Appearance of the French Bulldog

French bulldogs belong to the molossoid dog section and fit in perfectly – they are small but stocky and muscular. They should weigh between 8 and 14 kg. Faucet height is approx. 30 cm. The body structure is compact, the trunk rises slightly towards the hips. This is due to the fact that the hind limbs are longer than the front ones.

The head of bulldogs is broad and strong, the foot is very prominent. The eyes are round, rather large and slightly raised. The nose is small and short, flattened. French Bulldog ears are wide at the base, set high, erect and large.

Bulldogs have very wide and deepthorax. Limbs are short, straight, with visible musculature. Even in movement, the tail should not exceed the line of the back, it is strong at the root, towards the tipsce gradually narrows. Knotted and straight tails are acceptable, but they should cover the anus.

​

Care - how to care for a French Bulldog

 

As short-haired dogs do not need intensive treatment. They do not have an undercoat, only one type of hair, which is dog hair. Their fur is short, not very dense, shiny and close-fitting. If the dog is fed correctly, the coat should only fall out more during shedding periods. Regular baths using shampoos intended for Mrro short-haired dogs and occasional combing will suffice as maintenance of the fur of four-legged pets. During molting, combing can be done more often, using a tool like furminator and ordinary gloves or a rubber brush can effectively remove dead hair.

It is necessary to regularly clean the ear lobes of French bulldogs, due to their size, dirt and dust quickly settle here. At least once a week, it is necessary to wash the animal's eye area with boiled water or a special preparation. The skin folds on the muzzle require very thorough care - it is recommended to clean and wash the folds carefully every day or every other day. Bulldogs are characterized by a shorter muzzle, which is why I can have problems with settling down at a young age tartar. They also have a predisposition to clogging of the anal glands, which is why proper nutrition and regular visits to the vet are very important.

​

Wide collars are most often recommended for walking French bulldogs. Especially in the puppy age, during the growth and development of the skeleton, it is not recommended to use a harness (often ill-fitting, too tight, too wide), it can cause the elbows to deviate outwards and be the cause of damage to the clubs at a young age. A fully grown adult dog can be led in a harness, especially on hot days when the collar can make breathing difficult and suffocate the dog. If we choose a harness for a bulldog, we must keep in mind that it does not pass through the armpit and choose only models with straps on the chest, for example.

​

Nutrition of French Bulldogs

​

Specific body structure and predisposition to certain diseases require the right choice of feed that meets all nutritional requirements. Bulldogs do not tend to get fat, but an inappropriate diet can make them overweight. We should note that French Bulldogs are supposed to be muscular, lean in the loins, but not bony. Each additional decagram of weight will additionally strain the already weak joints of the animals. When choosing feed, it is also necessary to take into account the digestive problems of this breed. The tendency to clogging the anal glands can be aggravated by improper nutrition. A well-formed, firm stool automatically cleans the paranal pouches. That is why a balanced diet is so important for bulldogs - easily digestible and easily usable feed.

The ideal food for bulldogs should be grain-free, with a high meat content. Supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin

- from natural sources - strengthens the bones, unsaturated fatty acids improve the condition of the dog's coat. Bulldogs should be fed food with the simplest possible composition, any unnecessary filler increases the likelihood of allergies and irregular stools. The absence of cereals in the feed increases its digestibility, does not unnecessarily burden the dog's stomach and does not disturb the activity of the digestive system. Caution is in order

in the case of flatulent feed components, i.e. legumes, apples, vegetable and fruit fiber. Herbs are a good supplement to feed with a high proportion of meat.

 

The number of daily meals is very important for the correct nutrition of French bulldogs. It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day. The daily dose should be divided into at least 3 portions.

​

Bulldog health

Unfortunately, despite their cuteness and charm, French bulldogs are genetically burdened with many diseases. Some of them are related to the structure of the body, especially the facial part of the skull, they have prerequisites for some diseases, but they can still be prevented with the help of appropriate prevention.

A flattened muzzle is a source of breathing problems, often also related to cleft palate. The numerous skin folds on the face are an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi, the heat and moisture between the skin eyelashes leads to the formation of welts and skin inflammations. Bulging eyes often tear, conjunctivitis may appear, and in severe mechanical injuries there is a risk of the eyeball falling out of the socket. A short body affects the entire digestive system of a dog. Bulldogs often suffer from gas, bloating, reflux and indigestion. A narrow pelvis makes natural childbirth practically impossible, and short and stubby limbs are prone to joint problems.

The French bulldog has a predisposition to spine diseases. Therefore, it is very important to start prevention as early as puppyhood. The dog should not be overexerted, it should not be allowed to jump high and jump off, e.g. from the couch, walking up the stairs is also risky

and from the stairs.

Hip dysplasia occurs in more than 30% of French bulldogs, which guarantees them first place among the dog breeds most often suffering from this disease.

Dogs coming from untrustworthy sources and illegal breedings have a much greater predisposition to diseases, they are also less socialized. The decision to acquire a dog of this breed should have been preceded by a thorough research and then repeated visits to bulldog breeders. The average lifespan of a French Bulldog is 10 to 13 years.

​

The nature of the French Bulldog

French bulldogs are undemanding dogs. They are also recommended for less experienced breeders. The only condition is to pay enough attention to them. These are very sensitive dogs that quickly attach to their master, are devoted and sociable. They don't like to stay at home alone all day, such dogs tend to become sad and their health can deteriorate.

Dogs of this breed are patient and tolerant. They love children, they like to play with them, they are calm on walks, they don't pull on the leash. French bulldogs are suitable for life in the city, they don't mind even a small apartment. They do not require a lot of exercise, yet they are good at dog sports such as agility or obedience. Contact with people and other dogs is very important for bulldogs. If they are properly prepared, they can develop a good relationship with cats or rabbits. However, some male French Bulldogs can be aggressive towards other male dogs. Furthermore, it must be remembered that grunting and other vocal expressions can be perceived by other dogs as a warning sign - growling - therefore, despite the bulldog's friendly nature, conflicts can occur between dogs.

Bulldogs are intelligent, learn quickly and understand new commands. The lesson should take place in a calm and pleasant atmosphere, with a considerable amount of patience on the part of the owner. However, they do not forget negative stimuli, shouting, rude behavior and punishments. These character traits, combined with courage and great vigilance, make them good watchdogs - they are quick to notice and hear non-standard sounds

and immediately warns of danger.

​

Attractions:

• In England, bulldogs were used for dog fighting and bullfighting

• Lovers of this breed were, among others, King Edward VII of England, Grand Duchess Tatiana Romanova of Russia and fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent

• The first breeding club for this breed was founded in 1880 in Paris

• In 2019, a ban on the breeding and breeding of dogs of this breed was issued in the Netherlands due to the large number of health problems and associated pain

• In 2016, in Great Britain, the Association of Veterinary Doctors first warned against buying bulldogs due to the numerous health problems of dogs of this breed

• French bulldogs do not tolerate high temperatures, stuffy weather, excessive smog and polluted air. All this makes it difficult for them to breathe. On hot summer days, it is necessary to shorten the walks as much as possible and plan the longer ones for early mornings or evenings. It is not recommended to travel with bulldogs to places with very warm weather, sunbathe on the beach, etc., in these places overheating or even heatstroke can occur.