All about the French Bulldog Breed

All about the French Bulldog Breed

Wondering how popular the French Bulldog really is? Now you can find out how popular the Frenchie dog is based on AKC most popular dog breeds in 2020. These findings were based on stats on 2019 AKC registration statistics. It is important to note that even though the French Bulldog is listed as the fourth most popular dog there are many rare Frenchie colors that are not accepted and therefore do not have the AKC registration.

2020 Most Popular Dog Breeds (Based on 2019 Stats)

It may come as no surprise that the Frenchie takes the fourth spot in popularity. The Frenchie breed is popular for their fun-loving, laid back nature and this has contributed to their almost universal appeal among dog lovers.

2020 Most Popular Dog Breeds (Based on 2019 Stats)

 

If you have been searching for the perfect Frenchie puppy, we must warn you that this is where your search comes to an end. Armed with an overdose of cuteness and a tough-on-the-outside,sweet-on-the-inside expression, you are minutes away from a French Bulldog puppy fever.

Think you’re up to it? Don’t say we didn’t warn you. Here’s everything you need to know about the French bulldog that’s about to steal your heart away.

 

In this photo from left to right:

Masked Fawn French Bulldog puppy wearing Frenchiestore Reversible Mermazing Health Harness | Brindle Frenchie dog puppy wearing Frenchiestore Reversible Livin' La Vida Frenchie Health Harness | Cream French Bulldog puppy wearing Frenchiestore Reversible California Dreamin' Health Harness.

Let’s meet the Frenchie dog breed

Recognized by the American Kennel Club as the 4th most popular dog in the US climbing to the top in recent years , the French bulldog has been stealing hearts since the 19th century.

 

Meet The Breeds: French Bulldog | AKC -The French Bulldog is affectionate and easy-going and makes the Top 10 most popular dog list year after year. But it wasn’t always that way! Discover the history of the French Bulldog on Meet the Breeds!

Is the Frenchie dog breed the right breed for me?

French Bulldogs have a unique personality than other breeds and it is recommended you learn more about this breed before getting one. Society stigmatize them as a lazy low maintenance small breed you can just carry everywhere.

This is far from the truth. French Bulldogs often require as much attention as a newborn baby. If you’re the type that does not have a vast tract of suburban back yard to turn dogs loose in, you should be looking very closely at the French bulldog.

Is the Frenchie dog breed the right breed for me? Frenchiestore.com

Appearance of the French Bulldog dog

The Frenchie dog is one of the miniature dog breed. They’re also known as the clown dog because of their fun-loving nature and some even call them the ‘Frog dog’ because of their wide round heads and sitting posture.One of their signature physical attributes are the over-sized bat-like ears that add spades of cute to this furry fellow.

They have a muscle bound, compact frame with heavy bones.Their heads are large and square, compared to the rest of their body which tapers off to lean and smaller hind quarters. They have a wrinkly, almost flat face featuring a very short and often black muzzle.

This gives them a scrunched up, eternally long-suffering look that provides several funny expressions and makes them look almost human.Their eyes are small, dark and set just above the muzzle. They have strong necks, wide chests and smooth, soft coats that come in a variety of colors. Their tails are usually short and either straight or screwed.

Appearance of the French Bulldog dog Frenchiestore.com

The Frenchie dog breed is a miniature version of the larger Bulldog

Though they may look as tough as the English Bulldog with some that have the overhanging upper lip, they’re just little softies. Don’t discount them though. The Frenchie dog is alert, friendly and sturdy. Their signature sitting positions will often remind you of a turkey leg. You most definitely will want to nibble on that!

The Frenchie dog breed is a miniature version of the larger Bulldog


How do you know what color is your Frenchie puppy?

First, examine the genes and colors of the parents, then examine certain features such as mask, maskless, brindle, tan points, sable etc. then you will be able to determine the color of the French Bulldog puppy. If you have questions or unsure you can always ask a more knowledgeable breeder or do a genetic test.

Many different shades of the fawn French Bulldog

Did you know the Fawn french Bulldog comes in many different shades? Here is a short breakdown of the different variations in Fawn French Bulldog puppies: 

Masked fawn French Bulldog

A fawn Frenchie coat color can range from cream and light tan to golden tan and dark reddish tan with the distinguishing feature of a dark mask. Brindle streaks can occur. The Fawn Frenchie coat color is the most popular and registered breeds of the American Kennel Club AKC.

