Standard For the French Bulldog Breed:
Height:11 -13 Inches
Weight: Under 28 pounds
Life Span: 10 to 12 years
Grooming a Frenchie: Routine grooming for the French Bulldog includes regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, brushing to remove excess hair, frequent cleansing of skin folds, and occasional bathing. Their fast-growing nails should be trimmed regularly with a nail clipper or grinder to avoid overgrowth, splitting and cracking. Their bat ears should be checked regularly to avoid a buildup of wax and debris which can result in an infection. Teeth should be brushed regularly.
Energy, Exercise & Temperatures: You won’t have to worry about a yappy dog bothering your neighbors because Frenchies aren’t typically barkers. That said, you can count on them to alert their owners to danger. They enjoy daily walks or brief outdoor romps, but because of their short noses, they shouldn’t be exercised on hot, humid days and should have access to cool (preferably air-conditioned) rooms during the warmer months. Always be aware of the heat and keep a frozen ice water bottle with you if you will be in the heat for any extended period of time. If you think your frenchie is overheating the fastest way to cool them down is to pour ice water on their chest cavity. Let them drink cold water too but not too much.
Potty Training: French Bulldogs can be stubborn when it comes to housetraining. Be patient, be consistent, and consider the use of paper training or puppy pee pads to get around the problem (although it’s always best to get the pup outdoors). I have found for some reason around the age of a year they get the potty thing. We start working with all our puppies at 3 weeks old to get them to use a puppy pad, so if you keep that up when you get them home it won’t be as hard.
Crates should never be used as punishment. They are meant to become a den and safe place to retreat when they are tired or overwhelmed. If no one is home to supervise we leave young dogs in the cage. It isn’t safe to let a young dog have free range of the entire house all day. If you can block them in the kitchen or laundry room that would be fine. You want your puppy/dog safe at all times. The crate should be big enough for the puppy to stand, lay down, and sit comfortably; no bigger. Otherwise they will potty one end and sleep in the other.
Never reprimand a puppy after he has pottied in the wrong place. You can ONLY reprimand when catching them in the act. Immediately take the puppy where you want him to go. Always take him to the same place to potty. If he doesn’t go, put him in his crate and wait fifteen minutes or so and try again.Get the puppy on a schedule. This will help tremendously with everything. Be consistent in all training aspects as not to confuse the puppy between what’s acceptable and not.
Always keep in mind something that is cute now, may not be an acceptable behavior as an adult so don’t allow bad habits to begin in the first place.
Frenchies & Water: Although frenchies may like the hose and chasing water they are not good swimmers and should not have access to pools, spas or other bodies of water. I have baby pools that are filled half way for them to play but nothing deeper.
Feeding Your Frenchie: I feed my frenchies a top quality premium grain free dog food. I’ve tried multiple products and still haven’t found the perfect food, so try different foods and see what works best for your dog. Just make sure that you slowly introduce a new food, so you don’t upset their tummy.
What supplies should I buy for my new Frenchie puppy?
1. Metal folding puppy crate with a divider
2. Puppy toys (never rawhide), chewie
3. Bed/blanket
4. Collar, harness, and leash. We prefer a harness it’s less stress on their backs.
5. Puppy pads and stain remover spray
6. Child gate/ and or play pen
7. Puppy Training treats
What advice do you have for puppy owners?
Always keep in mind that having a new puppy is like having a new baby; if you can’t physically keep your eyes on him, put him in his crate. They will eat almost anything.
Don’t use rawhide! This types of toys can be dangerous if swallowed. Also always watch ropes, and if they start to come apart pitch them. Acceptable chew toys are: nylabones, kongs, real bones, benebones, balls… Keep it domestic; nothing made in China.
Frenchies are stubborn. Most of the time they know what you want, they just think their idea is better. Be firm and assertive in the beginning to set boundaries to help with listening skills down the road.
Besides snoozing the day away, the Frenchie’s favorite hobby is being next to their owner. My dogs love to cuddle, and be the center of attention.