Before You Buy a French Bulldog
If you're thinking of getting a French Bulldog as a pet or planning to include them in your breeding program, it's crucial to consider a variety of aspects. For example, pet owners can focus on color and coat preferences, personality and temperament.
Breeders on the other hand must take into account things like inbreeding and health testing.
How to Select a Reputable Breeder
Frenchies are the most popular breed of dog in America and there's no reason to wonder why. They are playful, mellow dogs who love to please and are able to adapt to different lifestyles. They are great companions for families of all ages, including children. But before you buy a French bulldog, you need to find a reliable breeder.
Asking friends and family members who have Frenchies for suggestions or asking your vet to recommend a breeder who they have worked with previously is the best way to begin. You can also look for breeders with a good reputation on review sites and social media. It is essential to visit prospective breeders in person once you've made a list. This gives you the opportunity to meet the parents of the puppies, observe where they live and play, and also observe the conditions under which they live.
A good breeder will welcome you and show you around their facility. They should be able to answer any questions you might have regarding the Frenchies and their breeding program. They should be able provide you with detailed information on the health background of the puppies as well as their lineage. You should also receive an agreement detailing the terms of the purchase.
You should be able to meet the mother (dam) of the litter, as well as the father who is biological. They should look healthy and active, and their coats should be clean and free of odor. A reputable breeder will also be in a position to provide details regarding the puppies' AKC registration and their three-generation pedigree.
The popularity of French Bulldogs has attracted bad breeders, who are more concerned about profit than the welfare of the pups. They may inbreed the dogs which can cause 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 cause issues with behavior and decrease the life expectancy of puppies. The short back legs of the small breed and their curled tails can put them at risk of a number problems, including back arthritis, pain, and slipped disks.
Health Tests for Health
Health testing is an important process that helps identify the genetics of a dog and the way they impact the overall health of the dog. It is a routine procedure in breeding programs to test for specific diseases that could be passed on to the next generation. At Johnson House Frenchies, we run a variety of health tests for our puppies as part of our commitment to produce healthy dogs.
We employ both genotypic and Phenotypic tests to assess the health of our puppies. Genotypic tests examine the dog's DNA to determine if the dog has an underlying mutation that causes disease. Phenotypic tests include physical examinations and diagnostic tools, such as echocardiograms and x-rays as well as eye exams.
Genetics-based health tests are a crucial component of responsible breeding, and the majority of reputable breeders utilize them to ensure the quality of their breeding animals. However, it is essential to realize that not all genetics-based health tests are created in the same way. It is crucial to find an lab that can accurately provide results and recognizes the breed-specific tests for French Bulldogs.
There are a variety of genetics-based labs that offer tests for a variety of diseases that affect the breed. The most reliable ones will send the results of these tests to OFA who maintains databases for each breed-specific test.
These OFA databases enable pet owners to look up a dog's health status and see the health history of the dog's relatives. This lets owners make informed choices regarding breeding based on the health history of the dog's siblings, aunts and uncles, as well as its ancestors.
It is also essential to look for breeders that use OFA accredited laboratories to conduct the genetic health tests. This is the best method to ensure accuracy and stop false health claims.
There are many health panels for French bulldogs, including the OFA Health Clear panel and the 6-panel health guarantee. These tests bundle together a variety of genetics-based health tests that are specific to the breed and reduce the cost of individual genetics-based tests. A result of "clear" means that a dog does not have the mutation responsible for a particular disease, thereby decreasing the chance of passing on the mutation to their offspring. A "copyright result" indicates that the dog is carrying 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 the right socialization in order to become friendly, well-mannered animals. This is a crucial process that begins as early as the age of. Socialization is the process of exposing your dog to a variety of things, places and people from a young age to help build their confidence and resilience. This involves interactions with people of all ages, with other dogs, and different experiences such as taking a ride in the car, being bathed and even using a vacuum cleaner.
Frenchies are playful, affectionate and loyal companions that have strong bonds with their families. They can be stubborn and require patience as well as constant methods to train them and make them obedient and receptive.
While it is important to socialize your Frenchie at an early age, don't expose them to frightening or potentially harmful situations until they're fully immunised and ready for these kinds of interactions. It is also important to not reward their expressions of fear in order to prevent them to develop fears for the rest of their lives.
Socialization should occur in a controlled, safe environment on a regular basis to ensure that your dog is 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. it should include short walks on the sidewalks around your neighborhood, trips to the pet store and visits to your vet for grooming and shots.
You should also expose your puppy to other sounds, sights, and environments. 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 leash, or taking rides in the vehicle. This will help them become more flexible, confident, and resilient in any circumstance.
Many people view Frenchies only as lap dogs. However, they are extremely active, social, and fun-loving. They can easily be involved in agility, obedience, Rally, or field work. They can be wonderful therapy dogs, and even help people recover from surgery or illness.
Training
Frenchies are easy to maintain However, they require daily exercise and mental stimulation. These playful dogs love to spend time with their human family and will play happily with them or other dogs in the yard. They might not have the drive to become a great guard dog, but they'll be responsive when taught new commands and tricks. The breed also has a tendency to be somewhat stubborn, so patience is crucial when it is time to train.
As with all dogs, Frenchies require regular grooming to maintain an enviable coat and skin. Regularly brushing will help to stop the accumulation of oil and dirt and also remove any hairs that are loose. To prevent their signature wrinkles from forming it is essential to give them an extra 3-5 minutes of attention using baby wipes that are not scented.
It is important to teach your Frenchie how to recall information. This will help them avoid potentially dangerous situations. This is particularly true in the event that you intend to take your Frenchie for excursions or hikes in which they are inclined to explore and wander. Additionally teaching them to be ready when called kaufen französische bulldogge can help them if they ever get lost or run into traffic.
Frenchies can be stubborn so it is important to employ positive reinforcement when training them. This will help them understand that following your instructions is the best way to get food, toys, or attention. Avoid harsh methods of punishment because they can resist training. This could lead to issues with behavior in the future.
It is important to start puppy training as soon as you bring your Frenchie home. Most breeders already have them potty-trained. Set a schedule for feeding as well as playing and training and adhere to it. This will help your French Bulldog develop a strong base of basic obedience and will make them easier to train in the future.