Before You Buy a French Bulldog
If you're thinking of getting a French Bulldog as a pet or if you're planning to add them to your breeding program, it's important to think about a range of aspects. For instance pet owners can concentrate on color and coat preferences, personality and temperament.
Breeders however must take into account things like inbreeding and health testing.
How to Select a Reputable Breeder
It's not a surprise that Frenchies are the most loved dog breed. They are gentle, fun-loving dogs who are devoted to pleasing. They are also able to adapt to a variety of lifestyles. They are wonderful companions for families of all ages and children. But before buying a French bulldog, it's crucial to find a reliable breeder.
The best place to start is to ask for recommendations from friends who have Frenchies or ask your veterinarian to suggest a reliable breeder they have worked with in the past. You can also search for breeders with a positive reputation via social media and review websites. Once you have a list of possible breeders, it's important to visit them in person. You can meet the parents, see the place where the puppies live, play and learn about the conditions in which they're raised.
A reputable breeder will greet 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 able to provide you with detailed information on the health background of the puppies as well as their lineage. You should also receive a contract detailing the conditions of the purchase.
You should also be able to meet the mother of the litter (dam) and the father of the puppies. Französische bulldogge welpen kaufen should appear healthy and active. Their coats should also be free of odor and clean. A reputable breeder will give you information on the puppies' AKC registration, and their pedigree with three generations.
The popularity of French Bulldogs has attracted breeders who are more concerned with profit than the welfare of the puppies. Inbreeding can result in breathing problems and genetic disorders in the dogs. They may also create overcrowded puppy farms where the animals receive inadequate care. These conditions can cause issues with behavior and decrease the lifespan of puppies. The short back legs of the small breed and their curly tails put them at risk of a number issues, such as back arthritis, pain, and discs that are slipping.
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 is typical to test for specific diseases 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.
The health tests we use to evaluate our puppies are based on genotypic and phenotypic tests. Genotypic tests examine the dog's DNA to determine if it is carrying a disease-causing mutation. Phenotypic testing involves physical examinations as well as diagnostic tools like xrays or echocardiograms.
Genetically-based health tests are an essential element of responsible breeding. The majority of breeders who are reputable employ them to ensure the highest quality in their breeding selection. It is essential to realize that not all genetics-based health tests are alike. It is crucial to locate an animal testing lab that is able to recognize the breed-specific tests for French bulldogs and can provide accurate results.
There are numerous genetics-based labs that provide testing for a variety of illnesses that affect the breed. The most reputable will provide the results of these tests to OFA, which maintains databases for each breed-specific test.
These OFA databases allow pet owners to look for a dog's status in testing and view the health history of all of its relatives. This lets the owner make informed decisions about breeding based on the health of the dog's siblings, aunts, and uncles as well as its ancestors.
It is crucial to find a breeder who only uses accredited laboratories of OFA to conduct genetic health tests. This is the best method to ensure accuracy and avoid false health claims.
There are many health panels available for French bulldogs. These 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 reduce the cost. A result of "clear" indicates that a dog does not have the mutation responsible for a particular disease, thereby decreasing the likelihood of passing that mutation to its offspring. A "carrier result" signifies that the dog is carrying an identical copy of the mutation but does not display any signs 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 symbiosis and require the right socialization in order to become gentle, well-mannered pets. This is a crucial process that begins at the time of birth. Socialization involves the dog being exposed to a variety of people, places and things at an early age in order to build their confidence and resiliency. This includes interactions with people of all ages, dogs, and a variety of experiences such as driving in the car, being washed and even using a vacuum.
Frenchies are affectionate, loyal and playful pets that build strong bonds with their families. They can be stubborn and require patience as well as constant methods to train them, making them more obedient and responsive.
It is crucial to get social with the Frenchie from a young age. But, you should not expose them to any potentially hazardous or frightening situations until they've been vaccination. It is also crucial to not reward their fearful expressions in order to prevent them to develop phobias for the rest of their lives.
Socialization should be conducted in a secure, controlled environment and on an ongoing basis so that your dog can become comfortable in new environments. It can be as easy as taking your dog to a different area every week or welcoming him to new family members and friends.
You should also expose your dog to different sounds and sights as well as environments. They should also be exposed to the kinds of activities they will likely do throughout their lives, such as playing in a secure area without a leash or taking rides in the vehicle. This will help them become more flexible, confident, and resilient in all situations.
Many people think of Frenchies as lap dogs, they're actually active, sociable and fun-loving dogs that can easily become involved in agility classes, obedience classes, Rally or field work. They can also be fantastic therapy dogs and help people recover from illnesses or surgeries.
Training
While Frenchies are a low-maintenance breed However, they do require daily exercise and stimulation for their minds. These playful dogs enjoy spending time with their human family and will happily play with them or other dogs in the yard. Although they don't have the drive to be a great watchdog, they be able to respond well to obedience training and will be keen on learning new tricks and commands. This breed is also somewhat stubborn, so patience is essential when training.
As with all dogs, Frenchies require regular grooming to ensure an enviable coat and skin. They should be brushed frequently to prevent the accumulation of dirt and oil and to remove hairs that have fallen out. To stop their wrinkles from getting infected it is crucial to give them an additional 3-5 minutes of attention with baby wipes that are not scented.
Recall training is an important ability to teach your Frenchie because it will help them avoid dangerous or unsafe situations. This is particularly true if you are planning to take your Frenchie for a hike or other outings that they may be inclined to explore and wander. Additionally teaching them to be ready when they are asked can save their life should they ever become lost or encounter traffic.
Frenchies can be stubborn, so it is important to use positive reinforcement in training them. This will teach them that responding to your needs is the best method to earn rewards such as food, toys, and attention. Make sure you avoid using harsh methods of discipline, because this could make them more resistant to training and could cause behavioral problems down the road.
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 set a schedule for feeding as well as playtime and training sessions and adhere to it consistently. This will help your French Bulldog develop a strong base of basic obedience and will make them easier to train in the future.