Before You Buy a French Bulldog
Whether you're considering the idea of a French Bulldog as a pet or planning to incorporate them into your breeding program, it's important to take into consideration a variety of factors. Pet owners should consider color and coat preference as well as temperament, personality, and color.
Breeders should, on the contrary, think about things like inbreeding, health testing and genetic testing.
Selecting a Breeder who is reputable
It's no surprise that Frenchies are the most sought-after dog breed. They are gentle, fun-loving dogs who are eager to please. They are also able to adapt to many different lifestyles. They make great companions for all ages and families and children. It's important that you choose a breeder with a good reputation before purchasing the French Bulldog.
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 begin. You can also look for breeders who have good reviews on social media and review sites. It is important to visit potential breeders in person after you've made a list. This gives you the opportunity to meet the parents of the puppies, see the places they live and play, as well as observe the conditions in which they are kept.
A good breeder will be happy to meet you and show you the facilities they have. They should be willing to answer your questions regarding Frenchies and their breeding program. They should be capable of providing you with detailed information about the health history of the puppies and lineage, as well as provide you with an agreement in writing that outlines the terms of your purchase.
You must also be able to meet the mother of the litter (dam) and the biological father of the puppies. They should look healthy and active, and their coats should be clean and free of smell. A reputable breeder should also give you information on the puppies' AKC registration, and their pedigree of three generations.
The popularity of the French Bulldog has drawn in bad breeders who concentrate on making money rather than the welfare of their puppies. They can breed their dogs creating breathing problems and genetic disorders or create puppy mills that are overcrowded in which the animals are poorly cared for. These conditions can lead to issues with behavior and a lower life expectancy for puppies. The small breed's short back legs and curled tail can put them at risk for various issues, including back pain, arthritis in the joints and discs that are slipping.
Health Tests
Health testing is a process that can help determine the genetics of an animal and how this could affect the overall health of the animal. It is a standard practice in breeding programs to screen for specific conditions that can be passed on to the next generation. As part of our commitment to breeding healthy dogs, Johnson House Frenchies conducts many different health tests on our puppies.
The tests we use to evaluate our puppies are based on genotypic and phenotypic tests. Genotypic tests examine the dog's DNA to determine if it has an underlying mutation that causes disease. Phenotypic testing includes physical examinations and diagnostic tools such as x-rays or echocardiograms.
Genetics-based health tests are a crucial element of responsible breeding and the majority of breeders who are reputable utilize them to ensure the quality of their breeding stock. It is crucial to understand that not all genetics based health tests are created equal. It is important to find an organization that is able to give results and recognize the breed-specific tests available for French Bulldogs.
There are several genetics-based labs that offer tests for a variety of illnesses that affect the breed. The most reputable labs will send the results to OFA which keeps databases of every breed.
These OFA databases permit pet owners to search for a dog's testing status and see the health history of all of its relatives. This allows pet owners to make informed decisions about breeding based upon the health history of the dog's siblings and aunts and uncles and also its ancestors.
It is also crucial to find breeders that use OFA recognized laboratories to carry out the genetic health tests. This is the best method to ensure the accuracy of the results as well as to stop fraudulent health claims.
There are a variety of health panels for French bulldogs, such as the OFA Health Clear panel as well as the 6-panel health guarantee. These tests are a combination of a variety of genetics-based health tests that are specific to the breed, and can cut down the cost of individual genetic tests. A result of "clear" means that a dog doesn't have the mutation responsible for a particular disease, thereby decreasing the risk of passing on the mutation to its offspring. A "copyright" result means the dog has one copy of the mutation, but does not exhibit any symptoms of the disease, and 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 group and require proper socialization to develop into friendly, well-mannered animals. This is a read more crucial process that starts at the time of birth. Socialization involves the exposure of your dog to various objects, people, and places at a young age in order to build their confidence and resiliency. This involves interactions with dogs of all ages and with people and other dogs.
Frenchies are affectionate, playful and loyal companions that bond strongly with their families. They can also be somewhat stubborn, and require patience and consistent training techniques to harness their determination and create obedient, responsive dogs.
It is crucial to get social with the Frenchie from an early age. But, you should not expose them to any potentially harmful or frightening experiences until they've been vaccine-free. It is equally important not to reward their expressions of fear, because they could develop phobias that will last a lifetime.
Socialization should be done in a controlled, safe environment, and on a regular basis to ensure that your dog can become comfortable in new environments. It could be as easy as taking them to a new park every week or introducing them to different family members and friends. it should include short walks along the sidewalks around your neighborhood and visits to the pet store and visits to the vet to get shots and grooming.
You should also expose your dog to different sounds, sights, and environments. They should also be exposed to the types of activities that they are likely to engage in throughout their lives like playing in a secure area without a leash or taking a ride in a vehicle. 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 very active, social and fun-loving. They are easily involved in obedience, agility, Rally, or field work. They also make excellent therapy dogs and can even assist people recover from illnesses or surgeries.
Training
Frenchies are not very demanding however they still require daily exercise and mental stimulation. They enjoy playing with their humans as well as other dogs. They might not have the drive to be a good guard dog, but they'll respond well when taught new commands and tricks. This breed can also be prone to be a bit stubborn, so patience is key when it is time to train.
Like all dogs, Frenchies need regular grooming to maintain their coat and skin healthy. Regularly brushing will help to keep them free of oil and dirt as well as removing any loose hairs. To stop their wrinkles from forming, it is important to give them an extra 3-5 minutes of attention with baby wipes that are not scented.
It is important to teach your Frenchie how to recall information. This will allow them to avoid potential dangers in situations. This is especially true when you plan to take your pet on hikes or other excursions where they might be inclined to wander off and explore. Also teaching them to be ready when called can save their life if they ever get lost or get caught in traffic.
Frenchies can be stubborn It is therefore important to employ positive reinforcement when training them. This will help them understand that following your commands is the best way to earn food or toys, or even attention. Make sure you avoid using harsh methods of discipline as this will only make them resistant to training and could cause behavioral problems down the road.
It is essential to begin puppy training as soon as you bring your Frenchie home. The majority of breeders already have them potty-trained. Create a schedule of feeding and playing and stick to it. This will help your French Bulldog develop a strong foundation of basic obedience and will make them easier to train in the future.