Before You Buy a French Bulldog
If you're thinking about a French Bulldog for a pet or adding them to your breeding program, it's vital to think about a range of factors. Pet owners can consider the color and coat they prefer, personality, and temperament.
Breeders, on the other hand must take into account things like inbreeding and health testing.
Selecting a Breeder who is reputable
Frenchies are the most sought-after breed of dog in America, and it's no reason to wonder why. They are playful, mellow dogs who love to please and are able to adapt to different lifestyles. They make excellent companions for families and people of all ages, even kids. However, before you purchase a French bulldog, you need to locate a reliable breeder.
The best place to start is by asking for referrals from friends who have Frenchies or asking your vet to recommend a reputable breeder they've worked with in the past. You can also look for breeders with an excellent reputation on review sites and social media. It's important to visit potential breeders in person once you've narrowed down your choices. This gives you the opportunity to meet the parents of the puppies, observe the places they live and play, as well as observe the conditions under which they are kept.
A good breeder will be happy to welcome you into their facility and be happy to show you around. They should be willing to answer any questions you have about the Frenchies and their breeding program. They should be able provide you with detailed information on the health background of the puppies as well as their lineage. You should also receive a contract detailing the terms of purchase.
You must also be able to meet the mother of the litter (dam) and the father of the puppies. They should look 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 three-generation pedigree.
The popularity of the French Bulldog has drawn in bad breeders who focus on the profit and not the welfare of their puppies. Inbreeding can result in breathing problems and genetic problems in dogs. They could also lead to overcrowded puppy farms in which the animals receive inadequate care. 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 also expose them to a variety of issues, such as spine pain, arthritis in the joints and discs that are slipping.
Health Tests
Health testing is an important method to identify the genetics of a dog and how they affect its overall health. In breeding programs, it's typical to test for specific diseases which could be passed on to the next generation. As part of our effort to breeding healthy dogs, Johnson House Frenchies conducts many different health tests for our puppies.
We use both genotypic as well as Phenotypic tests to evaluate the health of our puppies. Genotypic tests analyze the dog's DNA to determine if there's an underlying mutation that causes the disease. Phenotypic tests involve physical examinations and diagnostic tools such as echocardiograms, x-rays, and eye examinations.
Genetically-based health testing is an essential aspect of responsible breeding. The majority of breeders who are reputable use them to ensure quality in their breeding selection. It is important to know that not all genetics based health tests are alike. It is vital to find an animal testing lab that is able to recognize the breed-specific tests for French bulldogs and can provide exact results.
There are Französische bulldogge welpen zu kaufen niedlichfranzösischebulldoggenwelpen -based labs offering tests for a range of illnesses that affect the breed. The most reputable labs will transmit the results to OFA which keeps databases of every breed.
These OFA databases allow pet owners to look for a dog's testing status and see the health history of all of its relatives. This allows owners to make informed decisions about breeding based on the health history of their dog's siblings and aunts and uncles and also its ancestors.
It is crucial to choose a breeder that only uses OFA-recognized laboratories to conduct genetic health tests. This is the best way to ensure accuracy and avoid false health claims.
There are several health panels that are suitable for French bulldogs. These include the OFA Health Clear Panel as well as the 6-panel guarantee. These tests combine a number of genetics-based health test that are specific to the French bulldog breed, and can reduce the cost. A result of "clear" indicates that a dog does not have the mutation responsible for the disease, thus decreasing the chance of passing that mutation to its offspring. A "carrier result" indicates that the dog is carrying a 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 hierarchical environment. They require socialization to become docile and well-mannered. This is an important process that begins from the time of birth. Socialization is the process of exposing your puppy to different individuals, places and things at the age of one to help build their confidence and resiliency. This involves interactions with people of all ages, other dogs and various experiences like riding in the car, being washed and even using a vacuum.
Frenchies are affectionate, playful and loyal dogs that have strong bonds with their families. They can also be somewhat stubborn, which requires patience and a consistent approach to training to harness their determination and create an obedient, receptive dog.
While it is important to establish a social bond with your Frenchie at an early age be sure to keep them away from potentially harmful or scary experiences until they are immunised and prepared for these types of interactions. It is also important to not reward their fearful expressions which could cause them to develop phobias later in the rest of their lives.
Socialization should take place in a safe, controlled environment and on a regular basis to ensure that your dog continues to grow comfortable in new situations. It could be as simple as taking your dog to a different area every week or welcoming him to new family members and other pet owners.
Your dog should also be exposed other sounds surroundings, sights and sounds and also the types of activities they will likely take part in throughout their lives such as playing off-lead in a safe area or going on rides in the car. This will help them become more flexible, confident and resilient in any situation.
Many people think of Frenchies as lap dogs, they're actually active, sociable and fun-loving dogs that can easily become involved in obedience classes, agility, Rally or field work. They can be wonderful therapy dogs and can even aid people recovering from surgery or illness.
Training
While Frenchies are fairly low-maintenance dogs However, they do require daily exercise and stimulation for their minds. These playful dogs love to spend time with their human family and will happily play with them or other dogs in the yard. While they don't have the drive to be a great watchdog, they be able to respond well to obedience training and will be keen on learning new tricks and commands. This breed is also somewhat stubborn, so patience is required when training.
Like all dogs, Frenchies need regular grooming to keep their coats and skin healthy. They should be brushed regularly to avoid the buildup of oil and dirt and also to get rid of hairs that have fallen out. To prevent their signature wrinkles from becoming infected it is crucial to give them an additional 3-5 minutes of attention using an unscented baby wipe.
Recall training is an essential skill to teach your Frenchie, as this can help them avoid danger or unsafe situations. This is particularly true if you plan to take them on hikes or other outings where they may be inclined to wander off and explore. Making them return when called can ensure their safety if they get lost or run through traffic.
Frenchies can be stubborn so it's crucial to employ positive reinforcement when training them. This will help them understand that responding to your demands is the best method of earning rewards such as food or toys, as well as attention. Be sure to avoid using harsh methods of discipline, since this can make them more resistant to training and could lead to issues with behavior later on.
It is essential to begin puppy training as soon you bring your Frenchie home. The majority of breeders have already potty-trained them. Establish a schedule for feeding and playing and adhere to it. This will help your French Bulldog develop a strong base of basic obedience and make it easier to train in the future.