French bulldog dog breed guide:
French bulldogs are small dogs suitable for small households, with strong muscles and astonishing body builds. The erect bat-like ears are the trademark of the French bulldog breed. They are listed among the most popular dog breeds in America and all over the world. Pet parents like and love this breed by virtue of its lively and exuberant personality.
Personality and behavior:
French bulldogs are friendly and playful in nature, who love to be engaged in human activities, playing with kids, going outdoors with families, and visiting new places. They have good temperament, seldom show aggression, and only show it when irritated and teased. They are not so energetic and face a lack of energy if they are forced to play or do physical work a lot.
Specifications:
Category:
They come into the category of non-sporting dogs. They are small and not fit for sport activities.Height: Their height is not so tall and short but has medium height, i.e., 11 to 13 inches.
Weight:
They are small and with less body weight; they may range in weight from 19 to 28 pounds. Body weight depends upon nutrition and health status.
Coat and coat color:
French bulldogs have smooth, soft, and short coats. Their coat color may be white, brindle, or a combination of both.Life expectancy: French bulldogs may survive for approximately 10-12 years giving a long company to the pet owners.
Origin:
Basically, they originated from France; nowadays, they are loved and cherished throughout the world.Personality: They have a calm and cool personality with polite behavior and temperament.
Peculiarities of French bulldogs:
Numerous traits and features distinguish French bulldogs from other dog breeds, for example, Loyalty: They are renowned for their loyalty and affection with family members; they are affectionate and show love and compassion for people who take care of them.
Intelligence level:
French bulldogs are not as intelligent as Golden Retrievers and German shepherds but have a medium level of intelligence.
Exercise requirement:
They are not so energetic and active, so they don't need much exercise, but a short session for light exercise should be arranged.
Shedding:
French bulldogs shed but not excessively; shedding may deteriorate if they have health concerns like infections and skin issues.
Interaction:
They interact with family members and other pets, but care should be taken when allowed to interact with kids because they are not so kid-friendly. It doesn't mean that they are aggressive and destructive, but as a precautionary measure.
Historical background of French bulldogs:
French bulldogs descended from English bulldogs. English breeders, in the 1800s, developed toy bulldogs different and distinct from bulldogs of the time. When workers in search of jobs shifted to France after the industrial revolution in France, they brought these dogs with them.
In France:
French people adopted them due to their qualities and characteristics; Britishers abandoned them when they left France.
In America:
Americans liked bat-like ears and started transporting this dog breed to the Atlantic region. Now French bulldogs are one of the most popular dog breeds in America.
Health concerns for French bulldogs:
Under normal circumstances and healthy conditions, French bulldogs live for 10 to 12 years. This lifespan can be interfered with by many diseases that are common in them. Here we will discuss some of the diseases.
Skin problems:
French bulldogs have very sensitive skin, which is susceptible to skin infections and allergies. Allergic signs are excessive chewing and licking, sneezing. , abnormal scratching, etc.
Treatment:
Mild allergies can be managed by medicated shampoos and lotions, omegas, and antihistamines. A visit to the pet clinic is of much importance to figure out the causes of allergies and skin infections. Allergies in dogs are incurable but can be managed to a great extent.
Respiratory issues:
French bulldogs, just like other puffy-faced dogs, e.g., English bulldogs, pugs, and Pekingese, are prone to a respiratory syndrome called brachycephalic airway syndrome. This causes many abnormalities, such as narrow nasal openings, long palates, narrowing of the windpipe, etc.
Controlling measures:
Treat properly with the help and consultation of a licensed veterinary doctor. Keep your dog away from activities that cause respiratory distress and difficulty. Observe carefully during play and exercise time; don't make them exercise heavily.
Ear infections:
Bacterial and fungal infections are common microbial infections affecting ears, which cause signs such as shaking head, odor from ears, and inflammation.If you notice any signs of ear infection, make an appointment with a veterinarian to discuss and treat the infection; otherwise, it may lead to serious ear diseases.
Birth difficulty in French bulldogs:
Due to the anatomic structure of the pelvis and pelvic canal, they are unable to give birth without difficulty.
Veterinary intervention:
They seldom give unassisted births; a C-section is generally needed to deal with birthing difficulties. Veterinary assistance is required if you plan to breed French bulldogs.
Feeding and feed:
Adult bulldogs should be fed two meals a day, while puppies should be provided three or four times per day.
Feed for specific age group:
Until 1 year of age, puppy-specific feed should be provided. From 1-7 years, they should be provided adult feed specifically formulated for them, while for seniors, specific feeds are available.
How to groom French bulldog:
They have a soft, short, and shiny coat, which requires gentle brushing. They shed in a gentle manner , which depends upon factors like nutrition and health status. Underlying health problems can cause heavy shedding in them .
Puppy grooming:
Start grooming at an early age so that puppies learn and get familiar with the procedure.Bath as you think necessary, and if there is dirt or debris, first remove it and then bathe with shampoo or vet-approved soaps.
Nail and eye:
When you observe increase in leanth of nail , trim it, because nail grows at faster rate . Eyes should be cleaned by soft material if their is accumulation of dirt or discharge.
Taking care of French bulldog:
They don't need much exercise or physical exertion, but to keep them fit and active, light exercises should be arranged, for example, walks, playing with kids, and outdoor activities.
Point to consider:
Keep in mind that they have low energy levels; excessive exercise can exhaust them, so avoid doing so.
Conclusion:
French bulldogs are a popular dog breed in America and the world; many pet owners prefer to adopt this breed because of their unique features and peculiarities. In this guide, we have discussed this dog breed in detail.