It seems like the French Bulldog craze is taking over the world, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. Sure, they are adorable and quirky, but just like any breed French Bulldogs aren’t for everybody. Before committing to your new canine companion, you should do plenty of research to make sure this is what you want. Here are the things you should know before getting a French Bulldog puppy.
1. French Bulldogs aren’t cheap
The breeding process in itself is a big investment. While some breeders do make profit, other just cut square. It’s probably very well known by now that French Bulldog can’t reproduce or give birth naturally, and need medical assistance from us humans. With the stud fee, artificial insemination and the C-section, you are already a few thousand dollars deep. Not to mention the extensive care that is required once the puppies are here. Keeping them alive in the first few weeks of their life is not an easy task. You can read more about how to whelp a French Bulldog litter here.
The price also varies based on color. While you might be looking at a budget of 2000-2500$ for a standard color, exotic colors might cost you twice as much.
2. They are needy
French bulldog, the true definition of a companion. Best cuddle buddy. Great with kids. But again, having a dog that follows you to the bathroom and wants to sit in your lap constantly, isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. It’s going to take a few day to transition your puppy into his new environment and make sure he’s 100% comfortable. It’s best if a person works from home, or has another animal to keep the Frenchie company. They don’t like being alone, especially not as puppies. Be patient. Also invest in a Thunder Shirt. It calms your puppy down and helps with separation anxiety.
3. Health issues
Just like any purebred dog breed, they do come with some issues, mainly in a form of environmental and food allergies. Those can be kept under control by feeding a rich, nutritious diet, that excludes the allergen. Make sure you pick a top quality dog food for your French Bulldog. Here is what we recommend! Ear yeast infections are also common, so make sure you keep those bat ears clean and dry at all times.
If the breeding is done correctly and responsibly, the Dam and Sire will be tested and clear of 4 major genetic disorders that come with the breed:
- Canine Multifocal Retinopathy (CMR1)
The mutation causes raised lesions to form on the retina. The lesions alter the appearance of the eye but usually do not affect sight. The lesions may disappear, or may result in minor retinal folding. Symptoms of the mutation usually appear when a puppy is only a few months old, and generally do not worsen over time.
- Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
Degenerative Myelopathy is a debilitating disease that causes gradual paralysis in many dog breeds. It is caused by a degeneration of the spinal cord that onsets typically between 8 and 14 years of age. It presents first with the loss of coordination of the hind legs. It will typically worsen over six months to a year, resulting in paralysis of the hind legs. If signs progress for a longer period of time, loss of urinary and fecal continence may occur and eventually, weakness will develop in the front limbs.
- Hyperuricosuria (HUU)
Dogs with this genetic mutation metabolize waste products as uric acid in their urine. The uric acid forms into hard stones in the bladder, causing pain and inflammation as the stone moves through the urinary tract.
- Juvenile Hereditary Cataracts (HSF4)
Juvenile Hereditary Cataracts (JHC) cause a clouding of the lens of the eye due to a breakdown of tissue in the eye. This condition generally results in an inability to see clearly and can cause total blindness. In canines, cataracts are often familial; this is known as Hereditary Cataracts. A mutation in the HSF4 gene causes this type of cataracts in several breeds of dogs. In this case, the dog is typically affected bilaterally. This means that both eyes are affected by the cataracts. The cataracts associated with HSF4 also occur in the posterior region of the lens. They usually start by being small and grow progressively, though the speed of growth is highly variable. Some cataracts will grow so slowly that the dog’s vision remains relatively clear, while others will grow such a way that the dog will quickly go blind. Corrective surgery is possible, though it is costly and is not always effective.
They will also undergo eye, spine, heart and hip check ups, to make sure any anomalies aren’t passed down to the offspring’s.
4. They are delicate
French Bulldog care is basically like grooming royalty. Try to find the most natural and high quality products on the market before applying them on your French Bulldogs skin. Keep in mind you don’t want to over-bathe, once per month is enough, you dont want to strip the natural oils off the skin. That can cause irritated and itchy skin. Read which product we recommend under French Bulldog grooming tips.
Keep those ears clean, wash them weekly. We like to use this solution, or just simple dog ear wet wipes. As for wrinkles, clean them daily, with natural wet wipes, and make sure you dry them off completely. Skin folds are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
Due to their flat nose, it’s harder for them to regulate their body temperature. They can overheat really fast. It’s your job to keep your French Bulldog inside and under AC in those hot summer days.
5. Their love is on another level
I had many breed thought my life, but being a French Bulldog owner is a completely different experience. Their love and devotion are out of this world. Their ability to sense your current emotional state, is on point, and for that reason they make perfect emotional support dogs.
If you are feeling down, you can expect your French Bulldog to jump on your lap, cuddle with you and make all the stress melt away instantly.
6. They snore
They snore, wheeze and snort, ALOT. If this is not something you are ready to put up with, you may want to consider another breed. I personally have 0 issues with them snoring in my ear, I find it relaxing, however I’m sure there are people out that that would not agree with my statement. ALSO – be ready for some flatulence. It can be controlled with good, human grade food, but it rarely completely goes away.
7. French Bulldog lifespan
French Bulldogs lifespan is generally from 10-12 years . I know, way to short! Wish they could live forever! There are some steps you can take to provide the best quality of life that will of course also affect longevity. Make sure you provide top quality food. Cooking for you French Bulldog or at least adding some fresh ingredients to the food is incredibly beneficial.
Make sure your French Bulldog is up to date on shots and visits the vet regularly. Every 3 months preferably. Prevention is key.
Exercise and mental stimulation also play a big role. Take your dog for a long walk as much as you can. Fit and healthy dog is a happy dog. Keep your pooch mentally stimulated to decrease boredom and destructive behavior. You can check out which mental stimulation toys we like to use.
But yes back to the French Bulldog lifespan. It’s a commitment, 10 years its a commitment you are giving to this dog. Make sure you did your research and are 100% ready to add a new family member.