Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Introduction
A ll dogs are not created equal. With hundreds of different breeds on the planet, how could they be? Every dog owner has his or her own preferences, but one breed that stands head and shoulders above many breeds is the French Bulldog. With a maximum height of 12 inches, these little dogs dont literally stand above most of the dog breeds out there, but they are definitely a unique and wonderful breed that is worth considering.
The French Bulldog is by far one of the spunkiest, most lovable dog breeds on the planet. These dogs may be small but they are full of personality and they have endless love and loyalty to give. Like any dog, however, French Bulldogs do require a significant investment of time and money. Unless you are able to commit to giving your Frenchie the best life it could have for the entirety of its lifespan, you should consider another pet.
They say that dog is a mans best friend and no breed exemplifies this saying more than the French Bulldog. If you are thinking about getting one of these wonderful little dogs for yourself, congratulations! But before you make up your mind, take the time to learn everything you can about these little dogs to ensure that you have the time, the passion, and the money to devote to its care and keeping. In this book, you will find all of the information you need to know to ensure that you become the best French Bulldog owner you can be.
Chapter 2
Understanding French Bulldogs
A lso known lovingly as the Frenchie, the French Bulldog is ranked among the top 15 breeds in the United States according to AKC registration statistics. These dogs may be small, but they are full of spunk and personality that is what makes them so popular. Frenchies are some of the best companion dogs out there and they are also a great choice for apartments, condos, and other small living spaces.
If you are looking for a smaller breed that isnt short on love and loyalty, the French Bulldog might be the right choice for you. In this chapter, youll learn all about the breed and its history, so you can decide whether this breed might be your perfect match.
a.) What is a French Bulldog?
French Bulldogs are clowns and their personality is so entertaining that is brings a whole new light into your home!
Linda
lovabullfrenchies.com
The French Bulldog is a small companion breed known for its short stature, stocky build, and bat-like ears. These little dogs may look strange to some, but they have a unique beauty about them both inside and out. Frenchies are intelligent and loyal dogs, forming close bonds with all members of the family, including kids, household pets, and other dogs. Quite simply, they are one of the top choices for dog lovers looking for a small dog.
The average height for a full-grown French Bulldog is between 11 and 12 inches at the shoulder, and they generally weigh between 16 and 28 pounds at maturity. These dogs are small in comparison to many breeds, but they have a substantial build and well-defined muscles. According to the AKC standard for the breed, French Bulldogs have the appearance of an active, intelligent, muscular dog of heavy bone, smooth coat, compactly built, and of medium or small structure. But the Frenchie is so much more than that.
These little dogs may not be glamorous, but what they lack in aesthetic appeal they make up for in personality. The French Bulldog is full of energy and loves to play, though it is not inherently hyperactive. This breed thrives on human contact and will be just as happy napping on the couch with you as chasing a ball in the yard. In fact, Frenchies are not known for having high energy levels or demanding needs for exercise another trait that makes them a great indoor dog.
In addition to their low exercise requirements, French Bulldogs are a low-maintenance breed in other ways. For example, their short coat is easy to groom and doesnt require any trimming. Their ears stand erect so there is a low risk for ear infections, and they dont tend to bark as much as other breeds. There are some important maintenance tasks you will need to perform, however, that are very different from other breeds.
The French Bulldog is what is known as a brachycephalic breed this term simply refers to the dogs shortened facial structure. In addition to having a shortened snout, the Frenchie also has wrinkles on its face and sometimes in the skin covering its body. These folds of skin can accumulate moisture which may harbor infection-causing bacteria, so youll need to check your Frenchies folds frequently to make sure they are clean and dry. Youll also have to be careful to make sure your Frenchie doesnt overheat and that it isnt subjected to rigorous exercise its shortened face can cause breathing difficulties which may be exacerbated in these situations.
As far as personality goes, the French Bulldog is the ultimate goofball. These dogs absolutely adore spending time with their families and they can turn anything into a game. This is not a breed that does well when left alone for long periods of time French Bulldogs are highly prone to separation anxiety and may develop destructive behaviors if they dont get enough attention. For this reason, some French Bulldog owners get a second dog so they can keep each other company (but this shouldnt be a replacement for spending quality time with your pup).
Because the French Bulldog is an intelligent breed, training is usually fairly easy. The key is to make sure that you clearly communicate what you expect from your dog so that your dog can deliver. When it does, be generous with your praise (and dont forget the treats) to reinforce the behavior. Your Frenchie wants to please you, so let it! Try to keep your training sessions short, about ten to fifteen minutes, so it doesnt get bored and stop paying attention.
In terms of health, the French Bulldog has an average lifespan of 11 to 14 years which is on par for dogs of its size. However, the Frenchie is prone to a number of serious health problems, many of which are hereditary this means that responsible breeding practices are incredibly important. Some of the conditions to which this breed is prone include hip dysplasia, allergies, patellar luxation, intervertebral disc disease, von Willebrands disease, elongated soft palate, and brachycephalic syndrome.
When it comes to color and patterns, many French Bulldogs exhibit a brindle pattern, though various shades of cream, fawn, and gray are also common. French Bulldogs sometimes have a black mask on the face and may also have other spots or white markings. The eyes for this breed are always dark, and the nose is usually black except in some light-colored dogs. Frenchies have a short coat that is fine in texture and smooth, with a short tail either straight or screwed. The ears are wide at the base and rounded at the tip, a shape usually referred to as bat ear.
French Bulldog Breed Overview
AKC Group: non-sporting group
Breed Size: small
Height: 11 to 12 inches
Weight : 16 to 28 pounds
Coat Length: short
Coat Texture: moderately fine, smooth; skin is soft and loose, wrinkles on the face, head, and shoulders