Before You Buy a French Bulldog
If you're thinking of getting the idea of a French Bulldog as a pet or planning to include them in your breeding program, you need to think about a range of aspects. For instance pet owners should focus on coat color and color preferences, personality and temperament.
Breeders however must take into account things like inbreeding and health testing.
Selecting a Breeder with a Good Reputation
It's not a surprise that Frenchies are the most sought-after breed of dog. They are mellow, fun-loving dogs who love to please. They are also able to adapt to a variety of styles of living. They make excellent family members for families and individuals of all ages, including kids. But before buying a French bulldog, it's crucial to find a reputable breeder.
Asking your friends who own Frenchies for recommendations or asking your veterinarian to recommend a breeder who they have previously worked with is the best way to get started. You can also search for breeders who have a good reputation on social media and review websites. Once you have a list of potential breeders, you should visit them in person. You can meet the parents, tour the area where the puppies live and play, and learn about the conditions under the environment they live in.
A good breeder will be happy to welcome you to their facility and will be more than happy to show you around. They should be willing to answer any questions you may have about Frenchies and the breeding program. They should be able provide you with complete information regarding the health history of the puppies and their lineage. You should also be provided with a contract detailing the conditions of the purchase.
You must also be able to meet the mother of the litter (dam) and the father of the pups. They should appear healthy and active. Their coats should be odor-free and clean. A reputable breeder should also provide you with information about the puppies' AKC registration, and their pedigree of three generations.
The popularity of the French Bulldog has drawn in breeders who are focused on making money rather than the welfare of their puppies. They may inbreed the dogs, causing 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 result in issues with behavior and a lower life expectancy for puppies. The small breed's short back legs and curled tails also make them vulnerable to a variety of issues, including back pain arthritis in joints, and slipped discs.
Health Tests
Health testing is an important process that helps identify the genetics of dogs and how they may impact its overall health. It is a routine practice in breeding programs to screen for specific diseases that could be passed on to the next generation. At Johnson House Frenchies, we perform a variety of health checks for our puppies as part of our commitment to breed healthy dogs.
The tests we employ to assess our puppies include both genotypic and phenotypic testing. Genotypic tests analyze the dog's DNA to determine if the dog has an underlying mutation that causes disease. Phenotypic tests involve physical examinations and diagnostic tools, such as x-rays, echocardiograms, and eye exams.
Genetics-based health tests are a crucial element of responsible breeding and the majority of breeders who are reputable utilize them to ensure the quality of their breeding stock. It is important to know that not all genetics-based health tests are the same. It is crucial to find an lab that can accurately provide results and recognizes the breed-specific tests for French Bulldogs.
made a post of genetics-based labs provide testing for various diseases that affect a breed. The most reputable ones will report the results of these tests to OFA who maintains databases for every breed-specific test.
These OFA databases allow pet owners to look for the status of a dog's health testing and view the health history of all of its relatives. This allows owners to make informed decisions 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 choose a breeder that only uses accredited laboratories of OFA to conduct genetic health tests. This is the most effective method to ensure accuracy and avoid false health claims.
There are a variety of health panels for French bulldogs, including the OFA Health Clear panel as well as the 6-panel health guarantee. These tests bundle together several genetics-based health tests that are specific to the breed and cut down the cost of individual genetics-based tests. A "clear" result means that the dog does not carry the mutation that causes a specific disease. This reduces the risk that the mutation will be passed on to offspring. A "carrier result" means that the dog is carrying an identical copy of the mutation however, it does not show 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 hierarchical environment. They require socialization to become docile and well-mannered. This is a crucial process that starts at birth. Socialization is the process of getting your puppy exposed to different locations, people and things at a young age to help build their confidence and resilience. 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, which requires patience and consistent training methods to harness their determination and create obedient, responsive dogs.
It is crucial to get social with a Frenchie at an early age. But, you should not expose them to any potentially hazardous or frightening situations until they are fully vaccinated. It is also essential to not reward their fearful expressions, as this can cause them to develop phobias later in the rest of their lives.
Socialization should be conducted in a safe, controlled environment on a regular basis to ensure that your dog is comfortable in new environments. It can be as easy as taking your dog to a different place every week or welcoming him to new family members and friends.
You should also expose your pup to other sounds and sights. They should also be exposed to types of activities that they will likely do throughout their lives like playing in a secure space without a leash, or taking rides in the vehicle. This will make them more flexible, confident, and resilient in any circumstance.
While many people think of Frenchies as lap dogs, they are highly energetic, social 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 even assist people recover from surgery or other illnesses.
Training
Frenchies are easy to maintain However, they require regular exercise and mental stimulation. They enjoy playing with their human companions and other dogs. While they don't have the motivation to be a good watchdog, they be responsive to obedience training and be eager to learn new tricks and commands. This breed can also be prone to be somewhat stubborn, so patience is essential when it comes to training.
Like all dogs, Frenchies need regular grooming to maintain their coat and skin healthy. Regularly brushing them will help prevent the accumulation of oil and dirt as well as removing hairs that have fallen out. The wrinkles that are characteristic of them will require some extra care to prevent them from becoming infected and it is wise to give them a daily 3-5 minute rubdown using a non-scented baby wipe.
Recall training is a crucial skill to teach your Frenchie as it will help them avoid dangerous or hazardous situations. This is especially important when you plan to take your Frenchie on a hike or other outings in which they are inclined to explore and wander. Teaching them to come back when they are called can ensure their safety when they are lost or run in traffic.
Frenchies can be stubborn It is therefore important to employ positive reinforcement when training them. This will teach them that obeying your commands is the best way to gain food or toys, or even attention. Be careful not to use harsh methods of discipline since this can make them more resistant to training and could lead to behavioral problems down the road.
Although the majority of Frenchies are potty-trained by their breeders, it's crucial to start puppy training from the moment you bring them home. It is helpful to establish a routine for feeding time, playtime, and training sessions, and adhere to it regularly. This will aid your French Bulldog develop a strong base of basic obedience and make it easier to train in the future.