Be On The Lookout For: How Buy A French Bulldog Is Taking Over And What You Can Do About It
Before You Buy a French BulldogIf you're considering having a French Bulldog for a pet, or adding them to your breeding program it's important to think about a range of aspects. For instance, pet owners can focus on coat color and color preferences, personality and temperament.
Breeders must, on the contrary, think about things like inbreeding, health testing and genetic testing.
Selecting a Breeder with a Good Reputation
It's not a surprise that Frenchies are America's most popular breed of dog. They are playful, mellow dogs who love to please and can easily adapt to different environments. They are great companions for families and people of all ages, including kids. However, before you purchase a French bulldog, it's crucial to find a reliable breeder.
The best place to start is to solicit recommendations from friends who own Frenchies or ask your veterinarian to recommend a reputable breeder that they have worked with in the past. You can also look for breeders who have a good reputation through social media and review sites. It is essential to visit prospective breeders in person once you've made a list. You can meet the parents, tour the place where the puppies reside, play and discover the conditions in which they are raised.
A good breeder will warmly welcome you into their facility and be happy to show you around. They should be able to answer any questions you may have about Frenchies and their breeding program. They should be capable of providing you with detailed information about 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 appear healthy and active. Their coats should be clean and odor-free. A reputable breeder should be able to provide you with details about the puppies' AKC registration and their three-generation pedigree.
The popularity of French Bulldogs has drawn bad breeders, who are more concerned with profits than the welfare of their pups. Inbreeding can result in breathing problems and genetic disorders in dogs. They could also lead to overcrowded puppy farms in which the animals receive inadequate care. These conditions can cause problems with behavior and lower the life expectancy of puppies. The short back legs of the small breed and their curled tails can put them at risk of a variety of problems, including back pain, arthritis and slipped disks.
Health Tests
Health testing is a procedure that can help determine the genetics of an animal and how it could affect its overall health. It is a common procedure in breeding programs to test for specific diseases that could be passed on to the next generation. At Johnson House Frenchies, we run a variety of health tests for our puppies as part of our effort to breed healthy dogs.
We employ both genotypic and Phenotypic tests to evaluate the health of our puppies. Genotypic tests test the dog's DNA to determine if it is carrying a disease-causing mutation. Phenotypic tests involve physical examinations and diagnostic tools, such as echocardiograms and x-rays as well as eye exams.
Genetically-based health tests are an essential aspect of responsible breeding. The majority of reputable breeders employ them to ensure the highest quality in their breeding selection. It is essential to realize that not all genetics based health tests are created equal. It is vital to find a lab that recognizes the breed specific tests for French bulldogs and can provide accurate results.
There are a variety of genetics-based labs offering tests for a variety of illnesses that affect the breed. The most reputable labs will send the results to OFA which keeps databases of each breed.
These OFA databases permit pet owners to search for a dog's testing status and also see the health histories of all its relatives. This allows owners to make informed choices regarding breeding based on the health history of the dog's aunts, siblings, and uncles, as well as its ancestors.
It is important to find a breeder who only uses accredited laboratories of OFA to conduct genetic health tests. This is the most effective method to ensure the authenticity of the results and also to prevent false health claims.
There are a number of health panels that are suitable for French bulldogs. They include the OFA Health Clear Panel and the 6-panel guarantee. These tests are a combination of a variety of genetics-based health tests that are specific to the breed, and can cut down the cost of individual genetics-based tests. A result of "clear" means that a dog doesn't have the mutation responsible for the disease, thus decreasing the chance of passing that mutation to their offspring. A "copyright result" signifies that the dog is carrying an identical copy of the mutation but doesn't 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 hierarchy and require proper socialization to become friendly, well-mannered animals. This is an essential process that begins as early as birth. Socialization involves exposing your dog to many different objects, people, and places at a young age to increase their confidence and resiliency. This includes interactions with dogs of all ages and with people and other dogs.
Frenchies are playful, affectionate and loyal companions that bond strongly with their families. They can also be stubborn, which requires patience and a consistent approach to training to increase their determination and produce obedient, responsive dogs.
It is important to socialize an Frenchie from a young age. However, don't expose them to any potentially harmful or frightening experiences until they have been fully vaccinated. It is equally important to not reward their expressions of fear, as they could develop phobias that last a lifetime.
Socialization should be done in a safe, controlled environment and on a regular basis to ensure that your dog can develop a sense of security in new environments. It can be as easy as taking your dog to a different area every week or the introduction of new family members and friends.
Your dog must also be exposed to different sounds surroundings, sights and sounds and also the types of activities they'll engage in throughout their lives such as playing off-lead in a safe area or taking a ride in the car. This will help ensure that they are adaptable and confident to any situation that comes their way.
Many people view Frenchies only as lap dogs. They are extremely active, social and fun-loving. They can easily be involved in obedience, agility, Rally, or field work. They can be fantastic therapy dogs, and even help people recover from illness or surgery.
Training
While Frenchies are fairly low-maintenance dogs however, they require daily exercise and mental stimulation. These playful dogs love to spend time with their humans and will play happily with them or other dogs in the yard. They may not be able to be a good guard dog, but they will respond well when they are taught new commands and tricks. This breed can be a bit stubborn so patience is required when training.
Like all dogs, Frenchies need regular grooming to keep their skin and coat healthy. They should be brushed regularly to prevent the buildup of oil and dirt and to get rid of hairs that are loose. The wrinkles that are characteristic of them will require some extra attention to avoid them becoming infected and it is wise to give them a daily rubdown with an unscented baby wipe.
Recall training is a crucial ability to teach your Frenchie as it can help them avoid danger or hazardous situations. This is especially true when you plan to take them on hikes or other activities where they are inclined to wander off and explore. Instructing them to return when they are called can ensure their safety if they get lost or get caught in traffic.
Frenchies can be stubborn, so it is important to employ positive reinforcement when training them. This will help them learn that responding to your needs is the best way to earn rewards like food, toys, and attention. Make sure you avoid using harsh methods of discipline since this can cause them to be resistant to französische bulldogge kaufen learning and could lead to behavioral problems down the road.
While the majority of Frenchies are potty-trained by their breeders, it's important to begin puppy training from the moment you bring them home. It is beneficial to establish an established routine for feeding time, playtime, and training sessions and stick to it consistently. This will help your French Bulldog develop a strong foundation of basic obedience and make it easier to train in the future.