Before You Buy a French Bulldog
If you're thinking about the idea of a French Bulldog for a pet or incorporating them into your breeding program it's important to think about a range of aspects. For example, pet owners can focus on coat and color preferences, temperament and personality.
Breeders should, on the contrary, consider things like inbreeding, health testing and genetic testing.
How to Choose a Breeder who is Reputable
Frenchies are the most loved breed of dog in America, and it's no surprise why. They are mellow, fun-loving dogs who are devoted to pleasing. They also adapt well to a variety of lifestyles. They are great companions for people and families of all ages, even kids. It's important that you find a reputable breeder before purchasing a French Bulldog.
Asking friends and family members who own Frenchies for suggestions or asking your vet to recommend a breeder they have worked with before is the best way to begin. You can also search for breeders with good reviews on review sites and social media. Once you have a list of possible breeders, it is important to visit them in person. You can meet the parents, visit the area where the puppies reside, play and learn about the conditions in which they're raised.
A good breeder will warmly welcome visitors to their facility and will be more than happy to show you around. They should be willing to answer any questions you might have regarding the Frenchies and their breeding program. They should be capable of providing you with detailed information about the health history of the puppies and lineage, as well as provide you with written contracts that outline the terms of purchase.
You should also be able to meet the mother of the litter (dam) and the father of the puppies. They should be healthy and active and their coats should be clean and free of smell. A reputable breeder will also be capable of providing details about the puppies' AKC registration and their 3-generation pedigree.
The popularity of the French Bulldog has drawn in bad breeders who focus on the profit and not the welfare of their pups. They may inbreed the dogs which can cause breathing issues and genetic disorders, or create puppy mills that are overcrowded in which the animals are poorly taken care of. These conditions can result in issues with behavior and a lower life expectancy of the puppies. The small breed's short back legs as well as its curled tail can put them at risk for various issues, including back pain and arthritis in joints, and slipped discs.
Health Tests for Health
Health testing is a crucial method to identify the genetics of a dog and the way they impact the overall health of the dog. In breeding programs, it is common to screen for specific diseases that could be passed down to the next generation. As part of our commitment to breeding healthy dogs, Johnson House Frenchies conducts many different health tests for our puppies.
We use both genotypic and Phenotypic tests to assess the health of our puppies. Genotypic tests analyze the dog's genetics to determine if there's a mutation that can cause the disease. The testing process involves physical examinations and diagnostic tools like xrays or echocardiograms.
Genetics-based health tests are an essential element of responsible breeding and the majority of breeders who are credible employ them to check the quality of their breeding breeds. It is crucial to understand that not all genetics-based health tests are alike. It is essential to find a lab that recognizes the breed-specific tests specific to French bulldogs and will provide precise results.
Several genetics-based laboratories offer tests for a variety of diseases that affect breeds. The most reliable labs forward the results to OFA who maintains databases for every breed.
These OFA databases allow pet owners to search for a dog's health status and see the health history of its relatives. This allows owners to make informed choices about breeding based on the health history of their dog's siblings, aunts and uncles, as well as its ancestors.
It is also essential to find breeders that only use OFA accredited laboratories to conduct the genetic health tests. This is the most effective method to ensure the accuracy of the results and also to stop false health claims.
There are many health panels that are available for French bulldogs, including the OFA Health Clear panel and the 6-panel health guarantee. These tests combine several genetics-based health tests that are specific to the breed, and can cut down the cost of individual genetic tests. A "clear" result means that the dog doesn't carry the mutation that causes a specific disease. This decreases the likelihood that the mutation will be passed on to offspring. A "copyright" result indicates that the dog is carrying one copy of the mutation but does not show any symptoms of the disease. Likewise, a result of "at-risk" indicates the dog is likely to develop 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 website vital process that begins from the time of the time of birth. Socialization is the process of the exposure of your dog to many different objects, people, and places at a young age in order to build their confidence and resiliency. This includes interactions with people of all ages, with other dogs, and different experiences like taking a ride in the car, being washed and even using a vacuum.
Frenchies are affectionate, loyal and playful dogs that form strong bonds with their families. They can also be somewhat stubborn, and require patience and consistent training techniques to make them an obedient, receptive dog.
While it is essential to establish a social bond with your Frenchie early but don't expose them potentially harmful or scary experiences until they are vaccinated and prepared for these types of interactions. It is also essential to not reward their fearful expressions which could cause them to develop phobias later in the rest of their lives.
Socialization should be done in a safe, controlled environment and on a regular basis to ensure that your dog can grow comfortable in new situations. This can be as simple as taking them to a new park each week or introducing them to different family members and their friends. it should include short walks along the sidewalks around your neighborhood or trips to the pet shop and visits to your vet to get shots and grooming.
Your dog should also be exposed to different sounds surroundings, sights and sounds and also the types of activities they will likely engage in throughout their lives, such as playing off-lead in a safe space or taking a ride in the car. This will help ensure that they are adaptable and confident in any situation that comes their way.
Many people think of Frenchies only as lap dogs. However, they are extremely energetic, social and fun. They are easily involved in agility, obedience, Rally, or field work. They can also be fantastic therapy dogs and even play a role in helping people recover from illnesses or surgeries.
Training
Frenchies are low-maintenance, but they still need regular exercise and mental stimulation. They are a joy to play with their owners and other dogs. While they don't have the motivation to be a superb watchdog, they will be able to respond well to obedience training and be eager to learn new tricks and commands. The breed is also a bit stubborn so patience is essential when training.
Like all dogs, Frenchies require regular grooming in order to maintain an enviable coat and skin. They should be groomed regularly to prevent the accumulation of dirt and oil, as well as to remove hairs that are loose. To keep their signature wrinkles from becoming infected it is essential to give them an additional 3-5 minutes of care with a non-scented baby wipe.
It is crucial to teach your Frenchie how to recall information. This will help them avoid potential dangers in situations. This is especially true when you plan to take your pet on hikes or other excursions where they might be inclined to wander off and explore. Instructing them to return when called can ensure their safety if they get lost or get caught through traffic.
Frenchies can be stubborn so it's crucial to employ positive reinforcement when training them. This will teach them that following your commands is the best way to gain food, toys, or attention. Be careful not to use harsh methods of discipline as this will only make them resistant to training and could lead to behavior problems later on.
It is essential to begin puppy training as soon as you bring your Frenchie home. Most breeders already have potty-trained their puppies. Establish a schedule for feeding, playing, and training and adhere to it. This will help your French Bulldog develop a strong foundation of basic obedience and make it easier to train in the future.