Before You Buy a French Bulldog
If you're thinking of getting a French Bulldog as a pet or are planning to include them in your breeding program, it's crucial to consider a variety of aspects. For instance, pet owners can focus on color and coat preferences, personality and temperament.
Breeders on the other hand, must consider things such as inbreeding and health tests.
Selecting a Breeder with a Good Reputation
Frenchies are the most sought-after breed of dog in America and there's no reason to wonder why. They are mellow, fun-loving dogs who love to please. They also adjust well to a variety of lifestyles. They make great companions for people and families of all ages, including kids. However, before you purchase a French bulldog, you need to locate a reliable breeder.
The best place to start is by asking for referrals from friends who own Frenchies or ask your veterinarian to recommend a breeder they've worked with in the past. You can also look for breeders who have a good reputation on social media and review sites. Once you have a list of potential breeders, you should visit them in person. This will give you an opportunity to meet the parents of the puppies, observe the places they live and play, as well as observe the conditions in which they are kept.
A good breeder will warmly welcome you to their facility and be happy to show you around. They should be willing to answer any questions you might have regarding the Frenchies and their breeding program. They should be able provide you with detailed information on the health history of the puppies and their lineage. You should also receive an agreement outlining the conditions of the purchase.
You are also expected 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 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 the French Bulldog has drawn in bad breeders who focus on the profit and not the welfare of their pups. They could breed the dogs creating breathing problems and genetic disorders or create puppy mills with a high number of puppies where the animals are poorly cared for. These conditions can cause behavioral problems and reduce the lifespan 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 discs that have slipped.
Health Tests
Health testing is an important procedure that allows you to determine the genetics of dogs and how they may impact the overall health of a dog. It is a routine procedure in breeding programs to screen for specific ailments that could be passed on to the next generation. As part of our commitment to breeding healthy dogs, Johnson House Frenchies conducts many different health tests for our puppies.
We employ both genotypic and Phenotypic tests for assessing the health of our puppies. Genotypic tests examine the dog's DNA to determine if there's a mutation that causes the disease. Phenotypic tests involve physical examinations and diagnostic tools like echocardiograms and x-rays as well as eye exams.
Genetics-based health tests are a crucial element of responsible breeding and the majority of breeders who are credible utilize them to ensure the quality of their breeding breeds. However, it is crucial to realize that not all genetics-based health tests are to be the same. It is essential to locate an lab that can accurately provide results and recognizes the breed-specific tests for French Bulldogs.
There are a variety of genetics-based labs that offer tests for a range of diseases that affect the breed. The most reputable ones will report the results of these tests to OFA, which maintains databases for each breed-specific test.
These OFA databases allow pet owners to search a dog's test results and look up the health history of their relatives. This allows pet owners to make informed decisions about breeding based upon the health history of their dog's siblings, aunts and uncles as well as the ancestors of the dog.
It is important to locate a breeder who only uses accredited laboratories of OFA 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. They include the OFA Health Clear Panel as well as the 6-panel guarantee. These tests bundle a number genetics-based health tests specific to the French bulldog breed, and also reduce the cost. A result of "clear" means that a dog does not have the mutation for a particular disease, thereby decreasing the chance of passing that mutation to their offspring. A "copyright" result means the dog has a single here copy of the mutation but does not exhibit any symptoms of the disease. the result of "at-risk" indicates that the dog is likely to develop the disease.
Socialization
French Bulldogs are pack-animals that thrive in a hierarchy environment. They require socialization to become calm and well-mannered. This is a vital process that starts at birth. Socialization involves the exposure of your dog to various things, places and people at a young age to increase their confidence and resilience. This includes interactions with dogs of all ages and with people and other dogs.
Frenchies are affectionate, loyal and playful pets that build strong bonds with their families. They can be stubborn and require patience and consistent methods to train them, making them more obedient and responsive.
While it is essential to establish a social bond with your Frenchie at an early age be sure to keep them away from frightening or potentially harmful experiences until they are vaccine-free and ready for these kinds of interactions. It is equally important not to encourage their expressions of fear, as they could develop phobias that last for a lifetime.
Socialization should be conducted in a safe, controlled environment, and on a regular basis so that your dog continues to develop a sense of security in new environments. It could be as simple as taking your dog to a different area every week or the introduction of new family members and friends.
Your dog should also be exposed other noises 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 area or taking a ride in the car. This will help them become more adaptable, confident, and resilient in all situations.
Many people think of Frenchies as lap dogs, they are highly energetic, social and fun-loving dogs that can easily become involved in obedience classes, agility, Rally or field work. They are excellent therapy dogs, and even help people recover from illness or surgery.
Training
While Frenchies are a low-maintenance breed However, they do require daily exercise and stimulation for their minds. They love to spend time with their human family and are happy to play with them or other dogs in the yard. They may not have the drive to become a formidable guard dog, but they'll be responsive when taught new commands and tricks. The breed is also a bit stubborn so patience will be needed when training.
Like all dogs, Frenchies need regular grooming to keep their coats and skin healthy. Regularly brushing them will help keep them free of oil and dirt and also remove any loose hairs. Their wrinkles are a sign of age and need some extra care to prevent them from getting infected. It is recommended to give them a daily 3-5 minute rubdown with an unscented baby wipe.
Recall training is an important skill to teach your Frenchie, as this will help them avoid dangerous or dangerous situations. This is especially true if you are planning to take your Frenchie for an excursion or hike in which they are inclined to explore and wander. Making them return when they are called can save their lives when they are lost or run in traffic.
Frenchies can be stubborn, so it is important to use positive reinforcement in training them. This will help them understand that following your instructions is the best way to get food or toys, or even 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.
It is essential to begin puppy training as soon you bring your Frenchie home. The majority of breeders already have potty-trained their puppies. It is helpful to set a schedule for feeding as well as playtime and training sessions and stick to it consistently. This will help you to build a solid base for your French Bulldog's foundational obedience. It will also make it easier to train them in the future.