French Bulldog Information
The French bulldog is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. It is the go-to choice for most families who are looking for a friendly dog. On top of being playful, its high level of awareness, and perfect use of barking, Frenchies make an excellent watchdog.
However, before you bring these cute little doggos into your home, you need to know a thing or two about them. Where they are one of the most playful breeds, they do need some specialized care. If you are looking to get a French bulldog for your family, here are five things that you should keep in mind before you make the commitment.
They Are Expensive
Before you make up your mind about getting them or get your kids excited, you need to know that French Bulldogs are very expensive dogs. Doing research they are the 2nd most liked dogs in the USA. As they are quite popular and therefore in demand, you will need to spend some money on them, between $3000 and $5000 but it will be worth it.
One thing that you must look out for when buying a French bulldog is to get them checked by a vet before you make the final purchase. They can be prone to genetic problems as they have been crossed several times.
Make sure that the dog you buy is healthy. You can get more information on the dig doggy by browsing over to the linked website.
They Are Prone to Obesity
Another thing you need to keep in mind is that weight management is very important when you get a Frenchie. While these dogs love to play and constantly move, if you don’t provide them with a playful environment, they are going to become obese.
You should prioritize a proper diet and make sure that you take your dog out on a walk daily. Moreover, you should also take him to a doctor every month to get him to check for symptoms of orthopedic issues, airway diseases, and other issues.
They Love to Play
The reason why French bulldogs are the preferred choice of breed amongst families is due to the fact that they are one of the most playful dogs. They are a particularly good breed when it comes to children and other animals.
Like all other dog breeds, you should introduce him to your children. You should also supervise your children meanwhile and teach them how to interact with the dog. After some time, you can leave your kids alone with the dog.
Consider Neutering
Last but not least, you should consider neutering your French bulldog. Assuming that you are getting him for the sole purpose of making him a part of your family instead of breeding.
Neutering is very beneficial for a French bulldog as it reduces the chances of him developing certain diseases like cancer and known to have other benefits such as making the dog less aggressive.
They Should Not Be Left Alone
It doesn’t matter what kind of breed you are getting; if you don’t have the time to be with him or play with him, you shouldn’t go for a pet. While there might be some breed of dogs that can be left alone for some time, the French bulldog isn’t one of them.
They get very attached to their trainer and become anxious and stressed if they are left alone for a long time. If you can’t be with them all the time, you should leave him with someone he can trust.
How To Prevent A French Bulldog From Resource Guarding
French bulldogs can often develop behavioral issues like aggression towards their owners, other dogs, or other people. This aggression can stem from fear or insecurities. These behavioral issues can sometimes make our French bulldogs cease to be sources of amusement and begin to look like an issue that needs resolving.
It is not unusual for your French bulldog to find a couple of things valuable. And it can be anything, from food to a spot on the couch, to your favorite hoodie. But it starts to become an issue when your Frenchie begins to growl, lunge, stiffen or bite whenever you go near these things of apparently high value.
It can be annoying and frustrating, but you would have to do away with the frustration to handle the situation effectively. Here are some tips on how to discover and discourage this behavioral issue.
What Is Resource Guarding?
Resource guarding is when a dog tries to defend and protect any valuable resource like food or a toy. In mild cases, your Frenchie may only stiffen up at your approach, give you a look or simply turn his head, but in severe cases, your French bulldog might give you whale eyes, lift his lips, bare his teeth, growl or even bite.
This can be very chilling and honestly quite alarming. Resource guarding can also happen if there are other pets around. Sometimes, your dog may resource guard you against the other pets. Resource guarding can also be called “possessive aggression,” and the “cuteness” wanes very fast.
Until a dog starts exhibiting signs of resource guarding, one may never know for sure if they are capable of it. Resource guarding is not confined to any particular breed of dog, neither is it limited to any sequence of occurrences. It all depends on the individual dog.
Resource guarding poses such a problem because most dogs who behave in this manner do not differentiate between who is coming to take their valuables and those merely walking by. To them, the only thing that matters is what they think might be a threat.
Many owners have often wondered why their dog seems to eat faster or guides his toy when they approach. It can be a wonder, but any dog resource guiding isn’t mainly focused. They are just responding to the trigger and not the actual action.
If you have kids, you especially cannot overlook or ignore this behavior. Resource guarding plays a considerable part in the statistics of reasons why dogs bite children. Your Frenchie may feel very sorry and remorseful, but the harm has already been done.
Signs Of Resource Guarding In French Bulldogs
Resource guarding is a natural and invaluable instinct for dogs who live in the wild. It helps them to survive on the limited means they have to hunt for. For a domesticated dog, however, it is not a great instinct.
Resource guarding often starts long before we begin to see these visible signs. To prevent accidents from occurring, you should keenly observe your dog for anything that may seem amiss. This would help you to nip it in the bud before it progresses to the apparent signs of growling, lunging, biting, and being generally terrifying.
