9 Things to Know About French Bulldog Puppies
French Bulldog Puppies Essentials
French Bulldog puppies are very cute. They can easily win anyone’s heart. Their scowling faces and short legs make them look very adorable. They’re fun-loving, energetic personality makes them a great companion.
Before getting one, you have to understand the breed, their temperament, care needs and health profile. These are important for every pet owner to know and understand in order to give the best, most appropriate care for these adorable pups.
[1] Short History of the French Bulldog
Despite the name, the breed did not originate in France. It originated in Nottingham, England. The breed was created as a miniature of the larger Bulldog. French bulldogs accompanied English lacemakers when they went to France. Hence, the world saw them first in France, and that earned them the moniker French bulldog. Throughout its breed history, French bulldogs are not as popular as the larger bulldogs. Their popularity only increased in recent years, when more pet owners chose smaller breeds.
[2] Appearance
This breed is not attractive in the traditional sense. They have a short muzzle and wrinkled, sagging jowls. The ears are bat-shaped. Their legs are short and they are bow-legged.
They look as if they’re scowling all the time. These are exactly what make them even more adorable. They look tough and un-pretty, but they are sweet companions.
[3] Feeding
The breed has allergies. Do not allow them to just eat anything, especially other dogs’ food. It is important to get the right dog food for French bulldog required nutrition, without the ingredients they have allergies to. Avoid wheat, high protein, corn, and fat.
[4] Living Conditions
The breed is small, reaching the maximum adult height of 11 to 13 inches, and under 28 pounds. This makes them perfect for small living spaces such as apartments and condos. This is part of the reason for their increasing popularity among city-dwellers.
They do not need much exercise, making them great companions for those who are not keen on taking walks with their dogs regularly.
They do not bark as often as other breeds. That’s perfect when living in apartments or condos, and you do not want your pup to be a noisy tenant in the building.
French Bulldogs may not be noisy companions, but they are noisy sleepers. They snore, snort and grunt. They are also known for making odd noises while they sleep. However, some pet owners find this trait adorable.
[5] Grooming Requirements
The breed has very short hair. It’s easy to care for and does not need frequent brushing. The short hair also means less amount of shedding, perfect for people who do not want to have dog hair all over their place.
Special, mild shampoo should be used for baths. The breed is prone to skin problems, so it’s important to avoid harsh ingredients.
[6] Training
French Bulldogs have a stubborn temperament. They can be playful, but they can be difficult to train.
Puppies are best taken home and away from the litter at 9 to 10 weeks old. Earlier than that and the puppy may become more stubborn.
Puppies need this time to learn proper behaviour with other puppies and towards people during this 9- to 10-week period with their mums.
They can be trained, but it will take more patience with this breed. They are also known to put a twist on learned tricks, especially if people are watching.
[7] Exercise
French Bulldogs do not need regular exercise. They do well in small living spaces. However, they still need to go out from time to time.
If your puppy starts jumping off furniture and running around the house, it’s time to go out to get some exercise. The breed is known to do the “Frenchie 500”, running excitedly all over the house and being hyperactive.
Take the puppy outside. Since they are prone to overheat, a 15- to 20-minute walk is enough. Give short exercises only. Schedule them on cooler times of the day such as cool early mornings or early evenings.
[8] Temperament
This is a playful, smart breed with natural tendencies to be the perfect companion dog. Bred to be companions, French Bulldogs need constant interaction with people. Hence, they are best for homes where members of the family are at home all day. This is not for someone who is away for long hours, leaving the dog all alone in the house.
French bulldogs can become quite attached. This may make the separation more difficult. It’s better to have them live somewhere where there’s always somebody at home. French Bulldogs are also great with people.
[9] Health Profile
French bulldog puppies are energetic, lovable and an over-all great companion. However, these adorable puppies are prone to develop many health issues. The most common ones are respiratory issues, chronic eye problems, digestive issues and skin problems.
These puppies were bred to have a short muzzle. It makes them look cute but that’s also a part of the health problems. The short muzzle limits respiratory functions. This makes them prone to shortness of breath and overheating.
Dogs pant to release body heat. With their short muzzle, French bulldogs cannot pant fast enough and well enough to release heat effectively from their body. This makes them prone to overheating.
The short muzzle also gives them small nostrils and soft palates. These may have to be widened surgically in most dogs just to improve their respiratory capabilities.
Read More