Before You Buy a French Bulldog
If you're thinking about a French Bulldog as a pet or planning to incorporate them into your breeding program, you need to take into consideration a variety of factors. For instance pet owners can concentrate on color and coat preferences, personality and temperament.
Breeders must, on the contrary, think about things like inbreeding health testing and genetic testing.
Choosing a Reputable Breeder
It's not a surprise that Frenchies are the most loved breed of dog. They are friendly, playful dogs who are eager to please. They also adjust well to different styles of living. They make great companions for people and families of all ages, even kids. It is essential to locate a reliable breeder prior to purchasing a French Bulldog.
The best way to begin is by asking for referrals from friends who have Frenchies or ask your veterinarian to recommend a reputable breeder they have worked with in the past. You can also look for breeders with a positive reputation through social media and review websites. Once you have a list of possible breeders, it is important to visit them in person. You can meet the parents, tour the place where the puppies live, play, and learn about the conditions in which they're raised.
A reputable breeder will be happy to meet you and show you around their facility. They should be happy to answer your questions regarding Frenchies and their breeding program. They should be able provide you with detailed information on the health history of the puppies and their lineage. You should also be provided with an agreement outlining the terms of purchase.
You should be able meet the mother (dam) of the litter and the father who is biological. They should look healthy and active and their coats should be clean and free of odor. A reputable breeder can also provide you with information regarding the puppies' AKC registration, and their pedigree of three generations.
The popularity of French Bulldogs has drawn breeders who are more concerned with profits than the wellbeing of their pups. They can breed their dogs creating breathing issues and genetic disorders, or create overcrowded puppy mills in which the animals are poorly cared for. These conditions can cause issues with behavior and a lower life expectancy for puppies. The small breed's short back legs and curled tail also put them at risk for various issues, including back pain arthritis in joints and discs that are slipping.
Health Tests for Health
Health testing is a crucial method to identify the genetics of a dog and how they may impact its overall health. In breeding programs, it's typical to test for certain conditions that could pass to the next generation. As part of our commitment to breeding healthy dogs, Johnson House Frenchies conducts many different health tests on our puppies.
The health tests we employ to assess our puppies include both genotypic and phenotypic testing. Genotypic tests analyze the dog's DNA to determine if there is a mutation that causes diseases. Phenotypic tests include physical examinations and diagnostic tools, such as x-rays, echocardiograms, and eye exams.
Genetics-based health tests are a critical component of responsible breeding, and the majority of reputable breeders utilize them to ensure the quality of their breeding stock. It is crucial to understand that not all genetics based health tests are created equal. It is essential to find a lab that recognizes the breed-specific tests for French bulldogs and will provide exact results.
There are several genetics-based labs that offer tests for a range of illnesses that affect the breed. The most reliable labs forward the results to OFA which maintains databases on each breed.
These OFA databases allow pet owners to search a dog's health status and see the health history of the dog's relatives. This allows pet owners to make informed breeding decisions based on the health of the dog's siblings, aunts, and uncles, as well as its ancestors.
It is also essential to look for breeders that only use OFA recognized laboratories to carry out the genetic health tests. This is the most effective way to ensure the accuracy of the results as well as to stop fraudulent health claims.
There are a number of health panels available for French bulldogs. These include the OFA Health Clear Panel as well as the 6-panel guarantee. These tests bundle a number genetics-based health test that are specific to the French bulldog breed and can reduce the cost. A result of "clear" indicates that a dog does not possess the mutation that causes the disease, thus decreasing the risk of passing the mutation on to their offspring. A "carrier result" indicates that the dog is carrying an identical copy of the mutation, but does not display any symptoms of disease. A result of "at risk" indicates that the dog is at risk of developing the disease.
Hamlin-Schwibbogen Französische Bulldogge are pack animals that thrive in a symbiosis and require the right socialization in order to become friendly, well-mannered animals. This is a vital process that begins from the time of the time of birth. Socialization involves the exposure of your dog to a variety of objects, people, and places at an early age to help build their confidence and build up their resilience. This involves interactions with people of all ages, dogs, and different experiences like driving in the car, being washed and even using a vacuum.
Frenchies are affectionate, playful and loyal pets that bond strongly with their families. They can also be stubborn, which requires patience and consistent training techniques to increase their determination and produce obedient, responsive dogs.
While it is essential to establish a social bond with your Frenchie at an early age, don't expose them to frightening or potentially harmful experiences until they are fully vaccinated and ready for these kinds of interactions. It is also important to not reward their expressions of fear in order to prevent them to develop phobias later in the rest of their lives.
Socialization should occur in a controlled, safe environment on a regular basis to ensure that your dog is at ease in new situations. It could be as simple as taking your dog to a different park every week or welcoming him to new family members and friends.
Your puppy should also be exposed to other sounds surroundings, sights and sounds as well as the kinds 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 see Frenchies only as lap dogs. They are extremely active, social and fun-loving. They can easily be involved in obedience, agility, Rally, or field work. They can be wonderful 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 sociable puppies are a joy to play with their human companions and other dogs. They may not have the drive to become a great guard dog, but they will respond well when they are taught new commands and tricks. This breed is also known to be a bit stubborn, which is why patience is essential when it comes to training.
As with all dogs, Frenchies require regular grooming to ensure a healthy skin and coat. Regularly brushing them will help prevent the accumulation of oil and dirt and also remove any hairs that are loose. To keep their signature wrinkles from getting infected, it is important to give them an additional 3-5 minutes of care with baby wipes that are not scented.
Recall training is an important ability to teach your Frenchie because it can help them avoid danger or unsafe situations. This is particularly true in the event that you intend to take your Frenchie for a hike or other outings that they may be inclined to wander and explore. In addition, teaching them to come when they are asked can help them in the event that they get lost or get caught in traffic.
Frenchies can be stubborn so it's crucial to employ positive reinforcement when training them. This will help them understand that obeying your commands is the best way to earn food or toys, or even attention. Be sure to avoid using harsh methods of discipline since this can 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 essential to begin puppy training from the moment you bring them home. It is helpful to establish a schedule for feeding time, playtime, and training sessions and stick to it consistently. This will help you to establish a solid foundation for your French Bulldog's foundational obedience. It will also help you train them in the future.