Why French Bulldogs Make a Great Choice for a Home Pet

It has been said over and over again, that the dog is man's best friend. This statement has frayed edges, torn creases, and bite marks from being used over and over again. Nothing is more clich', nor is truer, especially to dog aficionados and tens of millions of households all over the world. And why not? Dogs are very affectionate, playful and loyal, and nothing fits the bill more than French bulldogs.



But before you get bombarded with the pros of owning a French bulldog, its best to understand first the basics of this very playful and affectionate dog breed, this way, you can have better information on what kind of dog breed it is.



French bulldogs are popularly known to be descendants of British Bulldogs. British royalty which transferred to France later on took their bulldogs with them. French dog lovers then took notice of the breed and took a fancy on them. Soon they were raising them and developed their own breed. This breed was then dubbed as the French bulldog, or as some dog breeders today call as 'Frenchies.'



As Americans have come to France and more French people have travelled to America, the French bulldog then became known in American soil, which led to its acceptance and inclusion in the roster of many dog breeding associations in the country. And up to this day, the French bulldog has been the breed of choice for many American households.



Now to the best part. The main reason why French bulldogs are the best choice for a house pet is due to many characteristics, reasons that are more or less when combined are unique to a French bulldog.



First off is their size. Even if you have a small home, the French bulldog would fit perfectly as they re diminutive but large enough to act as a watch dog scare off would be intruders. Usually, a French bulldog would grow up to 12 inches to their wither, or to the top of their shoulder. Given enough space to run and play, they can have sufficient exercise already. One thing though, you have to make sure that you can house train them immediately. The French bulldog is more comfortable in cooler environments, so they tend to stay indoors.



Another great factor about the French bulldog is their temperament and personality. French bulldogs are very affectionate, they love to be cuddled and require human attention. They prefer to be treated as a member of the family and is very playful and safe with kids. It is also easy to befriend them but still remain n effective watchdog, this is because they are highly intelligent. And because they can easily adapt to new surroundings, they can be very outgoing as long as the weather is not too hot. This means you can take them most anywhere.



This and more are the reasons why the French bulldog is a great choice as a pet.

Understanding the Responsibilities of Breeding French Bulldogs

There are numerous people who have seen the great potential involving French bulldogs. Their rise in popularity has shown many enterprising dog lovers that this could be an opportunity to make extra cash off their beloved French bulldog pets. But, there are so many aspects in French bulldog breeding that one should consider first. In fact, if you don't have the proper knowledge and resources, you may end up spending more than what you may earn. Or maybe you won't even earn anything at all.



Breeding French bulldogs is not just about getting them to procreate, that's the easy part. You have to factor in the many responsibilities of ensuring the health of your bitch while she is pregnant, also, French bulldogs usually needs caesarian surgery when giving birth. Then there is the care after birth, both for the mother and the litter. And it's not just the cost; you also would need to invest much of your time. You have to be around most of the time to be certain that you will be able to heed any emergencies. So with that said, you now know that you have to be prepared mentally, physically and financially to become a French bulldog breeder.



To be a responsible breeder, you have to consider the different factors to ensure that the litter would be in good health and the mom as well. For instance, the recommended age for French bulldogs to get pregnant is over eighteen months and no more than five years. Plus, if your dog has any health concerns prone to French bulldogs, then you shouldn't breed them at all. This health conditions could be passed down to their offspring. Some of these health conditions include cataracts, cherry eye, hip dysplasia and several cardiac diseases.



Now, what if you only have a female Fren

ch bulldog? Then that would mean that you would be needing the services of a French Bulldog stud. There are also many risks involved here, plus, not to mention the costs needed for the stud service. The sad thing is that it could be a hit and miss. There is no guarantee that your bitch will get pregnant. So it means that you may have to pay for the services more than once. Plus, you'd be wasting precious time to confirm if your dog is indeed pregnant.



You also need to make sure that the stud you will get is from a good lineage, and that it is healthy and should provide proof that the stud doesn't have any health issues, which it can pass on to its future litter. And if your dog gets pregnant, there's also the risk that it may lose its litter.



If you get lucky and your dog produces a litter, then there will still be numerous concerns for you to ensure that they will be in the pink of health. This will entail additional costs as well. So if you're not prepared, then it would be better if you just leve breeding French bulldogs to the experts.

