Do you have a French Bulldog? Mark your calendar: January 13th is French Bulldog Day! These curious, lovable little pups are now America’s most popular dog! The Labrador Retriever was happily sitting in that top spot, with a cheerful grin and a happy panting, for 30 years. Taking that top spot is no small feat for a little pup with a smooshed-in face. A local Las Vegas, NV veterinarian puts the French Bulldog in the spotlight in this article.
Frenchie Breed Basics
The Frenchie has a huge heart and a huge personality, both of which are stuffed into a small, stout body. Fido usually weighs under 30 pounds. French Bulldogs typically live about 10 to 12 years. As for their coats, these guys have that short, sleek fur, which is easy to care for and requires only minimal grooming.
How Do I Care For A Frenchie?
Fido’s basic care needs are the same as that of any other pooch: he requires good food, suitable exercise, regular veterinary care, and, of course, lots of love.
That said, there are a few caveats. First and foremost? You’ll need to be very, very careful around water. French Bulldogs are definitely not cut out for swimming. Because they’re so short, they can be in serious danger in just a few inches of water.
Like other brachys, these small dogs are extremely susceptible to overheating, as their short airways aren’t very helpful at cooling them off. Here in Nevada, that’s a pretty important detail. Never let your canine companion overexert himself, and take care to keep him cool on hot days. You may want to get your four-legged pal a cooling mat or vest for summer. (A shallow wading pool is fine, as long as the water isn’t above your dog’s chest.)
Be careful about what you have at Fido’s eye level. You don’t have to go too crazy, but avoid putting sharp, thorny plants, like cactuses, in spots where your canine friend could run into them. Ask your Las Vegas, NV vet for specific advice.
Do French Bulldogs Often Have Dental Problems?
Small breeds often have dental issues. The Frenchie is no exception. These guys just don’t have much room for all those teeth, and they can be a bit prone to issues such as overcrowding and misalignments.
You’ll need to keep Fido’s choppers clean, to help ward off gum disease and other issues. Brushing the teeth is best, but you can also use dental products. Watch for signs of dental issues, such as bad breath, drooling, swelling, tartar buildup, and difficulty chewing. Fido may also chew on one side of his mouth, and he may dribble food.
Ask your Las Vegas, NV veterinarians for specific dental care advice.
Why Are French Bulldogs So Popular?
While one may say that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, Frenchies do have a way of melting hearts with their bat ears, stout bodies, and expressive faces. They’re charming, easy to care for, and lots of fun. They also don’t need too much exercise, and want nothing more than to snuggle up with their humans. Frenchies are also playful and affectionate, and tend to make friends with everyone.
However, that isn’t to say that these guys are perfect. They can be a bit stubborn, and are quite protective. Proper training is a must! Fido gets very attached to his humans, and gets lonely and unhappy if left alone too long.
Why Are French Bulldogs So Often Stolen?
Unfortunately, French Bulldogs are also among the most frequently stolen dog breeds. For one thing, they fetch top prices. (The rare Fluffy French Bulldog can cost up to $30,000!) They’re also small enough to be easily carried off.
It’s not a bad idea to take a few precautions. Make sure that your four-legged buddy is microchipped and wearing ID tags. Never leave Fido unattended, and be extra vigilant at places like parks and public areas, where someone could grab your pet. Spaying or neutering are also important, as they can help discourage breeders. You may also want to get your furry bestie a pet tracker, such as GPS tags. Finally, keep your adoption paperwork. Being able to prove ownership can make all the difference in a court case
As with any breed, it’s important to do research and make an informed decision before adopting one.
What Breeds Did The French Bulldog Come From?
Fido appears to have originated as a cross between French ratter dogs and the toy Bulldogs that were imported from England. Developed in Normandy in the mid nineteenth century, this plucky little pup first became popular with French lacemakers. Like most other companion dogs, French Bulldogs don’t have any specific roles or jobs: their whole purpose is centered around pleasing and entertaining their humans. In other words, Fido’s job is to be lovable and cute. He certainly excels at both of these things.
Frenchie: Health Concerns
Like all other breeds, the Frenchie is prone to a few specific health issues. Respiratory and dental problems are at the top of the list. French Bulldogs are brachycephalic, which means that they have short airways. That composition is responsible for their adorable, slightly smooshed-looking faces, but it can also cause serious health problems. Brachys lose their breath very easily, and should never be urged to over exert themselves.
The Frenchie is also susceptible to eye problems, such as cherry eye. Skin issues and intervertebral disc disease are also not uncommon for them. Officially recommended tests for this breed include cardiac exams and hip and ophthalmologist evaluations. Ask your Las Vegas, NV vet for specific advice.
What Do French Bulldogs Love The Most?
If we could ask the Frenchie what his favorite things are, we’re pretty sure that napping and eating would be at the top of the list. While these guys are playful, they do tend to become couch potatoes. Of course, they also crave attention and cuddles from their humans. (In other words, naps, treats, and belly rubs will get that little tail going.)
What Should I Not Feed A French Bulldog?
Frenchies are prone to getting, well, a bit chunky. This isn’t really a surprise, given that they really, really, really love food. Don’t give Fido anything that is high in fat or salt. That includes fried foods, cheese, and fatty meats, like bacon and sausage. (Sorry, buddy: it’s for your own good.)
A word to the wise: French Bulldogs are very, very good at plying us with those sad expressions that are so effective at getting us to fork over tasty treats. Steel yourself against those big eyes!
What Celebrities Have French Bulldogs?
Fido has made a few high-profile fans. Actor and rapper Snoop Dogg is probably the most prolific. Snoop’s Frenchie, Frank, actually went missing for a month back in 2022, but was later reunited with his owner. Megan Thee Stallion has six dogs, two of which are Frenchies. One of these, 4oe, has his own Instagram account, and even appeared on The Tonight Show. Next, we have Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and his canine pals, Brutus and Hobbs. (Brutus, unfortunately, passed away after eating a poisoned mushroom.) Reese Witherspoon has had at least two French Bulldogs.
Do you have questions about caring for a French Bulldog? Contact us, your local Las Vegas, NV pet clinic, today!
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