Texas Heeler Breed Info: A Friendly Farmhand From The Southwest
Breeds / 2024
The French Bulldog is an adorable and pointy eared pooch that that has recently become one of the most beloved dog breeds in the world.
To this day they are known for being the pampered pet of the rich and famous.
These little lapdogs are born to be spoiled but there is much more to them than meets the eye.
Frenchies are surprisingly intelligent and very in tune with their owners’ feelings.
Are you considering this lovable and adorable Bulldog?
Read on for a complete guide to pampering this precious pup…
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A French Bulldog is not really French at all!
This lap sized Bulldog is from England but earned its name because of its popularity in France. They are a distant cousin of the English Bulldog however their personality and appearance are very different.
Frenchies are classified as non-sporting dogs and they were originally bred as a companion for wealthy city residents.
These days the breed is available to everyone and is still a common sight in urban apartment complexes.
They are best known for their bat ears that distinguish them from other Bulldogs.
Unlike other Bulldogs the French Bulldog is a lover and not a guardian. They will not protect your home but will shower you with plenty of puppy kisses instead!
Most of the time these dogs are generally calm and collected but sometimes they can be very naughty.
Pros:
Cons:
This is a small and lightweight dog that makes the perfect travel companion.
Their defining characteristic is their large and erect bat ears.
In some cases the inside of their ears can have wrinkles, but most of the time their ears are smooth.
Overall you can expect a small yet stocky dog. They will have wrinkles around their face and neck that gives them a cute and endearing appearance.
Their breed standard does not specify a height however most Frenchies will stand between 11 and 13 inches.
They typically weigh between 18 and 28 pounds.
This Bulldog will have a short yet smooth single coat.
Their fur is so short than you will see the wrinkles on the dog’s skin underneath. As for colors their fur can be any shade of white, brindle or fawn. Sometimes they can have some black however this will always be as part of a brindle or tuxedo pattern.
This dog does not shed much but they will still need brushing every week to keep their coat neat and elegant.
If spoiled is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a Frenchie dog, you would not be wrong.
Given their upper class origins they have learned to appreciate a bit of pampering.
This can even make them appear arrogant at times but they are also some of the most loving dogs that you will ever meet. A French Bulldog is always ready to spoil you with plenty of kisses and hugs.
They are the couch potato’s favorites because they value lap time over exercise! However they still enjoy running around the yard or run after a ball with short spurts of energy. Expect them to be very friendly with their families but they can turn their nose up at outsiders.
It can take them a bit of time to warm up to strangers.
While they are generally very even tempered there will be times when they will show a stubborn and moody side.
They can be a bit touchy and will never silent when they are offended.
Your dog will be at their loudest when you are away from home – they will howl mournfully at the door until you return.
Plenty of patience will be needed to get your dog used to being alone.
Whilst a well trained pup will be quiet most of the time, you should expect to put up with a bit of pushy behavior from your pooch.
However, nothing lifts the mood quite like a kiss from one of these lovable pups!
The French Bulldog makes a wonderful family companion – they adapt well to any environment and can fit into a domestic lifestyle.
Every family member will have this dog’s love and loyalty as they will not single out any one member of your family for special treatment.
These dogs make great pets for every age and experience level – French Bulldogs are very manageable and have low care requirements.
Your biggest problem will be learning not to spoil them too much!
Care will be needed to keep your dog at a healthy weight and keep them from becoming too spoilt. Their lower activity level makes them great for the elderly and the handicapped and they make wonderful emotional support dogs for those with physical and mental disabilities.
Grooming, exercise and other aspects of care are very easy compared to most dog breeds. Your dog will not ask for very much beyond what every dog needs to be healthy and happy.
This dog does not need much activity to stay in shape.
They will let you know when they want to play, but value their downtime more than anything.
Two short walks around the block is enough to keep them active.
Your pup will enjoy running after balls and small toys and they can even jump hurdles or catch a frisbee. They will get tired very quickly so do not push them too hard – especially in the summertime.
Too much exertion can be dangerous in the summer heat.
They should be brushed at least once every week.
Your French Bulldog might prefer some brushes and combs to others so take some time to figure out which ones they love the most.
However as they do not shed much most of their grooming attention will go towards bathing rather than brushing. Bathe your dog every month and pay special attention to the folds around their face and muzzle. These folds can get infected if allowed to collect too much dirt.
Part of the fun of owning these dogs is how much they love to be dressed up. You can style your dog in anything from a sweater to an adorable doggie dress.
To protect them in the cold you can dress your pup in a sweater.
Part of the challenge of keeping this dog is finding the right food for their pampered domestic lifestyle.
You should pick feed specifically for smaller breeds – these formulas remove all of the extra calories they do not need. There is quite a bit of muscle in this dog’s little body so protein should be the first ingredient on the list.
One and a half cups a day is the most that your dog will need. You can split this into a morning and evening meal for an adult dog.
Fully grown adult dogs should weigh between 18 and 28 pounds.
If your dog exceeds this weight then you should consider putting them on a diet.
Calories Per Day: | Cups of Kibble Per Day: |
---|---|
500 | ~1 |
Your adorable little Frenchie will be with you for about 10-13 years.
Expect to pay as much as $2000 for a French Bulldog puppy.
Whilst this dog can be stubborn at times, overall their need to make their owner happy means they are fairly easy to train.
They do not need much mental stimulation but will still need attention.
Come up with fun activities for you and your dog to train together.
For a low impact way to play and train them try a game of roll the ball. This lighter version of fetch keeps your dog engaged without pushing them too hard.Practice rolling a ball back and forth between you and your pup. It will take a few tries for them to figure out how to pass the ball back to you.
The two trickiest parts to training this breed are:
As the French Bulldog has a small bladder they can have difficulty knowing when they need to go to the bathroom. Make sure your puppy knows where their bathroom is and take them there whenever they have finished eating or playing.
Eventually they will pick this up and learn that they need to go out there on their own.
As for crate training this is needed as it will help them feel safe while you are away. Fill the crate with your puppy’s favorite toys and treats and make sure it is a place for them to feel safe and secure.
You will need a bit of patience on your pup’s moody days. If you get too frustrated with your dog it is best to walk away and come back later.
The final part of training is socialization.
Whilst your puppy may be very friendly towards you they will need a bit of prompting to socialize with others. You should give your pup a chance to see other people and dogs whenever you can. Puppy classes and play dates work well.
Breed Characteristics | |
---|---|
Size: | 11-13 inches. |
Weight: | 18-28lb. |
Lifespan: | 10-13 years. |
Coat: | Short single coat. |
Color: | White, fawn and brindle. |
Do They Shed: | Light to moderate. |
Temperament: | Gentle, affectionate, spoiled, naughty but calm. |
Intelligence: | Moderate. |
Socialization: | Must be prompted to socialize outside of the family. |
Destructive Behavior: | Howling when left alone. |
People Skills: | Very understanding and empathetic. |
Good with Children: | Yes. |
Activity Levels: | Low to moderate. |
When you bring your French Bulldog home you will quickly learn why they are loved by families all around the world.
This precious pup can put a smile on anyone’s face.
A Frenchie is a comical character that knows just the right way to make your day. Prepare to be amused by all of the tricks they can learn and all of the games they are ready to play.
These dogs much prefer to lounge than to do any serious exercise.
It is very easy to treat a French Bulldog like royalty and they will love every moment of it.
Let us know in the comments section below if you are considering opening up your heart and home to this pampered pooch…