Bonjour! This blog is all about the French Bulldog breed!

French Bulldog Stats:

• Temperament - Adaptable, Playful, Smart
• Height - 11-13 inches
• Weight - under 29 pounds
• Life Expectancy - 10-12 years

Did you know that the French Bulldog did not originally come from France? It's true!

The French Bulldog, or Frenchie, is actually from English origin, specifically from Nottingham. Frenchies were popular among seamstresses and lace makers in the late 1800's, as they made the perfect lap dogs. The breed was later "refined" in Normandy, France.

Frenchie Fact: There was a French Bulldog on the Titanic.

Temperament:

The Frenchie is such a loving and easy going dog, in general, that they make the perfect family pet. They are great with children and novice dog owners. They tend to be relatively quiet dogs making them an excellent choice for apartment living owners. While their loyalty is very strong, they have a hard time being left alone and can develop high separation anxiety. Simply put, French Bulldogs just want to love you and be with you all the time.

French Bulldogs are smart and can show their stubbornness, they tend to push this aside to make training relatively easy. Treats will help them push through their stubbornness even faster!

Frenchies are unable to regulate their body temperature which poses many issues in hot weather. Best practices suggest to leave your pup in an air conditioned home when temperatures reach 80 degrees Fahrenheit and above. There are several cooling solutions if you must take your French Bulldog out in warmer weather; such as cooling mats, cooling vests, and bandannas.

This breed is on the more expensive side to purchase from a breeder. The main reason for this is due to their physical frame and stature, breeding is difficult resulting in artificial insemination and delivery via cesarean section.

Frenchie Fact: French Bulldogs can not swim. So take extreme caution around bodies of water deeper than a few inches.

Exercise:

They do not require the typical amount of exercise most other breeds do. They, on average, tend to be lazy pups. It is important when exercising your Frenchie to watch their body language. As natural pleasers, Frenchies will run themselves into the ground. They will keep running and fetching if you continue asking them to. Watch for excessive panting and tiredness.

Grooming:

French Bulldogs have a short, smooth, and fine coat which requires low maintenance grooming, however it is recommended to do daily "spot and wrinkle checks." With their adorable squishy faces, all those wrinkles can harbor dirt and grime. To help prevent skin infections and smelliness you should use dog wipes daily. Frenchies come in many different colors: Blue, Fawn, Black, Black and White, Brindle, Cream, Merle, and Pied.

Diet:

As with any dog, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to their well being, Frenchies are no different. It is recommended that their weight does not exceed 29 pounds on average. A healthy, low-carb dog food is best. 

Health:

No dog is free from potential health problems, however the French Bulldog is more susceptible to the following health issues:

• Hip Dysplasia - a common skeletal condition involving the hip joint.
• Brachycephalic Syndrome - upper airway abnormalities.
• Ear Infections
• Patellar Luxation - a dislocation of the knee cap.
• Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) - slipped, ruptured, herniated, or bulging disks.
• Von Willebrand's Disease - inherited bleeding disorder.

Celebrity Frenchie Parents:

Hugh Jackman

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson

Reese Witherspoon

Lady Gaga

While most of us would love to be with our favorite furry family members continuously, there are times when that just isn't possible. A daycare facility is a great solution for working hours and boarding facilities are great for long trips.

Gator Kennels makes customized dog kennels that work for every type and size of dogs. Contact us today so we can help make your dog kennel facility dreams come true!

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Resources: American Kennel Club; The Cornish Life