How to Care for Your French Bulldog

Caring for your French Bulldog: everything you need to know.

French bulldogs were bred for human companionship & they absolutely know it! They are fun, loving, live for attention & love to play & cuddle. Feeding them a balanced diet, making sure they get regular exercise, grooming & regular vet checks will keep them happy & healthy. No doubt they will provide you with so much love…. there’s only one thing better than a Frenchie…. MORE FRENCHIES!!

Are Frenchies hard to take care of?

When it comes to taking care of them, Frenchies are relatively low-maintenance dogs. With a short, smooth coat or with the new “Fluffy” coat, they really require minimal grooming, and they are not known to shed heavily when proper nutrition is provided. They also don’t require a high amount of exercise, making them great for apartment living.

However, Frenchies are prone to breathing difficulties due to their short brachycephalic “squishy faces”. This means they will require special attention during hot weather & heavy physical activity. Additionally, they can have certain health issues such as skin allergies, hip dysplasia, spine issues & eye problems like any other breed, so regular veterinary check-ups & limited jumping from heights are important. A responsible dog breeder breeds strictly so that the chances of these risks can be minimized. Responsible breeders also have strict biosecurity measures in place & help identify & treat any illnesses quickly. Overall, Frenchies are a wonderful addition to most households with the right amount of care and attention.

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How to keep your Frenchie healthy?

It can be difficult for Frenchie’s to regulate their body temperatures due to being a brachycephalic breed (“squishy face”/short compact snout). This means in hot weather they can struggle. Here are some great ways to ensure your French bulldog stays safe in the heat:

• Provide shade

Make sure your Frenchie has access to shade. Even when riding in the car, provide shade from window heat.

• Provide plenty of water

Make sure your Frenchie always has access to plenty of water. Especially when leaving your Frenchie alone, they are surprisingly smart & can drink from a no drip water bottle.

• Limit exercise

Avoid strenuous exercise during hot weather and opt for early morning or late evening walks instead.

• Use cooling products or misters

Invest in misters, cooling towels/mats & even fans to keep your Frenchie comfortable.

• Avoid overheating

Pay close attention to signs of overheating, such as heavy panting, red gums, lack of energy or unwillingness to move. Immediately take steps to cool your Frenchie down if you notice any of these signs. Interventions can include moving your Frenchie to a cooler place (preferably inside air conditioning), putting a fan on them, putting cool (not cold) towels on their body, pouring rubbing alcohol on their feet pads & offering small amounts of water at short intervals (to avoid them throwing up which can make things worse).

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How to keep your Frenchie fit?

Keeping your Frenchie fit requires proper diet, exercise & preventive health care.

• Provide a balanced diet

Feed your Frenchie a high-quality, well-balanced diet appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. Avoid overfeeding, as Frenchies are prone to weight gain. Vegetable/fruit treats can replace store bought treats (make sure you know what veggies/fruits can be toxic to dogs). We personally do not recommend free feeding Frenchies, though that is a personal choice you will make for your pet & lifestyle.

• Commit to regular exercise

Frenchies are a low-energy breed, but they still need regular exercise to maintain their health. Ensure playtime & other forms of physical activity to keep them fit. Offer daily walks (though some of ours will walk & some REFUSE).

• Preventative health care

Regular veterinary check-ups & preventive care, such as vaccinations and parasite control, are essential for maintaining your Frenchie’s health.

• Avoid obesity

Frenchies can be prone to obesity, so it’s important to monitor their weight & avoid overfeeding. Offering healthy treats in moderation & do not feed them table food or scraps.

• Provide mental stimulation

Frenchies need mental stimulation to help keep them fit & play time can take care of this need. Rather they are playing with their humans, playing with other dogs or offering interactive toys, puzzle feeders & other forms of mental stimulation you will quickly realize this is their favorite part of their day (besides feeding time).

How to groom your Frenchie? 

Grooming a French Bulldog is an important aspect of maintaining its health & appearance.