The Proper Care for French Bulldogs

What do we look for in a partner? When asked, there are many characteristics that we would often throw out, like, loyal, playful, affectionate, trustworthy, funny, thirsty for knowledge, and looks out for your welfare, just to name a few. It may be hard to find someone that possesses all these qualities, but it's not impossible, not with the French bulldog anyway.



French bulldogs can be perfectly described with all these adjectives, and then some. They may not be a candidate as a partner, but they are certainly perfect companions. But the thing about dogs is that they don't have a long lifespan, with French bulldogs, its bout 10 to 14 years. So if you want to enjoy their company, you have to make sure that you will be able to take care of them fully.



Here are some examples that you should keep in mind to ensure that your French bulldog would always be healthy and live a long and loving relationship with you.



If you don't plan on breeding your French bulldog, make sure that you get it spayed or neutered. When you neuter your male French bulldog, you decrease the chances of testicular cancer from happening, and curb aggression. For your female French bulldog, you dramatically decrease the chances of uterine infections and breast cancer.



Make it a habit to keep a regular visitation schedule with your French bulldogs vet. Regular medical checkups will prevent any health conditions to proper and nip it in the bud before it becomes too damaging and untreatable. Also, it would be best if you learn how to give your French bulldog a home exam of their eyes, ears, skin, nose, gums and teeth.



Make sure that the gums and teeth of your French bulldog are kept clean. Aside from making it a habit to regularly clean them with a special toothbrush and toothpaste, you can also get professional help for deep cleaning of the tooth and gums.



Keep your French bulldog on a healthy and well balanced diet. An overweight French bulldog can develop different health conditions like the swelling of the abdomen and labored breathing. Raw diets are recommended for French bulldogs, you can also give them natural dog food which contains real meat and vegetables. Avoid processed food as much as possible.



Develop a moderate exercise regimen for your French bulldog. Make sure that you don't stress your pet too much s their body structure do not allow it. Allow ample rest time so that they don't overstress their body.



Keep your French bulldog clean. Brush its coat regularly to remove dirt and grime, and also dead hair. Using a wet cloth, wash the mouth and the folds of the face of your French bulldog. This is necessary as French bulldogs are known to drool quite often. Clip the nails from time to time, just keep it on a comfortable length. Also, using a cotton ball and some baby oil, or an ear cleaning solution, make sure that the ears of your French bulldog is devoid of dirt, this will help prevent any infection.

The Different Coats and Colors of French Bulldogs

Compact, bat-eared, snub-nosed and has a muscular body, the Frenchy or the French bulldog is one of the top most choice for many families as the perfect pet for them. They can be very extremely playful and are also great watchdogs. But, do you also know that they are also revered for their shiny coats? As a matter of fact, French bulldogs come in a variety of colors, some of which are strictly prescribed by different kennel clubs and included in their stringent standards for show dogs.



In this article, we will discuss the different guidelines that the American Kennel Club has set forth as the standard for French bulldogs that are allowed to compete as show dogs. If your French Bulldog doesn't meet the standards this doesn't mean that they are of lower standards, they are still considered as purebreds, they just can't compete in show dog competitions. They are also still able to show the many characteristics that makes the French bulldog a lovable companion.



Although there are different clubs and organizations all over, most of them would agree on the most common standards that are required for the coat of a French Bulldog. These most common coat color standards include brindle and white, and color combinations of all-brindle. Plus, the colors white, fawn, and colors that are not considered disqualified by the rules set by a particular competition.



Most colors of French bulldog coats that clubs, organizations, and competitions disqualify include a coat that are solid black, without any white or brindle marks, black and tan, mouse or liver color, black with white markings or vice versa. If your French bulldog's cot has these color combination, it can still be a good house pet, but they can't compete in contests.



Aside from the color of the coat, many competitions also set standards for the color of the nose and the eyes of the French bulldog. Commonly, a show French Bulldog should have dark colored eyes, when the canine is looking forward, there should not be any white color in the eyes. But, if the dog is light colored, the eyes and nose are accepted if they have a lighter shade. But, a black nose is commonly preferred more by judges, especially the strict ones. Consulting breeders from your area will help you get the blue ribbon all the time.



So if you are planning to buy a French bulldog, you must determine whether you plan to enter them in any contests or just keep them as household pets. The former would cost more though. But remember, it's not the color of their cots, eyes, or nose. French bulldogs are popular because they are very loyal, are good companions, playful to the kids, and generally pleasant.



Their coats would not change that. Check with your local breeder about the available Frenchies in your area. And it is also important to remember that French bulldogs need so much attention, so be prepared before owning one.

