Before You Buy a French Bulldog
If you're considering getting a French Bulldog for a pet or adding them to your breeding program, it's vital to think about a range of aspects. For instance pet owners can concentrate on coat and color preferences, personality and temperament.
Breeders must, on contrary, think about things like inbreeding health testing, and genetic testing.
Choosing a Reputable Breeder
It's not a surprise that Frenchies are America's most popular breed of dog. They are mellow, fun-loving dogs that are devoted to pleasing and can easily adapt to different kinds of lifestyles. They are wonderful companions for all ages and families, including children. It's important that you choose a breeder with a good reputation before purchasing the French Bulldog.
The best way to begin is by asking for referrals from friends who own Frenchies or asking your vet to suggest a reliable breeder they have worked with in the past. You can also look for breeders who have a good reputation on social media and review sites. Once you have a list of potential breeders, you should visit them in person. This will give you an opportunity to meet the parents of the puppies, observe where they live and play, and observe the conditions under which they are kept.
A good breeder will be happy to greet you and show you the facilities they have. They should be able to answer any questions you may have about 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 be provided with a contract detailing the conditions of the purchase.
You should be able meet the mother (dam) of the litter and the father who is biological. They should look healthy and active. Their coats should also be free of odor and clean. A reputable breeder will be in a position to provide details about the puppies' AKC registration and their 3-generation pedigree.
The popularity of French Bulldogs has attracted bad breeders, who are more focused on profits than the welfare of their pups. They can breed their dogs, causing breathing issues and genetic disorders, or create overcrowded puppy mills in which the animals are poorly cared for. These conditions can lead to issues with behavior and a lower life expectancy in the puppies. The short back legs of the small breed and their curly tails make them susceptible of a variety of problems, including back pain, arthritis, and discs that have slipped.
Health Tests for Health
Health testing is a procedure that helps determine the genetics of an animal and how this could affect the overall health of the animal. 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 raise healthy dogs.
The health tests that we employ to assess our puppies are based on genotypic and phenotypic tests. more info here analyze the dog's DNA to determine if the dog has an underlying mutation that causes disease. Phenotypic testing involves physical examinations, as well as diagnostic tools like xrays or echocardiograms.
Genetics-based health tests are a critical component of responsible breeding, and the majority of breeders who are credible employ them to check the quality of their breeding stock. However, it is essential to understand that not all tests based on genetics are to be the same. It is essential to locate an lab that can accurately deliver results and also recognize the breed-specific tests that are available for French Bulldogs.
There are numerous genetics-based labs that provide testing for a variety of illnesses that affect the breed. The most reliable ones will send the results of these tests to OFA which keeps databases for each breed-specific test.
These OFA databases permit pet owners to search for a dog's testing status and also see the health histories of all its relatives. This lets the owner make informed decisions about breeding based on the health of a dog's aunts, siblings, and uncles as well as its ancestors.
It is essential to choose a breeder that only uses accredited OFA laboratories for genetic health tests. This is the best method to ensure accuracy and prevent 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 combine a number of genetics-based health test that are specific to the French bulldog breed, and reduce the cost. A "clear" result means that the dog does not carry the mutation that causes a specific disease. This lowers the chance that the mutation will be passed on to offspring. A "carrier" result means the dog has a single copy of the mutation, but does not exhibit any symptoms of the disease. Likewise, 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 and require the right socialization in order to become gentle, well-mannered pets. This is a critical process that begins at 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, as well as other dogs.
Frenchies are playful, affectionate and loyal companions who form strong bonds with their families. They can be stubborn and require patience and consistent methods to train them and make them obedient and receptive.
While it is essential to make friends with your Frenchie early be sure to keep them away from terrifying or dangerous experiences until they are fully vaccinated and ready for these kinds of interactions. It is equally important not to reward their expressions of fear since they could develop phobias that last a lifetime.
Socialization should take place in a safe, controlled environment regularly to ensure that your dog is comfortable in new situations. This can be as simple as taking them to a new park every week or introductions to other family members and their friends. it should include short walks on the sidewalks around your neighborhood and trips to the pet store and visits to your veterinarian to get shots and grooming.
Your pup should also be exposed to other noises, sights and environments and also the types of activities they will likely take part in throughout their lives, such as playing off-lead in a secure space or taking a ride in the car. This will make them more adaptable, confident, and resilient in any circumstance.
Many people see Frenchies only as lap dogs. They are very energetic, social and fun. They are easily involved in agility, obedience, Rally, or field work. They can be fantastic therapy dogs, and even aid people recovering from surgeries or illnesses.
Training
While Frenchies are a low-maintenance breed, they do require some daily exercise and stimulation for their minds. They love to spend time with their human family and will happily play with them or other dogs in the yard. While they lack the desire to be a good watchdog, they will be able to respond well to obedience training and will be keen on learning new tricks and commands. This breed can be 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 to get rid of hairs that have fallen out. To keep their signature wrinkles from forming it is essential to give them an extra 3-5 minutes of attention with a non-scented baby wipe.
Recall training is a crucial skill to teach your Frenchie, as this can help them avoid danger or hazardous situations. This is particularly true in the event that you intend to take them on hikes or any other excursions where they might be inclined to wander off and explore. Instructing them to return when they are called can help them stay safe if they get lost or get caught through traffic.
Frenchies can be stubborn so it's important to employ positive reinforcement when training them. This will help them understand that following your instructions is the best way to gain food or toys, as well as attention. Avoid harsh punishments as they may resist training. This could result in behavior problems in the future.
It is crucial to begin puppy training as soon you bring your Frenchie home. Most breeders have already potty-trained them. Create a schedule of feeding as well as playing and training and stick to it. This will help your French Bulldog develop a strong base of basic obedience and make it easier to train in the future.