Before You Buy a French Bulldog
If you're thinking about a French Bulldog as a pet or are planning to add them to your breeding program, it's important to think about a range of factors. Pet owners can think about the coat color and color preference as well as temperament, personality, and color.
Breeders must, on contrary, think about things such as inbreeding, health testing, and genetic testing.
Selecting a Breeder with a Good Reputation
Frenchies are the most sought-after breed of dog in America, and it's no wonder why. They are fun-loving, mellow dogs that love to please and can easily adapt to different environments. They are great companions for all ages and families, including children. But before you buy a French bulldog, it's crucial to locate a reliable breeder.
Asking friends and family members who own Frenchies for recommendations or asking your veterinarian to recommend a breeder who they have worked with before is the most effective way to start. You can also search for breeders who have a good reputation via social media and online review sites. It is essential to visit prospective breeders in person once you have a shortlist. This will give you an opportunity to meet the parents of the puppies, observe the places they live and play, and also observe the conditions under which they are kept.
A good breeder will be delighted to welcome you and show you the facilities they have. 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 puppies' health history and lineage, and give you an agreement in writing that outlines the terms of your purchase.
You should also be able to meet the mother of the litter (dam) and the biological father of the pups. They should appear healthy and active and their coats should be clean and free of smell. A reputable breeder can also provide you with information regarding the puppies' AKC registration, and their pedigree with three generations.
The popularity of the French Bulldog has drawn in breeders who are focused on making money rather than the wellbeing of their pups. They may inbreed the dogs creating breathing problems and genetic disorders or create puppy mills that are overcrowded in which the animals are poorly taken care of. These conditions can lead to behavioral problems and reduce the life expectancy of puppies. The short back legs of the small breed and their curled tails make them susceptible of many issues, including spine arthritis, pain and discs that are slipping.
Health Tests for Health
Health testing is a method that helps determine the genetics of an animal and how this could affect the overall health of the animal. It is a common practice in breeding programs to test for specific conditions that can be passed on to the next generation. As part of our dedication to breeding healthy dogs, Johnson House Frenchies conducts many different health tests on our puppies.
We use both genotypic as well as Phenotypic tests to assess the health of our puppies. Genotypic tests examine the dog's DNA to determine if the dog has a disease-causing mutation. The tests are based on physical examinations and diagnostic tools such as echocardiograms and x-rays as well as eye tests.
Genetically-based health testing is an essential aspect of responsible breeding. The majority of breeders with a reputation for quality employ them to ensure the highest quality in their breeding animals. However, it is important to understand that not all tests based on genetics are in the same way. It is important to find a lab who will accurately give results and recognize the breed-specific tests that are available for French Bulldogs.
There are numerous genetics-based labs that provide tests for a variety of diseases that affect the breed. The most reputable labs will transmit the results to OFA which keeps databases of each breed.
These OFA databases enable pet owners to search for a dog's test status and view the health history of its relatives. This lets the owner make informed breeding decisions by analyzing the health of a dog's aunts, siblings, and uncles, as well as the ancestors of the dog.
It is also crucial to look for a breeder that only uses OFA accredited laboratories to conduct the genetic health tests. This is the best method to ensure the authenticity of the results and to prevent false health claims.
There are several health panels that are available for French bulldogs, including the OFA Health Clear panel as well as the 6-panel health guarantee. These tests are a combination of several genetics-based health tests that are specific to the breed, and can cut down the cost of individual genetics-based tests. A "clear" result indicates that the dog doesn't carry the mutation that causes a specific disease. This decreases the likelihood that the mutation will be passed on to offspring. A "carrier result" signifies that the dog is carrying an identical copy of the mutation, but does not display any signs of illness. 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 hierarchical environment. They require socialization to become docile and well-mannered. This is a crucial process that begins at the age of. Socialization involves exposing your dog to a variety of objects, people, and places at an early age in order to build their confidence and build up their resilience. This includes interactions with dogs of all ages and people who are also dogs.
Frenchies are playful, affectionate and loyal companions that bond strongly with their families. They can also be stubborn, which requires patience and consistent training methods to harness their determination and create an obedient, receptive dog.
While it is crucial to socialize your Frenchie early be sure to keep them away from potentially harmful or scary experiences until they are fully vaccinated and prepared for these types of interactions. It is equally important not to encourage their expressions of fear as this could cause them to develop phobias that can last for a lifetime.
Socialization should be conducted in a controlled, safe environment on a regular basis to ensure that your dog is at ease in new environments. It could be as simple as taking your dog to a different place every week or introducing him to new family members and other pet owners.
You should also expose your dog to different sounds and sights. They should also be exposed the types of activities that they will likely do throughout their lives, like playing in a secure space without a lead or taking a ride in a vehicle. This will ensure that they are adaptable and confident to any circumstance that may come their way.
Although many people view Frenchies as lap dogs, they're actually active, sociable and fun dogs that can easily be involved in obedience classes, agility, Rally or field work. They can also be fantastic therapy dogs and help people recover from illnesses or surgeries.
Training
While Frenchies are generally low-maintenance dogs However, they do require daily exercise and mental stimulation. These playful puppies are a joy to play with their owners as well as other dogs. While they don't have the desire to be a great watchdog, they be able to respond well to obedience training and will be keen on learning new tricks and commands. The breed can also be prone to be a bit stubborn, so patience is essential when it comes to training.
Like all dogs, Frenchies need regular grooming to keep their coats and skin healthy. Regularly brushing them will help prevent the accumulation of oil and dirt as well as removing any loose hairs. This Internet site that are characteristic of them will require some extra care to avoid them becoming infected and it is advised to give them a daily rubdown with an unscented 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 in the event that you intend to take your Frenchie on a hike or other outings in which they are inclined to wander and explore. Teaching them to come back when called will save their lives in the event that they wander off or get caught through traffic.
Frenchies aren't always easy to handle It is therefore important to employ positive reinforcement when training them. This will help them learn that responding to your requests is the best method of earning rewards such as food, toys, and attention. Be sure to avoid using harsh methods of discipline, because this could cause them to be resistant to learning and could cause behavior problems later on.
While most Frenchies are potty-trained by their breeders, it is crucial to start puppy training when you bring them home. It is helpful to establish a schedule for feeding as well as playtime and training sessions, and adhere to it consistently. This will help you to create an excellent foundation for your French Bulldog's basic obedience. It will also help you train them in the future.