Before You Buy a French Bulldog
Whether you're considering the idea of a French Bulldog as a pet or are planning to include them in your breeding program, you need to think about a range of factors. For instance pet owners should focus on color and coat preferences, personality and temperament.
Breeders must, on the contrary, take into consideration things such as inbreeding, health testing, and genetic testing.
How to Choose a Reputable Breeder
It's not a surprise that Frenchies are America's most popular breed of dog. They are mellow, fun-loving dogs who are devoted to pleasing. They are also able to adapt to a variety of lifestyles. They are great companions for people and families of all ages, including children. But before buying a French bulldog, it's important to find a reputable breeder.
Asking friends and family members who have Frenchies for suggestions or asking your vet to recommend a breeder they have previously worked with is the best way to get started. You can also search for breeders with a good reputation through social media and review websites. Once you have a list of potential breeders, you should visit them in person. You can meet the parents, see the place where the puppies live and play and learn about the conditions under which they're raised.
A good breeder will be happy to welcome visitors to their facility and be delighted to show you around. They should be willing to answer any questions you may have about the Frenchies and their breeding program. They should be able to provide you with specific information regarding the puppies' health history and lineage, and provide you with a written contract outlining the terms of your purchase.
You are also expected to meet the mother of the litter (dam) and the father of the pups. They should appear healthy and active. Their coats must be free of odor and clean. A reputable breeder will be able to provide you with information on the puppies' AKC registration and their three-generation pedigree.
The popularity of French Bulldogs has drawn breeders who are more concerned about profits than the welfare of the puppies. Inbreeding can lead to breathing issues and genetic disorders in dogs. They can also result in overcrowded puppy farms in which the animals receive poor care. These conditions can result in problems with behavior and reduce life expectancy in the puppies. The short back legs of the small breed and their curly tails put them at risk of a number problems, including back pain, arthritis, and discs that have slipped.
Health Tests
Health testing is a process that can help determine the genetics of an animal and how this could affect its overall health. It is a standard procedure in breeding programs to test for specific conditions that can be passed on to the next generation. At Johnson House Frenchies, we perform a variety of health checks for our puppies as part of our commitment to raise healthy dogs.
The health tests we employ to assess our puppies are based on genotypic and phenotypic testing. Genotypic tests look at the dog's DNA to determine if there's a mutation that causes disease. Phenotypic testing involves physical examinations, as well as diagnostic tools like xrays or echocardiograms.
Genetics-based health tests are a crucial component of responsible breeding, and the majority of breeders who are reputable use them to verify the quality of their breeding animals. It is important to know that not all genetics based health tests are the same. It is vital to find an animal testing lab that is able to recognize the breed specific tests for French bulldogs and will provide exact results.
A variety of genetics-based labs offer testing for various conditions that affect a breed. The most reputable labs will send the results to OFA which maintains databases on every breed.
These OFA databases allow pet owners to look for a dog's testing status and also see the health histories of all of its relatives. This lets owners make informed decisions regarding breeding based on the health history of their dog's siblings, aunts and uncles, as well as its ancestors.
It is essential to choose a breeder that only uses accredited OFA laboratories for genetic health tests. This is the most effective way to ensure the accuracy of the results as well as to avoid fraudulent health claims.
There are a number of health panels for French bulldogs. They include the OFA Health Clear Panel and the 6-panel guarantee. These tests bundle a number 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 decreases the likelihood that the mutation could be passed on to the offspring. A "copyright result" signifies that the dog has an identical copy of the mutation, however, it does not show any symptoms 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 socialization to become docile and well-mannered. This is a crucial process that starts at birth. Socialization is the process of getting your puppy exposed to different locations, people, and things from an early age to build their confidence and strength. This includes interactions with people of all ages, with other dogs, and a variety of experiences such as riding in the car, being bathed and even using a vacuum cleaner.
Frenchies are affectionate, playful and loyal companions that have strong bonds with their families. They can be stubborn and require patience and constant methods to train them, making them more obedient and responsive.
It is important to socialize the Frenchie from a young age. However, do not expose them to any potentially hazardous or frightening situations until they've been vaccine-free. 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 take place in a secure, controlled environment on a regular basis to ensure that your dog is comfortable in new environments. It's as simple as taking your dog to a different park every week or the introduction of new family members and other pet owners.
Your puppy should also be exposed different sounds, sights and environments in addition to the types of activities they will likely engage in throughout their lives, such as playing off-lead in a secure space or taking a ride in the car. This will help ensure that they are able and confident in any circumstance that may come their way.
Many people think of Frenchies only as lap dogs. They are very active, social and fun-loving. They can easily be involved in obedience, agility, Rally, or field work. They can be fantastic therapy dogs, and even assist people in recovering from surgeries or illnesses.
Training
While Frenchies are fairly low-maintenance dogs However, they do require daily exercise and mental stimulation. These sociable pups love to spend time with their humans and are happy to play with them or other dogs in the yard. They may not be able to be a good guard dog, but they'll respond well when they are taught new commands and tricks. The breed is also a bit stubborn so patience is required when training.
Like all dogs, Frenchies require regular grooming to ensure the health of their coat and skin. They should be groomed regularly to avoid the buildup of oil and dirt, as well as to remove hairs that are loose. To prevent their signature wrinkles from becoming infected, it is important to give them an additional 3-5 minutes of attention using a non-scented baby wipe.
It is essential to teach your Frenchie how to recall information. This will allow them to avoid potentially dangerous situations. This is particularly true in the event that you intend to take them on hikes or other activities where they are inclined to wander off and explore. Instructing them to return when called can ensure their safety if they get lost or run in traffic.
Frenchies can be stubborn, so it is important to use positive reinforcement in training them. This will help them learn that responding to your needs is the best method of earning rewards such as food or toys, as well as attention. Avoid harsh methods of punishment, as they will be resistant to training. Französische Bulldogge zu verkaufen This could result in behavior problems in the future.
It is crucial to begin puppy training as soon as you bring your Frenchie home. Most breeders have already potty-trained them. Set a schedule for feeding, playing, and training and adhere to it. This will help you to create a solid base for your French Bulldog's foundational obedience. It will also help you train them in the future.