Before You Buy a French Bulldog
If you're thinking of getting the idea of a French Bulldog as a pet or if you're planning to incorporate them into your breeding program, you need to think about a range of aspects. For example pet owners should focus on coat and color preferences, personality and temperament.
Breeders on the other hand must take into account things such as inbreeding and health tests.
How to Choose a Breeder with a Good Reputation
Frenchies are the most popular breed of dog in America and there's no wonder why. They are mellow, fun-loving dogs who are devoted to pleasing. They also adjust well to many different styles of living. They are wonderful companions for all ages and families and children. It's important that you choose a breeder with a good reputation before purchasing a French Bulldog.
The best place to start is to solicit recommendations from people you know who have Frenchies or ask your veterinarian to recommend a breeder that they have worked with in the past. You can also look for breeders with a good reputation via social media and online review websites. It is important to visit potential breeders in person when you've narrowed down your choices. This gives you the opportunity to meet the parents of the puppies, observe the places they live and play, and observe the conditions in which they live.
A good breeder will warmly welcome you to their facility and be happy to show you around. They should be happy to answer your questions regarding Frenchies and their breeding program. They should be able provide you with complete information regarding the health history of the puppies and their lineage. You should also be provided with a contract detailing the terms of purchase.
You must also be able to meet the mother of the litter (dam) and the biological father of the puppies. They should appear healthy and active. Their coats should also be free of odor and clean. A reputable breeder can also provide you with information about the puppies' AKC registration, and their pedigree with 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 may inbreed the dogs, causing breathing issues and genetic disorders, or create puppy mills with a high number of puppies where the animals are poorly cared for. These conditions can lead to behavioral problems and reduced life expectancy for puppies. The small breed's short back legs and curled tail can expose them to many issues, such as spine pain and arthritis in joints and discs that are slipping.
Health Tests
Health testing is a process that can help determine the genetics of an animal and how it could affect its overall health. In breeding programs, it's typical to test for certain conditions that could pass to the next generation. As part of our effort to breeding healthy dogs, Johnson House Frenchies conducts many different health tests on our puppies.
We employ both genotypic and Phenotypic tests to assess the health of our puppies. Genotypic tests analyze the dog's DNA to determine if there is a mutation that causes disease. Phenotypic testing includes physical examinations and diagnostic tools such as x-rays or echocardiograms.
Genetics-based health tests are an essential component of responsible breeding, and the majority of reputable breeders employ them to check the quality of their breeding stock. It is important to know that not all genetics-based health tests are alike. It is crucial to find an lab that can accurately give results and recognize the breed-specific tests that are available for French Bulldogs.
Many genetics-based laboratories provide testing for various conditions that affect a breed. The most reliable ones will send the results of these tests to OFA who maintains databases for every breed-specific test.
These OFA databases enable pet owners to search for a dog's test status and view the health history of its relatives. This allows the owner to make informed breeding decisions in light of the health of a dog's aunts, siblings, and uncles, as well as its ancestors.
It is important to choose a breeder that only uses OFA-recognized laboratories for genetic health tests. This is the best way to ensure accuracy and stop false health claims.
There are many health panels 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 that are specific to the breed and reduce the cost of individual genetic tests. A "clear" result indicates that the dog is not carrying the mutation that causes a specific disease. This decreases the likelihood that the mutation could be passed on to offspring. A "copyright result" indicates that the dog is carrying an identical copy of the mutation, but does not display 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 hierarchy environment. They require interaction to become docile and well-mannered. This is an important process that begins at the time of birth. website Socialization is the process of the exposure of your dog to various people, places and things from a young age to help build their confidence and build up their resilience. This includes interactions with people of all ages, dogs and various experiences such as driving in the car, getting cleaned and even using a vacuum cleaner.
Frenchies are affectionate, loyal and playful dogs that form strong bonds with their families. They can be stubborn and require patience as well as consistent methods to train them, making them obedient and receptive.
It is important to socialize an Frenchie from an early age. However, don't expose them to any potentially harmful or frightening experiences until they've been vaccinated. It is equally important to not encourage their expressions of fear, because this could cause them to develop phobias that last for a lifetime.
Socialization should take place in a secure, controlled environment and on an ongoing basis to ensure that your dog can grow comfortable in new situations. This can be as simple as taking them to a different park each week or the introduction of them to different family members and friends, and it should include short walks along the sidewalks around your neighborhood or trips to the pet shop and visits to your vet to get shots and grooming.
It is also important to expose your dog to different sounds and sights as well as environments. They should also be exposed the kinds of things they will likely do throughout their life like playing in a safe area without a leash, or taking rides in the vehicle. This will make them more adaptable, confident, and resilient in all situations.
While many people think of Frenchies as purely lap dogs, they are actually active, sociable and fun dogs that can easily become involved in obedience classes, agility, Rally or field work. They can be fantastic therapy dogs, and even aid people recovering from illness or surgery.
Training
Frenchies are easy to maintain however they still require daily exercise and mental stimulation. These sociable puppies are a joy to play with their human companions as well as other dogs. Although they don't have the drive to be a good watchdog, they will respond well to obedience training and be keen on learning new tricks and commands. The breed can also be prone to be a bit stubborn, which is why patience is key when it is time to train.
Like all dogs, Frenchies require regular grooming to maintain an enviable coat and skin. They should be brushed regularly to avoid the buildup of oil and dirt and also to get rid of loose hairs. Their wrinkles are a sign of age and need some extra attention to prevent them from getting infected. It's advised to give them a daily 3-5 minute rubdown with an unscented baby wipe.
Recall training is a crucial ability to teach your Frenchie as it can help them avoid danger or dangerous situations. This is especially true when you plan to take them on hikes or other activities where they are inclined to wander off and explore. In addition teaching them to return when they are called could help them in the event that they get lost or run into traffic.
Frenchies aren't always easy to handle So it is crucial to use positive reinforcement when teaching them. This will teach them that responding to your requests is the best method to earn rewards such as food or toys, as well as attention. Be sure to avoid using harsh methods of discipline since this can make them resistant to training and could cause behavioral problems down the road.
While most Frenchies will be potty trained by their breeders, it's crucial to start puppy training from the moment you bring them home. It is beneficial to establish the schedule for feeding as well as playtime and training sessions and stick to it consistently. This will help you establish a solid foundation for your French Bulldog's fundamental obedience. It will also help you train them in the future.