Information on French and English Bulldogs
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FRENCH BULLDOG
Country of Origin: France
Size: Shoulder height: 30 cm (12 inches). Weight: 9 - 13 kg (19 - 28 lbs).
Coat: Coat is moderately fine, brilliant, short and smooth. Skin is soft and loose, especially at the head and shoulders, forming wrinkles.
Character: The French Bulldog has the appearance of an active, intelligent, muscular dog of heavy bone, smooth coat, compactly built, and of medium or small structure. Expression alert, curious, and interested.
Temperament: Well behaved, adaptable, and comfortable companions with an affectionate nature and even disposition; generally active, alert, and playful, but not unduly boisterous.
Care: When it is shedding, use a rubber brush weekly to remove dead hairs. A special lotion will occasionally need to be applied to the facial folds to keep them clean.
Training: Quick to learn simple tasks and inquisitive, yet unpredictable as this breed is a bit stubborn on occasion.
Activity: The exercise needs of this dog are uncomplicated. This breed does well in apartments and prefers cooler weather due to its susceptibility to heat stroke.
ENGLISH BULLDOG
Country of Origin: England.
Size: Shoulder height: 31 - 36 cm (12 -14 inches). Weight: 22 - 25 kg (48.5 - 55 lbs).
Coat: Short-haired. Acceptable colors are beige, piebald, brindle, and white.
Character: The bulldog is affectionate, uncomplicated, gentle, intelligent, and sensitive, and fearless.
Temperament: Bulldogs enjoy mixing with other dogs and household pets. They are good with children. Some are cautious with strangers, but most are friendly to everyone.
Care: When the bulldog is shedding, use a rubber brush to remove dead hairs. A special lotion will occasionally need to be applied to the facial folds to keep them clean.
Training: Consistency is important, but the Bulldog's sensitivity to the tone of its handler's voice makes training it a fairly simple process.
Activity: The exercise needs of the bulldog are uncomplicated. It will adapt itself to the activity level of your family. Sufficient rest is key to development of healthy bones, muscles, and joints.
CREDITS: Information and photos courtesy of www.puppyfind.com
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COMMON FRENCH BULLDOG BREED QUESTIONS
Do Frenchies bark a lot?
Not more or less barkers compared to other breeds. Frenchies are not typically
excessive barkers.
Are Frenchies good watch dogs? Frenchies make good watch dogs and can become
somewhat territorial and protective.
Are French Bulldogs good companion dogs? They are fantastic companion dogs. They are
fun, entertaining and loving. The French Bulldog is delightful, easy to groom and
requires little exercise.
How do Frenchies take to Apartment living? Wonderfully. This is one reason the French
Bulldog has been popular throughout the history of the breed. Frenchies like to be
where you are and don't take up too much space at all. It is good to get in a good walk
as much as possible for overall health and exercise. If your Frenchie only gets the
occasional walk to the grass outside, is at least something.
Are French Bulldogs sociable? All dogs seem to do better with exposure to other aspects
of life, other dogs, and people too. The French Bulldog should never be a mean,
aggressive or a vicious animal. It is often recommended and a good idea to take your
Frenchie visiting and to various places. This helps your dog be a better dog and not
possibly overreact out of fear of the unknown. It also builds confidence and character in
your dog. It gives you and the dog an easier time when separated or when traveling
together.
Try to consider if your Frenchie is penned up all the time. He needs to be a part of your
life.
Are French Bulldogs good with children? All young children need supervision especially
around puppies. This is often for the puppies sake as well. French Bulldogs are
typically very good around children.
Are French Bulldogs good with cats? Like with most dogs, but it's been said French
Bulldogs get along well with cats.
Are French Bulldogs good with other dogs? Depending on the dog(s).
They can get along just fine and would consider supervision at all times until you're sure.
Try using the X-pen to introduce your new Frenchie to other dogs. While they are
protected get your other dog's reaction and the Frenchies response. Sooner or later, a
puppy may attempt to establish dominance in some cases with smaller or more
submissive dogs.
