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 important to consider a variety of aspects. For instance pet owners should focus on coat and color preferences, personality and temperament.
Breeders should, on the contrary, consider things like inbreeding health testing, and genetic testing.
How to Choose a Reputable Breeder
Frenchies are the most loved breed of dog in America, and it's no surprise why. They are gentle, fun-loving dogs who are eager to please. They also adapt well to different lifestyles. They make great family members for families and individuals of all ages, even children. It is essential to choose a breeder with a good reputation before buying the French Bulldog.
Asking friends and family members who own Frenchies for suggestions or asking your vet to recommend a breeder they have previously worked with is the best way to get started. You can also look for breeders who have an excellent reputation on social media and review sites. Once you have a list of potential breeders, it is important to visit them in person. This gives you the opportunity to meet the parents of the puppies, observe where they live and play, and also observe the conditions under which they live.
A good breeder will warmly welcome you to their facility and be delighted to show you around. They should be able to answer your questions regarding Frenchies and their breeding program. They should be able provide you with complete information regarding the health background of the puppies as well as their lineage. You should also be provided with a contract detailing the terms of the purchase.
You should be able to meet the mother (dam) of the litter, as well as the father who is biological. They should look healthy and active. Their coats should be free of odor and clean. A reputable breeder will 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. Inbreeding can cause breathing problems and genetic problems in dogs. They could also lead to overcrowded puppy farms where the animals receive inadequate care. These conditions can cause behavioral problems and reduced life expectancy in the puppies. The small breed's short back legs as well as its curled tails also put them at risk for many problems, including spine pain and arthritis in joints and slipped discs.
Health Tests
Health testing is a method that helps determine the genetics of an animal and how it may affect the overall health of the animal. In breeding programs, it's common to screen for certain conditions that could be passed down to the next generation. At Johnson House Frenchies, we perform a variety of health checks for our puppies as part of our efforts to breed healthy dogs.
We employ both genotypic and Phenotypic tests to evaluate the health of our puppies. Genotypic tests look at the dog's DNA to determine if there's a mutation that causes the disease. Phenotypic tests include physical examinations and diagnostic tools such as x-rays, echocardiograms, and eye exams.
Genetics-based health tests are a critical component of responsible breeding, and the majority of reputable breeders use them to verify the quality of their breeding animals. 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 provides precise results.
Several genetics-based laboratories offer testing for various diseases that affect breeds. The most reliable labs forward the results to OFA which maintains databases on each breed.
These OFA databases permit pet owners to search for a dog's status in testing and also see the health histories of all its relatives. This lets the owner make informed decisions about breeding by analyzing the health of the dog's aunts, siblings, and uncles, as well as the ancestors of the dog.
It is important to choose a breeder that only uses accredited laboratories of OFA to perform genetic health tests. This is the most effective method to ensure the authenticity of the results and to stop fraudulent 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 bundle a number genetics-based health tests that are specific to the French bulldog breed and also reduce the cost. A result of "clear" indicates that a dog doesn't have the mutation for the disease, thus decreasing the likelihood of passing on the mutation to its offspring. A "carrier" result means the dog has a single copy of the mutation but doesn't show any signs of the disease. the result of "at-risk" indicates the dog is at risk of developing 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 an important process that starts at the time of birth. Französische bulldogge welpen zu kaufen is the process of getting your puppy exposed to different individuals, places and things from a young age to build their confidence and strength. This involves interactions with people of all ages, with other dogs, and a variety of experiences such as taking a ride in the car, being washed and even using a vacuum cleaner.
Frenchies are playful, affectionate and loyal companions who form strong bonds with their families. They can also be somewhat stubborn, and require patience and consistent training methods to increase their determination and produce obedient, responsive dogs.
It is important to socialize a Frenchie from a young age. But, you should not expose them to harmful or frightening experiences until they are fully vaccination. It is also crucial to not reward their fearful expressions which could cause them to develop phobias for life.
Socialization should be conducted in a safe, controlled environment on a regular basis to ensure that your dog is at ease in new situations. It's as simple as taking your dog to a different area every week or introducing him to new family members and other pet owners.
Your dog should also be exposed to other sounds, sights and environments as well as the kinds of activities they'll engage in throughout their lives such as playing off-lead in a secure area or going on rides in the car. This will make them more adaptable, confident, and resilient in any situation.
Many people think of Frenchies as purely lap dogs, they're actually energetic, social and fun-loving dogs that can easily become involved in agility classes, obedience classes, Rally or field work. They can also make wonderful therapy dogs and can even help people recover from surgery or other illnesses.
Training
While Frenchies are a low-maintenance breed however, they require daily exercise and stimulation for their minds. These playful dogs love to spend time with their humans and are happy to play with them or other dogs in the yard. They might not have the motivation to become a great guard dog, but they'll respond well when taught new commands and tricks. The 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 keep their skin and coat healthy. Brushing them regularly will prevent the accumulation of dirt and oil, as well as removing any loose hairs. To keep their signature wrinkles from becoming infected, it is important to give them a few extra minutes of attention with a non-scented baby wipe.
It is important to teach your Frenchie how to retain information. This will allow them to avoid potentially dangerous situations. This is particularly true if you plan to take them on hikes or other excursions where they might be inclined to wander off and explore. Making them return when called will help them stay safe when they are lost or get caught through traffic.
Frenchies aren't always easy to handle It is therefore important to employ positive reinforcement when training them. This will teach them that following your instructions is the best way to get food or toys, as well as attention. Avoid harsh punishments, as they will be resistant to training. This could result in behavior problems in the future.
While the majority of Frenchies will be potty-trained by their breeders, it's essential to begin puppy training from the moment you bring them home. It is helpful to establish a schedule for feeding, playtime, and training sessions and adhere to it consistently. This will allow you to build an excellent foundation for your French Bulldog's foundational obedience. It will also help you train them in the future.