French Bulldogs are a small, fun, and affectionate breed of dog that when taken care of correctly is a great companion to have in any household. In the following paragraphs, we will talk about how to take care of a French Bulldog ( or Frenchie) so your dog can live a long and healthy life by your side.
Description
The French Bulldog is a dog breed with a short, flat muzzle and a square-shaped head. Their eyes are dark-colored and wide-set, and atop their heads are ears that are large, erect, and with a distinctive “bat shape” that ends in a rounded tip. They have a small, compact, and muscular body that weighs around 7-12 kg (16-28 lbs) and stands around 11-12 inches tall at the shoulder. They are covered in a short, smooth coat and it can come in a wide variety of colors, such as brindle, fawn, black, white, and cream.
French Bulldog characteristics
- Name: French Bulldog
- Year and country of origin: 1800s in France
- Group: Non-sporting group
- Height (at the shoulder): 11-12 inches
- Weight: 7-12 kg (16-28 lbs)
- Lifespan: 9-12 years
Behaviour
French Bulldogs have great behavior, which is one of the many traits that have helped them reach their worldwide popularity. French Bulldogs are generally a very loving and kind breed which makes them great pets, especially for families and if you own other pets (However, note some French Bulldogs may have a high prey drive and could attack and kill animals smaller than them). They are also very playful dogs who love to have fun and play lots of fun activities with their owners.
In addition to their loving and playful nature, they are also very affectionate and sweet dogs loving to cuddle with their owners at every chance they get. Overall Frenchies are a kind, lovable, and social breed that would be a great addition to any household.
Diet
French Bulldogs have to be fed a balanced diet to ensure maximum health. Generally, French Bulldogs should be fed 1 to 2 small meals a day, with a quantity between 1 to 2.5 cups of high-quality commercial dog food or homemade dog food (only under Vet supervision). However, your dog’s individual needs may vary, depending on factors such as age, health, activity level, and size. Additionally, Frenchies tend to suffer from obesity problems so it is important to monitor your dog’s weight and avoid overfeeding them.
Grooming
French Bulldogs are a breed smooth-coated breed of dog that requires minimal grooming at least once a week. Frenchies typically shed their undercoats during the spring and fall, so owners should brush their Frenchies coats more often during these periods. Frenchies can also have skin-related issues in their faces and underneath the tail (depending on if your Frenchie has a long enough tail) due to their deep skin folds, which will need to be cleaned and dried thoroughly. Due to the Frenchies exposed ears, it will require regular cleaning to ensure there is no debris inside the ear.
Practicing oral hygiene on your Frenchies is recommended to prevent oral health-related issues, which are more likely to occur in French Bulldogs. Trimming your Frenchies nails every few weeks is also very important, as it can prevent the nails from cracking or splitting.
Fitness
The French bulldog is not the most athletic breed of dog in the world however, it is still important to keep your Frenchie physically active. Frenchies are prone to overheating so it is important to avoid heavy physical activity during periods of extreme heat. As well as monitoring your Frenchies breathing due to it being a brachycephalic breed it can have its breathing more affected during physical activity. A small walk, playing indoors, and playing in a garden are a few examples of physical activities you can do with your Frenchie.
And finally, an important thing to note is due to the Frenchies asymmetrical proportions they are not the best swimmers, so if you decide to take your Frenchies for a swim it is recommended to have them wear a doggy life vest for their safety.
HEALTH
French Bulldogs are great companions, however, there are some health issues they are more prone to have than other breeds. In the following paragraphs, we will discuss all the major health problems that can affect Frenchies, how to prevent them, and how to treat them.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a degenerative disease characterized by the abnormal growth of the hip joint, resulting in improper alignment between the femur (thigh bone) and the pelvis. While genetics play a primary role in its development, environmental factors can also contribute to the condition. Preventive measures mainly involve the selective breeding of individuals free from hip dysplasia.
If your dog is diagnosed with hip dysplasia, there are multiple treatment options available. Surgeries, medications, and weight management are all commonly used to treat it. However, if you prefer alternative methods, treatments such as acupuncture and physical therapy can also be used to treat it. These options aim to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and enhance the overall well-being of your dog.
Brachycephalic syndrome
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is a chronic, debilitating, and primarily obstructive disease that produces anatomical abnormalities in the upper airway, which, can cause breathing difficulties and other health issues in brachycephalic breeds. BOAS can only be transmitted through genetics. Prevention of this disease consists of selectively breeding individuals who have less extreme features of brachycephalic breeds to minimize the effects of the brachycephalic syndrome.
