Before You Buy a French Bulldog
If you're thinking about the idea of a French Bulldog as a pet or if you're planning to add them to your breeding program, it's crucial to consider a variety of aspects. Pet owners can think about color and coat preference as well as temperament, personality and.
Breeders must, on contrary, think about things such as inbreeding, health testing, and genetic testing.
How to Select a Reputable Breeder
It's not a surprise that Frenchies are America's most popular breed of dog. They are mellow, fun-loving dogs who are devoted to pleasing. They also adjust well to a variety of lifestyles. They are great family members for families and individuals of all ages, including kids. It is crucial to choose a breeder with a good reputation before purchasing a French Bulldog.
Asking your friends who have Frenchies for suggestions or asking your vet to recommend a breeder they have previously worked with is the best way to begin. You can also search for breeders with a positive reputation through social media and online review sites. Once you have a list of possible breeders, it's important to visit them in person. This gives you the 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 be happy to welcome you and show you around their facility. They should be happy to answer any questions you may have about Frenchies and their breeding program. They should be able to 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 conditions of the purchase.
You should be able to 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 smell. A reputable breeder will give you information on 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 pups. They may inbreed the dogs, causing breathing issues and genetic disorders or create puppy mills that are overcrowded where the animals are not properly cared for. These conditions can cause issues with behavior and decrease the life expectancy of puppies. The small breed's short back legs as well as its curled tail can put them at risk for a variety of issues, including back pain arthritis in joints and slipped discs.
Health Tests for Health
Health testing is an important method to identify the genetics of a dog and how they affect the overall health of a dog. In breeding programs, it is common to screen for certain conditions which could be passed on 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 use both genotypic as well as Phenotypic tests to assess the health of our puppies. Genotypic tests look at the dog's genetics to determine if there is an underlying mutation that causes the disease. Phenotypic tests involve physical examinations and diagnostic tools like echocardiograms, x-rays, and eye exams.
Genetics-based health tests are an essential element of responsible breeding and the majority of breeders who are credible use them to verify the quality of their breeding animals. It is important to know that not all genetics based health tests are alike. It is crucial to locate a lab that can recognize the breed-specific tests for French bulldogs and provides precise results.
There are a variety of genetics-based labs offering tests for a variety of illnesses that affect the breed. The most reputable ones will report the results of these tests to OFA who maintains databases for each breed-specific test.
These OFA databases enable pet owners to search a dog's test results and look up the health history of its relatives. This allows pet owners to make informed breeding decisions in light of the health of a dog's siblings, aunts, and uncles, as well as the ancestors of the dog.
It is important to choose a breeder that only uses OFA-recognized laboratories to perform genetic health tests. This is the most effective method to ensure accuracy and prevent false health claims.
There are several health panels for French bulldogs, such as the OFA Health Clear panel and the 6-panel health guarantee. These tests bundle a number genetics-based health test that are specific to the French bulldog breed and also reduce the cost. A "clear" result indicates that the dog doesn't carry the mutation that causes a specific disease. This reduces the risk that the mutation will be passed on to offspring. A "copyright result" signifies that the dog is carrying an identical copy of the mutation but doesn't show 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 hierarchy environment. They require socialization to become docile and well-mannered. This is a critical process that starts at birth. Socialization is the process of exposed your puppy to various individuals, places and things from the age of one to build their confidence and resiliency. This involves interactions with dogs of all ages, and people and other dogs.
Frenchies are affectionate, loyal and playful dogs that form strong bonds with their families. They can also be stubborn, which requires patience and a consistent approach to training to harness their determination and create friendly, well-behaved dogs.
It is crucial to get social with the Frenchie from an early age. But, you should not expose them to any potentially dangerous or frightening situations until they are fully vaccine-free. It is also crucial to not reward their expressions of fear in order to prevent them to develop phobias later in life.
Socialization should be done in a safe, controlled environment, and on a regular basis so that your dog continues to develop a sense of security in new environments. This could be as simple as taking them to a new park each week or introducing them to different family members and friends, and it should include short walks on the sidewalks in your neighborhood, trips to the pet shop and visits to your vet to get shots and grooming.
Your puppy should also be exposed other sounds, sights and environments and also 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 them become more adaptable, confident, and resilient in any situation.
Although many people view Frenchies as just lap dogs, they are highly energetic, social and fun-loving dogs that can easily be involved in agility classes, obedience classes, Rally or field work. They can be wonderful therapy dogs, and even help people recover from illness or surgery.
Training
While Frenchies are fairly low-maintenance dogs however, they require daily exercise and mental stimulation. These playful puppies are a joy to play with their owners and with other dogs. They might not have the drive to be a good guard dog, but they'll respond well when they are taught new commands and tricks. This breed is also somewhat stubborn, so patience will be needed when training.
Like all dogs, Frenchies need regular grooming to keep their skin and coat healthy. They should be groomed regularly to prevent the buildup of oil and dirt, as well as to remove loose hairs. To keep their signature wrinkles from getting infected it is essential to give them an extra 3-5 minutes of care with an unscented baby wipe.
It is important to teach your Frenchie how to retain information. This will help them avoid potentially dangerous situations. This is especially true in the event that you intend to take them on hikes or other activities where they are inclined to wander off and explore. Making them return when they are called can ensure their safety in the event that they wander off or run in traffic.
Frenchies can be stubborn, click here so it's crucial to use positive reinforcement when training them. This will teach them that responding to your requests is the best way to earn rewards like food or toys, as well as attention. Be careful not to use harsh methods of discipline because this could make them more resistant to training and could lead to behavior problems later on.
While most Frenchies are potty-trained by their breeders, it is essential to begin puppy training as soon as you bring them home. It is beneficial to establish a routine for feeding as well as playtime and training sessions and stick to it regularly. This will allow you to establish an enduring foundation for your French Bulldog's foundational obedience. It will also aid in training your dog in the future.