Before You Buy a French Bulldog
Whether you're considering a French Bulldog as a pet or planning to include them in your breeding program, it's important to consider a variety of aspects. Pet owners can consider the coat color and color preference, personality, and temperament.
Breeders on the other hand should take into consideration things such as inbreeding and health tests.
How to Choose a Breeder with a Good Reputation
Frenchies are the most popular breed of dog in America and there's no surprise why. They are friendly, playful dogs who are eager to please. They also adapt well to different styles of living. They make great companions for all ages and families and children. It's important that you choose a breeder with a good reputation before purchasing a French Bulldog.
The best place to start is to solicit recommendations from people you know who have Frenchies or asking your vet to suggest a reliable breeder they have worked with in the past. You can also look for breeders with a good reputation via social media and review websites. It's important to visit potential breeders in person once you've narrowed down your choices. This gives you the opportunity to meet the parents of the puppies, observe where they live and play, and also observe the conditions under the conditions they're kept.
A good breeder will be happy to welcome you and show you the facilities they have. They should be happy to answer your questions regarding Frenchies and the breeding program. They should be able to provide you with complete information regarding the health background of the puppies as well as their lineage. You should also receive an agreement detailing the terms of the purchase.
You should be able to meet the mother (dam) of the litter as well as the father of the litter. They should appear healthy and active, and their coats should be clean and free of odor. A reputable breeder should be in a position to provide details regarding 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 the dogs. They could also lead to overcrowded puppy farms in which the animals are treated poorly. These conditions can cause issues with behavior and a lower life expectancy of the puppies. The small breed's short back legs as well as its curled tail also expose them to a variety of issues, including back pain arthritis in joints, and slipped discs.
Health Tests for Health
Health testing is a method that helps determine the genetics of an animal and how it may affect its overall health. In breeding programs, it is common to test for specific conditions that could be passed down to the next generation. At Johnson House Frenchies, we perform a variety of health checks for our puppies as part of our efforts to produce healthy dogs.
We use both genotypic and Phenotypic tests to assess the health of our puppies. Genotypic tests analyze the dog's genetics to determine if there is a mutation that causes the disease. The tests are based on physical examinations and diagnostic tools like x-rays, echocardiograms, and eye tests.
Genetics-based health tests are an essential element of responsible breeding and the majority of reputable breeders use them to verify the quality of their breeding animals. It is essential to realize that not all genetics-based health tests are the same. It is important to find a lab who will accurately deliver results and also recognize the breed-specific tests for French Bulldogs.
There are numerous genetics-based labs that provide tests for a range of diseases that affect the breed. The most reputable will provide the results of these tests to OFA, which maintains databases for each breed-specific test.
These OFA databases enable pet owners to search for a dog's test status and view the health history of their relatives. This allows owners to make informed decisions about breeding based upon the health history of the dog's siblings, aunts and uncles, as well as its ancestors.
It is crucial to find a breeder who only uses OFA-recognized laboratories to perform genetic health tests. This is the best method to ensure accuracy and stop false health claims.
There are a variety of health panels that are available for French bulldogs, including the OFA Health Clear panel and the 6-panel health guarantee. These tests include a variety of genetics-based health tests specific to the French bulldog breed and can reduce the cost. A result of "clear" indicates that a dog doesn't have the mutation for a particular disease, thereby decreasing the likelihood of passing the mutation on to their offspring. A "copyright result" indicates that the dog is carrying an identical copy of the mutation but does not display any signs of disease. A result 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 environment. They require interaction to become docile and well-mannered. This is an essential process that starts at the time of birth. Socialization is the process of exposing your puppy to different individuals, places, and things from a young age to help build their confidence and strength. This includes interactions with people of all ages, dogs and various experiences such as riding in the car, getting washed and even using a vacuum cleaner.
Frenchies are affectionate, loyal and playful pets that build strong bonds with their families. They can also be somewhat stubborn, and require patience and consistent training methods to make them an obedient, receptive dog.
It is essential to interact with the Frenchie at an early age. But, you should not expose them to potentially dangerous or frightening situations until they've been vaccine-free. It is equally important not to reward their expressions of fear as this could lead them to develop phobias that can last a lifetime.
Socialization should be conducted in a safe, controlled environment and on an ongoing basis to ensure that your dog can develop a sense of security in new environments. It could be as easy as taking them to a different park every week or introducing them to different family members and their friends. it should include short walks on the sidewalks of your neighborhood and trips to the pet shop and visits to your vet for grooming and shots.
Your dog must also be exposed to other noises and sights as well as the kinds of activities they will likely take part in throughout their lives, such as playing off-lead check here in a secure area or going on rides in the car. This will help them become more adaptable, confident, and resilient in any circumstance.
Many people think of Frenchies only as lap dogs. However, they are extremely active, social and fun-loving. They can easily be involved in obedience, agility, Rally, or field work. They can also make wonderful therapy dogs and even assist people recover from illnesses or surgeries.
Training
Frenchies are easy to maintain, but they still need daily exercise and mental stimulation. These sociable pups love to spend time with their human family and will happily play with them or other dogs in the yard. Although they don't have the motivation to be a great watchdog, they will respond well to obedience training and be eager to learn new tricks and commands. This breed can also be prone to be a bit stubborn, which is why patience is crucial when it is time to train.
Like all dogs, Frenchies require regular grooming to maintain an enviable coat and skin. Brushing them regularly will keep them free of oil and dirt and also remove any loose hairs. To prevent their signature wrinkles from getting infected it is essential to give them a few extra minutes of care with an unscented baby wipe.
Recall training is a crucial skill to teach your Frenchie, as this will help them avoid dangerous or hazardous situations. This is especially important in the event that you intend to take your Frenchie for excursions or hikes in which they are inclined to explore and wander. Making them return when called can help them stay safe in the event that they wander off or run through traffic.
Frenchies can be stubborn so it is important to use positive reinforcement in training them. This will help them understand that following your instructions is the best way to gain food or toys, as well as attention. Be sure to avoid using harsh methods of discipline, because this could cause them to be resistant to learning and could cause issues with behavior later on.
It is important to start puppy training as soon you bring your Frenchie home. Most breeders will already have potty-trained their puppies. Create a schedule of feeding, playing, and training and stick to it. This will help you to build an excellent base for your French Bulldog's fundamental obedience. It will also aid in training your dog in the future.