Small dogs with big personalities, French Bulldogs can quickly feel like part of the family. They make good playmates for children, although they also have an independent streak that makes careful training a must.
French Bulldogs are brachycephalic (having been bred to have a short muzzle) and can therefore be prone to certain health conditions. Find out what to look out for when bringing a French Bulldog into your life and how to care for them, including looking after their exercise and grooming needs.
Size: | Small, with most adult dogs weighing between 11-13kg. |
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Coat: | Short hair that is generally smooth and fine. |
Exercise: | Up to one hour a day |
Life span: | 10-12 years |
Breed group: | Descended from the British Toy Bulldog that was taken to France in the 19th century, the French Bulldog is small and stocky with wide-set eyes. |
French Bulldogs are quirky and playful.
Suitable for families with or without children, they can also get along with cats and other pets if properly introduced. French Bulldogs rarely bark and, while they need some exercise, they don’t require much, making them popular among city dwellers.
You should be prepared for some hands-on cleaning and grooming rituals, and your schedule should allow for lots of time spent at home to prevent separation anxiety, which French Bulldogs can be prone to.
As French Bulldogs have a lower exercise tolerance, it’s important to keep an eye on their portions to prevent excessive weight gain. Feed them a high-quality, breed-appropriate food two to three times a day, plus plenty of fresh water, particularly on hot days when they can easily overheat.
Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is particularly important to reduce the risk of back, spine or hip problems.
When choosing a French Bulldog, it’s important to look out for any existing health issues. You can pick up on these by examining their movement, eyes and breathing.
French Bulldogs often suffer from breathing problems due to their short muzzles and, as such, you should let them take the lead on the level of exercise while out and about. They should be well trained before you let them off the lead, our guide on recall training and other puppy training tips can help to ensure they’re kept safe. Let them saunter round the garden, take them on a short walk and provide bursts of play throughout the day – most will happily chase a ball and try to keep up with kids’ games – but it’s best to take a break if your dog is panting or out of breath. Their short muzzles make it difficult for them to cool themselves by panting, so keep them indoors on very hot days to prevent overheating.
While naturally fun-loving and easy-going, this breed can also be a little wilful, which makes training a French Bulldog puppy very important. Food can be a handy motivator during the early phases but try not to make treats the norm to prevent obesity.
While French Bulldogs don’t shed as much as other breeds, you may still find hair around your home, especially as the summer months approach. You can keep on top of any moulting or shedding with weekly brushing. French Bulldogs can be bathed in water occasionally but be sure to keep shampoo away from their delicate, exposed eyes and to dry each skinfold carefully. You’ll also need to cleanse their ears regularly to help prevent infection. Find more of our dog grooming tips to help your pet stay in the best condition.
Ensure your French Bulldog gets the protection they need, including cover for hereditary and congenital conditions with Petplan dog insurance.
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