NEW FRENCH BULLDOG OWNER'S GUIDE

The French Bulldog breed is totally human-orientated, they are loyal and yet they'll scamper into anyone's lap at the slightest invitation. Given the opportunity to play with other dogs or a member of it's human family, the French Bulldog will consistently pick the human. They are trusting and will approach anybody or any dog , big or small, with the sole intention of playing. Frenchies want to please, yet they can be outrageously stubborn. This negative quality is extremely amusing, as when Frenchies are scolded, they will turn their backs to you and sit down. It's easy to change the mood and stance of a French Bulldog, just picking it up will engender a cuddle and kiss. Whatever was amiss is forgotten and forgiven.

French Bulldogs are completely lovable, yet they are capable of creating havoc in your life. There are two personalities, the cozy couch potato and the hyperactive rascal. I associate each personality with a particular physical type. Sometimes coat color has something to do with personality as well. Red-coated dogs are more likely to exhibit more assertive, controlling behavior, brindles are generally sweeter. Creams are considered the stereotypic ditsy blondes!

Frenchies are social, yet their curiosity may lead them into innocent but serious trouble. Responsible breeders will rarely sell a French Bulldog to a family whose property includes a swimming pool. The Frenchie is a head heavy breed. As a consequence of their uneven weight distribution, these dogs would like to but should not be allowed to swim, even under supervision. They will sink and drown in a matter of seconds. Totally focused on being in the company of their owners, they will follow their human family anywhere without regard to personal safety. In every respect the French Bulldog is indeed a breed to be babied. Many dog breeds adapt to all sorts of living conditions. To the contrary, the French Bulldog is a breed whose family must adapt to it's needs.

CHOOSING YOUR FRENCHIE

Be prepared to interview breeders, and be prepared to be interviewed by them as well. Reputable breeders look for a family with children no younger than three. Breeders want to meet the whole family, not only to make the right match between the Frenchie and it's future home, but also to observe how parents supervise their children. Children may innocently hurt a puppy if not shown how to pick one up or hold it.

Most breeders will caution a prospective owner that the French Bulldog is a high maintenance breed. It is not a rough and tumble athlete with unlimited endurance. Although capable of playing in a fenced yard in comfortable or cool weather, the Frenchie must be considered an indoor dog. This breed cannot tolerate heat, dry or moist, because of it's facial and nasal structure. Similarly, these dogs should not be allowed to jump off couches, chairs or beds because of their spinal formation.

HOUSEBREAKING AND TRAINING

Select a specific site outside in your yard you have already designated as his/hers. He'll soon associate it with bathroom breaks. Visit it often. It's best to take your new puppy outside every two hours, as well as upon waking, after playing and feeding and before going to bed. In addition, be alert to signals like sniffing and circling that may indicate that he has to go. For his new home, your new puppy will need a place he can call his own. You may want to purchase a crate. The crate will be used to housebreak your Bulldog, a safe place for your puppy while you are away and a place for your puppy to sleep. As soon as your puppy is let out of it's crate take him outside and do not let him come back inside until he goes. A little praise goes a long way! Most all dogs will not soil where they sleep if they are let out often enough. If you do not want a crate for your new puppy, a nice doggie bed will do just fine as long as your still able to confine your puppy. Correct him kindly. Accidents will happen. Remember that shouting, scolding and punishment serve no purpose and will only frighten and confuse your dog. Even if you catch him in mid-act simply say "NO" and immediately take him outside. Praise him. Lavish praise on your dog each time he goes outside on his designated spot. Speak in an upbeat voice, smile and reward him with treats after he does his business. You should take your Frenchie to training classes as soon as he or she is old enough and has all of their immunizations, usually about 4 months of age. This will get him/her accustomed to being around other dogs and people, will teach you how to communicate your wishes to him and will teach him the basics such as walking on the lead, sitting, staying and coming on command. although cute and cuddly-looking, a French Bulldog has a big personality and needs an adequate amount of training to make it a civilized companion.

FOOD

You will want to feed a good puppy food four times daily until he is about three months of age. From 3-6 months of age feed three times daily. Then from 6-12 months feed two times daily. Switch your Bulldog to adult food at 12 months of age. Continue to feed twice a day. Always have plenty of fresh water available to your Bulldog at all times. Do not feed your Bulldog soy! Some Bulldogs are allergic to soy products. When soy filler is mixed with water it will expand and can cause gastric tortion that may be fatal to your Bulldog. Follow the amount on the bag of food and adjust it to your feeding schedule.

CHEW TOYS

All new puppies will chew on mostly anything. Indestructible dog toys are best, as those powerful Frenchie jaws can destroy less durable ones; and rawhide type chews should not be used because when they soften they can become lodged in your French Bulldog puppy's throat. Purchase safe new chew toys for your puppy. You will want to teach your new puppy what he is allowed to chew on. The Kong cookie ball or other type toys have been found to be the best. Nylon chew toys are safe and are available in most pet stores. Chew toys will help in your pet's dental hygiene. Don't give your Bulldog puppy rawhide sticks, pig ears or pig hooves. These are not safe chew toys for a Bulldog.

OVERHEATING

As a short-faced breed (brachycephalic), French Bulldogs have some health concerns that you should be aware of. Their short face makes breathing less efficient than that of the long-nosed breeds, so Frenchies have less tolerance of heat, excerise and stress..all of which increase their need to breathe. Keep your Frenchie cool in warm weather and avoid strenuous excerise. Bulldogs can die from heat exhaustion. Whenever you and your French Bulldog are out in warm weather take water with you. If you are going to be out for a while, take along ice and lemon juice. If your Bulldog starts to overheat and brings up phlegm, you must act quickly to cool him down. Get your Bulldog out of the heat. Squirt lemon juice into his mouth to clear the phlegm. Put a wet towel on him and keep him calm. If your Bulldog goes down with heat exhaustion and his tongue turns blue, wet him with cool water and cool him with ice. Lay him in cool water or ice if you can. You must bring his body temperature down. Anesthesia is also more risky in short-faced dogs, so be sure your veterinarian is experienced with such breeds should your Frenchie need to be anesthetized for any reason.

VOMITING

Bulldogs have elongated palates and sometimes vomit or bring up phlegm. This is normal. If your Bulldog is doing it constantly when he is not overheated or excited, consult your vet.

SWIMMING

While a few can swim, most cannot and must never be left unattended around water!! In warmer climates, air conditioning in the house and car are a must !!

FACE WRINKLES

Keep your Bulldog's wrinkles clean and dry. Wipe all the folds on his face with a wet cloth or baby wipe, then dry them really good. Once they are dry, sprinkle some Gold Bond or Baby Powder and he stays beautiful. French Bulldogs don't require alot of grooming or exercise and generally do well in small living quarters. They are not noisy and most of them are very fond of people, though there are individual differences in how well they get along with other animals. They should never be allowed to run free and should only be allowed outdoors in a fenced yard or on a leash. Occasional brushing keeps the coat shiny and regular nail trimming is a must since Frenchies don't usually wear their nails down by running.

VACCINATIONS

Your new puppy will require an initial series of four vaccinations. Yearly boosters are required after the initial series. Follow your veterinarian's recommendations.

THIS IS ONLY A GUIDE TO HELP YOU WITH YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND. ANY MAJOR LIFE THREATENING PROBLEMS SHOULD IMMEDIATELY BE REFERRED TO YOUR VET.