Before You Buy a French Bulldog
If you're thinking about the idea of a French Bulldog for a pet or adding them to your breeding program, it's crucial to consider a variety of factors. For instance pet owners can concentrate on coat and color preferences, personality and temperament.
Breeders, on the other hand should take into consideration things like inbreeding and health testing.
How to Select a Reputable Breeder
Frenchies are the most popular breed of dog in America, and it's no wonder why. They are playful, mellow dogs that love to please and adapt well in many different kinds of lifestyles. They are great companions for families and people of all ages, including kids. However, before you purchase a French bulldog, it's important to locate a reliable breeder.
The best way to begin is to ask for recommendations from people you know who have Frenchies or ask your veterinarian to suggest a reliable breeder they've worked with in the past. You can also look for breeders with a positive reputation on social media and review websites. Once you have a list of possible breeders, it is important to visit them in person. This gives you the opportunity to meet the parents of the puppies, see where they live and play, and also observe the conditions in which they live.
A good breeder will welcome you to their facility and be delighted to show you around. They should be able to answer any questions you have about Frenchies and their breeding program. They should be able to provide you with complete information regarding the health history of the puppies and their lineage. You should also receive a contract detailing the terms of purchase.
You are also expected to meet the mother of the litter (dam) and the father of the pups. They must appear healthy and active. Their coats should also be clean and odor-free. A reputable breeder will provide you with information regarding the puppies' AKC registration, and their pedigree of three generations.
The popularity of the French Bulldog has drawn in bad breeders who concentrate on making money rather than the welfare of their pups. They may inbreed the dogs creating genetic disorders and breathing problems, or create puppy mills with a high number of puppies where the animals are poorly taken care of. These conditions can cause problems with behavior and lower the life expectancy of puppies. The short back legs of the small breed and their curly tails make them susceptible of a number problems, including back pain, arthritis, and discs that are slipping.
Health Tests for Health
Health testing is an important process that helps identify the genetics of dogs and how they affect its overall health. In breeding programs, it is common to screen for specific conditions which could be passed on to the next generation. As part of our commitment towards producing 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 DNA to determine if the dog has a disease-causing mutation. Phenotypic tests involve physical examinations and diagnostic tools like echocardiograms, x-rays, and eye examinations.
Genetically-based health testing is an essential aspect of responsible breeding. The majority of breeders with a reputation for quality use them to ensure quality in their breeding selection. However, it is important to realize that not all tests based on genetics are equal. It is crucial to find a lab who will accurately deliver results and also recognize the breed-specific tests for French Bulldogs.
There are several genetics-based labs offering testing for a variety of illnesses that affect the breed. The most reputable labs will forward the results to OFA which keeps databases of every breed.
These OFA databases allow pet owners to look for a dog's testing status and see the health history of all its relatives. This lets the owner make informed breeding decisions by analyzing the health of the dog's aunts, siblings, and uncles, as well as the ancestors of the dog.
It is also essential to look for a breeder that only uses OFA recognized laboratories to carry out the genetic health tests. This is the best method to ensure accuracy and prevent false health claims.
There are a variety of health panels available for French bulldogs, including the OFA Health Clear panel as well as the 6-panel health guarantee. These tests bundle together a variety of genetics-based health tests that are specific to the breed and reduce the cost of individual genetics-based tests. A "clear" result indicates 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 "carrier result" signifies that the dog has an identical copy of the mutation, but does not display any symptoms 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 proper socialization to become friendly, well-mannered animals. This is an important process that begins at the age of. Socialization is the process of exposed your puppy to various people, places and things from the age of one to help build their confidence and strength. This includes interactions with dogs of all ages and with people who are also dogs.
Frenchies are playful, affectionate and loyal pets that bond strongly with their families. They can also be somewhat stubborn, and require patience and consistent training techniques 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 any potentially harmful or frightening experiences until they are fully vaccine-free. It is equally important to not reward their expressions of fear because this could lead them to develop phobias that will last a lifetime.
französische bulldogge kaufen berlin should take place in a controlled, safe environment and on a regular basis so that your dog can grow comfortable in new situations. It's as simple as taking your dog to a different place every week or the introduction of new family members and friends.
It is also important to expose your pup to other sounds, sights, and environments. They should also be exposed to the kinds of things they will likely do throughout their life such as playing in a secure area without a leash or taking a ride in a vehicle. This will help them become more adaptable, confident, and resilient in all situations.
Many people think of Frenchies as purely lap dogs, they're actually active, sociable and fun-loving dogs that can easily become involved in obedience classes, agility, Rally or field work. They can also be fantastic therapy dogs and help people recover from surgery or other illnesses.
Training
While Frenchies are fairly low-maintenance dogs However, they do require daily exercise and stimulation for their minds. They love to spend time playing with their humans and other dogs. While they don't have the drive to be a good watchdog, they will be responsive to obedience training and be keen on learning new tricks and commands. The breed is also a bit stubborn so patience is essential when training.
Like all dogs, Frenchies require regular grooming to maintain an enviable coat and skin. They should be brushed frequently to avoid the buildup of oil and dirt and to get rid of loose hairs. Their signature wrinkles will need a little extra care to prevent them from getting infected. It is wise to give them a daily 3-5 minute rubdown with an unscented baby wipe.
It is important to teach your Frenchie how to recall information. This will allow them to avoid dangerous situations. This is especially important when you plan to take your Frenchie on excursions or hikes in which they are inclined to explore and wander. Additionally, teaching them to come when they are asked can save their life should they ever become lost or run into traffic.
Frenchies can be stubborn so it's crucial to employ positive reinforcement when training them. This will help them understand that responding to your requests is the best way to earn rewards like food, toys, and attention. Avoid harsh punishments because they can be resistant to training. This could result in behavioral issues in the future.
It is crucial to begin puppy training as soon as you bring your Frenchie home. Most breeders have already potty-trained them. Set a schedule for feeding and playing and stick to it. This will aid your French Bulldog develop a strong base of basic obedience, and make it easier to train in the future.