Treatment for BOAS mainly consists of surgeries to correct any anatomical abnormalities the dog may have. However, if the BOAS is less severe other treatment options are available, such as avoiding strenuous exercise, avoiding extremely hot and humid conditions, using a harness instead of a dog collar to avoid pressure on your dog’s airways, and weight management.
Skin related issues
The wrinkles on the French Bulldog’s face and tail area can be the cause of many health issues for Frenchies. The wrinkles in the face and tail area can cause diseases such as Skin fold dermatitis and Pyoderma which in turn can cause redness, irritation, and bacterial infections. Prevention for these diseases consists of proper cleaning of the skin folds and drying them properly to avoid infections. Treatment for these conditions consists of properly cleaning the affected areas and using medication.
Allergies are another common health problem that can affect Frenchies more often due to their genetics and can consist of food and environmental allergies. Allergies can not be prevented mostly due to them being genetical. Treatment for allergies consists of going to a veterinarian to get a diagnosis of the allergen. Afterward, remove or limit the allergen that they are allergic to and make the necessary dietary or environmental changes, as well as, using medication if necessary.
Ear related issues
The French Bulldog’s large bat ears are a signature characteristic of the Frenchie, however, it can also cause some health problems if not cared for properly. Frenchies have large bat-like ears with narrow ear canals that due to their structure can accumulate debris and moisture which can cause health problems such as redness, itchiness, and bacterial infections (otitis externa). Prevention of ear infections consists of properly cleaning the ear and drying it out thoroughly to avoid a bacterial or yeast infection from forming in the ear or ear canal.
Treatment for ear infections includes using eardrops to help clean the ear canal, medication, and in severe cases surgery to reconstruct the ear canal to reduce the risk of future ear infections.
Eye related issues
While French Bulldogs have big adorable eyes that are a lovable feature of the breed, they can cause some health problems for Frenchies. Due to the anatomy of the Frenchies head, they are more likely to contract eye problems such as cherry eye, pink eye, and cataracts. Symptoms may include red eyes, swollen tear glands, and discharge from the eyes. Prevention of these eye-related diseases consists of keeping your Frenchies eyes clean and avoiding irritants entering the eyes. Furthermore, these conditions can be treated with eye drops, medication, and surgery if necessary.
Intervertebral disk disease
Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) is a degenerative spinal disorder caused by a herniating (slipped) vertebral disc that can cause pain and nerve damage, leading to mobility issues and paralysis. Prevention of IVDD includes avoiding jumping from high places, managing weight, and avoiding overstressing the neck and spine areas using tools such as a back brace and a harness. IVDD can be treated in multiple ways, for example, noninvasive methods such as physical therapy. Other treatment options include medication and in most cases of IVDD treatment, surgery.
Gastrointestinal issues
Frenchies are a brachycephalic breed that due to their short snouts and sensitive stomachs are more likely to suffer from gastrointestinal problems than other dog breeds. A few of the gastrointestinal problems that can affect Frenchies are constipation, bloat, and megaesophagus to name a few, and symptoms for gastrointestinal-related issues include excessive gases, vomiting, fever, runny, bloody, or foul stool (poop), and appetite and weight loss.
Gastrointestinal disorders can be prevented by monitoring your Frenchies diet and other medical conditions your French Bulldog could have as they can increase the likelihood of your Frenchie contracting a gastrointestinal disease. The main treatment for gastrointestinal diseases consists of dietary changes to your Frenchies diet, however, it can also be treated by medications.
Note: All the information stated in the health section of the French Bulldog Care guide is just the basic information on the most common diseases that can affect French Bulldogs, prevention techniques, and treatment options. Always make sure to consult a professional veterinarian so they can properly diagnose your dog and give them the adequate treatment for their specific case.
In conclusion, caring for a Frenchie requires attention to their unique needs and characteristics. By providing proper nutrition, regular exercise, and maintaining good hygiene, you can ensure the overall well-being of your Frenchie. Remember to monitor their temperature, as Frenchies during periods of extreme heat are more susceptible to heat-related issues. Regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, medications, and preventive care are crucial for maintaining their health. Additionally, socialization and training from an early age will help shape their behavior and make them well-adjusted companions. By understanding and addressing the specific needs of French Bulldogs, you can provide them with a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life as a cherished member of your family.