Before You Buy a French Bulldog
If you're thinking of getting the idea of a French Bulldog as a pet or planning to include them in your breeding program, you need to think about a range of factors. For instance pet owners should focus on coat color and color preferences, temperament and personality.
Breeders however should take into consideration things like inbreeding and health testing.
Selecting a Breeder with a Good Reputation
It's no surprise that Frenchies are America's most popular breed of dog. They are fun-loving, mellow dogs that are devoted to pleasing and are able to adapt to different lifestyles. They are wonderful companions for all ages and families and children. similar web site that you locate a reliable breeder prior to buying the French Bulldog.
The best place to start is to solicit recommendations from friends who own Frenchies or ask your veterinarian to suggest a reliable breeder that they have worked with in the past. You can also look for breeders who have a good reputation on social media and review websites. Once you have a list of potential breeders, it's important to visit them in person. 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 in the conditions they're kept.
A good breeder will be happy to welcome you to their facility and be delighted to show you around. They should be willing to answer any questions you might have about Frenchies and their breeding program. They should be able to provide you with specific information regarding the puppies' health history and lineage, and give you an agreement in writing that outlines the terms of purchase.
You should be able meet the mother (dam) of the litter as well as the father who is biological. They should appear healthy and active and their coats must be clean and free of smell. A reputable breeder should also give you information on the puppies' AKC registration, and their pedigree with three generations.
The popularity of French Bulldogs has attracted breeders who are more concerned with profits than the wellbeing of their pups. Inbreeding can lead to breathing issues and genetic disorders in dogs. They may also create overcrowded puppy farms in which the animals receive poor care. These conditions can lead to issues with behavior and decrease the lifespan of puppies. The short back legs of the small breed and their curled tails can put them at risk of many issues, such as back pain, arthritis, and discs that are slipping.
Health Tests
Health testing is a procedure that can help determine the genetics of an animal and how it may affect its overall health. In breeding programs, it is common to screen for certain conditions that could pass to the next generation. As part of our effort to producing healthy dogs Johnson House Frenchies conducts many different health tests for our puppies.
We use both genotypic as well as Phenotypic tests for assessing the health of our puppies. Genotypic tests examine the dog's DNA to determine if it is carrying an illness-causing mutation. Phenotypic testing involves physical examinations and diagnostic tools like x-rays or echocardiograms.
Genetically-based health testing is a crucial component of responsible breeding. The majority of breeders with a reputation for quality utilize them to ensure high-quality in their breeding animals. However, it is crucial to understand that not all genetics-based health tests are created to be the same. It is essential to find an animal testing lab that is able to recognize the breed specific tests for French bulldogs and provides accurate results.
Many genetics-based laboratories provide testing for various diseases that affect a breed. The most reputable labs will forward the results to OFA which maintains databases on every breed.
These OFA databases enable pet owners to search a dog's test results and look up the health history of their relatives. This allows pet owners to make informed breeding decisions based on the health of a dog's siblings, aunts and uncles as well as its ancestors.
It is also crucial to look for breeders that use OFA recognized laboratories to carry out the genetic health tests. This is the most effective method to ensure accuracy and stop false health claims.
There are several health panels for French bulldogs. They include the OFA Health Clear Panel and the 6-panel guarantee. These tests are a combination of a number of genetics-based health tests that are specific to the breed, and can cut down the cost of individual genetics-based tests. visit their website of "clear" means that a dog doesn't possess the mutation that causes the disease, thus decreasing the risk of passing on the mutation to the offspring of that mutation. A "carrier result" signifies that the dog has an identical copy of the mutation however, it does not 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 a critical process that starts at the time of birth. Socialization involves the exposure of your dog to various things, places and people from a young age to increase their confidence and resiliency. This involves interactions with people of all ages, other dogs, and different experiences like taking a ride in the car, getting bathed and even using a vacuum.
Frenchies are loyal, affectionate 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.
It is important to socialize the Frenchie from a young age. But, you should not expose them to potentially dangerous or frightening situations until they have been fully vaccine-free. It is also essential to not reward their expressions of fear, as this can cause them to develop fears for the rest of their lives.
Socialization should take place in a safe, controlled environment regularly to ensure that your dog is at ease in a new environment. This could be as simple as taking them to a new park each week, or introducing them to different family members and friends, and it should include short walks on the sidewalks in your neighborhood or trips to the pet shop and visits to your vet to get shots and grooming.
Your pup must also be exposed to different sounds, sights and environments in addition to the types of activities they'll take part in throughout their lives, such as playing off-lead within a safe area or taking a ride in the car. This will make them more flexible, confident, and resilient in any situation.
Although many people view Frenchies as purely lap dogs, they are highly energetic, social and fun-loving dogs that can easily be involved in agility classes, obedience classes, Rally or field work. They also make excellent therapy dogs and assist people recover from illnesses or surgeries.
Training
Frenchies are not very demanding however they still require daily exercise and mental stimulation. These playful puppies love to spend time playing with their human companions and with other dogs. They may not have the motivation to become a formidable guard dog, but they will respond well when they are taught new commands and tricks. The breed is also somewhat stubborn, so patience is essential when training.
Like all dogs, Frenchies require regular grooming in order to maintain a healthy skin and coat. They should be brushed regularly to avoid the buildup of oil and dirt and also to remove hairs that have fallen out. To keep their signature wrinkles from forming it is crucial to give them a few extra minutes of care with a non-scented baby wipe.
It is essential to teach your Frenchie how to recall information. This will help them avoid potentially dangerous situations. This is especially true when you plan to take your Frenchie on excursions or hikes in which they are inclined to wander and explore. In addition teaching them to be ready when they are called could save their lives should they ever become lost or run into traffic.
Frenchies can be stubborn so it's important to use positive reinforcement when training them. This will help them learn that responding to your requests is the best method of earning rewards such as food, toys, and attention. Make sure you avoid using harsh methods of discipline since this can make them more resistant to training and could lead to issues with behavior later on.
While the majority of Frenchies will be potty-trained by their breeders, it is essential to begin puppy training when you bring them home. It is helpful to establish the routine for feeding, playtime, and training sessions and adhere to it consistently. This will help you to build an excellent foundation for your French Bulldog's fundamental obedience. It will also aid in training them in the future.