Before You Buy a French Bulldog
If you're thinking of getting a French Bulldog as a pet or are planning to add them to your breeding program, it's crucial to take into consideration a variety of factors. For instance pet owners can concentrate on coat and color preferences, personality and temperament.
Breeders however, must consider things like inbreeding and health testing.
Selecting a Breeder who is reputable
Frenchies are the most sought-after breed of dog in America and there's no wonder why. They are gentle, fun-loving dogs who love to please. They also adapt well to many different lifestyles. They make great companions for all ages and families even children. But before buying a French bulldog, it's important to find a reputable breeder.
Asking friends and family members who have Frenchies for suggestions or asking your vet to recommend a breeder they have worked with previously is the most effective way to start. You can also search for breeders who have good reviews on social media and review sites. Once you have a list of potential breeders, you should visit them in person. You can meet the parents, tour the area where the puppies live, play, and learn about the conditions under which they are raised.
A good breeder will be happy to welcome visitors to their facility and be delighted to show you around. They should be willing to answer any questions you have about Frenchies and their breeding program. They should be capable of providing you with specific information regarding the health history of the puppies and lineage, and give you written contracts that outline the terms of purchase.
You should be able meet the mother (dam) of the litter as well as the father of the litter. They should be healthy and active and their coats must be clean and free of odor. 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 concentrate on the profit and not the welfare of their pups. Inbreeding can cause breathing problems and genetic disorders in dogs. They could also lead to overcrowded puppy farms in which the animals receive poor care. These conditions can lead to problems with behavior and lower the lifespan of puppies. The short back legs of the small breed and their curly tails make them susceptible of many problems, including back pain, arthritis, and discs that have slipped.
Health Tests for Health
Health testing is a crucial method to identify the genetics of the dog and how they affect the overall health of a dog. In breeding programs, it is common to test for specific diseases that could pass to the next generation. As part of our commitment to breeding healthy dogs, Johnson House Frenchies conducts many different health tests for our puppies.
The health tests we use to evaluate our puppies include genotypic and phenotypic testing. Genotypic tests test the dog's DNA to determine if the dog has an illness-causing mutation. Phenotypic tests include physical examinations and diagnostic tools, such as echocardiograms and x-rays as well as eye exams.
Genetically-based health testing is an essential element of responsible breeding. The majority of breeders who are reputable employ them to ensure the highest quality in their breeding selection. However, it is crucial to understand that not all genetics-based health tests are created equal. It is important to find a lab who will accurately give results and recognize the breed-specific tests for French Bulldogs.
There are several genetics-based labs that provide testing for a variety of illnesses that affect the breed. The most reliable labs send the results to OFA who maintains databases for every breed.
These OFA databases allow pet owners to search for the status of a dog's health testing and view the health history of all of its relatives. This allows pet owners to make informed breeding decisions by analyzing the health of a dog's siblings, aunts, and uncles, as well as its ancestors.
It is also important to choose breeders that use OFA recognized laboratories to carry out the genetic health tests. This is the most effective method to ensure accuracy and stop false health claims.
There are many health panels that are available for French bulldogs, including the OFA Health Clear panel as well as the 6-panel health guarantee. These tests bundle a number genetics-based health tests that are specific to the French bulldog breed and can reduce the cost. A result of "clear" indicates that a dog does not have the mutation responsible for a particular disease, thereby decreasing the chance of passing that mutation to the offspring of that mutation. A "copyright" result indicates that the dog has one copy of the mutation but doesn't show any signs of the disease, and an outcome 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 docile and well-mannered. This is a vital process that begins from the time of the age of. Socialization is the process of exposed your puppy to various locations, people, and things from the age of one to build their confidence and resilience. This involves interactions with dogs of all ages and with people who are also dogs.
Frenchies are affectionate, loyal and playful pets that build strong bonds with their families. They can be stubborn and require patience and constant methods to train them and make them obedient and responsive.
It is important to socialize the Frenchie from a young age. However, do not expose them to dangerous or frightening situations until they are fully vaccination. It is also crucial to not reward their fearful expressions which could cause them to develop phobias later in life.
Socialization should be conducted in a secure, controlled environment, and on a regular basis so that your dog can develop a sense of security in new environments. It could be as easy as taking them to a new park every week or the introduction of them to different family members and friends, and it should include short walks along the sidewalks in your neighborhood and visits to the pet store and visits to your veterinarian for grooming and shots.
Your pup should also be exposed to other noises and sights in addition to the types of activities they will likely engage in throughout their lives such as playing off-lead within a safe space or taking a ride in the car. This will help ensure that they are able, confident and resilient to any situation that may come their way.
Although many people view Frenchies as just lap dogs, they are actually active, sociable and fun dogs that can easily be involved in obedience classes, agility, Rally or field work. They are excellent therapy dogs and can even assist people in recovering from surgery or illness.
Training
Frenchies are low-maintenance, but they still need daily exercise and mental stimulation. These playful dogs are a joy to be with their humans and will happily play with them or other dogs in the yard. They may not französische bulldogge kaufen welpen have the drive to be a good guard dog, but they'll be responsive when taught new commands and tricks. This breed is also somewhat stubborn, so patience is essential when training.
Like all dogs, Frenchies require regular grooming to maintain the health of their coat and skin. They should be brushed frequently to avoid the buildup of oil and dirt and also to remove loose hairs. To stop their wrinkles from forming it is essential to give them an additional 3-5 minutes of attention using a non-scented baby wipe.
It is important to teach your Frenchie how to remember information. This will allow them to avoid potentially dangerous situations. This is especially true if you plan to take your pet on hikes or other activities where they are inclined to wander off and explore. Also teaching them to be ready when called can save their life should they ever become lost or run into traffic.
Frenchies aren't always easy to handle, so it's crucial to use positive reinforcement when training them. This will teach them that responding to your demands is the best method of earning rewards such as food, toys, and attention. Make sure you avoid using harsh methods of discipline since this can make them resistant to training and could lead to issues with behavior later on.
It is essential to begin puppy training as soon as you bring your Frenchie home. The majority of breeders already have potty-trained their puppies. It is helpful to establish a routine for feeding, playtime, and training sessions and stick to it regularly. This will allow you to build an excellent foundation for your French Bulldog's foundational obedience. It will also make it easier to train them in the future.