Strategies for Behavior Training for French Bulldogs

Most French bulldog owners could probably give you dozens of reasons why French Bulldogs are considered one of the best dog breeds to have as pets. With their small and stocky and deceptively heavy diminutive bodies, and their great intelligence, the French bulldogs, first known as Boule-Dog Francais, are great companions and watchdogs. But, their temperament may also vary, this is why like any other breeds, the French bulldog should also be well-trained.



When training a dog, it is first best to get to know their behavior and characteristics. While they are a highly intelligent breed, they also have a short attention span. So be sure to have lots of patience. The French bulldog is also known for having the need to constantly command human attention. Sometimes they can also be very playfully aggressive, if this is the case, you should first discipline and train your dog before they are allowed to play with very small children.



First off, you should know that French bulldogs are generally playful; it's not uncommon for them to be commanding your time and attention. They can be very aggressive when they need you to play with them and your not giving them the attention they need. Some though can be sweet when they do so, and some can do tricks to get you to notice them. Your training should be based highly on what their traits are, then you will be able to concentrate on which to develop. This way, you will be able to maximize your training time, and all your efforts will not be futile.



A laser targeted training will be able to let you hve an enjoyable time training your dog, you won't only get a well trained and disciplined canine companion, but also be able to spend quality bonding time with him or her.



Always keep in mind that French bulldog are very independent thinkers, and they can become very stubborn if the training exercises seem pointless to them. Don't be too gentle on them and show some assertiveness, but don't shout at them excessively nor hurt them. In case of any unwanted behavior, be firm. Be the alpha dog and show your leadership over them. Use a strong and firm voice, don't scream or yell when you get frustrated, this will be too confusing for the dog.



Be consistent with your commands, choose only one command in declaring your praise or your discontent, also, be sure to carry some treats with you when doing the exercises to reward them, this will act as the affirmation to their good work.



Make sure that the training exercise is only limited to a short period of time. This is not only because their attention span is short, but because mostly of the fact that French bulldogs cannot dispel body heat efficiently and may cause overheating.



And lastly be very patient. Although French bulldogs are very smart and intelligent, they are still dogs. It will take several training sessions before they can fully get the grasp of what you are teaching them.

Learning About the Allergies that Plague French Bulldogs

Nipping medical conditions in the bud is easier if you know what's causing the condition in the first place. Going to a vet is always the best solution, but sometimes, the condition can be very simple and a costly vet visit can be avoided. An example would be conditions that are caused by allergies. But don't just look at allergies as minor conditions, there are allergies that can be harsh and can result to the demise of your pet. So, the best solution to this predicament is knowing what allergies your dog may suffer so you can determine if a visit to a vet is required. And if you own a French Bulldog, with its size, its highly likely that it too can encounter some allergy problems.



In the canine world, light colored dogs that are small in stature and frame are more likely to get allergies than otherwise. French bulldogs, even in their adult stage easily fits the bill, and more so when they are just puppies. Allergies can mostly come from two factors, environmental and from the food they eat. If you don't know which one is causing the allergic reactions then you will find it very difficult to treat it.



Because French Bulldogs are very close to the ground with their short legs, they can easily encounter allergic reactions due to the fact that they are closer to the ground, and can easily brush against many irritants such as pollen and grass. And because they have fine, short fur, these irritants can easily gain access to their skin, allowing them to penetrate easily. And the more they go up against these irritants, the more they are likely to feel the effects and become agitated, causing more problems.



If your French bulldog appears to be constantly rubbing its face and body against any surface such as the carpeting, furniture, or the walls, chances are it has an environmental allergy, also known as atopic dermatitis. Other symptoms include constant chewing of the pads, legs, and their feet. This means that the irritants are causing your dog to feel itchy and he is scratching his skin to alleviate the condition.



When this happens, what you need to do is to wipe the affected area with a damp cloth firmly and repeatedly. The rubbing motion and the rough surface of the cloth will help remove the irritants and the cool water in the towel will help soothe the itchy skin of your French bulldog.



Another problem that may be caused by allergies is a recurrent ear infection. Because the ears of the French bulldog are bat-like, it can easily get clogged by irritants and dirt. It is best though to consult a vet to determine first what the cause of the infection is. If it is due to an allergic reaction, then your vet will most likely recommend using an ear rinse or wash which can be easily bought from a pet store.



If the symptoms persist though, never hesitate to consult your vet, these home remedies should not be your last line of defense against French bulldog allergies.

