French Bulldog

If you think the French Bulldog looks like a breed with a lot of charisma, you'd be right! The Frenchie loves to clown around and wants to get plenty of attention from his owners. This makes him quite silly and playful at times.

Chasing and playing ball games are high up on his list of favourite activities. These dogs make fantastic companions and are happy to snuggle up to their owners in the evenings, after they have been well fed and exercised. They are a very sociable breed and should never be left alone for long periods. Some French Bulldogs show signs of being territorial. If you have a cat and you're introducing a Frenchie into your home, you'll need to supervise their interactions closely until they are used to each other. These dogs can be free thinkers and sometimes have their own ideas about what they would like to do. For this reason, the dogs are not the easiest breeds to train, however they are alert and bright, so you will have success if you persevere. Finally, the Frenchie's flattened face means that he sometimes has difficulty with breathing. Owners will quickly get used to listening to the succession of snorts and wheezing sounds which accompany this little dog. Many people find this endearing and it certainly is one of the most distinguishing characteristics of the breed.

To gain a thorough knowledge of this breed you must also look at the health problems that can be inherited in the French Bulldog. Frenchies that have come from unscrupulous breeders have a higher chance of inheriting these health problems: cleft palate, Brachycephalic Syndrome (breathing difficulties), invertebral disc disease, patellar luxation (slipping of the kneecap), allergies, hip dysplasia (loose fitting hip joint), Von Wlllebrand's disease (causing excessive bleeding).

The great thing about French Bulldogs is that they have a low maintenance coat that is short haired, smooth and easy to look after. Once a week you will need to brush them with a good quality, soft bristled brush to remove any loose fur and, if you like, you can wipe them down with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris. The degree to which a French Bulldog sheds can vary, but if you find your dog is shedding quite a lot, then you should increase your grooming sessions to several times a week. This will go a long way towards protecting your home from an influx of fur!

You need to pay special attention to the soft folds of skin on the Frenchie's face. Whilst he is not as wrinkly and folded as other breeds, he still needs these areas kept clean and dry to avoid any bacterial infections from developing. Once a day you should take a damp cloth and clean the face area thoroughly. You can use a cotton bud to get into the folds of the skin. Dry the area thoroughly afterwards. Very occasionally, you might want to give your Frenchie a bath, particularly if he has been rolling about in muck or if he begins to smell.

He may not look very agile, but the French Bulldog is a surprisingly muscular dog that needs to keep active in order to keep trim. Physical activity is important for the development of muscles, bones and joints but it is also a vital source of mental stimulation. A well exercised French Bulldog will be calmer, happier and much easier to discipline in the home. Giving your dog enough quality exercise is one of the most rewarding and important things you can do for him.