Are French Bulldogs easy to Train? They can be very willing. They can also be very
stubborn and hardheaded too. If you make it a game they'll want to play all the time.
Frenchies are often considered people pleasers and love to be the center of attention.
Do Frenchies Snore? Yes, Frenchies can snore and some pretty good that are also
aggravated by breathing deficiencies.
What breathing problems? Sometimes you may find a Frenchie that is noisy or has
labored breathing. They may have a longer tongue or excessive soft palate and is
obstructing their airway. Smaller nose openings can exaggerate their already noisy
characteristics.
Note: Other symptoms of elongated soft palate are spiting up or regurgitating food or
foam frequently. Consult your veterinarian for corrective alternatives.
What about Feeding? Use consideration when feeding a French Bulldog properly. Be
aware of artificial preservatives and excessive protein and fillers. Some dogs may have
allergic reactions to certain commercial foods. Read the label and know what suits your
dogs needs best. Consult your veterinarian if your dog experiences food allergies.
Food additive:
Yogurt (full fat or low fat)
Cottage Cheese (full fat or low fat)
Fresh Avocado
Flaxseed meal
Fresh meats - cooked or raw (consult your vet)
Whole grains and vegetables
Cooked Potatoes or Rice
Some French Bulldogs like nuts, fruits and melons too.
A healthy Frenchie is not overweight and can be damaging to their physical structure and
shorten their lifespan.
Note: Wheat products are known to be flatulent producing in some French Bulldogs.
Corn products and fillers that are an additional source of protein may increase your dogs
energy levels and cause hives (skin rashes or irritations).
Potty training? This is a combined effort. Some dogs are harder than others. Try
installing a dog door or at first you might start by crate training. Develop a routine after
they eat, before bed and first thing in the morning, and be consistent. Remember a
puppy's little bladders may not be under control as quickly as we'd like so be positive.
Do Frenchies shed? Yes, but are single coated and shed less compared to other breeds.
Are Frenchies easy to breed? It can be difficult for French Bulldogs to breed naturally and
may be assisted by a veterinarian or reproduction specialist.
Whelping Puppies? Due to the French Bulldog shape and pups size of head quite often
are born by C-Section in a veterinarian hospital. Educate yourself before intending to
breed French Bulldogs.
How do I find a vet familiar with French Bulldogs? We hope some day to offer a referral
service for participating veterinarians familiar with the breed. For now check with a
breeder in your area.
MY NEW FRENCH BULLDOG
What to have ready and care for a new Frenchie(- The following may be partial
information. Other methods may also be valid or vary.
Food and Water If you just got a new puppy, ask the breeder to send some food along
with the pup, they're already eating. Use the same food until it is recommended to
change it. If you plan on changing their food anyway or their current food is hard to
locate, try whole basic bland foods and gradually combine a new puppy food (follow same
suggestions as listed above in "Common Questions"). A puppy typically eats about 3 to 4
times a day, depending on their age. You may choose to reduce that eventually to one
to two times a day as they mature. It is not a good idea to allow your Frenchie to
become overweight.
It is a good idea to take water from the breeder of the puppy, if possible. If not use
bottled water until you can gradually add your own water to avoid any discomforts.
Otherwise you may get loose stools or worse, until your puppy becomes adjusted to your
water.
Wire or enclosed crate 200 size or medium size This doubles as your puppies home or
bed and a place to be safe. It is not unfair since dogs are den animals, they will become
accustomed to the crate. This is also a good way to transport your Frenchie to and from
places safely. To get your puppy use to the crate, leave the door open and place the
crate in a family room. This way the puppy can feel more comfortable trying out his new
home.
X-pen (exercise pen) This is about a 4 X 4 wire pen that folds up and can be adjusted to
varying sizes. It is recommended to get at least a 24 to 30 inch height. Very handy
when traveling and cordoning off area you don't want your Frenchie to go. This is also
helpful when introducing a new pet into your home. The crate inside the pen becomes a
bed like a protective home with a small yard.
It is not recommended to leave your puppy loose and unattended when not at home.
