Before You Buy a French Bulldog
If you're considering getting having a French Bulldog for a pet, or adding them to your breeding program, it's crucial that you consider a number of aspects. Pet owners should consider the color and coat they prefer, personality, and temperament.
Breeders must, on contrary, think about things like inbreeding health testing, and genetic testing.
Selecting a Breeder with a Good Reputation
Frenchies are the most popular breed of dog in America and there's no wonder why. They are mellow, fun-loving dogs who love to please. They also adapt well to a variety of lifestyles. They are wonderful companions for families of all ages and children. But before buying a French bulldog, you need to find a reliable breeder.
Asking people you know that have Frenchies for suggestions or asking your vet to recommend a breeder who they have worked with before is the best way to get started. You can also search for breeders with an excellent reputation on social media and review websites. It's important to visit potential breeders in person after you have a shortlist. You can meet the parents, tour the area where the puppies live, play and discover the conditions in the environment they live in.
A good breeder will be happy to welcome you to their facility and be happy to show you around. They should be willing to answer any questions you might have regarding the Frenchies and their breeding program. They should be capable of providing you with detailed information about the health history of the puppies and lineage, as well as provide you with a written contract outlining the terms of your purchase.
You should also be able to meet the mother of the litter (dam) and the biological father of the puppies. They should look healthy and active. Their coats must be odor-free and clean. A reputable breeder will provide you with information regarding the puppies' AKC registration, and their pedigree of three generations.
The popularity of the French Bulldog has drawn in breeders who are focused on profit rather than the wellbeing of their pups. They could breed the dogs, causing genetic disorders and breathing problems or create puppy mills that are overcrowded where the animals are not properly taken care of. These conditions can cause behavioral problems and reduce the life expectancy of puppies. The short back legs of the small breed and their curly tails make them susceptible of a variety of issues, including spine pain, arthritis and discs that have slipped.
Health Tests
Health testing is a crucial procedure that allows you to determine the genetics of a dog and how they affect the overall health of the dog. It is a routine practice in breeding programs to screen for specific ailments that could be passed on to the next generation. At Johnson House Frenchies, we perform a variety of health checks for our puppies as part of our commitment to produce healthy dogs.
We use both genotypic as well as Phenotypic tests for assessing the health of our puppies. Genotypic tests analyze the dog's DNA to determine if it has an underlying mutation that causes disease. The testing process 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 who are reputable employ them to ensure the highest quality in their breeding stock. 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 can provide precise results.
A variety of genetics-based labs offer testing for various diseases that affect a breed. The most reliable ones will send the results of these tests to OFA which keeps databases for every breed-specific test.
These OFA databases allow pet owners to search for a dog's status in testing and see the health history of all of its relatives. This allows the owner to make informed breeding decisions based on the health of the dog's siblings, aunts, and uncles, as well as the ancestors of the dog.
It is essential to choose a breeder that only uses OFA-recognized laboratories to perform genetic health tests. This is the best way to ensure accuracy and stop false health claims.
There are a number of health panels available 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 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 indicates that the dog has a single copy of the mutation, but doesn't show any signs of the disease. Likewise, an outcome of "at-risk" indicates the dog is likely to develop 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 a crucial process that begins at birth. Französische Bulldogge zu verkaufen is the process of exposing your puppy to different people, places and things from the age of one to build their confidence and resilience. This involves interactions with people of all ages, other dogs and various experiences like driving in the car, getting bathed and even using a vacuum cleaner.
Frenchies are playful, affectionate and loyal pets who form strong bonds with their families. They can be stubborn and require patience and constant methods to train them and make them more obedient and responsive.
It is important to socialize an Frenchie at an early age. However, don't expose them to any potentially hazardous or frightening situations until they've been vaccination. It is equally important not to encourage the expressions of fear because this could lead them to develop phobias that will last for a lifetime.
Socialization should be conducted in a controlled, safe environment regularly to ensure that your dog is comfortable in new situations. This could be as simple as taking them to a different park each week or the introduction of them to different family members and friends, and it should include short walks on the sidewalks around your neighborhood, trips to the pet store and visits to your vet for grooming and shots.
It is also important to expose your dog to different sounds and sights. They should also be exposed to types of activities that they are likely to engage in throughout their life like playing in a secure space without a leash, or taking rides in the vehicle. This will ensure that they are adaptable and confident to any situation that comes their way.
Many people think of Frenchies as purely lap dogs, they're actually active, sociable and fun dogs that are easily involved in agility classes, obedience classes, Rally or field work. They also make excellent 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 playing with their human companions as well as other dogs. They may not have the drive to become a formidable guard dog, but they will be responsive when taught new commands and tricks. This breed can be somewhat stubborn, so patience is required when training.
As with all dogs, Frenchies require regular grooming in order to maintain a healthy skin and coat. They should be brushed frequently to avoid the accumulation of dirt and oil and also to remove loose hairs. Their wrinkles are a sign of age and need some extra attention to prevent them from getting infected. It's recommended to give them a daily 3-5 minute rubdown using a scentless baby wipe.
Recall training is a crucial ability to teach your Frenchie because it will help them avoid dangerous or unsafe situations. This is especially important when you plan to take them on hikes or other outings where they may be inclined to wander off and explore. In addition teaching them to be ready when they are called could save their life should they ever become lost or get caught in traffic.
Frenchies can be stubborn, so it's important to use positive reinforcement in training them. This will help them learn that responding to your needs is the best way to earn rewards like food, toys, and attention. Make sure you avoid using harsh methods of discipline because this could make them resistant to training and could lead to behavioral problems down the road.
It is important to start puppy training as soon as you bring your Frenchie home. The majority of breeders have already potty-trained them. Set a schedule for feeding, playing, and training and stick to it. This will help your French Bulldog develop a strong base of basic obedience and make it easier to train in the future.