Before You Buy a French Bulldog
If you're thinking about a French Bulldog as a pet or are planning to include them in your breeding program, you need to think about a range of factors. Pet owners can consider the coat color and color preference as well as temperament, personality, and color.
Breeders however, must consider things like health testing and inbreeding.
How to Select a Reputable Breeder
Frenchies are the most loved breed of dog in America and it's no surprise why. They are mellow, fun-loving dogs who love to please. They also adapt well to many different lifestyles. They are wonderful companions for families of all ages, including children. But before you buy a French bulldog, you need to find a reliable breeder.
The best place to start is by asking for referrals from people you know who own Frenchies or ask your veterinarian to suggest a reliable breeder that they have worked with in the past. You can also look for breeders who have a good reputation on review sites and social media. It is important to visit potential breeders in person once you have a shortlist. This gives you the opportunity to meet the parents of the puppies, look the places they live and play, as well as observe the conditions under the conditions they're kept.
A good breeder will meet you and show you around their facility. They should be able to answer any questions you might have about 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 purchase.
You should be able to meet the mother (dam) of the litter as well as the biological father. They should look healthy and active, and their coats should be clean and free of smell. A reputable breeder will also be able to provide you with information on the puppies' AKC registration and their three-generation pedigree.
The popularity of French Bulldogs has attracted breeders who are more concerned about profits than the welfare of the pups. They can breed their dogs which can cause genetic disorders and breathing problems, or create puppy mills with a high number of puppies in which the animals are poorly taken care of. These conditions can cause behavioral problems and reduced life expectancy of the puppies. The small breed's short back legs and curled tail also put them at risk for a variety of issues, including back pain and arthritis in joints and slipped discs.
Health Tests for Health
Health testing is a crucial process that helps identify the genetics of dogs and how they may impact its overall health. In breeding programs, it is common to screen for certain conditions that could be passed down 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.
Hamlin-Schwibbogen Französische Bulldogge employ to assess our puppies are based on genotypic and phenotypic testing. Genotypic tests examine the dog's genetics to determine if there's a mutation that causes diseases. Phenotypic tests involve 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 use them to verify the quality of their breeding breeds. It is important to know that not all genetics-based health tests are the same. It is essential to locate an organization that is able to deliver results and also recognize the breed-specific tests that are available for French Bulldogs.
A variety of genetics-based labs provide testing for various conditions that affect a breed. The most reliable labs send the results to OFA who maintains databases for every breed.
These OFA databases permit pet owners to search for a dog's status in testing and also see the health histories of all of its relatives. This lets owners make informed choices about breeding based upon the health history of the dog's aunts, siblings, and uncles as well as the ancestors of the dog.
It is crucial to find a breeder who only uses accredited OFA laboratories to perform genetic health tests. This is the most effective way to ensure the accuracy of the results as well as to avoid false health claims.
There are several health panels for French bulldogs. They include the OFA Health Clear Panel as well as the 6-panel guarantee. These tests combine a variety of genetics-based health tests that are specific to the breed and reduce the cost of individual genetic tests. A result of "clear" means that a dog doesn't have the mutation responsible for an illness, thereby decreasing the likelihood of passing that mutation to their offspring. A "carrier" result indicates that the dog has one 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 and require the right socialization in order to become gentle, well-mannered pets. This is an important process that begins from the time of the age of. Socialization 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 includes interactions with dogs of all ages, and people and other dogs.
Frenchies are affectionate, loyal and playful companions 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 friendly, well-behaved dogs.
While it is crucial to establish a social bond with your Frenchie at an early age, don't expose them to frightening or potentially harmful situations until they're fully vaccine-free and prepared for these types of interactions. It is also important to not reward their fearful expressions which could cause them to develop phobias for the rest of their lives.
Socialization should be conducted in a secure, controlled environment regularly to ensure that your dog is at ease in new situations. This can be as simple as taking them to a new park every week or the introduction of them to different family members and friends. it should include short walks along the sidewalks in your neighborhood or trips to the pet store and visits to the vet for shots and grooming.
Your dog should also be exposed to other noises, sights and environments and also the types of activities they'll take part in throughout their lives, such as playing off-lead within a safe space or taking a ride in the car. This will ensure that they are adaptable and confident to any situation that may come their way.
Many people view Frenchies only as lap dogs. However, they are extremely active, social, and fun-loving. They are easily involved in obedience, agility, Rally, or field work. They are excellent therapy dogs, and even aid people recovering from surgery or illness.
Training
Frenchies are easy to maintain However, they require regular exercise and mental stimulation. These sociable pups enjoy spending time with their human family and will play happily with them or other dogs in the yard. 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 is also a bit stubborn so patience will be needed when training.
Like all dogs, Frenchies require regular grooming to ensure the health of their coat and skin. They should be brushed frequently to avoid the buildup of oil and dirt, as well as to get rid of hairs that are loose. Their wrinkles are a sign of age and need some extra attention to avoid them getting infected. It is recommended to give them a daily rubdown using a non-scented baby wipe.
It is crucial to teach your Frenchie how to retain information. This will help them avoid dangerous situations. This is especially true in the event that you intend to take your Frenchie on an excursion or hike in which they are inclined to explore and wander. Instructing them to return when called will save their lives if they get lost or run in traffic.
Frenchies aren't always easy to handle, so it is important to use positive reinforcement when training them. This will teach them that obeying your commands is the best way to get food, toys, or attention. Be careful not to use harsh methods of discipline because this could make them resistant to training and could lead to issues with behavior later on.
It is crucial to begin puppy training as soon you bring your Frenchie home. Most breeders will already have potty-trained their puppies. It is beneficial to establish an established schedule for feeding time, playtime, and training sessions and adhere to it consistently. This will help you create an excellent foundation for your French Bulldog's basic obedience. It will also aid in training them in the future.