Before You Buy a French Bulldog
If you're considering getting the idea of a French Bulldog for a pet, or adding them to your breeding program, it's vital to think about a range of aspects. For instance pet owners should focus on color and coat preferences, temperament and personality.
Breeders must, on contrary, take into consideration things like inbreeding, health testing and genetic testing.
Choosing a Reputable Breeder
Frenchies are the most loved breed of dog in America and it's no wonder why. They are mellow, fun-loving dogs who are devoted to pleasing. They also adapt well to a variety of lifestyles. Französische Bulldoggen Kaufen are great companions for families of all ages, including children. It is essential to locate a reliable breeder prior to purchasing the French Bulldog.
Asking your friends who have Frenchies for recommendations or asking your veterinarian to recommend a breeder they have worked with previously is the best way to begin. You can also search for breeders with a good reputation on social media and review websites. Once you have a list of potential breeders, it is important to visit them in person. You can meet the parents, visit the place where the puppies reside, play and learn about the conditions in the environment they live in.
A reputable breeder will be delighted to meet you and show you the facilities they have. They should be able to answer any questions you might have regarding the 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 be provided with a contract detailing the terms of the purchase.
You should be able to meet the mother (dam) of the litter and the biological father. They should appear healthy and active and their coats must be clean and free of smell. A reputable breeder will be able to provide you with details about the puppies' AKC registration and their three-generation pedigree.
The popularity of French Bulldogs has drawn breeders who are more focused on profit than the welfare of their pups. They can breed their dogs which can cause breathing issues and genetic disorders, or create puppy mills that are overcrowded where the animals are poorly cared for. These conditions can result in issues with behavior and a lower life expectancy in the puppies. The small breed's short back legs and curled tail also expose them to many issues, such as spine pain and arthritis in joints and discs that are slipping.
Health Tests
Health testing is a method that helps determine the genetics of an animal and how this could affect its overall health. It is a routine practice in breeding programs to test for specific conditions that can be passed on to the next generation. At Johnson House Frenchies, we conduct many different health tests for our puppies as part of our efforts to produce healthy dogs.
The health tests that we use to evaluate our puppies are based on genotypic and phenotypic tests. Genotypic tests test the dog's DNA to determine if it is carrying an illness-causing mutation. Phenotypic testing involves physical examinations, as well as diagnostic tools like xrays or echocardiograms.
Genetics-based health tests are a crucial component of responsible breeding, and the majority of breeders who are reputable use them to verify the quality of 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 can recognize the breed-specific tests for French bulldogs and provides exact results.
Several genetics-based laboratories provide testing for various diseases that affect breeds. The most reputable will provide the results of these tests to OFA which keeps databases for each breed-specific test.
These OFA databases enable pet owners to search for a dog's test status and view the health history of their relatives. This allows owners to make informed decisions about breeding based upon the health history of their dog's siblings and aunts and uncles and also the ancestors of the dog.
It is also essential to find breeders that only use OFA recognized laboratories to perform the genetic health tests. This is the most effective method to ensure accuracy and prevent false health claims.
There are many health panels available 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 that are specific to the French bulldog breed, and can reduce the cost. A result of "clear" means that a dog doesn't have the mutation for a particular disease, thereby decreasing the chance of passing on the mutation 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. Likewise, a result of "at-risk" indicates that the dog is likely to develop the disease.
Socialization
French Bulldogs are pack animals that thrive in a symbiosis and require the right socialization in order to become gentle, well-mannered pets. This is an essential process that starts at the age of. Socialization is the process of getting your puppy exposed to different individuals, places and things from the age of one to build their confidence and resilience. This involves interactions with dogs of all ages and people who are also dogs.
Frenchies are playful, affectionate and loyal pets that have strong bonds with their families. They can also be somewhat stubborn, and require patience and consistent training techniques to increase their determination and produce friendly, well-behaved dogs.
While it is crucial to make friends with your Frenchie early, don't expose them to potentially harmful or scary experiences until they are vaccinated and ready for these kinds of interactions. It is also crucial to not reward their fearful expressions in order to prevent them to develop fears for life.
Socialization should occur in a safe, controlled environment on a regular basis to ensure that your dog feels comfortable in new environments. It could be as easy as taking them to a different park each week or introducing them to different family members and their friends. it should include short walks on the sidewalks around your neighborhood and visits to the pet store and visits to your veterinarian for grooming and shots.
Your dog should also be exposed other noises, sights and environments and also the types of activities they will likely engage in throughout their lives such as playing off-lead in a secure space or taking a ride in the car. This will help ensure that they are able, confident and resilient to any circumstance that may come their way.
Many people view Frenchies only as lap dogs. However, they are very active, social, and fun-loving. They can easily be involved in agility, obedience, Rally, or field work. They can be wonderful therapy dogs, and even assist people in recovering from surgery or illness.
Training
While Frenchies are fairly low-maintenance dogs, they do require some daily exercise and mental stimulation. They love to spend time with their humans and will play happily with them or other dogs in the yard. They might not have the drive to be a good guard dog, but they'll 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 essential when it is time to train.
Like all dogs, Frenchies require regular grooming in order to maintain the health of their coat and skin. Regularly brushing them will help stop the accumulation of dirt and oil, as well as removing hairs that have fallen out. The wrinkles that are characteristic of them will require some extra attention to prevent them from getting infected. It is wise to give them a daily 3-5 minute rubdown using a non-scented baby wipe.
Recall training is an essential ability to teach your Frenchie, as this can help them avoid dangerous or unsafe situations. This is especially true in the event that you intend to take them on hikes or any other activities where they are inclined to wander off and explore. Also, teaching them to come when they are called could save their lives should they ever become lost or run into traffic.
Frenchies aren't always easy to handle, so it is 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, or even attention. Make sure you avoid using harsh methods of discipline since this can make them more resistant to training and could lead to behavior problems later on.
It is crucial to begin puppy training as soon you bring your Frenchie home. Most breeders already have them potty-trained. It is helpful to establish the schedule for feeding time, playtime, and training sessions, and adhere to it regularly. This will help you to establish an excellent foundation for your French Bulldog's basic obedience. It will also aid in training them in the future.