The French Bulldog is a member of the “companion” dog group. They were created as miniatures in England for the English lacemakers in Nottingham. They would accompany them on their trips to France, where they became “Frenchies” Today, they are celebrated as family-friendly show dogs perfect for first-time dog owners and apartment living.
The American Kennel Club describes the French Bulldogs to be:
“The one-of-a-kind French Bulldog, with his large bat ears and even disposition, is one of the world’s most popular small-dog breeds, especially among city dwellers. The Frenchie is playful, alert, adaptable, and completely irresistible.”
French Bulldog Appearance
The French Bulldog is a bat-eared beauty with a truly unique appeal. Their skin is loose and wrinkles at the head and shoulders, like the larger varieties. Additionally, they are muscular and intelligent with a short and easy to care for coat. And they are as easygoing as they come.
The Frenchie’s coat is short, smooth, shiny, and quite fine. The colors range from fawn to cream and various shades of brindle. They may appear grumpy, but they are pretty lovable little powerhouses.
Average Height: 11-12 inches
Weight: 16 to 28 pounds
Life Span: 8-10 years
Not sure if your rescue fits this description? Give us a call to find out at Animal Care Center.
French Bulldog Care
French Bulldogs are very trainable and fun. In fact, their love of play and relaxed attitude carry over into their training sessions. However, its intelligent freethinking approach can also lead to a stubborn nature. So, if your Frenchie decides to dig in its heels, there may be no budging them. Otherwise, they are easygoing dogs with a desire to please. And as with most dogs, socialize your French Bulldog for a good disposition, as they can be territorial with their person and other dogs.
Nutrition
Typically, the French Bulldog will eat 1 to 1.5 cups of food per day in two intervals. However, that all depends on their size, age, and activity level. They should be fed high-quality dog food that is appropriate for those levels. And remember that treats are great for training, but there can be a point where too many treats are not suitable for dogs. Of course, clean fresh water should always be available.
Grooming
Frenchies are easy to care for. A few times a week, all-over brushings will help with shedding and keep the coat looking shiny and beautiful. The biggest issue with French Bulldogs is the face wrinkles that tend to save water and food. If that happens, they can become infected. So, inspecting and drying the folds daily is a big part of French Bulldog care. Ears should be cleaned, and nails should be trimmed every couple of weeks.
Exercise
No doubt, the Frenchie likes to play, but he also enjoys spending his days lounging around. A couple of 15-minute walks a day will keep the dog in shape. But you should know that Frenchies are prone to heat exhaustion and need AC. So keeping them cool is essential when outdoors.
Health
Heat is the biggest issue for French Bulldogs. Not every French Bulldog will struggle with all of these. That is where knowing your breeder comes in handy. Therefore, if you are considering this breed, these are the things to be aware of.
- Hip Dysplasia
- Brachycephalic Syndrome
- Allergies
- Hemivertebrae
- Patellar Luxation
- Intervertebral Disc Disease
- Von Willebrand’s Disease
- Cleft Palate
- Elongated Soft Palate
The best idea to ensure your pup has the fewest of these conditions is to get one from a reputable breeder. However, adopting is an excellent idea too. Furthermore, the best care you can give your French Bulldog is to have a fantastic veterinarian to rely on. That is what Animal Care Centers is all about, providing the best care for pets and their owners.
Animal Care Center Loves All Their Furry Family Members
From the moment you enter the Animal Care Center, you’ll be among the friendly staff, owners, and pets who prefer Dr. Williams. The total preventative care of your pet is our pleasure. So, you need not worry one bit. What’s more, the team will welcome your pet with open arms putting your loved ones at ease.
The best care for your furry family member is at the Animal Care Center. We provide complete care for your pet’s health needs, including dental care, internal medicine, and emergency care.
Caring for the total pet is our specialty. From eyes and ears to testing and surgery, the people of Smyrna, Georgia, and the Greater Atlanta Area can count on the fantastic staff at Animal Care Center and our own Dr. Williams.