Before You Buy a French Bulldog
If you're thinking about a French Bulldog for a pet or incorporating them into your breeding program it's important that you consider a number of aspects. Pet owners should consider the coat color and color preference as well as temperament, personality, and color.
Breeders should, on the contrary, think about things like inbreeding health testing, and genetic testing.
Selecting a Breeder with a Good Reputation
Frenchies are the most loved breed of dog in America and there's no reason to wonder why. They are fun-loving, mellow dogs who love to please and can easily adapt to different environments. They are great companions for families and people of all ages, including children. But before buying a French bulldog, you need to find a reputable breeder.
The best way to begin is by asking for referrals 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 look for breeders who have an excellent reputation on social media and review sites. It is important to visit potential breeders in person once you've narrowed down your choices. You can meet the parents, visit the place where the puppies reside, play and learn about the conditions under which they are raised.
A reputable breeder will be happy to meet you and show you around their facility. They should be able to answer any questions you have about Frenchies and their breeding program. They should be able to provide you with detailed information on the health background of the puppies as well as their lineage. You should also receive an agreement detailing the terms of the purchase.
You must also be able to meet the mother of the litter (dam) and the biological father of the puppies. They should be healthy and active and their coats should be clean and free of smell. A reputable breeder should be in a position to provide information on the puppies' AKC registration and their 3-generation pedigree.
The popularity of the French Bulldog has drawn in bad breeders who focus on profit rather than the welfare of their pups. They may inbreed the dogs creating breathing problems and genetic disorders or create puppy mills that are overcrowded in which the animals are poorly cared for. These conditions can lead to problems with behavior and lower the lifespan of puppies. The short back legs of the small breed and their curled tails make them susceptible of a number issues, including spine pain, arthritis, and discs that are slipping.
Health Tests for Health
Health testing is an important process that helps identify the genetics of a dog and how they affect the overall health of a dog. In breeding programs, it's typical to test for specific conditions which could be passed on 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 assess the health of our puppies. Genotypic tests test the dog's DNA to determine if it is carrying a disease-causing mutation. Phenotypic tests include physical examinations and diagnostic tools, such as x-rays, echocardiograms, and eye exams.
Genetics-based health tests are an essential element of responsible breeding and the majority of breeders who are reputable employ them to check the quality of their breeding stock. It is crucial to understand that not all genetics-based health tests are created equal. It is crucial to find an lab that can accurately deliver results and also recognize the breed-specific tests available for French Bulldogs.
There are numerous genetics-based labs offering testing for a variety of diseases that affect the breed. The most reliable ones will send the results of these tests to OFA who 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 its relatives. This lets owners make informed decisions about breeding based upon the health history of the dog's siblings, aunts and uncles as well as the ancestors of the dog.
It is essential to locate a breeder who only uses accredited OFA laboratories to perform genetic health tests. This is the best way to ensure the accuracy of the results and to prevent false health claims.
There are a number of health panels for French bulldogs. These include the OFA Health Clear Panel as well as the 6-panel guarantee. These tests bundle a number genetics-based health tests specific to the French bulldog breed and can reduce the cost. A "clear" result means that the dog does not carry the mutation that causes a specific disease. This reduces the risk that the mutation could be passed on to the offspring. A "carrier result" signifies that the dog is carrying a copy of the mutation however, it does not 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 friendly, well-mannered animals. This is a critical process that begins at the age of. Socialization is the process of exposed your puppy to various locations, people and things from the age of one to build their confidence and resiliency. This involves interactions with dogs of all ages, and people who are also dogs.
Frenchies are playful, affectionate and loyal dogs who form strong bonds with their families. They can also be somewhat stubborn, and require patience and consistent training methods to harness their determination and create an obedient, receptive dog.
While französische bulldogge kaufen welpen is crucial to make friends with your Frenchie early but don't expose them potentially harmful or scary situations until they're fully immunised and prepared for these types of interactions. It is also essential to not reward their fearful expressions in order to prevent them to develop phobias later in life.
Socialization should take place in a safe, controlled environment regularly to ensure that your dog is at ease in a new environment. This could be as simple as taking them to a new park every week or introducing them to different family members and their friends. it should include short walks along the sidewalks of your neighborhood or 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, sights, and environments. They should also be exposed to the kinds of things they will likely do throughout their life like playing in a secure area without a leash, or taking rides in the car. This will help them become more flexible, confident, and resilient in all situations.
Many people see Frenchies only as lap dogs. However, they are extremely active, social and fun-loving. They are easily involved in agility, obedience, Rally, or field work. They are excellent therapy dogs, and even aid people recovering from illness or surgery.
Training
While Frenchies are fairly low-maintenance dogs however, they require daily exercise and mental stimulation. These sociable puppies are a joy to play with their humans and with other dogs. They might not have the drive to become a great guard dog, but they will respond well when they are taught new commands and tricks. This breed can also be prone to be a bit stubborn, which is why patience is key when it comes to training.
Like all dogs, Frenchies require regular grooming to maintain the health of their coat and skin. They should be brushed regularly to prevent the buildup of oil and dirt and also to remove hairs that have fallen out. Their wrinkles are a sign of age and 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 essential to teach your Frenchie how to recall information. This will help them avoid potential dangers in situations. This is particularly true when you plan to take your Frenchie for a hike or other outings in which they are inclined to wander and explore. Also teaching them to return when they are called could save their life if they ever get lost or get caught in 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 needs is the best method to earn rewards such as food or toys, as well as attention. Avoid harsh methods of punishment, as they will be 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. Most breeders have already potty-trained them. It is beneficial to establish the routine for feeding, playtime, and training sessions, and adhere to it consistently. This will aid your French Bulldog develop a strong foundation of basic obedience and will make them easier to train in the future.