Before You Buy a French Bulldog
Whether you're considering the idea of a French Bulldog as a pet or planning to include them in your breeding program, it's crucial to consider a variety of factors. For instance pet owners should focus on coat and color preferences, temperament and personality.
Breeders on the other hand, must consider things like health testing and inbreeding.
Selecting a Breeder who is reputable
Frenchies are the most loved breed of dog in America, and it's no reason to wonder why. They are gentle, fun-loving dogs who love to please. They also adjust well to many different lifestyles. They are great companions for families of all ages, including children. However, before you purchase a French bulldog, you need to find a reliable breeder.
Asking your friends who have Frenchies for recommendations or asking your veterinarian to recommend a breeder who they have worked with before is the most effective way to start. You can also look for breeders with an excellent reputation on review sites and social media. It is essential to visit prospective breeders in person once you've made a list. You can meet the parents, see the place where the puppies reside, play, and learn about the conditions under which they're raised.
A good breeder will be happy to welcome you and show you the facilities they have. They should be able to answer your questions regarding Frenchies and their breeding program. They should be capable of providing you with detailed information about the puppies' health history and lineage, as well as give you an agreement in writing that outlines the terms of purchase.
You should be able to meet the mother (dam) of the litter and the father of the litter. They should appear healthy and active and their coats must be clean and free of odor. A reputable breeder should be able to provide you with details about the puppies' AKC registration and their 3-generation pedigree.
The popularity of French Bulldogs has drawn bad breeders, who are more concerned with profits than the wellbeing of their pups. They could breed the dogs which can cause breathing problems and genetic disorders or create puppy mills that are overcrowded in which the animals are poorly taken care of. These conditions can lead to issues with behavior and decrease the life expectancy of puppies. The short back legs of the small breed and their curled tails make them susceptible of a variety of issues, including spine arthritis, pain and slipped disks.
Health Tests for Health
Health testing is an important process that helps identify the genetics of a dog and how they may impact its overall health. In breeding programs, it is common to test for specific diseases that could pass to the next generation. At Johnson House Frenchies, we conduct many different health tests for our puppies as part of our efforts to breed healthy dogs.
The health tests that we use to evaluate our puppies include genotypic and phenotypic tests. Genotypic tests examine the dog's DNA to determine if the dog has an illness-causing mutation. Phenotypic testing includes physical examinations, as well as diagnostic tools like x-rays or echocardiograms.
Genetically-based health testing is an essential element of responsible breeding. The majority of reputable breeders use them to ensure quality in their breeding animals. It is important to know that not all genetics based health tests are the same. It is essential to find a lab that recognizes the breed-specific tests specific to French bulldogs and will provide precise results.
Several genetics-based laboratories provide testing for various diseases that affect a breed. The most reputable ones will report the results of these tests to OFA, which maintains databases for every breed-specific test.
These OFA databases allow pet owners to look for a dog's testing status and view the health history of all of its relatives. This allows pet owners to make informed decisions about breeding based on the health of the dog's siblings, aunts and uncles, as well as the ancestors of the dog.
It is also essential to find breeders that only use OFA recognized laboratories to carry out the genetic health tests. This is the best method to ensure the authenticity of the results and to prevent fraudulent health claims.
There are many health panels for French bulldogs. These include the OFA Health Clear Panel and the 6-panel guarantee. These tests bundle together several genetics-based health tests that are specific to the breed and reduce the cost of individual genetic tests. A "clear" result means that the dog does not carry the mutation that causes a particular disease. This reduces the risk that the mutation will be passed on to offspring. A "copyright" result indicates that the dog has one copy of the mutation, but doesn't show any signs of the disease. Likewise, a result of "at-risk" indicates that the dog is more likely to develop the disease.
Socialization
French Bulldogs are pack-animals that thrive in a hierarchy environment. They require interaction to become docile and well-mannered. This is a vital process that starts at the age of. Socialization is the process of exposed your puppy to various locations, people, and things from a young age to help build their confidence and resilience. This includes interactions with people of all ages, with other dogs, and a variety of experiences like taking a ride in the car, being bathed and even using a vacuum.
Frenchies are affectionate, loyal and playful dogs that form strong bonds with their families. They can be stubborn and require patience and constant methods to train them, making them obedient and responsive.
It is essential to interact with the Frenchie at an early age. However, don't expose them to harmful or frightening experiences until they have been fully vaccine-free. It is also crucial to not reward their fearful expressions in order to prevent them to develop phobias later in life.
Socialization should be conducted in a secure, controlled environment on a regular basis to ensure that your dog is at ease in a new environment. This can be as simple as going to a new park every week or the introduction of them to different family members and their friends. it should include short walks along the sidewalks of your neighborhood or visits to the pet store and visits to your veterinarian for shots and grooming.
Your puppy should also be exposed different sounds, sights and environments as well as the kinds of activities they will likely take part in throughout their lives, such as playing off-lead within a safe area or taking a ride in the car. This will help them become more flexible, confident and resilient in any situation.
Many people think of Frenchies as just 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 can be fantastic therapy dogs, and even assist people in recovering from surgeries or illnesses.
Training
While Frenchies are a low-maintenance breed However, they do require daily exercise and stimulation for their minds. These sociable puppies enjoy playing with their human companions and with other dogs. While they don't have the desire to be a superb watchdog, they can be responsive to obedience training and will be eager to learn new tricks and commands. This breed here can be somewhat stubborn, so patience is required when training.
As with all dogs, Frenchies require regular grooming to maintain the health of their coat and skin. Regularly brushing will help to keep them free of dirt and oil, as well as remove any loose hairs. Their signature wrinkles will need some extra care to avoid them getting infected. It's recommended to give them a daily 3-5 minute rubdown using a non-scented baby wipe.
It is crucial to teach your Frenchie how to remember information. This will allow them to avoid potential dangers in situations. This is especially important 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. Instructing them to return when called can ensure their safety when they are lost or get caught through traffic.
Frenchies aren't always easy to handle, so it is important to use positive reinforcement when teaching them. This will help them learn that responding to your demands is the best way to earn rewards like food and toys as well as your attention. Avoid harsh methods of punishment, as they will be resistant to training. This could lead to behavior problems in the future.
While most Frenchies are potty-trained by their breeders, it is important to begin puppy training as soon as you bring them home. Establish a schedule for feeding and playing and follow it. This will help you to build an enduring foundation for your French Bulldog's foundational obedience. It will also help you train your dog in the future.