Masked fawn French Bulldog

Blue Fawn French Bulldog puppy

Blue Fawn French Bulldog puppy is considered a rare Frenchie color and not accepted by AKC. Their coats look like a pale lighter fawn color and usually puppies have lighter eyes. Their eyes will change in time from blue gray or green to brown honey or hazel color depending on their genes.

Blue Fawn French Bulldog Frenchiestore.com


Fawn Sable French Bulldog

A sable fawn French Bulldog is considered a rare color in French Bulldogs. Sable Frenchie dogs usually look like masked fawn Frenchies with darker black hairs and black-tipped hairs covering throughout the coat. A sable Frenchie puppy may be indistinguishable from sable in an adult French Bulldog.

Fawn Sable Frenchie dog Frenchiestore.com

Maskless Fawn French Bulldog

A Fawn maskless Frenchie coat color can range from cream and light tan to golden tan and dark reddish tan just like the masked fawn Frenchie. The only difference is that this coat color in Frenchies do not include the dark black mask around the eyes and muzzle.

Maskless Fawn French Bulldog Frenchiestore.com

Red Fawn French Bulldog

A red fawn Frenchie coat color can range from light red to dark reddish tan with the distinguishing feature of a dark mask. Brindle and sable can occur. The Red Fawn Frenchie coat color is considered rare.

Red Fawn French Bulldog Frenchiestore.com


Lets talk French Bulldog genes!

 What Frenchie puppy color should i expect? Frenchiestore.com

  Two French Bulldogs that are masked brindles - expected to produce masked fawn, masked brindle or maskless brindle.

  A masked brindle Frenchie and a sable ayayE French Bulldog- expected to produce Frenchie puppies that are masked fawns sables or brindles.

  A masked brindle Frenchie and an ee red Frenchie - expected to produce (depending on the A genes in the ee red) blacks and some black with tan pigment, which could either be masked or brindled.

common questions you might have about the french bulldog dog breed

  Is a Frenchie the right breed for me?

If you work most of the day, and planning on leaving your Frenchie at home alone until you come back, please re-think getting this breed. It is too often that this breed is being surrendered to a rescue due to the inability of spending time with the dog. French Bulldogs will get angry and destroy things to get your attention if you are ignoring them or not there for them. If you are a stay at home mom/dad, work from home, or have the option to take your Frenchie to your work, it might be a good fit. If you are retired, and want a great loving companion this might be the breed for you.

  Should I get a French Bulldog puppy or a Pug puppy?

There is no simple answer to this question. Deciding whether to get a Frenchie or a pug puppy can be a hard decision. They might look similar however there are many differences between the French Bulldog and the pug dog breeds.

Cost, Training and Health Issues pug frenchie puppies

Both the Pug and the French Bulldog make a great family pet. Both are very loving and crave human attention. Both do not do well when left alone for long periods of time.The Pug never outgrows his or her puppy persona, and in contrast the French Bulldog is very laid back as he or she matures.

The Frenchie is less active than the pug who might tend to bark more though not excessively. Similarly the Pug needs more exercise per day than the French bulldog. In addition Pugs life span will usually be longer than the French Bulldog. Both breeds do not do well in hot or cold weather.

The Pug requires a lot more grooming and brushing than the Frenchie due to their thicket coat. Both breeds need daily wrinkle cleaning to avoid skin infections or tear stains. Frenchies cost more than Pug puppies. This is due to the fact that Frenchies can't reproduce naturally and all the costs associated with breeding the Frenchie.

Both the Pug and the French Bulldog are prone to a long list of health problems. When making the decision whether you get a pug or a Frenchie you should consider your space, budget, and lifestyle. Maybe this decision proven to be too hard for you and in those cases you might consider getting a Frug.

  What is a Frug?

A Frug is a crossbreed between the Pug and the Frenchie dog breeds.

A Frug is crossbreed between the Pug and the Frenchie dog breeds.

 

  How do I find the right Frenchie?

You generally have two options for getting yourself a French bulldog. You can either choose to get one through a reputable breeder or you can adopt a puppy from an animal shelter or breed rescue organization.

