French Bulldog
A friend who is always up for hanging out is a French bulldog. An easy stroll? Fantastic! A leisurely afternoon where Netflix is automatically playing? Wonderful! As long as it doesn’t involve running a marathon, they’re game for anything. In addition to contentedly sleeping through the day on a cozy bed and persuading you to do the same, they like playing fetch and romping with other dogs. With a French bulldog that has a smooshy face and bat ears, you can expect to be the life of the party when you go out on the town.
French bulldog Temperament
They certainly live up to their name—bulldogs! French Bulldogs are known for their assertive personalities; some could even describe them as stubborn. Early training and socialization are crucial for French Bulldog puppies since these tiny dogs mistakenly believe they are large canines. They will be more at ease and amiable toward guests—human or animal—in their house as a result. If not, they might be reticent with outsiders.
Never forget, though, that French Bulldogs are amiable canines that like spending time with their owners. They have strong emotional ties, so when their people are gone from the house for an extended period of time, they may feel abandoned and worried. You can identify with this if you’ve ever missed someone before they’ve even passed away what the French feel.
Speaking of their humans, French Bulldogs get along well with children and newborns, however they should always be watched over, just like any other breed. If you introduce them correctly, they get along with both cats and other dogs.
The French Bulldog is mostly kept as a companion. Although you won’t see them assisting first responders, they make wonderful therapy and emotional support dogs in hospitals and assisted living facilities because of their unwavering love. They are excellent watchdogs as well, frequently barking when a stranger knocks on the door.
How to Care for a French Bulldog
It’s easy to have a French Bulldog around. Although they have short coats that are easy to groom, they are pleasing animals that require strict training guidelines. Your veterinarian can assist you manage your dog’s unique requirements and personality, and you may even get guidance from a trained dog trainer along the way.
Grooming
The short coats of French Bulldogs make them an easy breed to maintain. Grooming tasks have been divided based on frequency.
Daily
Their head and body structure may make it difficult for them to maintain personal hygiene. Every day, wipe their eyes and facial wrinkles. They could also require occasional help keeping their behinds tidy.
Ascend to brushing your dog’s teeth daily, starting a couple times a week. The long-term health and well-being of your dog depend on regular dental treatment. Long-term, the work will be easier to handle if your French Bulldog is introduced to the process when still a puppy. Remember to have your veterinarian give them a professional teeth cleaning every year.
Weekly
Your French Bulldog probably just needs to be brushed once a week with a basic bristle brush or grooming glove. Indeed, they shed, but not to the same extent as other breeds like Pugs or Boston Terriers. The quantity of loose hair you discover about the house can be decreased by brushing.
Occasionally
Frenchies only require a bath once every one to three months, unless they get particularly dirty. Get the instructions here. Their coat and skin lose their natural oils when they over bathe. You can use cleaning wipes or a damp washcloth to keep them clean in between baths.
Training
Two words can sum up one of the most important aspects of teaching a French Bulldog: get started early. The breed’s small stature and adorable appearance should not be taken in by you; without prompt, continuous training and socialization, they might become obstinate, over stimulated, or even violent toward other dogs. They must learn to rein in their “bullish” tendencies or else they risk upsetting or confusing other canines.
Positive reinforcement works wonders for Frenchies; consider toys, rewards, and praise. Take a break during training sessions if they become irritated. (Everyone occasionally needs one.) You will succeed in teaching these perceptive, clever pups since they are driven by food and have a strong desire to please their owners.
Diet & Nutrition
Your veterinarian is the best person to ask questions on the general diet and nutritional requirements of your French Bulldog. They usually thrive on premium commercial dog food. Make sure to account for your dog’s age and select a formula appropriate for their life stage (puppy, adult, or senior).
Because of their flat faces, which can make it challenging for them to exercise, certain Frenchies are predisposed to obesity. Work together with your veterinarian to determine the ideal ratio of nutritious diet to frequent exercise. Watch the scale and make any necessary adjustments to the amounts. A reward every now and then is okay and beneficial for training, but keeps in mind that treats imply more calories!
Do you still have questions regarding feeding a French Bulldog? Use the Vet service through Chew’s Connect.
Exercise
Even though they aren’t exactly canine Olympians, French Bulldogs nevertheless require a lot of activity. These dogs’ huge bodies, flat faces, and short legs make them more suited for quick activity than long distance running. Choose between a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood or a game of fetch in the backyard.
As they exercise, be sure to monitor their respiration. Frenchies are brachycephalic, or flat-faced, dog breeds that are prone to airway problems (see the section on dog health below for additional information on brachycephalic syndrome). Don’t forget to provide mental stimulation for your dog; puzzles, scent training, and just going on adventures will broaden their horizons.
Ideal Environment
French Bulldogs can adjust to a variety of living conditions. They are capable of managing life in a small town, a rural hamlet, or an apartment in the metropolis. They will flourish as long as they have you to spend time with and a location for exercise.
They struggle with two extremes: extremely hot and extremely cold. A mild climate is preferred by Frenchies. Bring them outside in the cooler hours of the day during hot spells, and think about purchasing a few things to assist them stay cool and avoid heatstroke. Limit your dog’s time outside during the winter and think about dressing him warmly in a stylish dog coat or dog sweater.
Is it true that having a Frenchie requires you to be an experienced dog owner because of all their needs and quirky personalities? Not invariably. If you can dedicate yourself to training them, French Bulldogs are a wonderful option for first-time pet owners—the earlier, the better. They’ll happily adapt to your social schedule and way of life with the right training and socializing.
Just don’t abandon them for long periods of time. Frenchies would rather spend as much time as possible with you. Make arrangements for a neighbor or pet sitter to come play with them if you must be gone for an extended period of time, or enroll them in doggie day care.
