Before You Buy a French Bulldog
If you're thinking about the idea of a French Bulldog for a pet or incorporating them into your breeding program, it's crucial to consider a variety of aspects. Pet owners should consider the color and coat they prefer, personality, and temperament.
Breeders, on the other hand must take into account things such as inbreeding and health tests.
How to Select a Breeder with a Good Reputation
Frenchies are the most loved breed of dog in America and it's no reason to wonder why. They are friendly, playful dogs who love to please. They also adjust well to a variety of lifestyles. They make great family members for families and individuals of all ages, even children. However, before you purchase a French bulldog, you need to find a reputable breeder.
The best place to start is by asking for referrals from people you know who have Frenchies or asking your vet to recommend a reputable breeder that they have worked with in the past. You can also look for breeders who have a good reputation on social media and review websites. Once you have a list of possible breeders, it is important to visit them in person. This will give you an opportunity to meet the parents of the puppies, see the places they live and play, as well as observe the conditions in which they live.
A good breeder will warmly welcome visitors to their facility and be happy to show you around. They should be able to answer any questions about Frenchies and their breeding program. They should be able provide you with complete information regarding the health background of the puppies as well as their lineage. You should also be provided with a contract detailing the terms of the purchase.
You should be able meet the mother (dam) of the litter, as well as the biological father. They should appear healthy and active, and their coats should be clean and free of odor. A reputable breeder should also provide you with information regarding the puppies' AKC registration, and their pedigree of three generations.
The popularity of the French Bulldog has drawn in breeders who are focused on making money rather than the welfare of their pups. They can breed their dogs which can cause breathing issues and genetic disorders or create puppy mills that are overcrowded in which the animals are poorly cared for. These conditions can cause behavioral problems and reduced life expectancy of the puppies. The short back legs of the small breed and their curled 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 a crucial procedure that allows you to determine the genetics of the dog and how they may impact the overall health of a dog. In breeding programs, it is typical to test for specific conditions that could be passed down to the next generation. At Johnson House Frenchies, we perform a variety of health checks for our puppies as part of our effort to breed healthy dogs.
The tests we use to evaluate our puppies include genotypic and phenotypic tests. Genotypic tests analyze the dog's DNA to determine if the dog has an illness-causing mutation. go source are based on physical examinations and diagnostic tools like x-rays, echocardiograms, and eye tests.
Genetics-based health tests are a critical component of responsible breeding, and the majority of breeders who are reputable utilize them to ensure the quality of their breeding breeds. It is important to know that not all genetics-based health tests are the same. It is crucial to locate an animal testing lab that is able to recognize the breed-specific tests for French bulldogs and can provide exact results.
Several genetics-based laboratories offer testing for various diseases that affect breeds. The most reliable ones will send the results of these tests to OFA who maintains databases for each breed-specific test.
These OFA databases permit pet owners to search for a dog's status in testing and view the health history of all its relatives. This lets owners make informed decisions about breeding based upon the health history of their dog's aunts, siblings, and uncles as well as its ancestors.
It is also important to find breeders that only use OFA accredited laboratories to conduct the genetic health tests. This is the best way to ensure accuracy and avoid false health claims.
There are many health panels available for French bulldogs. They include the OFA Health Clear Panel and the 6-panel guarantee. These tests bundle together a variety of genetics-based health tests that are specific to the breed, and can cut down the cost of individual genetics-based tests. A result of "clear" means that a dog doesn't possess the mutation that causes an illness, thereby decreasing the likelihood of passing the mutation on to their offspring. A "carrier result" signifies that the dog has a copy of the mutation, but does not display any symptoms 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 friendly, well-mannered animals. This is a crucial process that starts at birth. Socialization is the process of exposing your dog to a variety of people, places and things at a young age to help build their confidence and resilience. This includes interactions with dogs of all ages and people and other dogs.
Frenchies are affectionate, playful and loyal dogs that have strong bonds with their families. They can be stubborn and require patience and consistent methods to train them and make them obedient and responsive.
While it is important to establish a social bond with your Frenchie at a young age be sure to keep them away from frightening or potentially harmful experiences until they are vaccinated and prepared for these types of interactions. It is equally important to not encourage their expressions of fear, since they could develop phobias that will last for a lifetime.
Socialization should be conducted in a secure, controlled environment on a regular basis to ensure that your dog is at ease in a new environment. This can be as simple as taking them to a new 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 and visits to the pet store and visits to your veterinarian for grooming and shots.
It is also important to expose your pup to other sounds, sights, and environments. They should also be exposed to the kinds of things they will likely do throughout their life such as playing in a secure area without a leash or taking rides in the vehicle. This will help them become more adaptable, confident, and resilient in all situations.
Many people see Frenchies only as lap dogs. However, they are extremely active, social and fun-loving. 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 low-maintenance, but they still need regular exercise and mental stimulation. These playful puppies are a joy to play with their owners and other dogs. Although they don't have the desire to be a superb watchdog, they will be able to respond well to obedience training and will be keen on learning new tricks and commands. The breed is also somewhat stubborn, so patience is essential when training.
Like all dogs, Frenchies need regular grooming to keep their skin and coat healthy. They should be brushed regularly to prevent the accumulation of dirt and oil and also to remove loose hairs. To stop their wrinkles from getting infected, it is important to give them an extra 3-5 minutes of care with baby wipes that are not scented.
It is essential to teach your Frenchie how to remember information. This will help them avoid dangerous situations. This is especially important in the event that you intend to take your Frenchie for excursions or hikes, where they might be inclined to wander and explore. Also, teaching them to come when called can save their lives if they ever get lost or run into traffic.
Frenchies can be stubborn It is therefore important to employ positive reinforcement when training them. This will teach them that following your commands is the best way to get food or toys, or even attention. Avoid harsh methods of punishment, as they will be resistant to training. This could result in issues with behavior in the future.
It is essential to begin puppy training as soon as you bring your Frenchie home. Most breeders have already potty-trained them. Set a schedule for feeding and playing and follow it. This will help you to create an enduring foundation for your French Bulldog's basic obedience. It will also help you train them in the future.