You should lookout for some of the more subtle signs if your dog freezes when you approach “my precious,” if he moves the item farther, if he braces himself over the thing, if he generally seems to watch you intently. You should pick up on it and begin to discourage it.
Sometimes, we need to reassure our Frenchies that there are more than enough resources available to them. We need to institute an understanding that removing an item will most often result in giving him something equal or better than what he had. Anytime your Frenchie gives up something willingly, or in obedience, it needs to be rewarded so that resource guarding does not become an issue.
When our canines begin to resource guard, the first human instinct might be to punish the attitude out of them. This only results in more resource guarding. That is why it would be better to speak to a professional trainer and get their thoughts on the next step. But below are some helpful tips.
How To Handle Resource Guarding? What Not To Do
There are some knee-jerk reactions to resource guarding that just do not help. And while it is understandably frightening and embarrassing, the goal is to discourage such behavior, not make it worse. Here are some things you shouldn’t do.
Don’t Punish Your Frenchie For Growling
It is possible to punish the growl, but the only thing you have done is teach your dog to go straight for the bite next time. If your Frenchie realizes that his growls of discomfort at your approach will only result in some sort of punishment and the loss of his valuable item, the next time you approach, he is more likely to skip the growl and go straight to biting.
It is pretty similar to our reactions as humans. If you keep reaching for my stuff and you ignore my warnings, you’ve got a smack coming your way, buddy. The point is, you shouldn’t take away the vital signs your dog uses in communication with you. Your Frenchie can’t explain to you that this is your last warning; growling is all they have, don’t take it away.
Don’t Mess With Their Food Or Toys
Experienced dog owners and people who know dogs usually know not to disturb the canine while he is eating or enjoying a toy. Some might not mind, but others mind the disturbances very much.
Sometimes, you might want to form a habit of taking away your Frenchie’s food or chews to show them that you are their lord and savior. This may work on some French bulldogs, but it generally breeds resource guarding. This is because constantly taking away their stuff will only annoy your dog and teach them that you are here to take away when they see you.
This is not the impression to form in your Frenchie. they should always associate your presence with fun things. There are other ways to be firm and put your feet down; you should habitually do it with their food and toys.
Don’t Leave Out Any Items Your Frenchie Might Guard
If your Frenchie begins to have a fondness for a particular item, it might be a great idea to remove that item from their constant view. If it’s the laundry basket, take it out of sight. Pick up his food bowls after he’s finished eating and has walked away. Generally, don’t leave anything around that he may guard,
If you introduced a new chew and noticed he’s beginning to growl, trade that chew for something else. This tip, however, will only work for mild cases of resource guarding.
How To Handle Resource Guarding? What To Do
The best thing is to start training and socialization early to prevent resource guarding against developing. But if you rescued an adult dog from a shelter or inherited one from a family member, this point is moot.
You can handle resource guarding in your Frenchie by desensitizing him to your presence. This usually takes time, involves a lot of steps, and requires a lot of patience. Suppose you cannot afford to take much time; you should speak to a dog behaviorist about your options.
If your Frenchie suddenly develops resource guarding, you should visit the vet. A change in behavior or sudden aggressive behavior may be signs of an underlying health condition. You must handle the situation in the right way, don’t ignore it. Face it heads on along with your vet and animal behaviorist.
How often should I wash my Frenchie?
As all dog owners know, it’s not often that your canine companion stays clean for very long. So one of the most frequent questions dog owners ask is, “How often should I bathe my dog?”. This is a good question because the answer depends on many factors: the breed of the dog, size, medical conditions, and how active the dog is.
If you have a French Bulldog, the 2nd most popular dog in the US, the answer becomes much more interesting. The French Bulldog is a crossbreed between Toy Bulldogs from England and Ratters from France.
French Bulldogs have a single short coat of hair. They get cold quickly. During summer, they are prone to heatstroke because it is hard for them to regulate their temperature efficiently. Also, their skin is too thin, and bathing them regularly can strip their skin of its natural oil.
Therefore, it is crucial to have all the necessary information you need to determine how often to bathe your Frenchie. You also need to know how to wash your Frenchie properly and keep them clean between baths. Follow this article for a comprehensive guide.
A general rule of thumb
Frenchies should be bathed once every 1 to 2 months. Although many French Bulldog owners say they wash them about 5 or 6 times a year, or as needed, most owners find the as needed comes more often than 5 or 6 times a year. You don’t want to bathe Frenchies too often, or you’ll risk stripping their coats of their natural oils. If you have a Frenchie that loves rolling in the dirt, you may find that more frequent bathing is necessary; each Frenchie is different.
Consider your French Bulldog’s activity level
Does your dog love to roll in the grass? Does it act as messy as a piglet? If you need to clean not only his paws but also his fur when you get back from the outside, then you have full hands of works. Since it’s not healthy to bathe your Frenchie every day with water and shampoo, you should consider other options for cleaning.
As a replacement, you can use a dry cleaning foam and wet towel that will help you remove all the dirt from their fur. Use products suitable for sensitive skin and rich in herbs that provide essential and healthy moisture. Check the section on keeping Frenchies clean between baths for more.
