COMMON FRENCH BULLDOG QUESTIONS

Do Frenchies bark a lot?
Not more or less compared to other breeds. Typically, Frenchies are not excessive barkers|

Are Frenchies good watch dogs?
Frenchies often make good watch dogs and they can become somewhat territorial and protective.

Are French Bulldogs good companion dogs?
They are fantastic companion dogs. T
hey are fun, entertaining and loving. The French Bulldog is delightful, easy to groom and requires little exercise.

How do Frenchies take to Apartment living?
Wonderfully. This is one reason the French Bulldog has been popular throughout the history of the breed. Frenchies like to be where you are and don't take up too much space at all. However, it is good to get in a good walk as much as possible for overall health and exercise. If your Frenchie only gets the occasional walk to the grass outside, that is at least something.

Are French Bulldogs sociable?
All dogs seem to do better with exposure to other aspects of life, other dogs, and people too. The French Bulldog should never be mean, aggressive or a vicious animal. It is a good idea, and is often recommended that you take your Frenchie visiting to various places. This helps your dog be a better companion and not possibly overreact out of fear of the unknown. It also builds confidence and character in your dog. It gives you and the dog an easier time when separated or when traveling together.Try to consider if your Frenchie is penned up all the time. He needs to be a part of your life.

Are French Bulldogs good with children?
All young children need supervision especially around puppies of any breed. This is often for the puppies sake as well. French Bulldogs are typically very good around children and take to them readily.
 
Are French Bulldogs good with cats?
Like with most dogs, Frenchies can be accepting of life with a cat and most adapt very well to sharing a home with a cat.

Are French Bulldogs good with other dogs?
Depending on the dog(s). They can get along just fine but it would be advisable to consider supervision at all times until you're sure. Try using the X-pen to introduce your new Frenchie to other dogs. While they are protected get your other dog's reaction and the Frenchies response. Sooner or later, a puppy may attempt to establish dominance in some cases with smaller or more submissive dogs.

Are French Bulldogs easy to Train?
They can be very willing. They can also be very stubborn and hardheaded too. If you make it a game they'll want to play all the time. Frenchies are often considered people pleasers and love to be the center of attention.

Do Frenchies Snore?
Yes, Frenchies can snore and some are pretty good at it, but in such cases the snoring can be aggravated by breathing deficiencies.

What breathing problems?
Sometimes you may find a Frenchie that is noisy or has labored breathing. They may have a longer tongue and/or an excessive soft palate and is obstructing their airway. Smaller nose openings can exaggerate their already noisy characteristics too. If you suspect your Frenchie is making too much noise then it’s best to consult your vet.

Note: Other symptoms of elongated soft palate are spiting up or regurgitating food or foam frequently. Consult your veterinarian for corrective alternatives.

What about Feeding?
It’s important to use consideration when feeding a French Bulldog.  Be aware of artificial preservatives and excessive protein and fillers.  Some dogs may have allergic reactions to certain commercial foods.  Read the dog food label and know what suits your dogs needs best.  Consult your veterinarian if your dog experiences food allergies.
 
Food additives:
Yogurt (full fat or low fat) Cottage Cheese (full fat or low fat) Fresh Avocado Flaxseed meal Fresh meats - cooked or raw (consult your vet) Whole grains and vegetables Cooked Potatoes or RiceSome French Bulldogs like nuts, fruits and melons too.

A healthy Frenchie is not overweight which can be damaging to their physical structure and shorten their lifespan.

Note: Wheat products are known to be flatulent producing in some French Bulldogs. Corn products and fillers that are an additional source of protein may increase your dogs energy levels and cause hives (skin rashes or irritations).

Potty training?
This is a combined effort. Some dogs are harder than others. Try installing a dog door or at first you might start by crate training. Develop a routine after they eat, before bed and first thing in the morning, and be consistent. Remember a puppy's little bladder may not be under control as quickly as we'd like so be positive and patient.

