French Bulldog Dog
The incredibly popular and loving French Bulldog is certainly a crowd-pleaser. This adorable breed is not easy to come by, but they are well worth the wait! The Frenchie was bred for one purpose only, to be a cuddling cute companion, something they are known to excel.
French Bulldog At A Glance
| Lifespan | 10-12 years |
| Temperament | A playful and adaptable breed who simply adores attention. |
| Suitable | A great companion suited to busy households. |
| Health | A generally healthy dog breed however can be predisposed to certain health complaints. |
| COMMON CLAIMS | MAXIMUM CLAIM |
|---|---|
| Tissue Damage or Fracture | $8,873.38 |
| Ear Conditions | $5,242.32 |
| Eye Conditions | $4,265.21 |
| Gastrointestinal Conditions | $12,581.45 |
| Muscle/Skeletal Conditions | $2,800.40 |
| Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) | $9,619.15 |
| Neoplasia or Mass Lesion | $7,794.50 |
| Neurological Conditions | $6,686.10 |
| Brachycephalic Airway Disease | $11,055.00 |
| Allergies | $4,017.87 |
*Pet Insurance Australia Data 2022/2023
Trainability
Your adorable Frenchie will simply love to train, as long as you keep it fun and light. Regardless of their size, training is important and your loveable companion will require daily walks to ensure they are kept in their correct weight range. Because of this early obedience training is recommended, and the easy part is, that this can be done at home. However, enrolling in an obedience school will fast-track your Frenchy’s love for training while also providing some socialisation. They are eager to please their loving owners, and like all breeds, benefit only from positive reinforcement rather than punishment-based training methods. The Frenchie simply loves to play so incorporating this into your training regime will see quick improvements. Socialisation and exposure to lots of different situations from a young age will ensure your French Bulldog grows into a well-rounded and happy dog. Potty training your new pup can be easily achieved using the crate method. Remember, because they are a smaller breed, making it outside quickly to go to the toilet can pose a problem with ‘accidents’ particularly if you live in a larger home, so always ensure you have regular potty breaks during puppyhood.
Grooming
The Frenchie will require regular grooming to keep their coats looking immaculate and the help keep the shedding at bay. This is also a good time to check for any sore spots or concerns. Getting your pup used to a weekly brush is a good way to ensure your growing dog is in good health. Nail clipping is also important and getting your pup used to having their nails clipped will save you, and your dog, much stress later down the track. Get your local veterinarian to show you how easy nail clipping can be at your next check-up. Their faces will also need to be cleaned to reduce the incidents of bacteria building up in the folds of their skin. With a little practice your Frenchie will quickly learn that grooming is a wonderful time to sneak a few extra cuddles and love into the day…something your pup will simply adore.
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Common Health Complaints – French Bulldog
French Bulldogs make delightful companions, however, they can be predisposed to certain expensive health conditions.
- Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS): French Bulldogs fall into the brachycephalic breed profile with their adorable flat faces and short noses. However, like many other brachycephalic breeds, this can cause respiratory issues that can result in snoring, snorting and exercise intolerance. In severe cases, surgical intervention is required to improve airflow.
- Heat Stroke: Another issue many brachycephalic breeds, such as the French Bulldog, face is overheating and heat stroke – a life-threatening condition. Owners need to be cautious in warmer weather and avoid strenuous exercise during peak temperatures. French Bulldogs, like all dogs, should also never be left alone in a car as they can overheat very quickly.
- Skin Fold Infections: The squishy faces of the French Bulldog are also prone to infections in their facial skin folds. Regular cleaning and drying of these areas after bathing and water play are essential. Treatment typically involves antifungal or antibiotic medications.
- Allergies: Like many dog breeds French Bulldogs are also prone to allergies, that can cause skin irritation, itching and ear infections. Identification alongside your veterinarian will allow for the best management of the allergy which may include a diet change, medications and medicated shampoos.
- Hip Dysplasia: French Bulldogs are also at risk of hip dysplasia, a genetic condition caused by the malformation of the hip and thigh bone leading to mobility issues and pain. Hip dysplasia can also lead to arthritis. Treatment can involve physiotherapy, weight management and surgery.
- Cherry Eye: Cherry eye is another condition common in French Bulldogs. Cherry eye is caused when the third eyelid gland prolapses and becomes visible as a red or pink lump in the corner of the eye. Surgical correction may be necessary to address this issue.
- Spinal Diseases: Due to their short legs and elongated backs, French Bulldogs are also at risk for spinal disorders, such as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). This condition can result in back pain, hind limb weakness, or paralysis. Lifestyle changes and surgery may be required to manage spinal issues.
- Eye Conditions: French Bulldogs can develop various eye conditions, including cataracts, corneal ulcers, and congenital eye defects. Regular eye examinations by a veterinarian are essential. Depending on the type of condition, treatment may involve surgery.
- Obesity: Being so little and adorable French Bulldogs also tend to gain weight easily, which can increase their breathing difficulties and other health-related problems. Maintaining a healthy diet and providing regular exercise is crucial to prevent obesity.
- Heart Disease: French Bulldogs may develop heart conditions, such as mitral valve disease, which requires monitoring and treatment.
Exercise Requirements
The Frenchie does not require much exercise to keep them happy and entertained. However, like with all breeds your dog will need daily exercise to keep them at a good weight. A daily walk will suffice or a good play in the backyard. They simply love to play so being armed with some interesting toys will ensure your play sessions are a huge success.
Intelligence
The breed is very intelligent. Because of this, it is important to keep training fun and light or you may find your French Bulldog will find something better to do. Being a companion breed they do not take well to being left alone for long periods. They need constant love and attention to starve off behavioural problems. So, keeping your Frenchie occupied and cuddled is vital for a happy dog.
Family Friendly
The French Bulldog is a very family-friendly breed. They simply adore being cuddled and shadowing those who love them. They thrive on being around their family and getting involved in all the comings and goings of a busy home. Like with all dogs it is important to supervise small children and to teach them how to correctly handle dogs. It’s always a good idea to discourage young children from picking up your Frenchie to avoid injury. Sitting cuddles are always best. Your Frenchie will simply idolise your children and make lifelong friends.
Indoor/outdoor?
This breed does not take well to being left alone outside for hours on end. Your French Bulldog will exhibit behavioural problems if left to their own devices without adequate attention. As the French Bulldog is a brachycephalic breed care must be taken during warmer weather. This breed will have problems cooling down due to the shape of their skull. They should not live outdoors as it can cause severe problems with their health and wellbeing. They also struggle in humid hot weather. If you notice your Frenchie overheating it is important to seek veterinary care quickly.
Responsible Breeding
It is very important to only source your French Bulldog from a reputable breeder, to ensure your puppy is healthy. Ask all the important questions about hereditary problems with the breed and if possible, ask to view Mum and Dad. Contact your local breed club and research your chosen breeder thoroughly. Your breeder should have paperwork to prove that they regularly test their breeding dogs for genetic diseases and to ensure that the dogs they are breeding from have sound temperaments. It may take a little more time than a quick purchase, but it can help prevent the unimaginable heartache and pain dealing with a sick puppy or dog can bring.
Contact PIA for French Bulldog Insurance
PIA is a family owned pet insurance company for Australia, and we have a long and successful history of helping owners care for their French Bulldogs. Contact us today to learn more about our range of simple, flexible and affordable cover options.
