FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
And some other information.
Frenchies are an inside dog, they can NOT tolerate heat. If you can not keep them inside, they are not the dog for you!!
Commonly referred to as frog dogs, and the clown of the house. Playful, affectionate and exceptionally good natured, the French Bulldog is bred primarily as a companion pet. But "Frenchies" also make good watchdogs. Compact and muscular, with a small to medium build, they are a good choice for small living spaces. They are highly trainable and intelligent and are happiest when close to their human family. French Bulldogs are excellent with children and compatible with other pets. They desire a lot of attention from their loved ones.
Frenchies make excellent pets for either apartments or homes. They can also be as comfortable as either city dogs as well as country dwellers. Frenchies in any environment have one overwhelming need, and that is to be in close contact with the person they love. A French Bulldog is happiest when it is with its owner. The Frenchie's easygoing temperament makes him an excellent children's companion. Frenchies will play and rough house happily with children who have been educated and taught to respect a dogs limitations. It is not advised to house a French Bulldog outdoors due to their inability to tolerate extreme cold or extreme heat. A regular canine may suffer to some degree from the heat, but to a French Bulldog, it may well be deadly. It is important to protect them from extreme temperature at all times and ensure that they have access to fresh water and shade.
How Are Frenchies With Children And Other Pets?
First, ask yourself, how are my children with dogs? Frenchies will play and rough house happily with older children who have been carefully introduced and taught to respect a dog’s limitation. Smaller children must be taught to never pick a Frenchie up, as they are a head heavy breed that is easy to drop. As with most dogs, Frenchies, especially puppies, may play too vigorously for the average child under 4 years. Small children and puppies of any breed should never be left alone to play.
As a rule Frenchies get along great with other pets, but good introduction is the key. Always introduce your new Frenchie to any existing pets in a supervised situation. Dogs are pack animals. If you have other pets, they will usually socialize well. An older pet might take a bit longer to warm up to the idea of a new Frenchie puppy or adult in the house. Frenchies love their own breed. If a new Frenchie is introduced into a home that already has a Frenchie, it will feel like you are at a family reunion.
What Is The Temperament of A Frenchie Like?
French Bulldog is an extreme lover. He is affectionate, playful and demanding of attention, from EVERYONE, human or animal, that he comes into contact with. He does not do well left alone in a backyard. A Frenchie needs the constant companionship of his family. He makes an excellent companion for children, although very small children may not tolerate his over enthusiastic nature. He generally gets along well with other animals, as long as they are of as playful a nature as he is. Frenchies are generally not given to excessive barking. They will protect their homes and alert owners to intruders as well as when people are at the door. They do not sound vicious, but do have a deep bark. Most Frenchies tend to sit back and let others make a commotion. They are often referred to as "little clowns," and a more fitting description could not be found. The Frenchie is at his utmost content when he is being showered with affection. He will return the favor to his utmost capabilities. He is a true lapdog, an extreme lover, a bodyguard, a playful companion, and a true "best friend".
Are Frenchies easy to Train?
While French Bulldogs may not have the easily trained disposition of Border Collies, they are generally quite amenable towards being trained to basic obedience commands. Owners make a serious mistake when they let the cute face and compact size of the French Bulldog allow them to overlook the strong influence of the Bull and Terrier forefathers of this breed. Obedience training is strongly encouraged from as early an age as possible, and can go a long way towards ensuring your Frenchie does not develop any nasty habits. From time to time, one may encounter Frenchies who consider you - and everything else in their house - to be their property. While a cute puppy growlingly refusing to return your slippers may sound cute, such behavior in adults accounts for one of the most common reasons Frenchies are turned over to rescue. Again, be prepared to set firm rules and limits from the minute your new Frenchie comes home. You'll both be thankful for it , in the long run.
Do Frenchies Bark A Lot? Are They Good Watch Dogs?
Some owners tell of having owned Frenchies for as long as six months without ever having heard them bark. In general, most Frenchies as sensible barkers, doing so only if they feel that there is something worth really getting excited about, like cookies or a visitor. Frenchies make good watch dogs and can become territorial and protective. Although bred as a companion, they can also make a good watchdog, and will sound off a warning to their families.
How Much Exercise Do Frenchies Require?
