Before You Buy a French Bulldog
If you're considering getting a French Bulldog for a pet or incorporating them into your breeding program it's important that you consider a number of elements. For example pet owners should focus on color and coat preferences, temperament and personality.
Breeders must, on contrary, think about things like inbreeding health testing, and genetic testing.
Selecting a Breeder who is reputable
It's not a surprise that Frenchies are the most sought-after dog breed. They are gentle, fun-loving dogs who are devoted to pleasing. They also adjust well to many different styles of living. They are wonderful companions for families of all ages even children. But before you buy a French bulldog, you need to locate a reliable breeder.
The best place to start is by asking for referrals from friends who own Frenchies or ask your veterinarian to recommend a breeder they've worked with in the past. You can also search for breeders who have an excellent reputation on social media and review websites. It is essential to visit prospective breeders in person once you have a shortlist. You can meet the parents, tour the area where the puppies live, play and learn about the conditions under which they're raised.
A good breeder will be happy to welcome visitors to their facility and be delighted to show you around. They should be able to answer any questions you may have regarding the Frenchies and their breeding program. They should be in a position to provide you with specific information regarding the health history of the puppies and lineage, and give you an agreement in writing that outlines the terms of purchase.
You must also be able to meet the mother of the litter (dam) and the biological father of the puppies. They should appear healthy and active, and their coats should be clean and free of smell. A reputable breeder will provide you with information about the puppies' AKC registration, and their three-generation pedigree.
The popularity of the French Bulldog has drawn in bad breeders who focus on the profit and not the welfare of their puppies. They may inbreed the dogs which can cause breathing problems and genetic disorders, or create puppy mills that are overcrowded where the animals are poorly cared for. These conditions can lead to issues with behavior and a lower life expectancy for puppies. The short back legs of the small breed and their curled tails make them susceptible of many issues, including spine pain, arthritis and slipped disks.
Health Tests
Health testing is a procedure that can help determine the genetics of an animal and how this could affect the overall health of the animal. In breeding programs, it is common to test for specific diseases that could be passed down to the next generation. At Johnson House Frenchies, we perform a variety of health checks for our puppies as part of our efforts to breed healthy dogs.
The health tests that we employ to assess our puppies are based on genotypic and phenotypic tests. Genotypic tests examine the dog's genetics to determine if there is a mutation that can cause disease. The testing process involves physical examinations as well as diagnostic tools like x-rays or echocardiograms.
Genetics-based health tests are a crucial component of responsible breeding, and the majority of breeders who are reputable utilize them to ensure the quality of their breeding animals. However, it is crucial to realize that not all genetics-based health tests are created to be the same. It is important to find a lab who will accurately deliver results and also recognize the breed-specific tests available for French Bulldogs.
Several genetics-based laboratories provide testing for various diseases that affect a breed. The most reputable labs will transmit the results to OFA which keeps databases of every breed.
These OFA databases enable pet owners to search a dog's test status and view the health history of its relatives. This allows the owner to make informed decisions about breeding in light of the health of the dog's siblings, aunts, and uncles as well as its ancestors.
It is also essential to find breeders that only use OFA recognized laboratories to carry out the genetic health tests. This is the best method to ensure accuracy and avoid false health claims.
There are several health panels that are suitable for French bulldogs. These include the OFA Health Clear Panel and the 6-panel guarantee. These tests combine several 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 doesn't have the mutation responsible for an illness, thereby decreasing the risk of passing the mutation on to the offspring of that mutation. A "copyright result" indicates that the dog has 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 hierarchical environment. They require interaction to become docile and well-mannered. This is a crucial process that starts at the time of birth. Socialization involves the dog being exposed to many different objects, people, and places from a young age to help build their confidence and resilience. This involves interactions with dogs of all ages and people, as well as other dogs.
Frenchies are playful, affectionate and loyal companions that have strong bonds with their families. They can also be stubborn, which requires patience and a consistent approach to training to increase their determination and produce an obedient, more info receptive dog.
It is important to socialize a Frenchie from an early age. But, you should not expose them to dangerous or frightening situations until they've been vaccinated. It is equally important to not encourage their expressions of fear, since this could cause them to develop phobias that can last for a lifetime.
Socialization should take place in a secure, controlled environment, and on a regular basis so that your dog continues to develop a sense of security in new environments. It's as simple as taking your dog to a different park every week or the introduction of new family members and acquaintances.
Your dog must also be exposed to other noises, sights and environments in addition to 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 help ensure that they are adaptable and confident to any circumstance that may come their way.
While many people think of Frenchies as purely lap dogs, they are highly active, sociable and fun-loving dogs that can easily become involved in agility classes, obedience classes, Rally or field work. They can be fantastic therapy dogs, and even aid people recovering from surgery or illness.
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 and with other dogs. They may not have the drive to become a great guard dog, but they'll respond well when taught new commands and tricks. This breed can be a bit 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 avoid the accumulation of dirt and oil and also to remove hairs that are loose. To prevent their signature wrinkles from becoming infected, it is important to give them an additional 3-5 minutes of attention using an unscented baby wipe.
Recall training is an essential skill to teach your Frenchie as it can help them avoid danger or dangerous situations. This is especially important in the event that you intend to take them on hikes or other activities where they are inclined to wander off and explore. In addition teaching them to return when called can help them in the event that they get lost or get caught in traffic.
Frenchies aren't always easy to handle, so it's crucial to employ positive reinforcement when training them. This will help them understand that obeying your commands is the best way to gain food or toys, or even attention. Be sure to avoid using harsh methods of discipline since this can make them more resistant to training and could lead to issues with behavior later on.
It is important to start puppy training as soon you bring your Frenchie home. The majority of breeders have already potty-trained them. It is helpful to set a routine for feeding, playtime, and training sessions and adhere to it regularly. This will allow you to build an excellent foundation for your French Bulldog's basic obedience. It will also aid in training your dog in the future.