Do Frenchies shed?
Yes, but they are single coated and shed less compared to other breeds.

Are Frenchies easy to breed?
It can be difficult for French Bulldogs to breed naturally and it may be necessary to enlist the assistance of a veterinarian or reproduction specialist.
 
Whelping Puppies?
Due to the shape of the French Bulldog and the size of the puppies’ heads they quite often are born by C-Section in a veterinarian hospital. Always take time to educate yourself before intending to breed French Bulldogs.

How do I find a vet familiar with French Bulldogs?
We hope some day to offer a referral service for participating veterinarians familiar with the breed. For no, check with a breeder in your area for a referral.
 
MY NEW FRENCH BULLDOG

Things to have on hand and how to care for a new Frenchie - The following may be partial information. Other methods may also be valid or vary.
 
Food and Water?
If you just got a new puppy, ask the breeder to send some food along with the pup that it is alreadyused to eating. Use the same food until it is recommended to change to something new. If you plan on changing the food or the current food is hard to locate, try whole basic bland foods and gradually combine the new puppy food with the old (follow same suggestions as listed above in "Common Questions"). A puppy typically eats about 3 to 4 times a day, depending it’s age. You may choose to reduce the frequency of meals to one or two times a day as they mature. It is not a good idea to allow your Frenchie to become overweight.
It is also a good idea to take some water from the breeder of the puppy, if possible. If not, use bottled water until you can gradually add your own water to avoid any discomforts. Otherwise you may get loose stools or worse, until your puppy becomes adjusted to your water.

Wire or enclosed crate 200 size or medium size?
This doubles as your puppies’ home or bed and a place to be safe. It is not unfair or unkind to start crate training since dogs are den animals, they will easily become accustomed to the crate. This is also a good way to transport your Frenchie to and from places in safety. To get your puppy use to the crate, leave the door open and place the crate in a family room. This way the puppy can feel more comfortable trying out his new home.

X-pen (exercise pen)
This is about a 4 X 4 wire pen that folds up and can be adjusted to varying sizes. It is recommended to get at least a 24 to 30 inch height. Very handy when traveling and cordoning off areas where you don't want your Frenchie to go. This is also helpful when introducing a new pet into your home. The crate inside the pen becomes a bed just like a protective home with a small yard.
It is not recommended to leave your puppy loose and unattended when not at home.

Newspaper
To assist with potty training.  Keep on the floor on one side of X-pen at night and during the day.  Or you might use a tray or pan big enough to help teach your dog where to go, when they are unable to go outside.Rolling up a newspaper:  When correcting your dog try using the old fashion method of a rolled up newspaper. Hit the floor or wall getting their attention and use a corrective tone. Another harmless, corrective tool is a squirt bottle of water.
Note: It is important to reward your puppy when they do something favorable. Hugs and kisses and lots of praise go a long way.

Food and Water Bowls
Most recommend stainless steal bowls that will last, are safe, and do not retain odors or bacteria and will go in the dishwasher for cleaning.

A Cozy Bed
Have a nice comfy bed for snuggling and to keep warm. A good bed is one where they can't get to the stuffing and either the cover or entire bed can be put in the washing machine.
Chew toys
All babies, especially when teething will chew and so do some adult dogs. Puppies will chew anything and everything so be careful what you leave laying around. It is very important they have enough chew toys to keep them busy. Get new chew toys from time to time to keep their interest.

Note:  It has often been recommended to not give your dogs rawhide chew bones or toys.

Benadryl Allergy
(over the counter)
Often recommended by vets for minor allergic reactions. Benadryl will also relax your dog and can make them drowsy. Please consult your vet in advance about when it’s safe to administer and for the proper dosage information.
Note:  Bee stings can be highly reactive and should your dog receive one, contact your vet right away.

Bag Balm (utter cream)
Recommended moisturizer for noses and other areas and minor skin irritations. Vitamin E cream is also good to use on a dry nose.

