Before You Buy a French Bulldog
If you're considering getting the idea of a French Bulldog for a pet or adding them to your breeding program, it's vital to consider a variety of elements. For example pet owners should focus on color and coat preferences, temperament and personality.
Breeders should, on the contrary, take into consideration things like inbreeding health testing and genetic testing.
Selecting a Breeder who is reputable
It's not a surprise that Frenchies are America's most popular breed of dog. They are friendly, playful dogs who are eager to please. They are also able to adapt to different lifestyles. They make excellent companions for people and families of all ages, even kids. It's important that you locate a reliable breeder prior to purchasing a French Bulldog.
The best way to begin is to solicit recommendations from friends who have Frenchies or ask your veterinarian to recommend a reputable breeder they have worked with in the past. You can also look for breeders with a good reputation through social media and review sites. Once you have a list of possible breeders, it is important to visit them in person. You can meet the parents, see the place where the puppies reside, play and discover the conditions under which they're raised.
A good breeder will be delighted to welcome you and show you the facilities they have. They should be able to answer any questions you have regarding the Frenchies and their breeding program. They should be able to provide you with detailed information about the health history of the puppies and lineage, and provide you with an agreement in writing that outlines the terms of your purchase.
You should be able meet the mother (dam) of the litter, as well as the father of the litter. They should appear healthy and active. Their coats must be odor-free and clean. A reputable breeder should 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 welfare of their pups. They could breed the dogs which can cause genetic disorders and breathing problems or create puppy mills that are overcrowded in which the animals are poorly cared for. These conditions can lead to problems with behavior and reduce life expectancy in the puppies. The short back legs of the small breed and their curly tails can put them at risk of many issues, such as back arthritis, pain and discs that have slipped.
Health Tests
Health testing is an important procedure that allows you to determine the genetics of a dog and the way they impact the overall health of the dog. It is a standard practice in breeding programs to test for specific conditions that can be passed on to the next generation. At Johnson House Frenchies, we conduct many different health tests for our puppies as part of our commitment to raise healthy dogs.
The health tests that we use to evaluate our puppies are based on genotypic and phenotypic tests. Genotypic tests look at the dog's DNA to determine if there's a mutation that can cause the disease. The testing process involves physical examinations, as well as diagnostic tools like x-rays or echocardiograms.
Genetics-based health tests are a critical component of responsible breeding, and the majority of breeders who are credible utilize them to ensure the quality of their breeding stock. However, it is essential to understand that not all genetics-based health tests are to be the same. It is essential to locate a lab who will accurately give results and recognize the breed-specific tests available for French Bulldogs.
There are numerous genetics-based labs offering tests for a range of illnesses that affect the breed. The most reliable labs transmit the results to OFA which maintains databases on every breed.
These OFA databases enable pet owners to search a dog's test results and look up the health history of their relatives. This allows pet owners to make informed decisions about breeding based on the health history of their dog's siblings and aunts and uncles and also its ancestors.
It is also important to find breeders that use OFA recognized laboratories to perform the genetic health tests. This is the most effective method to ensure the accuracy of the results as well as to prevent false health claims.
There are several health panels for French bulldogs. They include the OFA Health Clear Panel and the 6-panel guarantee. These tests bundle a number genetics-based health test that are specific to the French bulldog breed and can reduce the cost. A "clear" result indicates that the dog doesn't carry the mutation that causes a specific disease. This lowers the chance that the mutation could be passed on to offspring. A "carrier result" indicates that the dog is carrying a copy of the mutation, however, it does not 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 socialization to become calm and well-mannered. This is a crucial process that begins as early as birth. Socialization involves the exposure of your dog to a variety of things, places and people at an early age to increase their confidence and build up their resilience. This involves interactions with people of all ages, other dogs, and different experiences like driving in the car, getting washed and even using a vacuum cleaner.
Frenchies are affectionate, playful and loyal pets who form strong bonds with their families. They can also be stubborn, and require patience and consistent training techniques to make them friendly, well-behaved dogs.
While it is important to socialize your Frenchie early but don't expose them frightening or potentially harmful experiences until they are immunised and ready for these kinds of interactions. It is also crucial to not reward their expressions of fear, as this can cause them to develop phobias later in the rest of their lives.
Socialization should take place in a controlled, safe environment on a regular basis to ensure that your dog is at ease in new situations. It could be as easy as taking them to a different park every week or introducing them to different family members and their friends. it should include short walks on the sidewalks of your neighborhood or trips to the pet store and visits to your veterinarian to get shots and grooming.
You should also expose your dog to different sounds and sights. They should also be exposed to the kinds of things they are likely to engage in throughout their life like playing in a secure space without a lead or taking a ride in a vehicle. This will help them become more flexible, confident and resilient in any situation.
Many people see Frenchies only as lap dogs. However, they are very active, social and fun-loving. They are able to be involved in obedience, agility, Rally, or field work. They can be wonderful therapy dogs and can even assist people in recovering from surgery or illness.
Training
Frenchies are easy to maintain however they still require regular exercise and mental stimulation. These sociable pups enjoy spending time with their human family and will happily play with them or other dogs in the yard. While they don't have the drive to be a good watchdog, they be responsive to obedience training and will be eager to learn new tricks and commands. The breed is also a bit stubborn, so patience will be needed when training.
Like all dogs, Frenchies require regular grooming to maintain an enviable coat and skin. They should be brushed frequently to prevent the accumulation of dirt and oil and also to get rid of hairs that have fallen out. To prevent their signature wrinkles from getting infected it is essential to give them an extra 3-5 minutes of attention with baby wipes that are not scented.
Recall training is a crucial ability to teach your Frenchie as it will help them avoid dangerous or hazardous situations. This is particularly true if you are planning to take your Frenchie on excursions or hikes in which they are inclined to explore and wander. Also teaching them to be ready when they are asked can save their life if they ever get lost or run into traffic.
Frenchies can be stubborn, 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 earn food, toys, or attention. Avoid harsh methods of punishment, as they will be resistant to training. This could lead to behavioral issues in the future.
It is crucial to begin puppy training as soon you bring your Frenchie home. französische bulldogge welpen of breeders already have them potty-trained. It is beneficial to establish a routine for feeding, playtime, and training sessions and adhere to it consistently. This will help you build an excellent foundation for your French Bulldog's foundational obedience. It will also make it easier to train them in the future.