  How can I rescue a French Bulldog?

If you’re looking to adopt, sites like Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet, FBDCA rescue network etc. to find the pet you need. We are involved with many French Bulldog organizations you can always ask us if you need some guidance in the right direction.

  Are Frenchies healthy?

French bulldogs are not known for their great health. In fact, they can develop several health issues. This is largely due to several factors including their physical attributes.Keep in mind that not all Frenchies will have these health challenges. They are simply associated with the breed and may not occur at all for your furry buddy. It is however important that you are aware of them if you’re considering the breed. With adequate knowledge about their health issues, you can better make intelligent decisions when it comes to picking your Frenchie-puppy. Ensure that your breeder tells you everything that has been identified in the dog’s genetics.

  What is the life spam of a French Bulldog?

On average, the French bulldog lives between 10 and 12 years although, it is common to see some live for longer, up to 13 or 14 years especially if your French Bulldog is at an ideal weight.

  Do Frenchies smell?

A French Bulldog tend to be more smelly than other dog breeds. Their delicate stomach and breathing issues can cause a lot of gas. Additionally, the Frenchie's facial folds can have a bad odor if not cleaned daily.

  How much should a French bulldog puppy weigh?

Our Frenchie Weight Calculator can tell you an approx weight of your puppy or dog instantly based on on your dogs age and breed size. A general idea of an ideal weight would be 19-29 lbs for a male Frenchie and 18-28 lbs for a female French Bulldog depending on frame and height.

French Bulldog dog breed is considered one of the lazy breeds since they love to lay around and sleep a lot. Frenchies can become overweight or obese very quickly and that can lead to many health issues that can be avoided with proper and ideal weight.

Frenchie weight and body condition of a french bulldog drawn by Frenchiestore

 My Frenchie is too thin, what should I do?

First ask yourself, is your Frenchie 6-12 months of age? If so its natural for them to look skinny, they are still growing and filling up to their mature body. Has your Frenchie been through any medical proceedure in the last few months that requires anesthesia?  It is normal that your French Bulldog is skinnier after a proceedure such as neutering, spaying, boas surgery etc. Your French Bulldog should get back to his/her normal weight in no time.

If your French Bulldog is not a puppy and have not been through any medical procedures but still looks thin there are a few options to help them gain a bit of weight and reach an ideal weight:

-De-worm your Frenchie and rule out intestinal parasites with the help of your vet.

- Feed your Frenchie a bit more and read the label to make sure your Frenchie is getting all the nutrients he/she needs.

- Add safe human foods as "toppings" to your dog's food which will increase appetite. Things like chicken or beef broth, a dollop of non-fat plain yogurt are safe for your Frenchie to consume in moderation.

- It may be time to change consistency. Does your Frenchie eat raw, dry or wet food? Ask yourself does he or she like the food?

- Give your Frenchie a high calorie dietary supplement daily. This type of supplement usually comes in a tube and is easy to give the dog.

  How will being underweight or overweight affect my Frenchie's health?

Just like people an overweight or obese Frenchie may exprience a shortness of breath with little to no exercise. It is a matter of life or death for a breed like the French Bulldogs that already has respiratory issues in the first place. In addition you can expect an overweight Frenchie to have Diabetes and heart disease. They may also experience joint problems and inability to walk or run.

Even 5 pounds would affect a Frenchie tremendously due to their already small size. If your Frenchie is underweight it could be a sign of a serious health problem. It would best to talk to your vetranarian and test for major health issues such as parasites, gastrointestinal disease or kidney disease etc.

  How can I tell my French Bulldog is overweight?

Did you know that more than half of the dogs in the world are overweight? Chances are 50 percet that your dog may fall into that catagory as well. The signs of an overweight Frenchie is :

- No muscle tone

- Heavy breathing with little to no exercise.

  What should I do if my Frenchie is overweight?

Here is a list of things to consider when it comes to a French Bulldog that is overweight:

- There has been extensive research in regards to thyroid health and dogs that pull on dog collars. Are you using a collar or a harness on your French Bulldog? Does your Frenchie pull? Is it possible the collar is affecting your French Bulldog's thyroid gland? A collar pushes on the throat exactly in the area of the thyroid gland, and any trauma created by the pulling can inflame the thyroid.