• Brush regularly

Rather your Frenchie has a short smooth coat or a fluffy coat that requires minimal grooming, regular brushing can help remove loose hair, assist in eliminating allergies & prevent shedding.

• Bathe occasionally

Frenchies do not require frequent baths, but when necessary, use a gentle dog shampoo to avoid drying out their skin & coat & ensure thorough rinsing after. We do use unscented baby wipes when cleaning our Frenchies bums after they poop. We may be a little OCD when it comes to poop & cleanliness, but it works for us.

• Clean their wrinkles

Frenchies have varying amount of wrinkles on their faces that can trap moisture and bacteria so it is important to clean these wrinkles regularly with a damp cloth or wipes made specifically for dogs.

• Trim nails

Regular nail trims are important to avoid painful cracks or splits. If you’re not comfortable trimming your Frenchie’s nails, consider having a professional groomer or veterinarian do it.

• Clean their ears

Frenchies have ears that can trap moisture & bacteria which can lead to ear mites or infections so it’s important to clean them regularly with a damp cloth & a pH-balanced cleaner.

• Brush their teeth

Regular teeth brushing can help maintain your Frenchie’s oral health & prevent tooth decay & gum disease.

What are common French Bulldog health issues?

French Bulldogs, like all breeds, can be prone to certain health issues. A responsible dog breeder will always screen the parent dogs before including them in their breeding program. By doing this, they can reduce the chance of passing over genetic traits that may affect the lifespan of these Frenchies. 

• 99% of French Bulldogs carry the predisposition to IVDD due to their short compact stature. It can be prevented by being proactive & not letting them jump from high places or climb stairs.

• This brachycephalic breed has a short snout & can lead to breathing difficulties, especially in hot weather or during physical exertion. Loud breathing, snoring & grunting are completely normal in French bulldogs. 

• French bulldogs can be allergic to chicken meat or various detergents/shampoos so it’s a good idea to substitute these for your Frenchie if they scratch a lot or if rashes or skin irritation develops. They can also have environmental allergies, just like us humans, so work with your veterinarian if your substitutions don’t resolve their issues. We do not use dogs with chronic skin allergies in our breeding programs, but acute issues can still arise from time to time.

• Frenchies can have sensitive stomachs from time to time if something doesn’t agree with them. It’s important to work with your veterinarian to monitor & treat any health issues should they arise. Regular preventive care, including vaccinations, routine exams & a balanced diet, can also help maintain your Frenchie’s overall health and well-being.

What is the right diet for my French Bulldog?

The right diet for a French Bulldog will depend on its age, size, and activity level, as well as any individual health concerns. We also understand lifestyle & finances can play a part in choosing the right food for your Frenchie.

• A high-quality, balanced diet

Feed your Frenchie a high-quality, balanced diet that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. We feed our dogs Royal Canin & all of our puppies come with a Royal Canin feeding starter pack. We have also fed Purina Pro Plan & that can be a more budget friendly option. Avoid overfeeding, watch the protein content, consider smaller meals, avoid table scraps

& stick to a balanced, nutritionally complete diet for your Frenchie.

By following these guidelines & working with your veterinarian, you can help ensure that your French Bulldog is getting the proper nutrition to maintain optimal health & well-being.

How do I prevent ear problems?

French Bulldogs can be prone to ear issues due to their floppy ears, which can trap moisture & bacteria. Here are some tips to help prevent ear problems in Frenchies: keep their ears clean & dry, avoid exposing their ears to water, avoid over-cleaning, watch for signs of infection & consider regular vet check-ups.

How often should I bathe my French Bulldog?

The frequency of bathing your French Bulldog depends on several factors, including the dog’s age, lifestyle & skin condition. Generally, Frenchies can be bathed every 4-8 weeks. However, if your Frenchie has skin allergies or other skin conditions, you may need to bathe them more frequently with a medicated shampoo recommended by your veterinarian.

