Your First Frenchie by Kathy Dannel Vitcak
Whether you have dreamed of having a Frenchie for years or recently succumbed to their charms, here are Ten Tips to get you started off on the right paw. Think of this list as a “Heads Up” on what you will need to learn to keep your Frenchie healthy, not a definitive guide. These are the Odds ‘n Ends that help you take even better care of your Frenchie.
#1 – French Bulldogs are a brachycephalic dog breed. This means literally means Short Face. Your Frenchie will have different needs than dogs with longer aka regular noses. They MUST be kept cool at all times.
#2 – French Bulldogs have all the throat tissue of a Lab shoved into their short throat. When they overheat it swells and chokes them. This redundant throat tissue also creates some of the snorts, wheezes and rasping noises they may make.
#3 – French Bulldogs are a relatively new breed, at around 150 years old. Genetic differences were bred by humans to make them look the way they do. They are NOT a result of centuries of genetic selection of the toughest dog breeding. Reputable breeders, who have the good of the breed in mind, are breeding towards goals of Frenchies being able to breathe easily, etc.
#4 – Frenchies often struggle with allergies or sensitivities. We have found a fish or beef-based food is better than chicken. Try different, high-quality foods, there are so many good options!
#5 – French Bulldogs should never be given rawhides or Greenies to chew. They chew them quickly and can easily choke on them. Just No. Most of the Kong toys are good for French Bulldogs. Ours love those dinosaur ones!
#6 – French Bulldogs can benefit from obedience or socialization classes. Find classes that are indoors and have rooms big enough to accomodate the number of dogs. Dogs have personal space, too!
#7 – Many Frenchies play well with others. Some don’t. Your Frenchie may push it with larger dogs, be aware that is usually not the big dog at the dog park who started it. Also, the snorts and grunts we love may send the wrong message to other dogs. The next thing you know, they are after each other. To top it off, Frenchies do not usually back down.
#8 – Veterinarians are more familiar with French Bulldogs than they were in the 90s when I got mine. But, they may not have encountered some of the nuances of Frenchie health. Many times a Frenchie tweaks a leg and goes in for x-rays and the well-meaning vet tells you with concern, “I’m sorry to tell you this, but your French Bulldog has a…(whispers) hemi-vertabrae.” Assure them that you knew it was possible and Frenchies are prone to them. Have them show you where it is on your Frenchie’s spine, so you can be aware.
Your Frenchie may go their entire life with no spinal issues or it may become an issue. Many Frenchies have an elongated soft palette, redundant throat tissue, a slight patellar luxation (wobble), stenotic nares, the aforementioned hemi-vertebrae and live long, happy lives. While we do not recommend surgery unless your dog is presenting/showing more severe symptoms, these issues are something to watch out for and accommodate.
#9 – French Bulldogs have become insanely popular. With fame is often a dark side and we’re seeing it more and more in Frenchies. It pains us to share this, but we feel we must. We are not click-bait, fear-mongering, we want you to be aware. With awareness comes vigilance. There are thefts of Frenchies at parks, walking down a sidewalk, standing in your own yard, where people walk/drive up and literally snatch your Frenchie out of your arms and take off. There are people who may stalk you, see where you live and your schedule and steal your Frenchie.
Also, never leave your Frenchie unattended in your yard, even if fenced. It only takes a minute. Please, microchip your dog and keep the contact info current.
#10 – Accommodating your French Bulldog’s potential issues is part of having this breed. We encourage you to learn all you can about your chosen breed of dog and be the best custodian of the breed that you can!
Check out The Blissful Dog, which was started because of one French Bulldog’s dry nose.