- Is your French Bulldog getting the appropriate amount of daily activity?

- Are you feeding your Frenchie the appropriate amount of food per day? Read the label which will list protein, fat content and calories per cup. Ask your vet for any suggestions for your specific needs.

- When giving your Frenchie a treat it is best to feed a one ingredient treat, low-calorie, no-sugar added treats.

- A daily natural supplement such as omega-3 fatty acid may help maintain your Frenchie at a perfect weight.

  Should I free feed my Frenchie?

It is not recommended to free feed a French Bulldogs since Frenchies will typically overeat. That is not to say that every Frenchie is the same and yours might do well with free feeding.

  How much should a French Bulldog puppy cost?

You can expect to pay anywhere from $2500.00 - 10,000.00 depending on the color and genes of the dog.

  Why are Frenchie puppies so expensive?

French Bulldogs puppies are more expensive than other dog breeds due to the fact that Frenchies can't have Frenchie puppies naturally. Here are some general figures to help you understand why Frenchie puppies are expensive:

  •     Progesterone test $50-$100 (usually 2 tests needed)
  •     Vitamin supplements - $100
  •     Shipping semen - $100 - $300
  •     Male stud fee - $1,000 - $7,000
  •     Breeding insemination - $100 - $300
  •     Ultrasound or X-ray - $100 - $300
  •     C-section - $750 - $2,500
  •     Puppy food - $100 - $300
  •     Full vaccinations entire litter - $300 - $900
  •     Microchip entire litter- $200 - $500
  •     DNA/Genetic testing - $700 - $1,000
  •     Supplies misc - $200 - $500

  I saw a Frenchie puppy being sold for under two thousand dollars. Is this breeder posting a scam? 

Stay away from buying a Frenchie puppy if the price is too good to be true. It most likely be a scam. Furthermore never purchase a Frenchiebulldog puppy without references from prior buyers, and a contract in place. Never transfer money in western union or any other means that will not cover your purchase in case the deal went south.

Even if its not a scam, a breeder can only offer a Frenchie for a cheap amount if they bypass many necessary testings. Buying a healthy Frenchie puppy will never be cheap and can help avoid a lifetime of vet bills and care as well as heartache.

  Why does my male Frenchie squat and not lift his leg when going potty?

It is normal for male French Bulldogs to go to the bathroom squatting instead of lifting their leg. This is due to their stocky built and their short body. When your dog is marking his territoty or around other dogs it is possible he might lift his leg.

  Can I place another dog with my Frenchie in the same crate?

It would have to depend on your dog's personalities and whether they get along. Another thing to keep in mind is not crating the opposite genders if they are not fixed. If your Frenchie shown any aggression to the other dog it is not recommended you crate them together. However, if they get along well and are best freinds it may be beneficial to crate together to eliminate separation anxiety. Make sure the crate is large enogh for them to be comfortable.

  My Frenchie puppy ate the pee pad, what should I do?

Don't panic! A lot of French Bulldogs go through a chewing phase where they eat everything in sight. Don't leave the pee pads in his/her crate again and try to train with pee pads only when you can supervise. Your Frenchie will most likely pass the pee pads in stool. Watch your Frenchie for any signs of blockage like constant vomitting and unable to go to the bathroom and take your French Bulldog to the vet if you believe there was any issue in passing the pads.

  My Frenchie bulldog is aggressive towards children. What should I do?

Do not allow your Frenchie to be mean to kids or other pets. Your French Bulldog needs to have respect to other household members. Prior to showing dominance your Frenchie will most likely look at you for your approval, and at that point you need to correct him/her and show your dominance. When French Bulldogs get away with this behavior this problem will only get worse so correct it as soon as it starts. Another method of eliminating aggression in French Bulldogs is to overly praise them when they are affectionate, and when they are not, ignore and stand your ground. At times positive reinforcement with Frenchies work the best since they are very emotional.

  My Frenchie suffers from allergies and cytopoint. My vet recommended the use of the medication Apoquel. What should I do?

Every Frenchie is different and off course they each have their own sets of problems and symtoms, however, as a responsible owner you need to educate yourself on the medication Apoquel before giving it to your dog just like you would with any other medication.