Growing a Family with French Bulldogs Litters

Having a family with kids can be more delightful with a puppy. But puppies grow to become adult dogs and they grow at a faster rate than humans do. So, sometimes a dog can become too large for a kid and can be a hassle and a burdensome companion. But with French bulldogs, you don't have to go through this predicament. They are relatively small in size even in their adulthood. Plus, if you have 2 French bulldogs and one is a male and the other is a female, you can be rest assured that even if they develop their own family, you won't get stuck with a pile of dogs.



A French bulldog's litter is relatively small. Most commonly, a female French bulldog would give birth to a litter with only 3 to 4 pups. Plus, many dog breeders would agree that breeding French bulldogs are very difficult, and that's the reason why they are pricey and there are not really much of them around. So this means that it is very unlikely that French bulldogs owners will have problems with many of this active canine overwhelming their homes.



This is especially good for smaller homes. Plus, a small home with too much inhabitants can have a warmer environment, and if you live in an area where the weather is predominantly hot, your French bulldog may develop several health conditions. French bulldogs are more accustomed to colder areas, so as much as possible keep them cool at all times. If left in a warm environment, your French bulldog may develop heatstroke, breathing problems and certain skin conditions. Aside from what has just been mentioned, caring for a French bulldog is relatively easy. Even your kids can help you raise a French bulldog.



Another way to care for your French bulldog's health and appearance Is by ensuring tht its clean and well groomed. A French bulldog's coat is short and brilliant, it is also smooth and fine, and doesn't over shed. Regular brushing will help maintain the brilliance of their coat and keeps dirt away, avoiding instances where the hair will be matted.



Other care required would be the same that are required for other dogs such as brushing the teeth with special dog toothpaste and toothbrush twice a week, occasionally checking and clipping their toenails, and taking them to their veterinarian for their regular checkup.



As discussed at the start, French bulldogs don't grow too large for kids. They usually grow to about 12 inches from their highest point and are relatively light. There are two weight classes for this sociable dog breed with the lower weight class averaging 19 to 22 pounds and the higher with 23 to 28 pounds.



And there you go. There's nothing quite like a well rounded family home with a dog or two by the side, and there's nothing quite like a French bulldog as a family companion, friend, watchdog, and a family member.

Choosing French Bulldogs for Sale Online

Many dog aficionados lovingly call French Bulldogs as 'Frenchies', they could also be referred to as frog dogs or clowns. These names are aptly provided because of their looks and their playful manner. Although through the name of this small companion dog would lead one to believe that the French have largely played a major role in its development, many experts agree that American and British breeders have had a huge hand in this breed's development.



First off, as a potential online buyer, you have to know that there are many differences with American Bulldogs and French Bulldogs. Their purchase price alone varies widely. French Bulldogs are much more expensive and puppies can fetch anywhere from $1,500 to $2,000.



Be very wary though, the internet has become a bastion for the breeding of spurious websites and niche marketing have made money for so many people. So it's highly probable that there are numerous websites that are posing as legitimate dog sellers but are in fact far from it.



One way to determine if a seller's reputation is dubious is by looking at their prices. If it's too cheap to be true, it probably isn't worth your business. Many websites find that slashing down prices would indeed attract more customers, but if those prices are unbelievably low, then it's a high probability that they are not selling purebreds. It is of utmost importance that you don't get lured by these low prices and get yourself into a trap.



The next thing that you should consider is that the price tag falls as the dog ages, so if the price does indeed seem incredibly low, maybe it's because it's a year old French Bulldog. Try to compare the prices of different websites. Many genuine websites today have developed a system to ensure that they have a reliable user base. This usually means verifying their customer's identity and asking them to register to their website. The registration is commonly free. Choose websites like these for your comparison.



Choosing which website to purchase from doesn't just mean the one with the lowest price. After carefully considering if the website is genuinely reputable, then most would choose where they can get the best deal. The best deal doesn't just mean getting the lowest asking price for French Bulldogs. You should also see if the dog is already registered and if they would provide a certification in writing.



Plus, they should also provide ample and comfortable transportation means for your dog when it is delivered to your home. This usually means that the transportation environment is air-conditioned. Collecting this information and listing down the pros and cons of each website will help you determine where you will be able to get a good deal.



French Bulldogs are very active companions and can be a great friend. They are very playful especially if you get the purebred. So take the time to choose the right website to buy French Bulldogs, this is an investment where both the owner and the pet wins all the time.