“He was slowly suffocating to death before my eyes,” said one French bulldog guardian of her companion’s breathing difficulties.
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French Bulldogs as Watch Dogs?
French Bulldogs also make for excellent watch dogs, alerting to strangers and usually bark only with a purpose. They are loyal and have protective instincts toward their owners.
Are French Bulldogs Aggressive?
One of the keys to training a French Bulldog can be summed up in two words: start early. It’s easy to be fooled by the breed’s small size and cute appearance, but there’s no doubt about it: These are bulldogs. As such, they can be headstrong and require early, consistent training along with proper socialization—especially around other dogs. Unless a French Bulldog puppy is properly socialized with a wide variety of different dog breeds, Frenchies can become overstimulated or even aggressive toward other dogs. They have to learn to control their “bullish” behaviors, or other dogs may be left confused or annoyed.
French Bulldogs Background
BackgroundThe “Bouledogue Francais,” or French Bulldog, likely descended from the English bulldog. Judging by his smaller size and bat-like ears, most think that the French Bulldog actually arose from the toy or miniature Bulldog, which originated in Nottinham, England, where he was used as a ratter in the shops of laceworkers. During the industrial revolution, lace workers displaced by the rise of machines moved about Europe looking for work, and in the shuffle, their little Bulldogs ended up in France, where they were immediately popular. In fact, the French Bulldog was a fashionable companion in bohemian society, favored by society ladies, prostitutes, artists and writers throughout France. Today the French Bulldog, big ears and all, is one of the most popular dogs in the U. S. Sizing UpThe French Bulldog is a medium-to-small-sized breed.
Family and Bonding
If your elderly pup is diagnosed with intervertebral disk disease or Brachycephalic Syndrome, there are treatments, procedures, and medications available that help aging bulldogs feel more comfortable even after a serious diagnosis. (2, 5)
French bulldogs give us so much – loyalty, affection, playfulness. They remind us to have a sense of humor and remain lighthearted no matter what. Beyond it all, however, Frenchies are fiercely loyal; therefore, remaining by your pooch’s side no matter how old he gets might be the best way to show him how much you love him.
Friendly
Looking for a petite pooch with character in spades? The French Bulldog, nicknamed the ‘Frenchie’, ticks all the boxes. From its enormous ‘bat’ ears and boxy face to its hilarious personality, it is impossible to mistake the Frenchie for any other type of dog. This compact breed is adored for being a friendly and companionable pet and needs minimal exercise, making it a popular choice for city living and families alike.
French Bulldog Nature
The French Bulldog descended from the English Bulldog in the 1800’s when it was translocated to France. The breed has flourished as an adored companion ever since. The Frenchie is known for its bat-like ears and short, wrinkled nose. She tends to have a curious and gentle nature and is notorious for being the class clown. She will often have sporadic bouts of energy followed by prolonged periods of resting. She’s loyal and loving and prefers to not be left alone at home. The French Bulldog is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of 11-12 years.
Intelligence
Like many other dogs bred for companionship, the French Bulldog requires a lot of interaction and close contact with their owner or they can develop separation anxiety. Destructive behaviors may develop if they are ignored for too long. This breed is very affectionate with kids, and female French Bulldogs tend to be protective of children. When introduced to dogs at a young age, this breed is exceptionally friendly towards other dogs as well as amicable towards strangers. These calm dogs are not known to bark unless they are looking for attention and they require minimal exercise due to their low energy level. Strenuous physical activity is not recommended due to their brachycephalic complex and related difficulties with respiratory functions. Training, as with other breeds, requires patience. This sociable pup is intelligent, although not known to be overly smart or driven. They enjoy a much slower pace, yet have a great love for their owners. The potential to wander off is low, but you should always keep your dog on a lead and close by you.
Love
French Bulldogs as a Pack Animal
Strong and stout, the French Bulldog captivates his family with animated playtimes, fanciful frolics and, yes, bountiful snuffles, too. A relatively easy keeper, the Frenchie has small exercise and grooming requirements, but big companionship needs. This isn’t the breed for people looking for a dog with all-day energy or a protective attitude (Frenchies likely sleep through doorbells), but the breed makes a charming, low-maintenance family friend.
Physical Traits
One of the best sources for information about your French Bulldog’s food and overall diet is, of course, your vet. Good nutrition is vital to your pet’s overall health. While your French Bulldog’s type, size and height all play a role in determining their ideal weight, a balanced and top-quality diet is just as important. And they typically do well on a high-quality commercial dog food. Be sure to factor in your dog’s age and choose a formula that fits their stage in life (puppy, adult, senior).