There are wonderful holistic vet care facilities everywhere that take a different approach that does not include drugs. This medication works because it suppresses your Frenchie's immunity system so they don't feel the need to itch.

The downside is that its a highly addictive drug which your Frenchie will need to rely on for many years, and when you stop giving it to them the symptoms might come back and be worse than they are before starting.

Another side effect stemming from Apoquel is constant ear infections. Some dog owners reported cancer after prolong use but there is no scientific research or proof that it causes it.

Before starting such a serious medication you can always try a more holistic approach like special shampoos, bath treatments, immunity booster treats, goat milk, supplements, coconut oil etc.

  Should I give my Frenchie a bully stick?

Absolutely not. French Bulldogs are known to choke on bully sticks. In fact it is recommended you never give a Frenchie any type of hard bone including Antlers etc. For a treat it is always recommended to use a soft treat that can easily dissolve even if they swollow it whole.

French Bulldog puppy coat colors

French Bulldog puppy coat color

In the photo a Blue Pied French Bulldog wearing Frenchiestore Reversible The Child Health Harness

The color of a French bulldog’s coat will be determined by the genes passed down from his father (called the sire) and mother (called the dame/dam). Although, French Bulldog breeders can, and do, go beyond these, there are three main colors that Frenchies come in.

These are brindle, fawn and pied. While these are the most common colors, they do come in such a mix that you could reasonably assemble 10-20 French bulldogs with different coats. We’ll explain more on these differing coats below. Brindle is the most dominant color of the breed.

A brindle Frenchie has a mostly dark coat with light hairs mixed in here and there. According to the French Bulldog Club of America, the coat isactually made of a base of fawn hairs, through which black hairs extend in bands.

This produces a coat that can range from a “tiger brindle” in which fawn hairs pre dominate, to the more common dark brindle where the dog is almost black. They’re quick to point out though that no matter how dark the dog gets, there must still be a “trace of brindle”.

This means there must be a patch of enough fawn hairs to show the brindle pattern, no matter where that patch is located.

Other shades of brindle french bulldogs include:

  The strong brindle Frenchie - Mix of brown and tan coat coloration in Frenchies.

  The brindle pied French Bulldog - A Frenchie dog with a chest, head, neck or toes sporting white hairs.

  The seal brindle French Bulldog- A French Bulldog with very light white hair that may even seem invisible.

Fawn French bulldog (fawn frenchie)

Fawn French bulldog (fawn frenchie)

In the photo a Masked Fawn French Bulldog wearing Frenchiestore Reversible Harry Pupper Health Harness

The Fawn French bulldog usually has a coat of lighter hair that can range from a reddish color to yellow, oreven a pale cream. It is also common to see some of the dogs with coats that have a light tan, golden tan or a reddish tan.

When Frenchie dogs have a dark reddish fawn color, they are referred to as a red-fawn.Although fawn Frenchies usually have lighter masks as well, it is more common for them to have a dark mask and a black nose. Their ears are also commonly dark and they may even have some brindle streaksin their coat.

Pied Frenchie Bulldogs have a coat that ranges from white to eggshell color. Their coat may look porcelain white or a bright cream. Often,these color types will have one dark patch that stands out and gives them their personality. This may be around the eyes or some other place on the body of the Frenchie dog.

Rare colors in French Bulldogs

Rare colors in French Bulldogs - Merle Frenchie

Now, if you’re thinking these can’t be all the colors that Frenchies come in because you’ve seen or heard of some rare colors, you’re right. There are other colors such as the Blue, Merle, Blue/Grey or pure Black French bulldogs. The Frenchie dog breed comes in a variety of unusual colors.

Rare colors in French Bulldog puppies can be exceptionally expensive depending on how rare the puppy is. Also there is some debate about how healthy a rare colored Frenchie can be. Rare colors can be merle, lilac, blue and more.

FAD colors also referred to as rare colors of a coat in French Bulldogs are disqualified by the American Kennel Club French Bulldog Breed Standard. FAD colors in French Bulldog puppies include the following but not limited to:

  Blue French Bulldogs.

  Frenchies with tan points.

  Trindles.

  Pure black French Bulldogs without trace of brindle.

