11 "Faux Pas" That Actually Are Okay To Make With Your Buy A French Bulldog
Before You Buy a French BulldogIf you're thinking about having a French Bulldog for a pet, or adding them to your breeding program it's important that you consider a number of aspects. Pet owners can consider the coat color and color preference, personality, and temperament.
Breeders must, on contrary, consider things like inbreeding, health testing and genetic testing.
How to Choose a Reputable Breeder
Frenchies are the most loved breed of dog in America, and it's no reason to wonder why. They are fun-loving, mellow dogs who love to please and can easily adapt to different lifestyles. They are great companions for families of all ages even children. However, before you purchase a French bulldog, you need to locate a reliable breeder.
Asking friends and family members who own Frenchies for suggestions or asking your vet to recommend a breeder they have worked with previously is the best way to get started. You can also look for breeders who have a good reputation through social media and review websites. Once you have a list of possible breeders, it is important to visit them in person. This will give you an opportunity to meet the parents of the puppies, look the places they live and play, as well as observe the conditions under which they live.
A good breeder will be happy to welcome visitors to their facility and be delighted to show you around. They should be happy to answer your questions regarding Frenchies and the breeding program. They should be able provide you with specific information about the health background of the puppies as well as their lineage. You should also be provided with an agreement outlining the conditions of the purchase.
You should also be able to meet the mother of the litter (dam) and the biological father of the puppies. They should appear healthy and active, and their coats should be clean and free of odor. A reputable breeder will be in a position to provide information on the puppies' AKC registration and their three-generation pedigree.
The popularity of French Bulldogs has attracted bad breeders, who are more concerned about profits than the welfare of their pups. They could breed the dogs creating breathing problems and genetic disorders, or create puppy mills with a high number of puppies where the animals are not properly taken care of. These conditions can cause behavioral problems and reduced life expectancy of the puppies. The small breed's short back legs and curled tail also expose them to many problems, including spine pain and arthritis in joints, and slipped discs.
Health Tests
Health testing is an important procedure that allows you to determine the genetics of dogs and how they may impact the overall health of the dog. In breeding programs, it is typical to test for specific diseases which could be passed on to the next generation. At Johnson House Frenchies, we conduct many different health tests for our puppies as part of our effort to breed healthy dogs.
The health tests that we employ to assess our puppies include both genotypic and phenotypic testing. Genotypic tests analyze the dog's DNA in order to determine if there's a mutation that causes disease. The testing process involves physical examinations and diagnostic tools like x-rays or echocardiograms.
Genetics-based health tests are an essential component of responsible breeding, and the majority of breeders who are reputable use them to verify the quality of their breeding stock. However, it is essential to understand that not all genetics-based health tests are created in the same way. It is essential to find a lab that recognizes the breed-specific tests for French bulldogs and can provide precise results.
Several genetics-based laboratories offer tests for a variety of diseases that affect a breed. The most reliable labs forward the results to OFA which keeps databases of each breed.
These OFA databases allow pet owners to search for a dog's test results and look up the health history of the dog's click here relatives. This allows pet owners to make informed breeding decisions by analyzing the health of a dog's aunts, siblings, and uncles as well as the ancestors of the dog.
It is crucial to find a breeder who only uses OFA-recognized laboratories to perform genetic health tests. This is the best method to ensure accuracy and avoid false health claims.
There are several health panels available for French bulldogs, such as the OFA Health Clear panel as well as the 6-panel health guarantee. These tests combine 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 reduces the risk that the mutation could be passed on to the offspring. A "copyright result" indicates that the dog has a copy of the mutation however, it does not show 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 hierarchical environment. They require interaction to become docile and well-mannered. This is a critical process that begins as early as birth. Socialization is the process of getting your puppy exposed to different people, places, and things from a young age to help build their confidence and strength. This includes interactions with dogs of all ages, and people, as well as other dogs.
Frenchies are affectionate, loyal and playful pets that build strong bonds with their families. They can be stubborn and require patience as well as consistent techniques to train them, making them more obedient and responsive.
While it is important to socialize your Frenchie at a young age be sure to keep them away from potentially harmful or scary experiences until they are immunised and prepared for these types of interactions. It is equally important to not encourage the expressions of fear as they could develop phobias that will last for a lifetime.
Socialization should take place in a secure, controlled environment and on an ongoing basis so that your dog continues to become comfortable in new environments. It's as simple as taking your dog to a different place every week or welcoming him to new family members and other pet owners.
It is also important to expose your puppy to other sounds and sights as well as environments. They should also be exposed to the types of activities that they are likely to engage in throughout their life like playing in a secure space without a leash, or taking rides in the car. This will ensure that they are able and confident in any situation that comes their way.
While many people think of Frenchies as just lap dogs, they are actually active, sociable and fun-loving dogs that can easily be involved in obedience classes, agility, Rally or field work. They can also make wonderful therapy dogs and can even play a role in helping people recover from illnesses or surgeries.
Training
Frenchies are not very demanding however they still require regular exercise and mental stimulation. These playful puppies love to spend time playing with their human companions and with other dogs. While they don't have the drive to be a good watchdog, they be able to respond well to obedience training and be keen on learning new tricks and commands. The breed is also somewhat stubborn, so patience will be needed when training.
Like all dogs, Frenchies require regular grooming in order to maintain the health of their coat and skin. They should be brushed regularly to prevent the accumulation of dirt and oil and to get rid of loose hairs. The wrinkles that are characteristic of them will require a little extra care to prevent them from becoming infected and it is advised to give them a daily 3-5 minute rubdown using a scentless baby wipe.
It is essential to teach your Frenchie how to remember information. This will allow them to avoid dangerous situations. This is especially true if you plan to take them on hikes or other activities where they are inclined to wander off and explore. Additionally teaching them to return when they are asked can save their lives in the event that they get lost or get caught in traffic.
Frenchies can be stubborn, so it is important to employ positive reinforcement when teaching them. This will help them understand that following your commands is the best way to gain food or toys, or even attention. Be sure to avoid using harsh methods of discipline, as this will only make them resistant to training and could lead to behavior problems later on.
It is crucial to begin puppy training as soon as you bring your Frenchie home. Most breeders will already have them potty-trained. It is helpful to establish the routine for feeding time, playtime, and training sessions and adhere to it regularly. This will help you build an excellent foundation for your French Bulldog's basic obedience. It will also make it easier to train your dog in the future.