Newspaper To assist with potty training. Keep on one side of X-pen at night and during
the day. Or you might use a tray or pan big enough to help teach your dog where to go,
when they are unable to go outside.
Rolling up a newspaper: When correcting your dog try using the old fashion method of a
rolled up newspaper. Hit the floor or wall getting their attention and use a corrective
tone. Another harmless, corrective tool is a squirt bottle of water.
Note: It is important to reward your puppy when they do something favorable. Hugs
and kisses and lost of praise goes a long way.
Food and Water Bowls Most recommend stainless steal bowls that will last, is safe, and
does not retain odors or bacteria and will go in the dishwasher.
A Cozy Bed Have a nice comfy bed for snuggling and to keep warm. A good bed is where
they can't get to the stuffing and either the cover or entire bed can be put in the washing
machine.
Chew toys All babies especially when teething even the adults will chew. Puppies will
chew anything and everything so be careful. It is very important they have enough
chew toys to keep them busy. Get new chew toys from time to time to keep their
interest.
Note: It has often been recommended to not give your dogs rawhide chew bones or toys.
Benadryl Allergy
(over the counter) Often is recommended by vets for minor allergic reactions. Benadryl
will also relax your dog and can make them drowsy. Please consult your vet in advance
and for dosage information.
Note: Bee stings can be highly reactive and should contact your vet
Bag Balm (utter cream) Recommended moisturizer for noses, other areas and minor skin
irritations.
Wash rag and mild antibacterial soap Wash your French Bulldog's face and folds regularly.
Toe nail clipping
It is always a good idea to keep in the habit of cutting or having your dogs toe nails
trimmed. When you start hearing the sound of "clip-itty-clip" is when it's time to trim
them down a bit.
Bathing your Frenchie Frenchies are easy to bathe just toss them in the sink or tub,
wash, rinse, towel dry and away they go. Use a mild dog formulated shampoo or vet
recommended allergy shampoo. Conditioner is often helpful for rough, dry coats.
Ear wash Frequently check your Frenchies ears and try and keep them flushed and
cleaned regularly. Make this a part of your routine after bathing your Frenchie and
always use cotton. Try a feed store, pet store or vet for a most often used antiseptic ear
wash.
Small Clipper (optional) Often show exhibitors shave their Frenchies muzzles however, is
a nice and neat habit if you prefer.
Know your dog's schedule for shots and keep them current Some areas of the country
have different concerns protecting against virus not common in other regions. If your
puppy was shipped may not have been inoculated for potential parasites or diseases in
his new area. Be careful of Rabies shot reactions and inform your vet some Frenchies
react adversely to LEPTO and may choose to avoid this.
Keep your dog wormed regularly and if concerned get a fecal examination performed by
your vet. If you find like rice or white parasites or if you have fleas, worms once they get
out of control can be very devastating to your dog(s). Common symptoms of exposure
are skinny, pot-belly and slowed growth. They have difficulty putting on weight and
coats are flaky, dry and dull. Do not let worms get a hold of your dog and can spread
like an epidemic to other pets. Curing one pet does not cure the epidemic and may
require all your pets to be examined.
Make sure to keep your Frenchie out of the heat and the extreme cold. Do not leave
your Frenchie or any dog in a car with the windows rolled up, unattended. Dog parks are
fun, but keep in mind Frenchies can be fearless and get into trouble with strange or
larger dogs. They also have a tendency of going with just about anybody. Take caution
when exercising with your Frenchie and not let them overheat. Avoid the heat of the
day or too long or vigorous. If your Frenchie starts to over heat, hose them down with
cool water, use wet towels and calm them down. If you're planning a long walk take
periodic breaks.
Thank you for considering a French Bulldog making sure is the right breed for you. The
French Bull Dog Club of American wants to encourage healthy Frenchie owners. The
FBDCA does not endorse or is responsible for any information provided not suitable for
your specific dog. The information provided is considered safe and basic requirements by
other Frenchie owners.
Enjoy your new Frenchie because very soon they'll be your best friend for a very long
time.
CREDITS: INFORMATION COURTESY OF FBDCA