  Merle coat in French Bulldogs.

  Isabella Frenchie dogs.

  Chocolate Frenchies.

Merle Frenchbulldog puppy

Merle French Bulldogs can have tigerstripes, spots, or patches. These come in different colors and patternsand are determined by heredity and genetics.

While Merle French Bulldogs can be quite exotic and strikingly beautiful, this kind of breeding can come with a number of serious problems from skeletal defects to blindness to deafness to increased fetal mortality. For those reasons it is recommended that a breeder breeds a merle with a solid coat parent.

When getting a Merle Frenchie puppy it is extremely important to choose a reputable Frenchie breeder.

Do French Bulldogs shed?

French Bulldogs have very short hair and only one coat so when it comes to other breeds in comparison they do not shed as much. This is one of the reason they cannot tolerate very cold climate. Dogs with 2 coats are better suited for colder climates.

Expect your Frenchie to lose their undercoat about twice a year. Use a stripping comb and grooming mitt to remove the excess hair during the spring and fall (shedding seasons). Dress your dog in hypoallergenic Frenchie pajamas to avoid hairs all over the house while your dog is shedding.

Do Frenchies smell?

A French Bulldog tend to be more smelly than other dog breeds. Their delicate stomach and breathing issues can cause a lot of gas. Additionally, the Frenchie's facial folds can have a bad odor if not cleaned daily.

How often should I wash my French Bulldog?

Some people think you need to give your Frenchie a shower often, that is far from the truth. Your dog's natural oils keep them clean and free of infections. Washing your French Bulldog often might wash their natural protective layer off.

Height and weight of the French Bulldog

Frenchies are not very tall. They generally measure between 11-12 inches standing on all fours. This is why they are considered great as lap dogs since they can fit snugly in your arms or on your laps.

How much should a French Bulldog puppy weigh

Our Frenchie Weight Calculator can tell you an approx weight of your puppy or dog instantly based on on your dogs age and breed size.

How to increase your Frenchie's life span

On average, the French bulldog lives between 10 and 12 years although, it is common to see some live for longer, up to 13 or 14 years especially if your French Bulldog is at an ideal weight.

Feeding raw diet to your Frenchie puppy might increase overall health and life span.

Personality of the French Bulldog breed

There’s everything to love about this little bundle of fun. The French bulldog is great with all kinds of humans and their living situation including but not limited to:

 single.

  family.

  retiree etc.

They are charming little fellows with the ability to make you laugh at the drop of a hat. Frenchies are smart, with a good sense of humor. They are very fond of people and can become very attached to their family.

While they are very good indoor dogs, sometimes they can get lonely if you stay away for very long hours, especially within their first year of life. French Bulldogs can be emotional and often exhibit a bit of a stubborn streak. This means that while they are really smart, they usually take a while to train.

Don’t get all hard on them because they don’t take too kindly to reprimands. That causes them to mope around looking all sorry eyed. As long as you’re patient with them, they’ll be eager to please.

They don’t bark a lot. So when they do, it’s usually for a very good reason. That doesn’t mean they’re mute though. With their own complex system of communication involving yawns, nips and gargles; Frenchies are very big talkers. On occasion, they’ll even sing along with you.

History of the French Bulldog Breed

Although some part of their history is disputed, there’s a general agreement that the Frenchie, surprisingly, has English origins. The dog was initially bred to be a toy-size version of the English bulldog and was very popular in the City of Nottingham.

When lace making became mechanized after the industrial revolution, many of these lace makers migrated to France, and took their furry companions along. Of course, Frenchies were a massive hit in the French capital and before long, they adorned the arms of the Paris bohemian class.

It was during this time that the dog acquired the name the “bouldogge Francais” or more commonly, “Frenchie”. And the name has stuck ever since. Other accounts have it that the dog was bred with the terrier in France to create the bouldogge Francais. This is said to be what led to the distinctive bat ear feature.

As you would imagine, the English people were not too fond of the new name initially. Many refused to call the dog by this name due to the national rivalry between England and France, especially considering that the bulldog was considered an English national symbol.

The breed found a way to America after the formation of the first French Bulldog Club in America. After an 1898 show in which Frenchies were exhibited, the breed was thrust into vogue and the rest is history.

