Before You Buy a French Bulldog
If you're considering a French Bulldog for a pet or adding them to your breeding program it's important to think about a range of factors. Pet owners should consider the coat color and color preference as well as temperament, personality, and color.
Breeders on the other hand, must consider things like health testing and inbreeding.
Selecting a Breeder who is reputable
It's no surprise that Frenchies are America's most popular dog breed. They are gentle, fun-loving dogs who are devoted to pleasing. They are also able to adapt to many different styles of living. They are great companions for families and people of all ages, even kids. But before you buy a French bulldog, it's crucial to find a reputable breeder.
Asking your friends who own Frenchies for recommendations or asking your veterinarian to recommend a breeder they have worked with previously is the most effective way to start. You can also search for breeders who have a good reputation on review sites and social media. It is important to visit potential breeders in person once you've made a list. You can meet the parents, see the place where the puppies live, play, and learn about the conditions under which they're raised.
A good breeder will warmly welcome you to their facility and will be more than happy 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 complete information regarding the puppies' health history and lineage, as well as give you written contracts that outline the terms of your purchase.
You must also be able to meet the mother of the litter (dam) and the father of the puppies. They should be healthy and active, and their coats should be clean and free of smell. A reputable breeder will provide you with information regarding the puppies' AKC registration, and their pedigree of three generations.
The popularity of French Bulldogs has drawn breeders who are more concerned with profit than the welfare of the puppies. They can breed their dogs creating genetic disorders and breathing problems, or create puppy mills that are overcrowded where the animals are not properly cared for. These conditions can cause problems with behavior and reduce life expectancy of the puppies. The small breed's short back legs and curled tail also make them vulnerable to a variety of problems, including spine pain arthritis in joints, and slipped discs.
Health Tests
Health testing is a process that can help determine the genetics of an animal and how this could affect the overall health of the animal. It is a common practice in breeding programs to test for specific conditions that can 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 assess the health of our puppies. Genotypic tests test the dog's DNA to determine if the dog has a disease-causing mutation. Phenotypic testing includes physical examinations, as well as diagnostic tools such as x-rays or echocardiograms.
Genetics-based health tests are a crucial component of responsible breeding, and the majority of reputable breeders use them to verify the quality of their breeding breeds. However, it is crucial to realize that not all genetics-based health tests are in the same way. It is vital to find a lab that recognizes the breed-specific tests specific to French bulldogs and can provide accurate results.
A variety of genetics-based labs offer testing for various conditions that affect a breed. The most reliable labs forward the results to OFA which keeps databases of every breed.
These OFA databases allow pet owners to search a dog's test results and look up the health history of its relatives. This allows owners to make informed decisions about breeding based on the health history of their dog's siblings, aunts and uncles, as well as its ancestors.
It is also crucial to choose breeders that use OFA accredited laboratories to conduct the genetic health tests. This is the best way to ensure the accuracy of the results as well as to stop fraudulent health claims.
There are many health panels that are suitable for French bulldogs. These 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 genetic tests. A result of "clear" means that a dog doesn't possess the mutation that causes the disease, thus decreasing the risk of passing the mutation on to the offspring of that mutation. A "carrier" result means the dog has one copy of the mutation but does not show any symptoms of the disease. a result of "at-risk" indicates the dog is at risk of developing the disease.
Socialization
French Bulldogs are pack-animals that thrive in a hierarchical environment. They require interaction to become docile and well-mannered. This is an essential process that starts at the time of birth. Socialization is the process of exposed your puppy to various individuals, places, and things from the age of one to build their confidence and resiliency. This involves interactions with people of all ages, other dogs, and different experiences such as riding in the car, getting cleaned and even using a vacuum cleaner.
Frenchies are playful, affectionate and loyal dogs that have strong bonds with their families. They can be stubborn and require patience and consistent techniques to train them, making them obedient and receptive.
While it is important to make friends with your Frenchie at an early age, don't expose them to potentially harmful or scary experiences until they are immunised and prepared for these types of interactions. It is equally important to not encourage the expressions of fear because this could lead them to develop phobias that can last for a lifetime.
Socialization should take place in a controlled, safe environment on a regular basis to ensure that your dog is comfortable in a new environment. It can be as easy as taking your dog to a different park every week or welcoming him to new family members and acquaintances.
Your puppy should also be exposed to different sounds, sights and environments as well as the kinds of activities they'll engage 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 all situations.
Many people think of Frenchies only as lap dogs. However, they are very energetic, social and fun. They are able to be involved in agility, obedience, Rally, or field work. französische bulldogge welpen can also make wonderful therapy dogs and can even help people recover from surgeries or other ailments.
Training
Frenchies are not very demanding however they still require daily exercise and mental stimulation. They love to spend time with their humans and are happy to play with them or other dogs in the yard. They may not have the drive to be a good guard dog, but they will respond well when they are taught new commands and tricks. This breed is also known to be a bit stubborn, which is why patience is crucial when it is time to train.
Like all dogs, Frenchies need regular grooming to maintain their coat and skin healthy. Regularly brushing them will help stop the accumulation of dirt and oil, as well as remove any loose hairs. The wrinkles that are characteristic of them will require a little extra care to avoid them getting infected. It's recommended to give them a daily rubdown with an unscented baby wipe.
It is crucial to teach your Frenchie how to remember information. This will help them avoid dangerous situations. This is especially important when you plan to take your Frenchie on excursions or hikes that they may be inclined to explore and wander. Teaching them to come back when called will ensure their safety when they are lost or get caught through traffic.
Frenchies can be stubborn, so it is important to use positive reinforcement when teaching them. This will teach them that following your instructions is the best way to get food or toys, or even attention. Make sure you avoid using harsh methods of discipline since this can make them resistant to training and could lead to behavioral problems down the road.
It is crucial to begin puppy training as soon you bring your Frenchie home. Most breeders will already have potty-trained their puppies. It is helpful to set an established routine for feeding as well as playtime and training sessions and adhere to it regularly. This will help your French Bulldog develop a strong foundation of basic obedience and make it easier to train in the future.