Mention French Bulldogs, and even the most hardcore heart melts. This incredible dog breed is not only cute; its character traits, super personality, and compact size make it one of the most popular breeds amongst families, large and small. It’s true; everyone has space in their hearts and homes for the Frenchie!
But, while there’s nothing more exciting than searching for a new pet addition to the family, as a good pet parent, you will understand that it’s a challenging task to find the breed that suits your family to perfection. The problem is they are so adorable; deciding which one to choose can prove to be quite tricky. However, as every good parent knows, choosing the right pet for your family is more than just about cuteness.
One of the most important factors to consider when opening your home and heart to the loveable Frenchie is whether it will slot seamlessly into your lifestyle.
Understanding the French Bulldogs temperament, exercise requirements, health considerations, and common behavioral problems will help you decide if the French Bulldog is a good pet for you.
Which brings us back to the question of whether or not French Bulldogs make good pets?
French Bulldog Personality
When it comes to personality, the French Bulldog comes out tops! Loveable and sweet they adore people and believe with all their hearts that they are human beings on four legs. These four-legged fury humans make the perfect companion pet and are devoted adventure junkies, happy to hit the road with you at any time of day or night. If you like to travel with your Frenchie, invest in a dog seat belt and a good car seat cover. Road trip!
Intelligence is high on the agenda with the French Bulldog. They learn new things very quickly and are super sensitive to the moods and feelings of their adoring pet parents.
Separation anxiety can be a problem for the French Bulldog, especially if left alone for long periods of time. Their sensitive and devoted natures can turn into bouts of naughty acting out as they struggle to deal with their anxiety. If you are away from your Frenchie for extended periods, calming treats, long walks and relaxing music can all be useful tools to reassure and calm the anxiety they feel.
Overall the French Bulldog is well-mannered, affectionate and thrives on human interaction.
Ideally suited to living in smaller homes, the French Bulldog isn’t one to create a fuss with excessive barking.
Exercise and play
The French Bulldog is also a homebody and enjoys being at home. Happy to lie on the couch and watch telly with their couch-potato parents. However, they are also energetic and love a good game. While they are content to play with dog toys, they also enjoy enrichment activities such as doggie hide-and-seek, scavenger hunts and agility courses.
Regular walks and activities are important to keep your Frenchie mentally and physically stimulated. On average, the mature French Bulldogs requires walks twice daily and can manage a distance of up to three miles depending on fitness levels. Splitting the distance over a few short walks per day is very beneficial and will provide them with the motivation and stimulation they need.
Health vs Common Health Issues
Average Height: 10-13 in (25.4 – 33 cm)
Average Weight: 26-28 lbs (12-13 kg)
Life Span: 10-12 years
French Bulldogs are generally healthy, but due to their body formation, they can develop health issues.
- Spinal Issues
Due to selective breeding to further decrease the already compact size of the French Bulldog, they are susceptible to spinal problems.
- Respiratory Issues
Brachycephalic Airway Obstructive Syndrom is common in flat-faced breeds, which can cause breathing problems. Avoid exposing your Frenchie to excessive heat or overly vigorous exercise.
- Overeating / Digestion problems
The French Bulldog loves its food almost as much as its human family and will happily overeat if allowed, leading to excessive weight gain. Pet parents should use low-calorie treats and use an elevated feeder to prevent them from eating too much at once.
It’s crucial to keep your French Bulldog within the ideal weight parameters to prevent added stress on their small frame, which can have a negative impact on their health.
Other Health-related Issues
- Cherry eye (inflammation of the third eyelid)
- Ear infections
- Skin problems
- Hip Dysplasia (abnormal hip development)
- Patellar luxation (slipping knee cap)
- Cataracts
- Brachycephalic Syndrome (soft palate)
Grooming Needs
The French Bulldog has an excellent short-haired coat but does require a certain amount of care to keep them looking great and their sensitive skins healthy.
Regular bathing will keep your Frenchies delicate skin clean and smelling great. It’s best to use a hypoallergenic shampoo when bathing to soothe any itchy patches and prevent their skin from drying out. Using harsh shampoos can lead to rashes and skin legions, causing them to scratch and cause further infection.
Brushing once a week is extremely beneficial as it removes dead skin cells, excess hair, dirt and debris. In addition, it stimulates circulation and spreads natural oils found in the dog’s coat.
Use our handy list below to keep on top of your Frenchies grooming regime:
Toenails Clip every six weeks
Anal Glands These may need to be expressed by a vet
Eyes Clean regularly to avoid blocked tear tracts
Wrinkles Use a damp cloth to clean facial folds and check for yeast infections
Elbows Use olive oil to moisturize elbows and prevent dry scabby skin
Teeth Brush twice a week or use dental sticks to promote good oral hygiene
Tail Use a sanitizing wipe to clean under the tail to avoid infections
Final Re-barks!
In conclusion, the French Bulldog is a great addition to any household. They fit seamlessly into family life, happy to follow the lead of their much-adored people parents. Equally comfortable living in a small flat or large home, the French Bulldog has a huge personality packed into a compact size.
If you are seeking the perfect furry family member, then the French Bulldog is by far more than a good pet; the Frenchie is the best friend you could have.
