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 crucial to think about a range of factors. Pet owners can think about color and coat preference as well as temperament, personality, and color.
Breeders should, 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 it's no reason to wonder why. They are gentle, fun-loving dogs who love to please. They are also able to adapt to many different styles of living. They are great companions for families of all ages and children. But before you buy a French bulldog, it's crucial to locate a reliable breeder.
Asking people you know that own Frenchies for recommendations or asking your veterinarian to recommend a breeder who they have worked with previously is the best way to get started. You can also look for breeders who have a good reputation on social media and review websites. It is essential to visit prospective breeders in person after you've narrowed down your choices. This will give you an opportunity to meet the parents of the puppies, look the places they live and play, as well as observe the conditions under which they are kept.
A reputable breeder will be happy to meet you and show you the facilities they have. They should be willing to answer any questions you may have about Frenchies and their 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 receive an agreement outlining the terms of purchase.
You must also be able to meet the mother of the litter (dam) and the biological father of the puppies. They should look healthy and active. Their coats should also be odor-free and clean. A reputable breeder will also be in a position to provide details regarding the puppies' AKC registration and their 3-generation pedigree.
The popularity of French Bulldogs has drawn bad breeders, who are more concerned about profits than the wellbeing of their pups. Inbreeding can lead to breathing issues and genetic disorders in dogs. They can also result in overcrowded puppy farms where the animals receive poor care. These conditions can cause problems with behavior and reduce life expectancy for puppies. The small breed's short back legs and curled tail can put them at risk for many issues, such as spine pain and arthritis in joints, and slipped discs.
Health Tests
Health testing is a crucial method to identify the genetics of dogs and how they may impact its overall health. In breeding programs, it's common to test for specific conditions which could be passed on to the next generation. As part of our effort to breeding healthy dogs, Johnson House Frenchies conducts many different health tests on our puppies.
The tests we use to evaluate our puppies include both genotypic and phenotypic tests. Genotypic tests examine the dog's DNA to determine if it is carrying a disease-causing mutation. The testing process involves physical examinations as well as diagnostic tools like xrays or echocardiograms.
Genetics-based health tests are a critical element of responsible breeding and the majority of reputable breeders use them to verify the quality of their breeding stock. However, it is crucial to realize that not all tests based on genetics are to be the same. It is essential to locate an organization that is able to deliver results and also recognize the breed-specific tests that are available for French Bulldogs.
There are numerous genetics-based labs offering testing for a variety of illnesses that affect the breed. The most reputable labs will forward the results to OFA who maintains databases for each breed.
These OFA databases allow pet owners to search for a dog's testing status and also see the health histories of all its relatives. This allows owners to make informed choices regarding breeding based on the health history of the dog's siblings, aunts and uncles and also the ancestors of the dog.
It is essential to find a breeder who only uses accredited OFA laboratories to perform genetic health tests. This is the best way to ensure the accuracy of the results and also to prevent fraudulent health claims.
There are a number of health panels for French bulldogs. They include the OFA Health Clear Panel as well as the 6-panel guarantee. These tests combine several genetics-based health tests that are specific to the breed and cut down the cost of individual genetics-based tests. A "clear" result means that the dog does not carry the mutation that causes a specific disease. This reduces the risk that the mutation could be passed on to offspring. A "copyright" result indicates that the dog has one copy of the mutation, but does not exhibit any symptoms of the disease, and a result of "at-risk" indicates that the dog is likely to develop the disease.
Socialization
French Bulldogs are pack animals that thrive in a hierarchical environment. They require interaction to become docile and well-mannered. This is a crucial process that begins from the time of birth. Socialization is the process of exposing your puppy to different locations, people and things at the age of one to help build their confidence and resilience. This includes interactions with dogs of all ages and with people and other dogs.
Frenchies are affectionate, loyal and playful pets that build strong bonds with their families. They can be stubborn and require patience as well as consistent techniques to train them, making them more obedient and responsive.
While it is important to establish a social bond with your Frenchie at an early age, don't expose them to terrifying or dangerous experiences until they are fully vaccine-free and prepared for these types of interactions. It is equally important to not reward the expressions of fear as this could cause them to develop phobias that will last for a lifetime.
Socialization should take place in a secure, controlled environment, and on a regular basis to ensure that your dog continues to become comfortable in new environments. This could be as simple as going to a new park every week or introductions to other family members and friends, and it should include short walks along the sidewalks around your neighborhood or trips to the pet shop and visits to your veterinarian to get shots and grooming.
Your puppy should also be exposed to other sounds, sights and environments in addition to the types of activities they'll engage 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 and confident in any situation that comes their way.
Many people view Frenchies only as lap dogs. They are very energetic, social and fun. They are able to be involved in agility, obedience, Rally, or field work. They can also make wonderful therapy dogs and can even help people recover from surgery or other illnesses.
Training
Frenchies are not very demanding, but they still need regular exercise and mental stimulation. These sociable puppies love to spend time playing with their human companions and with other dogs. While they don't have the drive to be a superb watchdog, they can be able to respond well to obedience training and will be eager to learn new tricks and commands. The breed can also be prone to be somewhat stubborn, so patience is key when it comes to training.
As with all dogs, Frenchies require regular grooming in order to maintain a healthy skin and coat. They should be brushed frequently to prevent the accumulation of dirt and oil and to get rid of loose hairs. To prevent their signature wrinkles from getting infected it is crucial to give them an additional 3-5 minutes of attention using a non-scented baby wipe.
Recall training is an important skill to teach your Frenchie as it will help them avoid dangerous or unsafe situations. This is especially true when you plan to take your Frenchie for an excursion or hike that they may be inclined to explore and wander. Teaching them to come back when they are called can save their lives if they get lost or get caught in traffic.
Frenchies aren't always easy to handle, so it's crucial to use positive reinforcement when training them. This will help them learn that responding to your needs is the best method of check here earning rewards such as food and toys as well as your attention. Avoid harsh punishments as they may resist training. This could lead to issues with behavior in the future.
While the majority of Frenchies will be potty trained by their breeders, it's crucial to start puppy training as soon as you bring them home. Set a schedule for feeding and playing and follow it. This will help you establish a solid base for your French Bulldog's fundamental obedience. It will also aid in training your dog in the future.