Consider your French Bulldog’s skin type
Another important fact that helps you answer the question ‘How often to wash a French bulldog?’ is your dog’s skin type. Does your dog have dry and flaky skin? Is the skin sensitive?
If your dog developed any of the previously mentioned issues, it would be best if you consult with your vet before determining the frequency of baths.
If your dog does not have any serious issues, you can bathe them with shampoo and water once per month. Frenchies have numerous folds that require to be cleaned in the meanwhile. They can collect dirt, moisture, and food leftovers that may trigger severe irritations.
The flip side is that Frenchies have oils in their skins, just like all dogs do. It keeps their coat healthy and their skin healthy too. However, because French Bulldogs have short coats, it’s very easy for those natural oils to be stripped away by bathing and cleaning products.
What about a French bulldog with allergies?
If your Frenchie has pre-existing skin allergies, it would be best to defer you to your veterinarian. They would determine the cause and treatment and what works best for your particular dog.
Making sure your Frenchie has a good bath
If you’re like most dog owners, bath time is not your favorite time. However, once you’ve decided to bathe your Frenchie, you want it to be worth your time and want to make sure it’s a good one.
Here are some tips for making bath time a success.
Use a dog shampoo for sensitive skin. Take your time, and don’t rush the dog. Clean the ears, and wash any gunk from around the eyes. Gently lift the skin and clean inside your Frenchie’s wrinkles. Make sure you thoroughly dry the wrinkle area.
If your Frenchie has tear stains, you can remove them with an appropriate cream. Wash the dog’s nose, and apply a little Vaseline if it appears dry. Wash and clip the dog’s nails. Be sure to wash the dog’s rear end by the tail.
How to keep Frenchies clean between baths
Fun fact: your Frenchie dreads bathing just as much as you dread bathing it. With that in mind, you’re going to want to keep them as clean as possible in between baths to avoid having to wash them any more than possible.
Here are some methods to keep him clean and keep the need for bathing down to a minimum.
- Brush Regularly — The more often you comb/brush your Frenchie, the better he’ll look. Most owners think that because of their short coats, Frenchies need not be brushed, but it’s an essential part of the grooming process.
- Clean Their Ears — This will prevent odors and painful infections.
- Clean Their Mouth — To prevent your dog from stinky “doggie breath,” give them dental chews and consider brushing their teeth with canine toothpaste.
- Clean Their Tail Pocket — Clean the area around the tail, especially if it smells.
- Doggie Sprays — Doggies sprays are like human perfumes but specially crafted for dog hair. They work great for keeping your Frenchie smelling good.
- Dry Shampoo — Apply dog-friendly dry shampoo on the dog and brush it out. This is great for keeping them smelling great. A homemade combination of cornstarch and baking soda works just as well.
- Keep Their Bedding Clean — You can’t expect your Frenchie to look and smell good if they sleep in a dirty, smelly bed.
- Pet Wipes — Pet wipes are an excellent touch-up cleaning option for French Bulldogs. These are excellent for keeping your French Bulldog’s body and wrinkles clean and smelling good. Purchase ones with natural ingredients to avoid any allergy or rash on your French Bulldog’s skin. Also, avoid getting them in the dog’s eyes.
- Watch out for wrinkles and paws — Wrinkles can be a prime area for infections when they are moist, so you should dry them off with wipes or tissue. Make sure you don’t leave any moisture behind in these areas! Also, make sure to dry the gaps between their toes.
Takeaway
To conclude, how often you bathe your Frenchie is all down to an as and when basis. If your French Bulldog is covered in mud and stinks, he needs a bath — no argument.
However, with lighter dirt, just brush it off and possibly use a good dry shampoo product. The less often you bathe your French Bulldog with water and cleaning products, the less their natural oils, skin, and coat will suffer.
Also, bathing your Frenchie and keeping him clean doesn’t have to be as difficult as many owners think. Frenchies are trainable. Starting them off at a young age can make all the difference in how they accept the bathing process.
Epilepsy in French Bulldogs
Very few things can be as scary as watching your dog have a seizure. Seizures are however a common ailment for Frenchies. When these seizures become too regular, they may be due to an underlying disorder called Epilepsy. Epilepsy in French Bulldogs may sometimes be referred to by terms like ‘fits’ or ‘funny turns.’ Whatever name it is called, it’s a chronic condition that causes repeated seizures — and is, in fact, the most common chronic neurological disorder in dogs.
Epileptic seizures in the Frenchie breed are usually characterized by:
- Involuntary convulsions or fits, mere twitches, or mild shaking due to loss of muscle control as a result of an interference in normal brain function.
- Irregular attacks that may start and finish in under a couple of seconds.
- Loss of consciousness.
In most cases however, the seizures may not be that obvious or severe. The duration of the attacks may also vary from just a few seconds to several minutes.
Regardless of the form, epilepsy can be scary to witness especially when watching it happen to your little Frenchie furbaby. When your dog has a seizure (however mild it is), it can be a sign of worse things to come.
