French Bulldog Breed Information: All You Need To Know

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All You Need to Know About Frenchies: French Bulldog Breed Information

The French Bulldog has recently become one of the most popular breeds in the US. These loving little dogs are fun to have as family pets and are well-suited for various living conditions.

Our French Bulldog facts and information sheet will tell you more about Frenchies and what makes them unique. You’ll also learn a few things about mature dogs (especially what you should avoid) and how to deal with senior French Bulldogs.

Key Takeaways

French Bulldogs are highly adaptable and can be excellent family companions.
They represent a miniature version of English Bulldogs.
According to the breed standard, these dogs have low energy levels and quickly suffer from heat exhaustion.
As Frenchies get older, they usually deal with mobility issues.
These dogs are prone to the elongated soft palate disorder, which causes breathing issues that worsen with age.

French Bulldog Breed Information

Frenchies are among the most popular and loved small dog breeds. They belong to the brachycephalic breed, with short skull bones, giving the face and nose a pushed-in look.

They’re popular among city dwellers because they are well-suited for apartment living and can make excellent companions for single owners.

French Bulldogs retain their affectionate and playful nature as they get older. So, your senior canine can still be fun to play around with. But you’ll often see their doggie parents love the breed so much they have not just one Frenchie, but two!

Here are some of the most distinctive traits of the French Bulldog.

History and Origin

English dog breeders bred this popular dog breed as a smaller version of English Bulldogs to be bull-baiting dogs.
The breed later traveled to France with lace workers, where the Frenchie gained its new name and popularity as a companion dog.
Frenchies were popular among the French people and were depicted in several illustrations.
French Bulldogs arrived in the US in the 19th century, and soon, American families fell in love with them.
The American Kennel Club, or AKC, registered this breed in the late 19th century.

Shape and Size

Frenchies have compact, muscular bodies and easy-to-recognize bat-like ears.
The large cherry eye expression gives them an adorable look.
They weigh between 16 and 28 pounds and have short and smooth coats.
The most common coat colors are white, fawn, cream, and brindle. Their coats can be solid colors or have specks and markings.

Temperament

Frenchies are affectionate and lovable family pets.
They’re friendly and easy-going and get along well with other pets. They’re among the best breeds for a multi-pet household with early socialization and regular training sessions.
French Bulldogs can be stubborn, so regular training with positive reinforcement is essential.
These dogs are intelligent and enjoy long play sessions.
Despite being small, these dogs have loud barks that make them like security systems.
They enjoy daily walks as much as they love relaxing on the sofa.
Frenchies enjoy human companionship, so they’re perfect companion pets for single or retired people who spend more time on their own.
French Bulldogs can’t tolerate long exercise sessions and can quickly get tired.

Care Routine

Frenchies are average shedders and require minimal grooming. Weekly brushing will help keep the coat healthy.
During regular brushing sessions, it’s essential to check the dog’s body for scabs, skin lesions, bare spots, and ear infections. You should also check the nose and mouth for discharge or foul odor.
Trim the nails and bathe your dog monthly to keep it healthy.
You should clean their facial wrinkles and dry the skin folds to prevent infections.
Short daily walks are essential to maintain the dog’s weight.
Avoid exercising Frenchies in hot weather as they’re prone to heat exhaustion.

Signs Your French Bulldog is a Senior Dog

Frenchies can live between 10 and 12 years, and they’re considered senior dogs by the time they’re seven or eight.

During this period, you might notice your dog displaying a slightly different attitude or suffering from several health issues. Nevertheless, it will maintain its friendly attitude and funny demeanor.

Although getting your dog from a reputable breeder guarantees it won’t be prone to multiple diseases, you can still expect to see some changes as your dog ages.

Expect your senior Frenchie to have a lower energy level but still enjoy play sessions. Here are some signs that your dog is becoming an old pooch.

Your dog might start eating less due to dental issues.
You can notice weight changes, especially weight gain, because of decreased mobility and a reduced activity level.
As they age, Frenchies will struggle more with breathing, so you could notice louder breathing and snoring. This is called Brachycephalic syndrome, which can eventually lead to the total collapse of the dog’s airway.
Hip dysplasia is an inherited disease that affects the hip joint and worsens with age, leading to mobility issues.
Intervertebral Disk Disease, or IVVD, leads to pain while moving, and the dog might seem like it’s dragging its legs. It can also lead to paralysis.
As they age, Frenchies’ immune systems weaken, and they become more prone to different allergies.

How to Care For Your Senior French Bulldog

Older French Bulldogs require more attention, like the care you provided them when they were young puppies. Here are a few tips to help you care for your senior pooch.

Pay Attention to Your Dog’s Weight

Due to their lower energy levels, older Frenchies are prone to weight gain, contributing to their mobility issues and worsening them. Regular walks will help with this, but be mindful to attenuate the length of the walk and the rest time between walks as your dog ages.

Avoid giving your senior dog too many treats, and consider switching to a special diet for senior dogs.

These dogs often suffer from diarrhea, which usually worsens with age, so take the dog to the vet whenever you notice that it has a watery stool. Food allergies and parasites typically cause diarrhea.

Deal With Breathing Issues

French Bulldogs suffer from breathing problems throughout their lives, which worsen with age. An elongated soft palate is a common disorder in this breed.

Due to their natural old-self curiosity and poor vision as they age, these dogs might get in contact with or breathe in chemical or dangerous compounds.

These can be cleaning products or gardening insecticides, which often cause conjunctivitis; therefore, using all-natural products in your house and garden is crucial. You should also take the dog to the vet as soon as you notice any significant change in their breathing.

Keep Your Dog Calm

French Bulldogs are friendly but can become anxious and stressed as they age. They rely on their interactions with their humans to provide the mental stimulation they need to avoid increased anxiety or aggression.

Have Regular Checkups

Frenchies are prone to several spine issues that can lead to leg weaknesses.

Parasitic infections can also lead to upset stomach and irregular bowel movements. They can also suffer from several skin infections.

All these problems tend to get worse with age. So, it’s crucial to have the vet regularly check your senior dog. Proper treatments and timely interventions can significantly improve your senior dog’s quality of life.

Conclusion

Studying the French Bulldog breed information sheet is crucial to get to know your dog. The pooch maintains its friendly and intelligent attitude as it ages, but you should pay attention to several aging signs.

Frenchies are prone to breathing issues, and they get worse with age. However, this doesn’t mean that your dog shouldn’t exercise.

It should have short walks to stay active and maintain a healthy weight.

All You Need to Know About Frenchies: French Bulldog Breed Information

All You Need to Know About Frenchies: French Bulldog Breed Information

Key Takeaways

Key Takeaways

French Bulldog Breed Information