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 vital to think about a range of elements. For example, pet owners can focus on color and coat preferences, personality and temperament.
Breeders should, on the contrary, consider things like inbreeding health testing, and genetic testing.
Choosing a Reputable Breeder
Frenchies are the most popular breed of dog in America and there's no surprise why. They are mellow, fun-loving dogs who love to please. They also adapt well to different styles of living. They make great companions for families of all ages even children. But before you buy a French bulldog, it's important to locate a reliable breeder.
The best way to begin is to ask for recommendations from people you know who own Frenchies or asking your vet to suggest a reliable breeder they have worked with in the past. You can also search for breeders who have good reviews on social media and review sites. Once you have a list of possible breeders, you should visit them in person. This gives you the opportunity to meet the parents of the puppies, observe the places they live and play, and observe the conditions in which they are kept.
A good breeder will warmly welcome you to their facility and be delighted to show you around. They should be willing to answer any questions you may have about the Frenchies and their breeding program. They should be able to provide you with detailed information on the health history of the puppies and their lineage. You should also be provided with an agreement detailing the terms of purchase.
You must also be able to meet the mother of the litter (dam) and the father of the pups. They should appear healthy and active and their coats must be clean and free of smell. A reputable breeder will also be in a position to provide details about the puppies' AKC registration and their 3-generation pedigree.
The popularity of the French Bulldog has drawn in breeders who are focused on making money rather than the wellbeing of their pups. Inbreeding can cause breathing problems and genetic disorders in dogs. They may also create overcrowded puppy farms in which the animals are treated poorly. These conditions can cause issues with behavior and decrease the life expectancy of puppies. The small breed's short back legs and curled tail also put them at risk for many problems, including spine pain and arthritis in joints and discs that are slipping.
Health Tests
Health testing is an important method to identify the genetics of a dog and how they may impact the overall health of the dog. In breeding programs, it is typical to test for specific conditions that could pass to the next generation. As part of our commitment towards producing healthy dogs, Johnson House Frenchies conducts many different health tests for our puppies.
We use both genotypic as well as Phenotypic tests to evaluate the health of our puppies. Genotypic tests analyze the dog's DNA in order to determine if there's an underlying mutation that causes disease. Phenotypic testing includes physical examinations and diagnostic tools like x-rays or echocardiograms.
Genetics-based health tests are an essential component of responsible breeding, and the majority of breeders who are reputable employ them to check the quality of their breeding animals. It is crucial to understand that not all genetics based health tests are created equal. It is vital to find a lab that can recognize the breed-specific tests specific to French bulldogs and will provide accurate results.
Many genetics-based laboratories offer tests for a variety of diseases that affect a breed. The most reliable labs send the results to OFA which keeps databases of every breed.
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 siblings, aunts, and uncles, as well as the ancestors of the dog.
It is also important to choose a breeder that only uses OFA accredited laboratories to conduct the genetic health tests. This is the best method to ensure accuracy and stop false health claims.
There are many health panels for French bulldogs, including the OFA Health Clear panel as well as the 6-panel health guarantee. These tests bundle together a variety of genetics-based health tests that are specific to the breed and reduce the cost of individual genetics-based tests. A "clear" result indicates that the dog doesn't carry the mutation that causes a particular disease. This reduces the risk that the mutation could be passed on to the offspring. A "copyright" result means the dog has one copy of the mutation but does not exhibit any symptoms of the disease. Likewise, the result of "at-risk" indicates the dog is at risk of developing the disease.
Socialization
French Bulldogs are pack-animals that thrive in a hierarchy environment. They require socialization to become calm and well-mannered. This is a crucial process that begins at birth. Socialization is the process of getting your puppy exposed to different locations, people and things at a young age to help build their confidence and strength. This includes interactions with dogs of all ages and people, as well as other dogs.
Frenchies are affectionate, loyal and playful companions who form strong bonds with their families. They can be stubborn and require patience as well as consistent techniques to train them, making them obedient and responsive.
While it is essential to establish a social bond with your Frenchie early but don't expose them terrifying or dangerous experiences until they are vaccine-free and ready for these kinds of interactions. It is also crucial to not reward their fearful expressions, as this can cause them to develop fears for the rest of their lives.
Socialization should be conducted in a safe, controlled environment and on an ongoing basis to ensure that your dog continues to grow comfortable in new situations. This could be as simple as taking them to a different park every week or introducing them to different family members and friends, and it should include short walks along the sidewalks around your neighborhood, trips to the pet store and visits to your veterinarian for grooming and shots.
It is also important to expose your puppy to other sounds and sights. They should also be exposed to the kinds of things they will likely do throughout their life like playing in a secure space without a lead or taking get more info rides in the car. This will help ensure that they are able and confident to any circumstance that may come their way.
Although many people view Frenchies as just lap dogs, they are highly active, sociable and fun dogs that can easily become involved in agility classes, obedience classes, Rally or field work. They can also be fantastic therapy dogs and can even assist people recover from surgeries or other ailments.
Training
Frenchies are not very demanding however they still require regular exercise and mental stimulation. These sociable puppies are a joy to play with their owners and with other dogs. While they lack the drive to be a superb watchdog, they will respond well to obedience training and be eager to learn new tricks and commands. This breed can be somewhat stubborn, so patience will be needed when training.
Like all dogs, Frenchies need regular grooming to keep their skin and coat healthy. Brushing them regularly will stop the accumulation of oil and dirt and also remove any hairs that are loose. The wrinkles that are characteristic of them will require some extra attention to prevent them from becoming infected and it is wise to give them a daily rubdown with an unscented baby wipe.
Recall training is an essential skill to teach your Frenchie because it will help them avoid dangerous or dangerous situations. This is especially important in the event that you intend to take your Frenchie for a hike or other outings in which they are inclined to wander and explore. In addition teaching them to be ready when called can save their lives should they ever become lost or encounter traffic.
Frenchies can be stubborn, so it's important to employ positive reinforcement when training them. This will help them understand that obeying your commands is the best way to gain food, toys, or attention. Make sure you avoid using harsh methods of discipline, since this can cause them to be resistant to learning and could cause issues with behavior later on.
Although the majority of Frenchies are potty-trained by their breeders, it's essential to begin puppy training when you bring them home. Set a schedule for feeding and playing and follow it. This will help your French Bulldog develop a strong foundation of basic obedience and make it easier to train in the future.