Before You Buy a French Bulldog
If you're considering getting having a French Bulldog for a pet or adding them to your breeding program, it's crucial that you consider a number of factors. For example pet owners should focus on coat color and color preferences, temperament and personality.
Breeders should, on the contrary, take into consideration things such as inbreeding, health testing, and genetic testing.
How to Choose a Reputable Breeder
Frenchies are the most loved breed of dog in America and it's no wonder why. They are mellow, fun-loving dogs who are devoted to pleasing. They are also able to adapt to different styles of living. They make excellent companions for families and people of all ages, even kids. It's important that you choose a breeder with a good reputation before purchasing a French Bulldog.
The best way to begin is by asking for referrals from people you know who have Frenchies or asking your vet to recommend a breeder they've worked with in the past. You can also look for breeders with a positive reputation via social media and online review websites. It's important to visit potential breeders in person once you have a shortlist. This will give you an opportunity to meet the parents of the puppies, look the places they live and play, and also observe the conditions in which they live.
A good breeder will warmly welcome you to their facility and will be more than happy to show you around. They should be happy to answer any questions you may have about Frenchies and the breeding program. They should be able provide you with complete information regarding the health background of the puppies as well as their lineage. You should also be provided with an agreement detailing the conditions of the purchase.
You should be able meet the mother (dam) of the litter and the biological father. They should look healthy and active. Their coats should also be free of odor and clean. A reputable breeder can also give you information on the puppies' AKC registration, and their pedigree with three generations.
The popularity of French Bulldogs has drawn breeders who are more focused on profits than the wellbeing of the puppies. Inbreeding can cause breathing problems and genetic disorders in the dogs. They could also lead to overcrowded puppy farms where the animals receive inadequate care. These conditions can lead to issues with behavior and a lower life expectancy of the puppies. The short back legs of the small breed and their curly tails put them at risk of many issues, such as back pain, arthritis, and discs that are slipping.
Health Tests for Health
Health testing is a process that helps determine the genetics of an animal and how it could affect its overall health. It is a routine practice in breeding programs to screen for specific diseases that could be passed on to the next generation. As part of our dedication towards producing healthy dogs, Johnson House Frenchies conducts many different health tests for our puppies.
The health tests that we use to evaluate our puppies include genotypic and phenotypic testing. Genotypic tests look at the dog's DNA in order to determine if there's a mutation that can cause disease. Phenotypic testing involves physical examinations as well as diagnostic tools like x-rays or echocardiograms.
Genetically-based health testing is an essential aspect of responsible breeding. The majority of breeders who are reputable employ them to ensure the highest quality in their breeding selection. However, it is important to recognize that not all tests based on genetics are to be the same. It is crucial to locate a lab that can recognize the breed-specific tests specific to French bulldogs and can provide exact results.
Many genetics-based laboratories provide testing for various conditions that affect a breed. The most reputable labs will transmit the results to OFA which maintains databases on each breed.
These OFA databases permit pet owners to search for a dog's testing status and view the health history of all of its relatives. This lets owners make informed choices about breeding based upon the health history of the dog's siblings, aunts and uncles as well as its ancestors.
It is also important to look for breeders that use OFA recognized laboratories to perform the genetic health tests. This is the most effective way to ensure the accuracy of the results and also to stop fraudulent health claims.
There are many health panels for French bulldogs. These include the OFA Health Clear Panel and the 6-panel guarantee. These tests combine a number of genetics-based health tests 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 lowers the chance that the mutation could be passed on to offspring. A "copyright" result means the dog is carrying one copy of the mutation but does not show any symptoms of the disease. 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 and require the right socialization in order to become friendly, well-mannered animals. This is an important process that starts at birth. Socialization is the process of exposing your puppy to different locations, people and things at a young age to build their confidence and resiliency. This involves interactions with dogs of all ages and with people who are also dogs.
Frenchies are loyal, affectionate and playful dogs that form strong bonds with their families. They can also be somewhat stubborn, which requires patience and consistent training techniques to harness their determination and create obedient, responsive dogs.
It is essential to interact with a Frenchie at an early age. However, don't expose them to hazardous or frightening situations until they've been vaccinated. It is equally important to not reward their expressions of fear, as they could develop phobias that can last for a lifetime.
Socialization should occur in a controlled, safe environment regularly to ensure that your dog is at ease in new environments. This could be as simple as taking them to a new park each week, or introducing them to different family members and friends. it should include short walks on the sidewalks in your neighborhood or visits to the pet store and visits to your vet to get shots and grooming.
Your puppy should also be exposed other sounds, sights and environments and also the types of activities they will likely take part in throughout their lives such as playing off-lead within a safe area or going on rides in the car. This will help ensure that they are adaptable, confident and resilient to any situation that may come their way.
While many people think of Frenchies as just lap dogs, they are highly active, sociable and fun dogs that can easily be involved in obedience classes, agility, Rally or field work. They are excellent therapy dogs and can even assist people in recovering from illness or surgery.
Training
Frenchies are easy to maintain However, they require regular exercise and mental stimulation. These playful dogs enjoy spending time with their humans and are happy to play with them or other dogs in the yard. While they lack the desire to be a good watchdog, they will be responsive to obedience training and will be eager to learn new tricks and commands. The breed is also known to be somewhat stubborn, so patience is crucial when it comes to training.
Like all dogs, Frenchies need regular grooming to keep their coats and skin healthy. They should be brushed regularly to avoid the accumulation of dirt and oil and also to get rid of hairs that have fallen out. Their wrinkles are a sign of age and need some extra attention to prevent them from becoming infected and it is wise to give them a daily rubdown using a non-scented baby wipe.
It is important to teach your Frenchie how to recall information. This will allow them to avoid potential dangers in situations. This is especially important in the event that you more info intend to take your Frenchie for an excursion or hike, where they might be inclined to explore and wander. Instructing them to return when called will ensure their safety when they are lost or get caught through traffic.
Frenchies can be stubborn, so it is important to use positive reinforcement when training them. This will teach them that following your instructions is the best way to gain food, toys, or attention. Be sure to avoid using harsh methods of discipline, because this could cause them to be resistant to learning and could lead to issues with behavior later on.
While most Frenchies will be potty-trained by their breeders, it is crucial to start puppy training when you bring them home. Set a schedule for feeding, playing, and training and follow it. This will allow you to establish a solid base for your French Bulldog's foundational obedience. It will also make it easier to train your dog in the future.