French Bulldog Health
The lifespan of a French Bulldog is approximately 10 to 12 years when they are fed well, exercised, and treated with common sense. Regretfully, people experience some health problems. Recognize these issues so that you can contribute to your dog’s long and happy life.
- Allergies: French Bulldog allergies are a frequent condition that can be brought on by a variety of all-natural factors, including dust, pollen, mold, food, and insects. Allergies frequently manifest as itching, though a dry nose can also be a sign. Depending on the underlying cause, your veterinarian may recommend medication or a change in food as therapy.
- Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS): Their “snorting/snuffling/snoring” noises are one well-known characteristic of Frenchies; some pet parents even find them cute. Despite the fact that these sounds might appear innocuous, their physical characteristics really put their health at risk. Because of their narrow noses, airways, and palates, brachycephalic breeds—Pugs, Boxers, Pekingese, and French Bulldogs—may experience breathing difficulties when exercising. Maintaining a healthy weight can help manage symptoms, but in severe situations, surgery may be necessary.
- Ear Infections: Because of their tiny ear canals, French Bulldogs are somewhat prone to ear infections. In order to help avoid future infections, your veterinarian can demonstrate to you how to safely and correctly clean your dog’s ears if it frequently has ear infections.
- Underbite: Underbites can even make it harder for dogs to chew, as well as lead to tooth and gum issues. Braces, tooth extractions, and ball therapy—in which the dog is encouraged to carry a small rubber ball behind their teeth—may all be part of the treatment plan.
- Skin Infections: Those endearing facial furrows can hold onto food particles and moisture (yuck!). There, bacteria can grow and cause skin diseases. Regularly washing your dog’s folds will help prevent infections. See your veterinarian for a topical therapy if you see any symptoms of infection, such as itchy or inflamed skin.
- Spine and Orthopedic Issues: Common problems like hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and intervertebral disc disease (IDD) may potentially affect your French Bulldog. Spinal cord illness is known as IDD. Treatment options for the illness may include surgery or pain medication, depending on its severity. An improper fit of the hip joint is known as hip dysplasia. Physical therapy, surgery, and weight control are all possible forms of treatment. A knee condition called patellar luxation occurs when the knee slips out. Holding Your best line of defense is to keep your dog at a healthy weight; in extreme circumstances, surgery may be necessary.
- Eye Problems: Common eye conditions that might affect French Bulldogs include cataracts and cherry eye. Surgery can restore vision in cases of cataracts, a clouded lens that can cause blindness. A disorder known as cherry eye occurs when the third eyelid becomes dislodged and swells.
French Bulldog History
This is unexpected: England is where the French Bulldog really got its start. They were created as a smaller version of the Bulldog, also known as the English Bulldog, and gained popularity in the 1800s among lacemakers. They became somewhat of a mascot for lace makers after being well-known for their temperament in Nottingham, a hub for lace production. Many lace producers relocated to France when the Industrial Revolution altered the lace industry, where their little bulldogs gained popularity. Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, a French artist, even portrayed the French Bulldog in his works.
Americans started to notice the adorable bat-eared dogs at the end of the 1800s, and in 1897 they founded the French Bull Dog Club of America. There was some debate about “rose ears” vs “bat ears,” which first standing, then sway to the side and back (the inside of the ear resembles a rose). Like in France, the French Bulldog gained popularity in the United States, particularly among socialites, and fans of the breed preferred the bat ears.
Their popularity declined after World War II but then steadily increased until the 1960s, when it finally skyrocketed in the 1990s. The breed shot up to the second rank on the American Kennel Club’s 2020 list of the Most Popular Dog Breeds—a dog-apulted, perhaps?
Thinking about getting a pet French Bulldog? Visit the website of the American Kennel Club to find a list of trustworthy French Bulldog breeders. You should budget anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 or more for a pup, depending on the breeder. Make sure the breeder you purchase from checks the dogs for temperamental and health problems.
You can also check your local animal shelter for the breed; however, be aware that multi-breed shelters rarely have the breed because most respectable French Bulldog breeders will return the dogs they sell to owners who no longer want them as pets. You can also get in touch with French Bulldog rescues (you can locate an organization using Chewy’s Shelter and Rescue Network). Speak to local breeders about their retired female dogs if you’re interested in adopting a 3–4-year-old dog. After two litters, breeders frequently neuter their females and find them loving permanent homes.
FAQs
Are French Bulldogs hypoallergenic?
French Bulldogs do not have hypoallergenic traits. Along with typical shedding, the dander and saliva produced by French Bulldogs might cause allergies in certain people.
Are French Bulldogs smart?
When it comes to dog intelligence, French Bulldogs don’t top the charts. They are not idiots, though; they have a strong desire to please their owners and are driven by food, which aids in training.
Can French Bulldogs swim?
No, French Bulldogs shouldn’t be left alone near water because they are not good swimmers. When you’re near a pool, lake, or other body of water, make sure your Frenchie has on a doggie life jacket that fits properly because their facial structure and body type make it difficult for them to keep their heads above the water.
Boston Terrier vs. French Bulldog: What’s the difference?
Bostons lean more toward terriers and have a lighter bone structure than Frenchies, who have a stockier, heavier body shape that tends toward the bully breeds.
Frenchies are not as hyperactive as Bostons. Like Frenchies, they are agile, have a similar disposition, and get along well with both children and other dogs. Nonetheless, Bostonians tend to be more gregarious than French people.
What are the top French Bulldog names?
The most common French Bulldog names for girls are Luna, Lucy, Olive, Bella, Lola, and Daisy, at least among Chewy’s clientele. Boys naming their French Bulldogs Louie, Winston, Gus, Frankie, Milo, and Stitch are among the most common choices. See our dog naming guide for more ideas for names.
