Before You Buy a French Bulldog
If you're thinking about having a French Bulldog for a pet, or adding them to your breeding program, it's vital to think about a range of aspects. For example pet owners should focus on coat color and color preferences, temperament and personality.
Breeders must, on the contrary, take into consideration things like inbreeding health testing, and genetic testing.
How to Choose a Breeder with a Good Reputation
Frenchies are the most sought-after breed of dog in America and there's no wonder why. They are mellow, fun-loving dogs that love to please and adapt well in many different kinds of lifestyles. They make great companions for people and families of all ages, even children. It is essential to choose a breeder with a good reputation before purchasing a French Bulldog.
The best way to begin is by asking for referrals from friends who have Frenchies or asking your vet to recommend a reputable breeder that they have worked with in the past. You can also search for breeders with a good reputation on 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, tour the area where the puppies live and play and discover the conditions under which they're raised.
A good breeder will welcome you to their facility and will be more than happy to show you around. They should be happy to answer your questions regarding Frenchies and their breeding program. They should be capable of providing you with complete information regarding the health history of the puppies and lineage, as well as provide you with written contracts that outline the terms of your purchase.
You should be able meet the mother (dam) of the litter and the father of the litter. They should be healthy and active, and their coats should be clean and free of odor. A reputable breeder will be in a position to provide details regarding the puppies' AKC registration and their 3-generation pedigree.
The popularity of French Bulldogs has attracted breeders who are more focused on profits than the wellbeing of the pups. They could breed the dogs creating genetic disorders and breathing problems, or create puppy mills with a high number of puppies where the animals are poorly taken care of. These conditions can lead to issues with behavior and decrease the life expectancy of puppies. The short back legs of the small breed and their curled tails make them susceptible of many issues, such as back arthritis, pain, and slipped disks.
Health Tests
Health testing is a process that can help determine the genetics of an animal and how it may affect its overall health. In breeding programs, it's typical to test for specific diseases which 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 efforts to breed healthy dogs.
We employ both genotypic and Phenotypic tests to evaluate the health of our puppies. Genotypic tests look at the dog's genetics to determine if there is an underlying mutation that causes diseases. Phenotypic tests involve physical examinations and diagnostic tools, such as echocardiograms, x-rays, and eye exams.
Genetically-based health testing is an essential aspect of responsible breeding. The majority of breeders with a reputation for quality utilize them to ensure high-quality in their breeding stock. It is essential to realize that not all genetics-based health tests are alike. It is crucial to find an organization that is able to provide results and recognizes the breed-specific tests for French Bulldogs.
There are numerous genetics-based labs offering tests for a variety of illnesses that affect the breed. The most reputable labs will transmit the results to OFA which keeps databases of every breed.
These OFA databases permit pet owners to search for a dog's website status in testing and see the health history of all its relatives. This lets the owner make informed breeding decisions based on the health of a dog's siblings, aunts and uncles as well as its ancestors.
It is essential to locate a breeder who only uses accredited laboratories of OFA to perform genetic health tests. This is the most effective method to ensure the authenticity of the results and to prevent false health claims.
There are a number of health panels for French bulldogs. They include the OFA Health Clear Panel and the 6-panel guarantee. These tests include a variety of genetics-based health tests that are specific to the French bulldog breed and also reduce the cost. A "clear" result means that the dog is not carrying the mutation that causes a specific disease. This reduces the risk that the mutation will be passed on to the offspring. A "copyright" result indicates that the dog has one copy of the mutation but does not exhibit any symptoms of the disease. an outcome 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 and require proper socialization to develop into docile, well-mannered companions. This is a crucial process that begins at the time of birth. Socialization is the process of the exposure of your dog to various people, places and things at a young age to increase their confidence and resiliency. This includes interactions with dogs of all ages and people and other dogs.
Frenchies are playful, affectionate and loyal pets that have strong bonds with their families. They can be stubborn and require patience as well as consistent techniques to train them and make them more obedient and responsive.
It is essential to interact with an Frenchie from a young age. However, don't expose them to hazardous or frightening situations until they've been vaccinated. It is also important to not reward their fearful expressions, as this can cause them to develop fears for life.
Socialization should be conducted in a safe, controlled environment on a regular basis to ensure that your dog is comfortable in new situations. It could be as easy as taking them to a different park each week or introductions to other family members and their friends. it should include short walks on the sidewalks in your neighborhood, trips to the pet store and visits to your veterinarian for grooming and shots.
It is also important to expose your pup to other sounds, sights, and environments. They should also be exposed to types of activities that they are likely to engage in throughout their life like playing in a secure area without a leash or taking rides in the vehicle. This will help them become more flexible, confident, and resilient in all situations.
Many people see Frenchies only as lap dogs. They are extremely active, social, and fun-loving. They are able to be involved in obedience, agility, Rally, or field work. They can be fantastic therapy dogs and can even help people recover from surgery or illness.
Training
Frenchies are low-maintenance However, they require daily exercise and mental stimulation. These playful puppies love to spend time playing with their humans and with other dogs. While they lack the motivation to be a great watchdog, they can be responsive to obedience training and be eager to learn new tricks and commands. This breed can be a bit stubborn, so patience is required when training.
Like all dogs, Frenchies need regular grooming to keep their coats and skin healthy. They should be brushed regularly to prevent the buildup of oil and dirt and to remove loose hairs. Their wrinkles are a sign of age and need some extra care to prevent them from getting infected. It is recommended to give them a daily 3-5 minute rubdown using a scentless baby wipe.
Recall training is a crucial ability to teach your Frenchie, as this can help them avoid dangerous or dangerous situations. This is especially true if you are planning to take your Frenchie for an excursion or hike that they may be inclined to explore and wander. Additionally teaching them to be ready when called can help them should they ever become lost or get caught in 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 demands is the best way to earn rewards like food or toys, as well as attention. Avoid harsh punishments, as they will resist training. This could lead to behavior problems in the future.
Although the majority of Frenchies are potty-trained by their breeders, it is crucial to start puppy training from the moment you bring them home. It is helpful to set a routine for feeding, playtime, and training sessions and adhere to it regularly. This will help your French Bulldog develop a strong foundation of basic obedience and make it easier to train in the future.