Taking care of your French bulldog

Although they are one of the most adaptable dog breeds around, you need to take good care of your Frenchie.

Taking care of your French Bulldog

Feeding your Frenchie

You can't go wrong with high quality dry dog food that is tailored to the specific needs of the dog. Frenchie Food Calculator can help you determine the daily amount of food needed for your French Bulldog based on size, build, metabolism and activity levels.

This is because each dog has their own individual needs. If you choose to give the dog treats, you should only do so in moderation. A daily omega-3 fatty acid supplement may help keep your Frenchie at a perfect weight.

Talk to your vet about the brand and kind of food you feed your Frenchie puppy to see if they have any suggestions for your dog's specific needs.

Grooming your Frenchie dog

Compared to other dog breeds Frenchies don’t shed much. They have a short, easy to groom coat that only sheds about twice a year when they lose their undercoat.

All you have to do is brush them more often during the shedding seasons in spring and fall, you can also use our organic Frenchie dog clothing to minimize shedding.

You will also need to trim their nails often. Frenchies are generally low energy dog breeds, so they don’t indulge in enough physical activity to wear down their nails by themselves. If you don’t trim their nails at least once every few weeks, the nails will grow long, and painful for the dog.

The other grooming required concerns ear cleaning, tooth brushing and wrinkle care. The dog’s deep muzzle folds particularly require constant cleaning because of the possibility of bacterial growth due to moisture. You can wipe out the crud with a soft, damp cloth.

French Bulldog exercise needs

French Bulldog breed is prone to heat exhaustion - French bulldogs don’t need a lot of exercise so you don’t have to worry about long walks. They generally have pretty low energy levels which means they tire out quickly.

Be careful with them though as the breed is prone to heat exhaustion. You should avoid exercising them in hot temperatures. Even in the house, ensure your indoor temperature is always cool as excessive heat can cause them to have a heat stroke.

Limit walks and active play to only cool periods and try not to engage them in long periods of exercise. You can use our cooling dog bandanas to keep your Frenchie cool during the hot months.

Importantly, don’t let your Frenchie get in a swimming pool or any other body of water without a life vest. Most the dogs cannot swim due to their front-heavy structure. So you should never leave them unattended near a pool.

5 Tips for French Bulldog Owners

Tip #1: Get a good vet + consider an allergy test.

Tip #2: Antlers/ chew toys for Frenchies.

Tip #3: Slow feeding bowl.

Tip #4: Honey + Fish oil.

Tip #5: Baby wipes.

Training your Frenchie

It is recommended that you start the training your Frenchie right from puppyhood. Exposing them to training early will help their development into well-adjusted adult French Bulldogs. One pro tip is to make training fun and game like providing rewards for little accomplishments which will ensure their cooperation.

French bulldogs can be stubborn at times due to the fact that they are generally free thinkers. There are many training techniques that you can use. If one doesn’t work out, there are several more that you can try, including these 4 training hacks.

How do I potty train a Frenchie puppy?

French Bulldogs can be stubborn and hard headed at times, so it is crucial you are firm, and consistent with this breed. Here are some tips that will help you establish a housebroken Frenchie puppy in no time:

  Pick a designated area for your puppy to go potty - Do not let your French Bulldog puppy roam free in the yard. Treat your yard as if it was a part of your home. Pick a special spot in your yard and keep the puppy on a leash. This will make the puppy learn that this is their usual spot to go and will save you a lot of trouble in the future when you are poop scooping since it will only be in one area. This method works really well if you fence of a small area or have a dog run.

  Go outside often- Frenchie puppies can't hold their urine for very long, this is why its recommended you go outside approximately every 2-4 hours. Slowely decrease times taken out as they mature.

  Reward your Frenchie puppy during or immediately after they relieve themselves - Be prepared with treats in your pocket and ready to go. Reward your precious puppy with a treat when going outside in the designated area.

  Put your French Bulldog puppy on a feeding schedule- It is best to not free feed your Frenchie dog early on in life. You should have water for your puppy at all times, however, it is recommended feeding your dog at certain times to regulate their bowel movement. If you want to avoid accidents at night take away their water bowl after 6 pm.

