Before You Buy a French Bulldog
If you're considering getting the idea of a French Bulldog for a pet or incorporating them into your breeding program, it's crucial to consider a variety of aspects. Pet owners can think about the color and coat they prefer, personality, and temperament.
Breeders however should take into consideration things such as inbreeding and health tests.
How to Select a Breeder who is Reputable
Frenchies are the most sought-after breed of dog in America and there's no reason to wonder why. They are friendly, playful dogs who are eager to please. They are also able to adapt to many different lifestyles. They are great companions for people and families of all ages, including children. It's important that you find a reputable breeder before purchasing a French Bulldog.
The best way to begin is to ask for recommendations from people you know who own Frenchies or ask your veterinarian to recommend a reputable breeder they have worked with in the past. You can also search for breeders with a positive reputation via social media and online review websites. Once you have a list of potential breeders, it is important to visit them in person. This gives you the opportunity to meet the parents of the puppies, observe where they live and play, as well as observe the conditions in which they live.
A reputable breeder will be delighted to meet you and show you around their facility. They should be willing to answer any questions about Frenchies and their breeding program. They should be in a position to provide you with complete information regarding the health history of the puppies and lineage, as well as give you written contracts that outline the terms of your purchase.
You are also expected to meet the mother of the litter (dam) and the biological father of the puppies. They should appear healthy and active and their coats must be clean and free of odor. A reputable breeder can also give you information on the puppies' AKC registration, and their pedigree of three generations.
The popularity of French Bulldogs has drawn breeders who are more focused on profit than the welfare of the puppies. They can breed their dogs creating genetic disorders and breathing problems, or create overcrowded puppy mills where the animals are poorly cared for. These conditions can lead to issues with behavior and a lower life expectancy of the puppies. The short back legs of the small breed and their curled tails put them at risk of a variety of issues, including spine arthritis, pain and discs that have slipped.
Health Tests for Health
Health testing is a procedure that can help determine the genetics of an animal and how this could affect its overall health. In breeding programs, it's common to test for certain conditions that could pass to the next generation. At Johnson House Frenchies, we conduct many different health tests for our puppies as part of our commitment to raise healthy dogs.
We employ both genotypic and Phenotypic tests to evaluate the health of our puppies. Genotypic tests examine the dog's DNA to determine if it has a disease-causing mutation. Phenotypic testing includes physical examinations and diagnostic tools such as x-rays or echocardiograms.
Genetically-based health testing is a crucial component of responsible breeding. The majority of reputable breeders employ them to ensure the highest quality in their breeding selection. It is crucial to understand that not all genetics-based health tests are alike. It is essential to find a lab that recognizes the breed-specific tests for French bulldogs and can provide accurate results.
Several genetics-based laboratories offer tests for a variety of diseases that affect breeds. The most reliable ones will send the results of these tests to OFA who maintains databases for each breed-specific test.
These OFA databases allow pet owners to search for a dog's testing status and view the health history of all its relatives. This allows pet owners to make informed decisions about breeding based upon the health history of the dog's siblings, aunts and uncles and also the ancestors of the dog.
It is also crucial to choose breeders that use OFA accredited laboratories to conduct the genetic health tests. This is the most effective method to ensure accuracy and avoid false health claims.
There are several health panels that are available for French bulldogs, such as the OFA Health Clear panel as well as the 6-panel health guarantee. These tests are a combination of several 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" means that a dog doesn't possess the mutation that causes an illness, thereby decreasing the chance of passing on the mutation to their offspring. A "carrier result" signifies that the dog has a copy of the mutation, but doesn't 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 group and require proper socialization to develop into docile, well-mannered companions. Französische bulldogge welpen kaufen is an important process that begins from the time of the time of birth. Socialization is the process of getting your puppy exposed to different locations, people and things from a young age to build their confidence and strength. This includes interactions with dogs of all ages and people who are also dogs.
Frenchies are playful, affectionate and loyal companions who form strong bonds with their families. Französische bulldogge welpen kaufen can also be stubborn, which requires patience and consistent training methods to harness their determination and create obedient, responsive dogs.
It is important to socialize the Frenchie from an early age. However, do not expose them to hazardous or frightening situations until they've been vaccinated. It is also important to not reward their expressions of fear, as this can cause them to develop phobias later in the rest of their lives.
Socialization should take place in a safe, controlled environment on a regular basis to ensure that your dog is at ease in new environments. It could be as simple as taking your dog to a different area every week or introducing him to new family members and other pet owners.
You should also expose your dog to different sounds and sights as well as environments. They should also be exposed to kinds of activities they are likely to engage in throughout their life like playing in a safe area without a lead or taking rides in the car. This will make them more adaptable, confident, and resilient in any circumstance.
Although many people view Frenchies as purely lap dogs, they are actually energetic, social and fun-loving dogs that can easily become involved in obedience classes, agility, Rally or field work. They can also make wonderful therapy dogs and help people recover from surgeries or other ailments.
Training
While Frenchies are fairly low-maintenance dogs However, they do require daily exercise and stimulation for their minds. They are a joy to play with their human companions and other dogs. While they lack the motivation to be a good watchdog, they can be responsive to obedience training and will be keen on learning new tricks and commands. This breed can also be prone to be a bit stubborn, so patience is essential when it is time to train.
Like all dogs, Frenchies require regular grooming in order to maintain a healthy skin and coat. They should be brushed regularly to avoid the accumulation of dirt and oil and to get rid of hairs that are loose. Their wrinkles are a sign of age and need some extra care to avoid them getting infected. It's wise to give them a daily rubdown with an unscented baby wipe.
It is important to teach your Frenchie how to remember information. This will help them avoid dangerous situations. This is especially important if you plan to take them on hikes or any other activities where they are inclined to wander off and explore. In addition, teaching them to come when they are called could save their lives if they ever get lost or run into traffic.
Frenchies can be stubborn so it is important to use positive reinforcement in training them. This will help them understand that responding to your requests is the best way to earn rewards like food, toys, and attention. Avoid harsh punishments as they may become resistant to training. This could lead to issues with behavior in the future.
It is crucial to begin puppy training as soon as you bring your Frenchie home. The majority of breeders have already potty-trained them. Establish a schedule for feeding and playing and follow it. This will help you to create an enduring foundation for your French Bulldog's basic obedience. It will also help you train your dog in the future.