It may surprise you to learn that dogs are good for your heart. Owning a dog is linked to lower blood pressure and reduced stress.
If you’re looking to welcome a furry companion into your heart and home, then you know what a wonderful addition a French Bulldog can make. However, you may have questions about this breed, such as its personality and overall health expectations.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about French Bulldogs so you can best care for them as pets.
French Bulldog Personality Traits
Frenchies are known to be smart, loving pets who want to spend plenty of time with their human family. They do exceptionally well with training, so long as you positively reward them with praise, play, and healthy treats.
French Bulldogs are very playful, adaptable to new situations, and alert. They’re friendly and even-tempered, albeit on the stubborn side. Frenchies are also known for their mischievous nature, so they need an owner who’s consistent yet patient.
Overall Health
Male French Bulldogs weigh roughly 20 to 28 pounds, and females may weigh 16 to 24 pounds. As with any breed, French Bulldogs might experience health issues. Not every French Bulldog will experience these health issues, but you should still understand what these diseases entail.
Brachycephalic Syndrome
Brachycephalic Syndrome is commonly found in dogs with narrow nostrils and short heads. They suffer from an airway obstruction which may cause noisy breathing, labored breathing, or a complete airway collapse.
Commonly, dogs with this condition will snort. Surgery may be an option, shortening the palates and widening the nostrils, along with oxygen therapy.
Allergies
A wide array of dogs experience allergies. They may be food allergies, contact allergies, or inhalant allergies. Ear infections may accompany inhalant allergies. Your vet can guide you with the appropriate treatment.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplastic is characterized by pain and lameness, although some dogs don’t develop clinical signs. With this condition, the femur doesn’t sit tightly in the dog’s hip joint. Arthritis is possible with age.
Other conditions Frech Bulldogs might experience include hemivertebrae, patellar luxation, elongated soft palate, cleft palate, Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), and Von Willebrand’s Disease.
When welcoming a French Bulldog into your home, always work with a trusted breeder who can provide you with health clearances. These clearances show you that your puppy has been tested for a wide variety of conditions.
General Care
French Bulldogs don’t require much exercise. Their energy levels are generally low, although each dog has its own personality.
You do, however, need to keep your Frenchie’s weight in check, so daily exercise is recommended. This includes play time outside or short walks.
Frenchies enjoy playing but don’t require a large yard. They’re highly susceptible to heat exhaustion and should not receive exercise in hot temperatures. When walking them or playing outdoors with them, only do so on cool mornings and at night.
Training Your Frenchie
Although French Bulldogs are smart, they’re also free thinkers and stubborn. You may need to experiment with a variety of training techniques until you find the one that works best for your dog.
If one method proves to be unsuccessful, adopt new methods. For example, Frenchies like to play, so you can turn training exercises into games for them to enjoy, complete with prizes.
Even if you plan on giving your Frenchie free range of the house, you should still crate-train them. All puppies are explorers, regardless of what breed they are. They may chew something harmful, making crate training a must for their overall well-being.
Feeding Schedule
It’s recommended that you feed your Frenchie high-quality, nutritious dry food, split into two separate meals. Your Frenchie should receive 1 to 2.5 cups of food in total throughout the day.
Your adult dog’s exact diet and food allotment will depend on its build, age, size, activity level, and metabolism. Always consult your vet for proper feeding instructions, as every dog requires a different amount of food.
Grooming
French Bulldogs have shiny, smooth, short, fine coats. Their skin is wrinkled and loose, more so at the shoulders and head. It boasts a soft texture.
You’ll find Frenchies easy to groom, as they only need to be brushed occasionally for a healthy coat. They shed an average amount.
Groom your Frenchie at an early age so they become accustomed to the process. As your Frenchie ages, look for signs of infection, flaky skin, scabs, skin lesions, rough skin, or bare spots when grooming them.
Always check its ears, eyes, and teeth. Anything unusual should be discussed with your veterinarian.
Clean your Frenchie’s ears with a warm, damp washcloth, cleaning the canal edges with a cotton swab. You should never put a cotton swab into the ear canal.
French Bulldogs need regular nail trimmings to prevent painful tearing and splitting of their nails. Facial wrinkles also need to be kept clean. This prevents bacterial infections.
Always clean between your dog’s folds during bathtime.
You can take your Frenchie to a professional groomer if you’re uncomfortable performing any of these tasks.
Children and Pets
French Bulldogs do very well with children. However, young children should never be left alone with a dog, regardless of the breed.
Socialize your Frencie with other household pets, helping them to adapt. Keep in mind that spoiled Frenchies may be jealous of other pets.
Welcome a French Bulldog Puppy Today
A French Bulldog makes a wonderful addition to any household. They’re smart, lovable dogs and are easy to care for. Refer back to this guide as you integrate your Frenchie into your heart and home.
Are you looking for a meticulously bred French Bulldog? Take a moment to view Poetic French Bulldogs’ list of available puppies.
