Before You Buy a French Bulldog
If you're thinking of getting a French Bulldog as a pet or if you're planning to include them in your breeding program, it's crucial to think about a range of aspects. For example pet owners should focus on color and coat preferences, temperament and personality.
Breeders must, on contrary, think about things like inbreeding health testing, and genetic testing.
How to Choose a Reputable Breeder
It's no surprise that Frenchies are America's most popular dog breed. They are mellow, fun-loving dogs who are devoted to pleasing. They also adjust well to a variety of lifestyles. They make great companions for families of all ages, including children. However, before you purchase 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 begin. You can also search for breeders with an excellent reputation on review sites and social media. It is important to visit potential breeders in person when you have a shortlist. You can meet the parents, visit the area where the puppies live and play and learn about the conditions in which they're raised.
A reputable breeder will meet you and show you around their facility. They should be able to answer any questions you may have about Frenchies and their 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 be provided with an agreement outlining the terms of the purchase.
You should be able to meet the mother (dam) of the litter and the father of the litter. They must appear healthy and active. Their coats should be odor-free and clean. A reputable breeder should be able to provide you with details regarding the puppies' AKC registration and their 3-generation pedigree.
The popularity of French Bulldogs has drawn breeders who are more concerned with profit than the welfare of their pups. Inbreeding can result in breathing kaufen französische bulldogge and genetic disorders in dogs. They can also result in overcrowded puppy farms in which the animals receive poor care. These conditions can lead to behavioral problems and reduce the life expectancy of puppies. The short back legs of the small breed and their curled tails can put them at risk of many problems, including back arthritis, pain and discs that are slipping.
Health Tests
Health testing is a crucial process that helps identify the genetics of dogs and the way they impact its overall health. It is a standard practice in breeding programs to screen for specific diseases that could be passed on to the next generation. At Johnson House Frenchies, we conduct many different health tests for our puppies as part of our efforts to produce healthy dogs.
We employ both genotypic and Phenotypic tests for assessing the health of our puppies. Genotypic tests analyze the dog's DNA to determine if it is carrying a disease-causing mutation. Phenotypic testing involves physical examinations, as well as diagnostic tools like xrays 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 animals. It is crucial to understand that not all genetics based health tests are the same. It is vital to find a lab that recognizes the breed-specific tests for French bulldogs and can provide precise results.
Many genetics-based laboratories offer testing for various conditions that affect a breed. The most reliable labs forward the results to OFA which keeps databases of each breed.
These OFA databases allow pet owners to search a dog's health status and see the health history of its relatives. This lets owners make informed decisions regarding breeding based on the health history of the dog's siblings, aunts and uncles, as well as its ancestors.
It is also essential to choose breeders that use OFA recognized laboratories to perform the genetic health tests. This is the most effective method 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 bundle together a variety of genetics-based health tests that are specific to the breed, and can cut down the cost of individual genetics-based tests. A result of "clear" indicates that a dog doesn't possess the mutation that causes an illness, thereby decreasing the risk of passing on the mutation to its offspring. A "carrier result" signifies that the dog has an identical copy of the mutation, but doesn't show 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 hierarchy environment. They require socialization to become calm and well-mannered. This is an essential process that begins as early as the time of birth. Socialization is the process of exposed your puppy to various individuals, places and things at an early age to build their confidence and resiliency. This includes interactions with people of all ages, dogs, and a variety of experiences like riding in the car, getting cleaned and even using a vacuum.
Frenchies are affectionate, playful and loyal dogs that bond strongly with their families. They can also be stubborn, which requires patience and consistent training methods to increase their determination and produce friendly, well-behaved dogs.
While it is essential to establish a social bond with your Frenchie at a young age, don't expose them to frightening or potentially harmful experiences until they are fully vaccinated and prepared for these types of interactions. It is equally important to not reward the expressions of fear because they could develop phobias that last a lifetime.
Socialization should take place in a safe, controlled environment regularly to ensure that your dog is comfortable in a new environment. It could be as easy as taking them to a different park each week, or introductions to other family members and their friends. it should include short walks on the sidewalks around your neighborhood or trips to the pet store and visits to the vet for grooming and shots.
You should also expose your puppy to other sounds, sights, and environments. They should also be exposed to kinds of activities they are likely to engage in throughout their lives, like playing in a safe area without a leash, or taking a ride in a vehicle. This will make them more adaptable, confident, and resilient in any situation.
Many people see Frenchies only as lap dogs. They are very energetic, social and fun. They can easily be involved in agility, obedience, Rally, or field work. They can be fantastic therapy dogs and can even aid people recovering from surgeries or illnesses.
Training
Frenchies are easy to maintain, but they still need regular exercise and mental stimulation. These playful dogs are a joy to be with their human family and will happily play with them or other dogs in the yard. They may not have the drive to become a formidable guard dog, but they'll respond well when they are taught new commands and tricks. The breed can also be prone to be a bit stubborn, so patience is crucial when it is time to train.
As with all dogs, Frenchies require regular grooming to maintain a healthy skin and coat. Regularly brushing them will help keep them free of dirt and oil, as well as removing hairs that have fallen out. Their wrinkles are a sign of age and need some extra care to avoid them becoming infected and it is wise to give them a daily 3-5 minute rubdown with an unscented baby wipe.
Recall training is an important ability to teach your Frenchie because it can help them avoid danger or hazardous situations. This is especially true in the event that you intend to take them on hikes or any other outings where they may be inclined to wander off and explore. In addition teaching them to return when they are asked can help them in the event that they get lost or run into traffic.
Frenchies aren't always easy to handle, so it's important to employ positive reinforcement when training them. This will help them understand that responding to your requests is the best method of earning rewards such as food, toys, and attention. Be sure to avoid using harsh methods of discipline because this could cause them to be resistant to learning and could lead to issues with behavior later on.
It is important to start puppy training as soon you bring your Frenchie home. The majority of breeders already have them potty-trained. It is helpful to set a routine for feeding as well as playtime and training sessions and adhere to it consistently. This will aid your French Bulldog develop a strong base of basic obedience and make it easier to train in the future.