Before You Buy a French Bulldog
If you're considering having a French Bulldog for a pet, or adding them to your breeding program it's important to consider a variety of elements. For instance pet owners should focus on color and coat preferences, temperament and personality.
Breeders must, on the contrary, take into consideration things like inbreeding, health testing, and genetic testing.
How to Select a Reputable Breeder
It's no surprise that Frenchies are the most loved breed of dog. They are fun-loving, mellow dogs who love to please and can easily adapt to different environments. They are great companions for people and families of all ages, including kids. It's important that you choose a breeder with a good reputation before buying a French Bulldog.
The best way to begin is to solicit recommendations from friends who have Frenchies or asking your vet to recommend a reputable breeder they've worked with in the past. You can also search for breeders with a positive reputation via social media and review sites. Once you have a list of possible breeders, you should visit them in person. You can meet the parents, see the place where the puppies reside, play and discover the conditions under which they are raised.
A good breeder will warmly welcome you to their facility and will be more than happy to show you around. They should be able to answer any questions you may have about Frenchies and the breeding program. They should be able to provide you with specific information about the health history of the puppies and their lineage. You should also receive an agreement outlining the conditions of the purchase.
You must also be able to meet the mother of the litter (dam) and the father of the puppies. They should look healthy and active. Their coats should be clean and odor-free. A reputable breeder should also provide you with information regarding the puppies' AKC registration, and their pedigree of three generations.
The popularity of French Bulldogs has drawn bad breeders, who are more concerned about profits than the wellbeing of their pups. Inbreeding can lead to breathing issues and genetic problems in dogs. They could also lead to overcrowded puppy farms where the animals receive inadequate care. These conditions can result in problems with behavior and reduce life expectancy in the puppies. The small breed's short back legs as well as its curled tail can expose them to a variety of issues, including back pain, arthritis in the joints and discs that are slipping.
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 the dog. It is a common procedure in breeding programs to screen for specific diseases that could be passed on to the next generation. At Johnson House Frenchies, we conduct many different health tests for our puppies as part of our effort to raise healthy dogs.
We use both genotypic as well as Phenotypic tests to assess the health of our puppies. Genotypic tests analyze the dog's genetics to determine if there's a mutation that can cause diseases. The testing process involves physical examinations as well as diagnostic tools like x-rays or echocardiograms.
Genetics-based health tests are an essential element of responsible breeding and the majority of breeders who are reputable employ them to check the quality of their breeding breeds. However, it is essential to realize that not all genetics-based health tests are equal. It is crucial to locate an animal testing lab that is able to recognize the breed-specific tests for French bulldogs and can provide exact results.
Many genetics-based laboratories offer testing for various conditions that affect a breed. The most reputable will provide the results of these tests to OFA who maintains databases for every breed-specific test.
These OFA databases enable pet owners to search for a dog's health status and see the health history of the dog's relatives. This allows pet owners to make informed decisions about breeding in light of the health of a dog's aunts, siblings, and uncles as well as its ancestors.
It is also important to find breeders that use OFA accredited laboratories to conduct the genetic health tests. This is the best method to ensure accuracy and avoid false health claims.
There are several health panels for French bulldogs, including the OFA Health Clear panel as well as the 6-panel health guarantee. These tests are a combination of a number of website genetics-based health tests that are specific to the breed, and can cut down the cost of individual genetic tests. A result of "clear" means that a dog doesn't possess the mutation that causes an illness, thereby decreasing the chance of passing that mutation to its offspring. A "copyright result" signifies that the dog is carrying an identical copy of the mutation but does not display any signs 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 interaction to become docile and well-mannered. This is an important process that begins at the age of. Socialization is the process of the exposure of your dog to a variety of things, places and people at a young age to help build their confidence and resilience. This includes interactions with dogs of all ages and with people and other dogs.
Frenchies are playful, affectionate and loyal companions that have strong bonds with their families. They can be stubborn and require patience as well as consistent methods to train them and make them obedient and responsive.
It is important to socialize a Frenchie from a young age. But, you should not expose them to potentially hazardous or frightening situations until they've been vaccinated. It is also essential to not reward their expressions of fear, as this can cause them to develop phobias for life.
Socialization should occur in a secure, controlled environment regularly to ensure that your dog is at ease in new environments. It could be as easy as taking them to a new park each week, or the introduction of them to different family members and friends. it should include short walks along the sidewalks of your neighborhood, trips to the pet shop and visits to your vet to get shots and grooming.
Your puppy must also be exposed to different sounds, sights and environments and also the types of activities they'll engage in throughout their lives, such as playing off-lead within a safe area or taking a ride in the car. This will make them more adaptable, confident, and resilient in any circumstance.
Many people think of Frenchies only as lap dogs. However, they are extremely energetic, social and fun. They can easily be involved in obedience, agility, Rally, or field work. They can also be fantastic therapy dogs and can even help people recover from surgeries or other ailments.
Training
While Frenchies are fairly low-maintenance dogs However, they do require daily exercise and stimulation for their minds. They are a joy to play with their humans and other dogs. They might not be able to become a formidable guard dog, but they'll respond well when taught new commands and tricks. The breed is also known to be a bit stubborn, which is why patience is key when it comes to training.
Like all dogs, Frenchies need regular grooming to maintain their coat and skin healthy. They should be groomed regularly to prevent the buildup of oil and dirt and also to remove hairs that have fallen out. The wrinkles that are characteristic of them will require some extra care to avoid them getting infected. It's recommended to give them a daily 3-5 minute rubdown using a non-scented baby wipe.
It is crucial to teach your Frenchie how to remember information. This will allow them to avoid potential dangers in situations. This is especially important if you plan to take your pet on hikes or other activities where they are inclined to wander off and explore. Additionally teaching them to be ready when called can help them should they ever become lost or get caught in traffic.
Frenchies aren't always easy to handle, so it's important to employ positive reinforcement when training them. This will help them learn that responding to your requests is the best method of earning rewards such as food and toys as well as your attention. Avoid harsh methods of punishment, as they will resist training. This could result in issues with behavior in the future.
It is essential to begin puppy training as soon you bring your Frenchie home. Most breeders already have potty-trained their puppies. Set a schedule for feeding as well as playing and training and follow it. This will help you to establish an excellent foundation for your French Bulldog's foundational obedience. It will also help you train your dog in the future.