Before You Buy a French Bulldog
If you're thinking about a French Bulldog as a pet or planning to include them in your breeding program, it's crucial to think about a range of factors. For example pet owners can concentrate on color and coat preferences, personality and temperament.
Breeders must, on contrary, think about things such as 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 gentle, fun-loving dogs who love to please. They are also able to adapt to different styles of living. They make great companions for all ages and families and children. It is essential to choose a breeder with a good reputation before purchasing a French Bulldog.
Asking friends and family members who own Frenchies for recommendations or asking your veterinarian to recommend a breeder they have worked with previously is the best way to get started. You can also search for breeders with a good reputation on review sites and social media. 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, look where they live and play, as well as observe the conditions under which they live.
A good breeder will be happy to meet you and show you around their facility. They should be willing to answer any questions you might have about Frenchies and their breeding program. They should be capable of providing you with specific information regarding the health history of the puppies and lineage, as well as give you an agreement in writing that outlines the terms of purchase.
You should be able meet the mother (dam) of the litter and the father who is biological. They should appear healthy and active and their coats must be clean and free of smell. A reputable breeder will also be able to provide you with information on the puppies' AKC registration and their 3-generation pedigree.
The popularity of French Bulldogs has drawn breeders who are more concerned with profits than the welfare of the pups. Inbreeding can cause breathing problems and genetic disorders in the dogs. They can also result in overcrowded puppy farms where the animals receive inadequate care. These conditions can cause problems with behavior and lower the life expectancy of puppies. The short back legs of the small breed and their curled tails make them susceptible of a number issues, such as back pain, arthritis, and slipped disks.
Health Tests for Health
Health testing is a crucial procedure that allows you to determine the genetics of dogs and how they affect the overall health of the dog. It is a standard practice in breeding programs to test 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 commitment to produce healthy dogs.
We use both genotypic and Phenotypic tests to evaluate the health of our puppies. französischen Bulldoggenwelpen kaufen niedlichfranzösischebulldoggenwelpen test the dog's DNA to determine if it is carrying an underlying mutation that causes disease. Phenotypic testing includes physical examinations and diagnostic tools such as x-rays or echocardiograms.
Genetics-based health tests are a crucial component of responsible breeding, and the majority of breeders who are credible utilize them to ensure the quality of their breeding animals. However, it is crucial to realize that not all tests based on genetics are equal. It is crucial to find an organization that is able to give results and recognize the breed-specific tests available for French Bulldogs.
There are a variety of genetics-based labs offering testing for a variety of diseases that affect the breed. The most reliable labs transmit the results to OFA which keeps databases of each breed.
These OFA databases enable pet owners to search for a dog's health status and see the health history of its relatives. This lets the owner make informed decisions about breeding based on the health of the dog's aunts, siblings, and uncles as well as its ancestors.
It is crucial to locate a breeder who only uses accredited laboratories of OFA to perform genetic health tests. This is the most effective way to ensure the accuracy of the results and also to prevent fraudulent health claims.
There are many health panels for French bulldogs, including the OFA Health Clear panel and the 6-panel health guarantee. These tests bundle together several genetics-based health tests that are specific to the breed and cut down the cost of individual genetics-based tests. A result of "clear" means that a dog does not have the mutation for the disease, thus decreasing the risk of passing on the mutation to the offspring of that mutation. A "carrier" result indicates that the dog has a single copy of the mutation but does not show any symptoms of the disease, and a result of "at-risk" indicates that the dog is likely to develop 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 crucial process that begins as early as the age of. Socialization is the process of the exposure of your dog to many different people, places and things at an early age in order to build their confidence and resilience. This involves interactions with people of all ages, dogs, and a variety of experiences like taking a ride in the car, getting washed and even using a vacuum.
Frenchies are playful, affectionate and loyal dogs that bond strongly with their families. They can be stubborn and require patience and consistent methods to train them and make them obedient and responsive.
While it is important to socialize your Frenchie early, don't expose them to potentially harmful or scary experiences until they are fully immunised and prepared for these types of interactions. It is also crucial to not reward their fearful expressions, as this can cause them to develop phobias for life.
Socialization should occur in a secure, controlled environment on a regular basis to ensure that your dog is comfortable in new situations. It's as simple as taking your dog to a different park every week or the introduction of new family members and other pet owners.
Your puppy should also be exposed different sounds, sights and environments in addition to the types of activities they'll take part in throughout their lives, such as playing off-lead within a safe area or taking a ride in the car. This will help them become more flexible, confident, and resilient in all situations.
Many people think of Frenchies only as lap dogs. However, they are extremely energetic, social and fun. They are easily involved in agility, obedience, Rally, or field work. They are excellent therapy dogs and can even help people recover from surgery or illness.
Training
Frenchies are easy to maintain however they still require regular exercise and mental stimulation. They enjoy playing with their humans as well as other dogs. They may not have the drive to become a great guard dog, but they will respond well when taught new commands and tricks. The breed is also somewhat stubborn, so patience is required 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 remove hairs that are loose. The wrinkles that are characteristic of them will require some extra care to avoid them getting infected. It's wise to give them a daily rubdown using a non-scented baby wipe.
Recall training is an essential skill to teach your Frenchie as it can help them avoid dangerous or unsafe situations. This is especially true in the event that you intend to take your Frenchie for a hike or other outings in which they are inclined to explore and wander. Teaching them to come back when they are called can save their lives if they get lost or get caught through traffic.
Frenchies can be stubborn So it is crucial to use positive reinforcement when training them. This will help them understand that responding to your needs is the best method of earning rewards such as food or toys, as well as attention. Be sure to avoid using harsh methods of discipline, as this will only cause them to be resistant to learning and could cause behavior problems later on.
It is essential to begin puppy training as soon you bring your Frenchie home. Most breeders will have already potty-trained them. Create a schedule of feeding and playing and stick to it. This will help you to create an excellent base for your French Bulldog's fundamental obedience. It will also make it easier to train your dog in the future.