Before You Buy a French Bulldog
If you're considering a French Bulldog for a pet or adding them to your breeding program it's important that you consider a number of aspects. For instance pet owners can concentrate on color and coat preferences, temperament and personality.
Breeders on the other hand, must consider things like health testing and inbreeding.
Selecting a Breeder who is reputable
Frenchies are the most loved breed of dog in America and there's no surprise why. They are mellow, fun-loving dogs who are devoted to pleasing. They also adjust well to a variety of lifestyles. They are great companions for all ages and families and children. It is crucial to choose a breeder with a good reputation before purchasing a French Bulldog.
The best place to start is to ask for recommendations from friends who own Frenchies or asking your vet to recommend a reputable breeder they've worked with in the past. You can also look for breeders with a positive reputation on social media and online review sites. It is important to visit potential breeders in person once you've narrowed down your choices. This will give you an opportunity to meet the parents of the puppies, observe where they live and play, and also observe the conditions in the conditions they're kept.
A good breeder will welcome you to their facility and be happy to show you around. They should be able to answer any questions you have about Frenchies and their breeding program. They should be able to provide you with specific information about the health background of the puppies as well as their lineage. You should also be provided with an agreement outlining the conditions of the purchase.
You should also be able to meet the mother of the litter (dam) and the father of the pups. They should look healthy and active, and their coats should be clean and free of odor. A reputable breeder should also provide you with information regarding the puppies' AKC registration, and their pedigree with three generations.
The popularity of French Bulldogs has attracted bad breeders, who are more concerned about profit than the welfare of the pups. Inbreeding can result in breathing problems and genetic disorders in dogs. They can also result in overcrowded puppy farms in which the animals are treated poorly. These conditions can cause issues with behavior and decrease the lifespan of puppies. The small breed's short back legs as well as its curled tail can put them at risk for a variety of 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 a dog and how they affect its overall health. In breeding programs, it is common to screen for specific diseases which could be passed on to the next generation. As kaufen oder adoptieren of our effort towards producing healthy dogs, Johnson House Frenchies conducts many different health tests for our puppies.
We employ both genotypic and Phenotypic tests to assess the health of our puppies. Genotypic tests examine the dog's genetics to determine if there is an underlying mutation that causes disease. Phenotypic testing includes physical examinations and diagnostic tools such as x-rays or echocardiograms.
Genetics-based health tests are a crucial element of responsible breeding and the majority of reputable breeders utilize them to ensure the quality of their breeding stock. It is important to know that not all genetics-based health tests are alike. It is vital to find a lab that can recognize the breed specific tests for French bulldogs and provides exact results.
There are a variety of genetics-based labs that offer testing for a variety of diseases that affect the breed. The most reliable labs send the results to OFA which maintains databases on every breed.
These OFA databases permit pet owners to search for a dog's testing status and also see the health histories of all of its relatives. This allows the owner to make informed decisions about breeding based on the health of a dog's siblings, aunts, and uncles, as well as the ancestors of the dog.
It is also important to look for a breeder that only uses OFA recognized laboratories to carry out the genetic health tests. This is the best method to ensure the accuracy of the results as well as to avoid fraudulent health claims.
There are many health panels available for French bulldogs, such as the OFA Health Clear panel and the 6-panel health guarantee. These tests include a variety of genetics-based health tests that are specific to the French bulldog breed, and can reduce the cost. A result of "clear" indicates that a dog doesn't have the mutation responsible for the disease, thus decreasing the chance of passing on the mutation to its offspring. A "carrier result" indicates that the dog has a copy of the mutation, but does not display any signs of illness. 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 hierarchical environment. They require socialization to become calm and well-mannered. This is a critical process that begins at birth. Socialization is the process of the dog being exposed to many different things, places and people from a young age to help build their confidence and resiliency. This includes interactions with dogs of all ages, and people who are also dogs.
Frenchies are loyal, affectionate and playful pets that build strong bonds with their families. They can be stubborn and require patience as well as constant methods to train them and make them obedient and responsive.
While it is important to make friends with your Frenchie at an early age but don't expose them terrifying or dangerous experiences until they are fully immunised 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 for life.
Socialization should take place in a controlled, safe environment and on a regular basis so that your dog continues to develop a sense of security in new environments. It could be as easy as going to a new park every week or the introduction of them to different family members and friends, and it should include short walks along the sidewalks of your neighborhood and trips to the pet store and visits to your vet for shots and grooming.
Your pup must also be exposed to different sounds, sights and environments and also the types of activities they'll engage in throughout their lives such as playing off-lead in a safe area or taking a ride in the car. This will help ensure that they are adaptable and confident in any situation that comes their way.
Many people think of Frenchies as just lap dogs, they are highly active, sociable and fun dogs that are easily involved in obedience classes, agility, Rally or field work. They can be wonderful therapy dogs and can even assist people in recovering from illness or surgery.
Training
While Frenchies are a low-maintenance breed however, they require daily exercise and mental stimulation. These sociable puppies enjoy playing with their owners and other dogs. They may not be able to be a good guard dog, but they'll respond well when taught new commands and tricks. This breed also has a tendency to be somewhat stubborn, so patience is key when it comes to training.
Like all dogs, Frenchies need regular grooming to keep their coats and skin healthy. Regularly brushing will help to stop the accumulation of oil and dirt as well as remove any loose hairs. The wrinkles that are characteristic of them will require some extra care to avoid them getting infected. It is advised to give them a daily 3-5 minute rubdown using a scentless baby wipe.
It is crucial to teach your Frenchie how to retain information. This will help them avoid potential dangers in situations. This is especially important if you are planning to take your Frenchie on a hike or other outings in which they are inclined to wander and explore. Additionally, teaching them to come when they are asked can save their lives should they ever become lost or get caught in traffic.
Frenchies can be stubborn, so it's important to use positive reinforcement when training them. This will help them understand that following your commands is the best way to earn food or toys, as well as attention. Avoid harsh methods of punishment as they may be resistant to training. This could lead to behavior problems in the future.
It is essential to begin puppy training as soon you bring your Frenchie home. The majority of breeders have already potty-trained them. Set a schedule for feeding, playing, and training and follow it. This will aid your French Bulldog develop a strong foundation of basic obedience and will make them easier to train in the future.