Before You Buy a French Bulldog
If you're thinking about having a French Bulldog for a pet, or adding them to your breeding program, it's vital that you consider a number of elements. For instance pet owners can concentrate on coat color and color preferences, personality and temperament.
Breeders however must take into account things like inbreeding and health testing.
Choosing a Reputable Breeder
Frenchies are the most sought-after breed of dog in America and there's no reason to wonder why. They are mellow, fun-loving dogs who are eager to please. They are also able to adapt to a variety of styles of living. They make great companions for people and families of all ages, including children. However, before you purchase a French bulldog, you need to locate a reliable breeder.
The best way to begin is to solicit recommendations from people you know who have Frenchies or asking your vet to recommend a reputable breeder they have worked with in the past. You can also search for breeders with a good reputation via social media and online review sites. It is essential to visit prospective breeders in person after you've made a list. This will give you an opportunity to meet the parents of the puppies, see the places they live and play, and also observe the conditions in which they are kept.
A good breeder will warmly welcome you to their facility and be delighted to show you around. They should be willing to answer any questions you may have about Frenchies and their breeding program. They should be able to provide you with specific information regarding the health history of the puppies and lineage, and provide you with written contracts that outline the terms of your purchase.
You are also expected to meet the mother of the litter (dam) and the biological father of the pups. They should look healthy and active. Their coats should also be odor-free and clean. A reputable breeder can also provide you with information about the puppies' AKC registration, and their pedigree of three generations.
The popularity of French Bulldogs has drawn breeders who are more concerned about profit than the welfare of the pups. They may inbreed the dogs creating breathing issues and genetic disorders or create puppy mills that are overcrowded where the animals are not properly taken care of. These conditions can cause behavioral problems and reduced life expectancy in the puppies. The small breed's short back legs and curled tail can put them at risk for many issues, such as spine pain arthritis in joints and slipped discs.
Health Tests
Health testing is an important method to identify the genetics of a dog and how they affect the overall health of the dog. In breeding programs, it's typical to test for certain conditions that could pass to the next generation. At Johnson House Frenchies, we run a variety of health tests for our puppies as part of our efforts to produce healthy dogs.
We use both genotypic as well as Phenotypic tests for assessing the health of our puppies. Genotypic tests look at the dog's DNA in order to determine if there is an underlying mutation that causes diseases. Phenotypic testing involves physical examinations, as well as diagnostic tools such as x-rays or echocardiograms.
Genetically-based health testing is a crucial component of responsible breeding. The majority of breeders who are reputable employ them to ensure the highest quality in their breeding selection. However, it is essential to realize that not all genetics-based health tests are to be the same. It is crucial to find a lab who will accurately deliver results and also recognize the breed-specific tests available for French Bulldogs.
There are several genetics-based labs offering tests for a variety of illnesses that affect the breed. The most reliable labs send the results to OFA which maintains databases on every breed.
These OFA databases allow pet owners to search for a dog's testing status and also see the health histories of all its relatives. This lets owners make informed decisions about breeding based on the health history of the dog's aunts, siblings, and uncles and also the ancestors of the dog.
It is essential to find a breeder who only uses accredited OFA laboratories for genetic health tests. This is the best way to ensure accuracy and prevent false health claims.
There are many health panels that are available for French bulldogs, such as the OFA Health Clear panel as well as the 6-panel health guarantee. These tests combine several genetics-based health tests that are specific to the breed and reduce the cost of individual genetics-based tests. A "clear" result means that the dog doesn't carry the mutation that causes a particular disease. This decreases the likelihood that the mutation could be passed on to the offspring. A "carrier result" indicates that the dog is carrying a copy of the mutation, however, it does not show any signs of illness. 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 the dog being exposed to many different things, places and people at an early age in order to build their confidence and build up their resilience. This includes interactions with people of all ages, other dogs and various experiences like driving in the car, being washed and even using a vacuum cleaner.
Frenchies are loyal, affectionate and playful companions who form strong bonds with their families. They can also be somewhat stubborn, and require patience and a consistent approach to training to harness their determination and create friendly, well-behaved dogs.
It is essential to interact with the Frenchie at an early age. But, you should not expose them to dangerous or frightening situations until they are fully vaccine-free. It is equally important not to reward their expressions of fear, as this could cause them to develop phobias that will last a lifetime.
bulldogge kaufen should be conducted in a safe, controlled environment on a regular basis to ensure that your dog is at ease in a new environment. It can be as easy as taking your dog to a different park every week or welcoming him to new family members and other pet owners.
You should also expose your pup to other sounds, sights, and environments. They should also be exposed to types of activities that they are likely to engage in throughout their lives, such as 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.
Many people think of Frenchies as lap dogs, they're actually active, sociable and fun dogs that can easily be involved in obedience classes, agility, Rally or field work. They can also make wonderful therapy dogs and even play a role in helping people recover from surgery or other illnesses.
Training
Frenchies are not very demanding However, they require regular exercise and mental stimulation. These playful dogs enjoy spending time with their human family and are happy to play with them or other dogs in the yard. Although they don't have the motivation to be a superb watchdog, they will be able to respond well to obedience training and be keen on learning new tricks and commands. This breed is also known to be a bit stubborn, so patience is essential when it comes to training.
Like all dogs, Frenchies require regular grooming in order to maintain a healthy skin and coat. They should be brushed frequently to avoid the buildup of oil and dirt and also to remove loose hairs. The wrinkles that are characteristic of them will require some extra attention to prevent them from getting infected. It's recommended to give them a daily 3-5 minute rubdown using a scentless baby wipe.
Recall training is a crucial skill to teach your Frenchie, as this can help them avoid dangerous or unsafe situations. This is especially true if you are planning to take your Frenchie for an excursion or hike in which they are inclined to explore and wander. Also teaching them to return when they are asked can save their life in the event that they get lost or run into traffic.
Frenchies aren't always easy to handle It is therefore important to employ positive reinforcement when teaching them. This will teach them that responding to your requests is the best method of earning rewards such as food or toys, as well as attention. Avoid harsh methods of punishment because they can become resistant to training. This could result in behavior problems in the future.
It is crucial to begin puppy training as soon you bring your Frenchie home. The majority of breeders have already potty-trained them. It is helpful to set an established schedule for feeding time, playtime, and training sessions and stick to it consistently. This will allow you to create a solid foundation for your French Bulldog's foundational obedience. It will also make it easier to train your dog in the future.