French Bulldog
The French Bulldog, with his large bat ears and even disposition, is playful, alert, adaptable, and completely irresistible.
Daily Care
Grooming Tips
French Bulldogs are easy to groom at home, as they don’t require clipping of the coat. Brush weekly to keep the moderately-shedding coat looking shiny and healthy.
Brush the dog’s teeth several times a week, as Frenchies can develop ripe halitosis. Regular brushing also keeps teeth and gums healthy and can prevent tooth loss later in life.
Clean the dog’s ears on a regular basis with a damp, warm cloth. Never stick a cotton swab in the dog’s ear canal. If his ears are dry, a dab of baby oil rubbed into the edges will help soothe and heal the skin. This remedy can also be applied (sparingly) to a dry nose.
Exercise Tips
The French Bulldog needs minimal exercise, but he does need some exertion every day. Not to mention, this is a good bonding time for a loyal breed. 1 exercise session per day for 15-25 minutes is suggested.
Feeding Tips
French Bulldogs are known for its sensitive stomachs, so you must be careful what you feed your pet.
Corn and wheat can make your Frenchie itchy, so go with premium dog foods. French Bulldogs love fruit, but only feed your pooch this treat in limited amounts.
Health Tips
Since the French Bulldog is a smaller dog, it’s important to keep its weight regulated. Respiratory problems are common, and it worsens if it is overweight, as its abdomen swells and presses against its lungs.
In addition to breathing problems, French Bulldogs may suffer from snoring, wheezing and eye problems. And since puppies tend to have large heads, it could lead to cesarean births. Also, watch out for dry skin that can result in bald spots on your Frenchie’s coat.
Trainability
Earlysocializationandpuppy training classesare recommended. Exposing the puppy to a wide variety of people, places, and situations will help him develop into a well-adjusted adult.
Puppy training classes serve as part of the socialization process, promote good behavior, and help the owner learn to recognize and correct bad habits.
Frenchies have big personalities and can need a fairamount of trainingto make them civilized companions. They can be stubborn, but at heart, they’re people pleasers and therefore easy to train. The proper motivation (such as food) and making a game of the process will ensure their cooperation.
History
The French Bulldog originated in 19th Century Nottingham, England, where lace makers decided to make a smaller, miniature, lap version of the English Bulldog that was referred to as a “toy” bulldog.
In the 1860s, when the Industrial Revolution drove the craftsmen to France, they took their dogs with them. The toy bulldogs became popular in France and were given the name the “French Bulldog.”
The breed eventually made its way back to England for dog shows. The Brits were not happy with the name “French” given to a dog that was originally from England, however, the name “French Bulldog” stuck.