  Supervise your Frenchie puppy at all times- Do not let your puppy have free range in the house and opportunities to soil. Supervise your Frenchie puppy at all times and when you can't supervise use a crate to prevent accidents.

How to Potty Train Your Dog in 7 Days | Super Awesome Dogs

Potty training your Frenchie can be a frustrating and long task especially with a stubborn breed like the French Bulldog. With consistency along with these tips you should be on your way to having a potty trained Frenchie puppy in one week!

Are Frenchies healthy?

Now, here’s where things get a bit tricky. French bulldogs are not known for their great health. In fact, they can develop several health issues. This is largely due to several factors including their physical attributes.

Keep in mind that not all Frenchies will have these health challenges. They are simply associated with the breed and may not occur at all for your furry buddy. It is however important that you are aware of them if you’re considering the breed.

With adequate knowledge about their health issues, you can better make intelligent decisions when it comes to picking your Frenchie-puppy. Ensure that your breeder tells you everything that has been identified in the dog’s lines. Here are the major health issues that affect French bulldogs:

  Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome: also known as BOAS. This is the most common health issue in Frenchies. Due to their scrunched up muzzles, they often have difficulty breathing. The dog will often make grunting or snuffling sounds because they are trying to get in enough air. This syndrome is the major reason why French bulldogs are low energy and fairly susceptible to over-heating. Treatment varies but some of the dogs may need surgery to widen their nostrils or shorten their palates.

  Intervertebral Disc Disease: IVDD occurs when a vertebral disc pushes upwards into the spinal cord. This pressure affects the nerves and may lead to paralysis if it continues unabated.

  Dysplasia: This is a genetic condition that commonly affects small dog breeds. It occurs when the hip joint fails to fit snugly ass a ball and socket. This may be either because the all is not round enough or the socket is too shallow. It can cause severe pain and arthritis as the dog ages.

  Patellar Luxation: When the kneecap in dogs continually moves from the knee joint, patellar luxation occurs. The condition is congenital although the actual knee cap displacement does not begin to show until much later. If left untreated, the condition can also lead to degenerative joint disease and arthritis.

  Cleft lip / Cleft pallet in French Bulldog puppies - while some cleft lip Frenchies can latch, none of the cleft pallet puppies are able to latch. A French Bulldog that is born with a cleft pallet needs to be tube fed. The person caring for them needs to be very skilled at tube feeding and very dedicated to their survival. A lot of them are underweight or even the runt of the litter due to their health condition. Any vet would advise you to never breed a dog with such a disability as they are very likely to produce Frenchie puppies with the same genetic issue. Another health risk associated with this condition is that Frenchie clefties are at a higher risk to aspirate and get pneumonia.

Health Issue in Male French Bulldogs

  Unilateral cryptorchidism - is a condition in which your Male Frenchie's testicles do not descend normally into the scrotum. If you were planning on your Male Frenchie being a future stud you may want to consult with your vet. The vet will usually recommend a neuter as well as an extra procedure to remove the one that did not descend.

Many of these health problems are avoidable simply by finding a responsible Frenchie breeder however, even with a great breeder issues can arise.

If you’d like to know more about how to take proper care of your Frenchie, sign up to ourFrenchie Blog.


4 Responses

Rosemary E Knowles
Rosemary E Knowles

October 24, 2023

I recently rescued a 7 mo old Frenchie from an irresponsible breeder. I am not sure of his proper color, or really much about him at all. I’ve been a dog owner and lover all my life. But this little guy is a first for me. After only 36 hours, he has my heart and there will be no fostering, he is now a full member of the family. But I have no clue about them and their breed specific needs. So I’m open for any and all advice. Apparently he was used to going potty wherever. Inside and out. But when I lay out pads he seems to use them. How do I get him to successfully transfer to the outside for that?

Chris Lesnar
Chris Lesnar

June 23, 2022

I just got to this amazing site not long ago. I was actually captured with the piece of resources you have got here. Big thumbs up for making such wonderful blog page!

Scarlett
Scarlett

November 12, 2021

I love the photos and i already have a french bulldog and a pug

ליווי בצפון
ליווי בצפון

March 31, 2021

“This is the right webpage for anyone who hopes to understand this topic. You know so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually would want toOHaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a topic that’s been written about for many years. Great stuff, just excellent!”

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