Are you thinking of adding a French Bulldog to your family? As an Owner and French Bulldog Breeder here are the things I wish I knew before getting a French Bulldog. I want to start off by saying that my oldest male is 5 years old and I can tell you that these pups are full of personality and bring so much love and laughter to my life. But, before you bring one home, let me share a few things that I wish I knew before I got first, Füli!
They Are Brachycephalic
One of the first things I wish I knew before getting a French Bulldog is that they have a unique set of physical characteristics that can make it harder for them to breathe. They are brachycephalic which means they have shortened skulls and smaller airways that can make them more susceptible to breathing difficulties, especially in hot or humid weather. This is one of the main reasons why French Bulldogs grunt and snore when they sleep. Not all, but some will need soft pallets and nare surgery to correct their airflow. Füli had his nares done in January 2022. You can check out our vlog on our YouTube channel from his consult, to surgery day, and his recovery!
Over Heating
French Bulldogs have a tendency to overheat. Due to their shortened snouts, they have a harder time regulating their body temperature. When it comes to summer months and playtime outside they need to be monitored so they don’t over-exert themselves. Over-exertion can lead to fatality. When I’m out with my Frenchies I always make sure our play sessions are short and I pay attention to their breathing and the color of their gums as this can be a tell tail if they are having a hard time breathing. If we are out for a longer period of time then I have water available for them.
Common Health Issues
Now I have been fairly fortunate with all my dog’s health, BUT, French Bulldogs are prone to have some health issues. Not all Frenchies will suffer from health problems but it’s good to be aware of them. Some of the most common French Bulldog health problems are allergies, skin fold dermatitis, hip dysplasia, luxating patella, congenital heart defects, and intervertebral disc disease. This is why it’s so important to choose a reputable breeder who has had the parent’s health tested and always opt for purchasing pet insurance to help cover the costs of unexpected health issues.
Grooming
When I got my first French Bulldog, I thought my dog was going to have to get a haircut just like every other dog I had growing up. Well, I was wrong! French Bulldogs have short, thick coats that require regular grooming, but they do not need to get haircuts. Instead, to keep their coats looking healthy and shiny, they need to be regularly brushed. Brushing my Frenchies on a regular helps with controlling the amount of shedding we have which is a nice bonus. Apart from their grooming ritual, their ears need to be regularly monitored and their skin folds need to be washed and cleaned on a regular to prevent any infections.
Allergies
One of the most important things any to-be owners should know about the French Bulldog Breed and that I wish I knew was that they can be VERY costly when it comes to their diet. French Bulldogs can be allergic to poultry, so if you plan on feeding them kibble, you will have limited food options because most kibble is made with chicken or chicken byproducts. Because of their allergies to chicken and other ingredients, I feed my Frenchies RAW. This way I know exactly what is going to be in their bowl and I just add my own supplements to it. It’s more expensive and more work, BUT I know this a healthier option for them. If you want to learn more about feeding raw, you can check out the RAW Food Starter Guide Here.
Conclusion
In conclusion, French Bulldogs are a wonderful breed with unique personalities. However, they do require a bit more care and attention than other breeds. Proper care and education on the breed will ensure that you have many happy years with your Frenchie. Proper care and education on the breed will ensure that you have many happy years with your Frenchie. If you are still interested in getting a French Bulldog, make sure to do your research, choose an ethical breeder, and prepare to provide the care and attention they need.
Visit My Pawesome Frenchie if you’re interested in learning more about my Available French bulldogs here.
Thanks and I’ll see you in the next blog!