Wash rag and mild antibacterial soap
Wash your French Bulldog's face and folds regularly. And be sure to keep the skin around the eyes free of moisture too.

Toe nail clipping 
It is always a good idea to keep in the habit of cutting or having your dogs toe nails trimmed.  When you start hearing the sound of "clip-itty-clip"  it's time to trim them down a bit. Commercial dog nail clippers or a Dremel Tool work well for this.Bathing your Frenchie
Frenchies are easy to bathe just toss them in the sink or tub, wash, rinse, towel dry and away they go. Use a mild dog formulated shampoo or vet recommended allergy shampoo. Conditioner is often helpful for rough, dry coats.

Ear wash
Frequently check your Frenchies ears and try and keep them flushed and cleaned regularly. Make this a part of your routine after bathing your Frenchie and always use a cotton ball for wiping out the ears. Try a feed store, pet store or vet for a most often used antiseptic ear wash.

Small clipper (optional)
Often show exhibitors shave their Frenchies muzzles for the ring and it is a nice and neat habit though not a necessary one.

Know your dog's schedule for shots and keep them current
Some areas of the country have different vaccination programs to protect against viruses not common in other regions. If your puppy was shipped it may not have been inoculated for potential parasites or diseases in his new area so always check with your vet as to the vaccinations recommended for your area. Be careful of Rabies shot reactions and inform your vet that some Frenchies react adversely to LEPTO and you may choose to avoid this vaccine altogether.

Keep your dog wormed regularly and if concerned get a fecal examination performed by your vet.

Parasites, [ fleas and worms ] can be devastating to your dog(s) once they get out of control. Common symptoms of exposure are loss of weight, a pot-belly and slowed growth. They can have difficulty putting on weight regardless of what you feed them and their coats are flaky, dry and dull. Fleas can also cause skin irritations and itching. It’s important to not allow any of these conditions to get control of your dog for it’s health and comfort and they can easily spread to other pets as well. Curing one pet does not cure the epidemic and may require all your pets to be examined and treated. Consult your vet about testing on a routine basis and for any recommended treatments.

Make sure to keep your Frenchie out of the heat and the extreme cold. 
Do not leave your Frenchie or any dog in a car with the windows rolled up, unattended.  Dog parks are fun, but keep in mind Frenchies can be fearless and get into trouble with strange or larger dogs.  They also have a tendency of going off with just about anybody.  Take caution when exercising with your Frenchie and do not let them overheat.  Avoid the heat of the day or too long or vigorous workouts.  If your Frenchie starts to over heat, hose them down with cool water, use wet towels or a wading pool with a few inches of water for them to stand in and try to calm them down.  If you're planning a long walk take periodic breaks and carry plenty of water or even a spray bottle to use as a mister for your dog.

Thank you for taking the time to read over this questionnaire to see if a French Bulldog is the right breed for you. The French Bull Dog Club of American wants to encourage healthy Frenchies and happy owners with an understanding of the breed through education. The FBDCA does not endorse nor is it responsible for any information contained herein that is not suitable for your specific dog. The information provided is considered safe and basic by other Frenchie owners and should serve only as a reference for basic information about the breed.

Enjoy your new Frenchie because very soon they'll be your best friend for a very long time.
 
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Home • French Bulldog 101 Pamphlet • French Bulldog Standard • What Breeders Won't Tell You • So You Just Bought Your First Bulldog • Feeding Dogs For Reproduction And Growth • So Now You Have Puppies • The Healthy Dog • Health And Confirmation • Skin Disease • Pyrometra • Hypothyroidism In Dogs • Atopic Dermatitis • Intervertebral Disease • Brachycephalic Syndrome • Poisons • Letter To My Vet • Dealing With Breeders • Should I Breed My French Bulldog • Breeding The Heartache Breed • Ageing Dogs • Suggestions For Preparing For The Unthinkable • Common French Bulldog Breed Questions