You’re looking for a cute, medium-sized dog that’s not too active, not too greedy, and utterly irresistible? You want your dog to be the star of the neighborhood? You like people to give you and your dog smiles when you go out for a walk? Congratulations, you just found your perfect breed: it’s the French Bulldog.
In 2018, the Frenchie took the fourth position among the most popular dog breeds according to the American Kennel Club. It’s a smart, playful dog that perfectly adapts to the indoors and is not overly demanding in terms of grooming. Should we mention how darn cute these dogs are?
But if you want to adopt a Frenchie, you should know more about the breed. Let’s get into the details.
Characteristics of the French bulldog breed
This breed looks a lot like a classic bulldog, with two main differences: the bat ears and the miniature shape.
The head is large in proportion to the body, and the skin is pretty wrinkled.
The most characteristic thing about this breed is the nose, which is extremely short. It’s the cutest feature, but it’s also where most problems come from. We’ll get to that point in a bit.
French Bulldog health issues
Before choosing a breed, you should get informed about the health conditions it might develop.
National Geographic triggered a heated discussion in 2018 when they published a bold article: Are We Loving French Bulldogs to Death?
Breeders keep developing the breed, in the attempt to make the perfect bulldog. The problem is that these dogs develop serious health issues in a pretty high percentage: digestive and skin disorders, and chronic eye problems.
Respiratory ailments, in particular, are very problematic. That cute muzzle is a cause of severe breathing problems. More than 60% of the dogs of this breed have excessively tight nostrils that make life not so comfortable.
The argument against breeding Frenchies is pretty strong. This brachycephalic breed suffers.
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t adopt one.
If you’re getting one from a breeder, you should ask to see full medical records for their kennel. The French Bull Dog Club of America can give you valuable information about breeders.
Or you can do something better: adopt a Frenchie from a shelter. It doesn’t matter what health issues it may have. If it’s in a shelter, the dog deserves the better life that you could provide.
Veterinary care
French Bulldogs require regular veterinary care to ensure their health and well-being.
Routine check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive care are essential to keep your Frenchie healthy.
The breed is prone to certain health problems, such as respiratory problems, skin infections, hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, obesity, allergies, ear infections, eye conditions, and heatstroke, so it’s important to keep an eye on any signs of discomfort or illness.
If you notice any unusual symptoms or behavior in your Frenchie, take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
It’s also important to keep up with dental care, as Frenchies are prone to dental issues.
Regular teeth brushing and professional cleanings can help prevent problems down the line.
Overall, taking your Frenchie to the vet regularly and addressing any health issues promptly will help ensure a long and happy life for your furry friend.
Temperament
The dogs of this breed are loyal and affectionate.
They love people and are great with children.
Like any breed, French Bulldogs can have their behavioral challenges.
One common issue is separation anxiety, which can manifest as destructive behavior or excessive barking when left alone.
Frenchies are also known to be stubborn and can be difficult to house train. They have a stubborn streak.
However, with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement training, these challenges can be overcome.
It’s important to provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation to keep your Frenchie happy and engaged.
French Bulldog exercise needs
Frenchies don’t require tons of exercise, so they are perfect for busy people who only have time for a brief walk in the morning or the evening.
They are not very active and prefer to spend most of their time relaxing indoors with their owners.
However, it’s still important to take your Frenchie for daily walks to keep them healthy and happy.
A short walk or playtime in the backyard is usually enough to satisfy their exercise needs.
French Bulldogs are smart and playful dogs that require mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
Mental stimulation can come in many forms, such as puzzles, interactive toys, and training sessions.
It is important to provide your French Bulldog with plenty of mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Grooming
French Bulldogs have a short and smooth coat that requires minimal grooming.
However, they do shed moderately throughout the year, so regular brushing can help reduce the amount of loose hair around your home.
A soft-bristled brush or a grooming glove can be used to remove loose hair and distribute the natural oils in their skin, promoting a healthy coat.
It’s also important to clean their wrinkles and skin folds regularly to prevent infections and irritation.
This can be done with a damp cloth or a specialized cleaning solution.
Additionally, French Bulldogs require regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing to maintain their overall health and hygiene.
Training
You shouldn’t expect a Frenchie to become an extremely agile and active dog. That’s not in their nature.
Of course, you can play with Frenchies, but they won’t like excessive physical training.
Socialization is the most critical part of your dog’s training. You should expose your dog to people, especially kids, in different situations.
If you want your dog to behave well, you may consider puppy training classes.
French Bulldog expenses
Owning a French Bulldog can be expensive.
The initial cost of purchasing a French Bulldog puppy from a reputable breeder can range from $1,500 to $5,500.
In addition to the purchase price, you will also need to budget for ongoing expenses such as food, toys, grooming supplies, and veterinary care.
Frenchies are prone to certain health issues, so it’s important to have them regularly checked by a veterinarian.
Additionally, if your Frenchie develops a health problem, the cost of treatment can be significant.
Overall, while owning a French Bulldog can be a rewarding experience, it’s important to be prepared for the financial commitment.
Where to find your Frenchie
Start by looking at different breeders enlisted by the French Bulldog Club. You may be wondering how much does a French Bulldog cost? You can expect to pay $1,500 to $5,500.
But if you want to rescue a dog and provide a better life than the one they currently have, you can go for the “Adopt, don’t shop” philosophy. Contact a rescue to see if they have available Frenchies for adoption or search on Petfinder.
Whatever decision you make, only one thing is sure: you’ll love living with a Frenchie!
Elizabeth Skinner is a proud Frenchie owner since 2012. Being a freelance writer for edubirdie.net, she appreciates having a friend while being at home for days. Elizabeth also is an animal rights activist and volunteers in a local shelter.