The French Bulldog is not the breed to run alongside you as you are jogging. They enjoy short walks when the air temperature is moderate. Never expose a Frenchie to higher heat as they are prone to heat stroke. They do well with a short walk and a long nap to follow. They are heavy headed and do not swim. Frenchies have been known to drown when left unattended near water sources. Lakes, rivers, pools, etc, should be considered a danger to your French bulldog. Some do enjoy playing in a kiddie pool with only a couple inches of water. They should always be closely guarded when near a swimming pool or lake. Although Frenchies love to play, playtime must be limited. They will tend to over exert themselves, and breathing becomes difficult for them. French Bulldogs require a "downtime" after any form of exercise. This is an excellent time to calm and cuddle them. They will never turn down any form of affection.
What About House Training and Crate Training my French Bulldog?
Frenchies are easy to house train, if you are consistent. Take them out 10-20 minutes after they eat and every 2-3 hours till they are 6 months old. Praise is the key element in any kind of French Bulldog training. French Bulldogs respond to positive reinforcement better and faster than any form of discipline. When your Frenchie goes outside to do their business, shower them with love and praise. French Bulldogs want to please their owners, and with consistent and positive training, you'll see your efforts being quickly rewarded.
Crate training gives your French Bulldog a “safe place” that they feel is their own. It's an important aspect in bringing a new Frenchie puppy into your home, especially if there are other pets. Keep the doors open so they can go in and out with comfort and ease. DO NOT use the crate as a punishment; you are sending mixed signals to your French Bulldog. Training is all about behavior modification using consistent triggers followed by rewards and praise.
Do They Drool?
No! They are French, and as such would never be caught dead doing anything as uncouth as drooling - they leave that to their British Bulldog cousins! Gassiness, on the other hand, is a condition French Bulldog owners learn to live with. Some foods are worse than others so you may have to try different brands.
How Long Do Frenchies Live?
Generally the life expectancy of a French Bulldog is 10-12 years. As with most things, this depends on your Frenchies diet and the care your Frenchie receives. Most importantly it's the quality of life your Frenchie has that overrides all other factors.
What Does French Bulldog Grooming Entail?
Grooming requirements for French Bulldogs are relatively low. Your Frenchies' short coat needs occasional brushing to keep it looking good. Clean the wrinkles and folds on your French Bulldog's face EVERYDAY and check to see if his ears are dry and clean for hygiene reasons once a week. Frenchies are low shedders on a seasonal basis, and are single coated so shed less compared to some other breeds.
Do Frenchies Have Skin Issues?
Frenchies in general are not prone to skin problems. A good healthy diet and some routine maintenance will guarantee that your Frenchie will maintain a clean healthy coat and skin.
What Breathing Issues Do Frenchies Have?
Sometimes you may find a French Bulldog that is noisy or has labored breathing. They may have a longer tongue or excessive soft palate which 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 foaming frequently. Consult your veterinarian for corrective measures.
Are Frenchies Easy to Breed?
No, Frenchies are not easy to breed. It can be difficult for French Bulldogs to breed naturally and may require assistance by a veterinarian or reproduction specialist. French Bulldogs are most often born by c-section in a veterinarian hospital due to their shape. Litters are generally small. Breeding French Bulldogs is not for the novice dog person.
How Much Do They Cost?
French Bulldogs tend to be rather expensive compared to other breeds, for a number of reasons. They are generally able to deliver only by Caesarean, have very low litter sizes, and usually need to be artificially inseminated. All of this tends to keep their prices rather high. If you find one that seems to be a bargain and too good to be true it probably is. Please visit www.thewrongpuppy.org .There has been a recent influx of cheap French Bulldogs imported from several Eastern European nations and sold in North America through Puppy Brokers. These puppies - some as young as five or six weeks old - are brought over far too early, on flights that are far too long, and have been turning up in rescue in droves, with a number of rather alarming health and temperament problems. Not all Eastern European dogs have these issues, but please be aware.
Is A Frenchie Right For Me?
A French Bulldog can be a wonderful companion for someone who is seeking a dog who craves the company of humans in low key settings. Cafe life, leisurely walks, naps on the couch, long car rides, pleasant outings to the park, luxurious suites at the Ritz -- if any of this sounds like your idea of a perfect life, then a Frenchie just may be the breed for you!
If you would like any further information that may not have been covered here, please feel free to contact me shadoglen@uniserve.com
