relatives. This allows owners to make informed decisions regarding breeding based on the health history of their dog's aunts, siblings, and uncles and also its ancestors.
It is important to locate a breeder who only uses accredited laboratories of OFA for genetic health tests. This is the most effective method to ensure the accuracy of the results and also to prevent false health claims.
There are several health panels that are suitable for French bulldogs. These include the OFA Health Clear Panel and the 6-panel guarantee. These tests are a combination of a number of genetics-based health tests that are specific to the breed and cut down the cost of individual genetic tests. A result of "clear" indicates that a dog does not possess the mutation that causes the disease, thus decreasing the risk of passing that mutation to its offspring. A "carrier result" indicates that the dog has a copy of the mutation but doesn't show 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 symbiosis and require proper socialization to become gentle, well-mannered pets. This is an important process that starts at birth. Socialization is the process of getting your puppy exposed to different locations, people, and things from a young age to help build their confidence and resiliency. This involves interactions with dogs of all ages and with people, as well as other dogs.
Frenchies are playful, affectionate and loyal companions that have strong bonds with their families. They can also be somewhat stubborn, and require patience and a consistent approach to training to make them an obedient, receptive dog.
It is important to socialize the Frenchie from an early age. But, you should not expose them to any potentially harmful or frightening experiences until they have been fully vaccination. It is also essential to not reward their fearful expressions, as this can cause them to develop fears for the rest of their lives.
Socialization should take place in a safe, controlled environment, and on a regular basis to ensure that your dog can develop a sense of security in new environments. This can be as simple as taking them to a different park every week or introducing them to different family members and friends, and it should include short walks along the sidewalks around your neighborhood and trips to the pet shop and visits to the vet for shots and grooming.
You should also expose your puppy to other sounds and sights as well as environments. They should also be exposed to kinds of activities they will likely do throughout their lives such as playing in a secure area without a leash or taking rides in the car. This will ensure that they are adaptable and confident to any situation that may come their way.
Many people see Frenchies only as lap dogs. They are extremely energetic, social and fun. They are easily involved in agility, obedience, Rally, or field work. They can be wonderful therapy dogs, and even help people recover from illness or surgery.
Training
Frenchies are not very demanding However, they require regular exercise and mental stimulation. These sociable pups are a joy to be with their humans and will play happily with them or other dogs in the yard. While they don't have the drive to be a superb watchdog, they will respond well to obedience training and will be keen on learning new tricks and commands. The breed can also be prone to be a bit stubborn, so patience is essential when it is time to train.
Like all dogs, Frenchies require regular grooming in order to maintain the health of their coat and skin. Regularly brushing will help to keep them free of dirt and oil, as well as removing hairs that have fallen out. To stop their wrinkles from becoming infected, it is important to give them a few extra minutes of care with a non-scented baby wipe.
It is important to teach your Frenchie how to recall information. This will allow them to avoid potentially dangerous situations. This is particularly true when you plan to take your Frenchie on a hike or other outings that they may be inclined to wander and explore. Also, teaching them to come when they are asked can 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 learn that responding to your demands is the best method to earn rewards such as food and toys as well as your attention. Be sure to avoid using harsh methods of discipline, because this could cause them to be resistant to learning and could lead to behavioral problems down the road.
While the majority of Frenchies are potty-trained by their breeders, it's important to begin puppy training as soon as you bring them home. It is helpful to set the schedule for feeding time, playtime, and training sessions and adhere to it regularly. This will allow you to create an excellent foundation for your French Bulldog's basic obedience. It will also make it easier to train them in the future.