It’s important to use a dog-specific shampoo & avoid over-bathing, as this can strip the natural oils from your Frenchie’s skin & coat, leading to dryness and irritation. Always make sure to rinse thoroughly to remove all soap & shampoo residue & be sure to dry your Frenchie thoroughly after each bath to prevent any moisture from accumulating in their ears. By following these guidelines, you can help keep your Frenchie clean, healthy & happy. Here are factors that contribute to the importance of bathing your Frenchie:

• Hygiene

Regular bathing helps keep your Frenchie clean & fresh, removing any dirt, debris & oils that can build up on their skin & coat. This can also help prevent skin infections & odor.

• Allergies

Frenchies are prone to skin allergies, therefore regular bathing can help soothe any itching & irritation, as well as remove any allergens that may be present on their skin & coat.

• Coat maintenance

Regular bathing can also help maintain the health & appearance of your Frenchie’s coat, keeping it shiny & soft.

• Skin health

Bathing helps improve your Frenchie’s skin health by removing any dead skin cells & promoting new skin cell growth.

Do I need to worry about my Frenchie’s oral health?

Good dental hygiene is important for the overall health & well-being of French Bulldogs. Here are some tips to help keep your Frenchie’s teeth & gums healthy: brush their teeth regularly, provide chew toys, offer a balanced diet, avoid table scraps & get regular dental exams.

Do I need a special veterinarian for my Frenchie?

Choosing a good veterinarian is always important. Choosing one that is familiar with the French Bulldog breed is even better & is best for the overall health & well-being of your French Bulldog.

• Look for a veterinarian with experience

Look for a veterinarian who has experience working with French Bulldogs, as they will be more familiar with the breed.

• Ask for referrals

Ask for referrals from other Frenchie owners, breeders, or your local Frenchie rescue group. They may be able to recommend a veterinarian who is knowledgeable & experienced in working with Frenchies.

• Research online

Research online to find veterinary clinics in your area that specialize in French Bulldogs. Check their websites & read online reviews to get a better understanding of their level of expertise & experience.

• Schedule your 1 week health check to meet & greet your new veternarian

This will give you an opportunity to meet & greet your new veterinarian & their staff to get a feel for their level of knowledge & experience with Frenchies, as well as their approach to pet care & overall demeanor.

• Consider their location

Consider the location of the veterinarian, as you want to choose a veterinarian who is conveniently located & easily accessible.

The MOST important advice: choose your new French Bulldog family member from a decent, legitimate, ethical breeder to ensure you get a QUALITY, healthy, happy pet.

• Word of mouth

Word of mouth is ALWAYS going to be your best resource when choosing a good breeder. If your friends, family, co-workers & acquaintances have had great experiences with a particular breeder, the likelihood of you having a great experience when choosing your Frenchie is high.

• Recommendations

Ask for recommendations from other Frenchie owners, your veterinarian, or local dog clubs. By considering these factors & researching different breeders, you can increase your chances of finding a reputable breeder who produces quality, healthy & well-tempered Frenchies with structure, pedigree & DNA behind them. However, keep in mind that even the best breeders may not produce the perfect dog for everyone, so it’s important to do your own research & choose a breeder who aligns with your individual needs & preferences.

• Research breeders

Research French bulldog breeders online, read reviews & consider reaching out to breed-specific clubs or organizations for recommendations. Read Google reviews or search the breeder on review pages.

• Ask for references

Ask the breeder for references from previous buyers & consider reaching out to those individuals to ask about their experiences.

• Health screening

Look for a breeder who health screens their Frenchies for common health issues.

• Ask about the puppies’ socialization

Ask the breeder about their socialization process & whether the puppies have been exposed to different people, animals & environments to ensure that they will be well-adjusted & confident. We treat all our Frenchies as family members, let them roam freely in our yard & home. Our Frenchie puppies can play as much as they want & we raise them around water & begin potty training & they have begun socialization among dogs & people, including children.

• Contract and guarantees

Review the breeder’s contract & any guarantees they provide, & make sure that you understand their return policy. You can always contact us & we will send you our health guarantee!