05 Jul 8 Things to Know Before Adopting a French Bulldog Puppy
French bulldogs are quickly gaining in popularity all over the world. Their quirky and playful personality make them an ideal pet to keep the children entertained, and their comparatively high level of awareness makes them excellent watchdogs as well. These are some of the reasons why French bulldogs have gone from being a hardly recognisable dog breed to a point where the breed has become the go-to-choice for owners seeking a family friendly pet, within only a couple of decades!
What do you need to know about your French bulldog puppy?
Before you decide to bring a French bulldog puppy home, there a few things which you must know about them. While they may be one of the more playful and adorable dog breeds out there, they are prone to a lot of health problems which may affect their lifespan. French bulldogs being prone to health problems and disorders also means that they require a lot of care. Providing for them and looking after their medical bills can often get very expensive.
The following is a list of 8 key things that you should know before opting to get a French bulldog puppy home:
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French Bulldogs are an Expensive Dog Breed:
French bulldogs are a highly desirable dog breed. Their short, squishy faces and compact snouts not only give them a unique appearance but also add to their appeal. Add to this their charming nature, quirky theatrics, and affectionate personality, and you’re left with a dog breed that has a very high demand amongst those looking to adopt a dog.
How much does a French Bulldog puppy cost in Australia?
Usually, a French bulldog puppy would cost around $3000 to $5000. However, this price can go up significantly depending on various qualities including the lineage of the puppy, the health of its dam (mother) and sire (father), the colour of its coat and the reputation of the breeder.
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French Bulldogs Don’t Need a Lot of Outdoor Exercise:
An important thing to consider is that French bulldogs do not need a lot of outdoor exercise. This breed is therefore ideal for those people who live in apartments and do not generally have access to the best outdoor facilities such as dog parks or play areas for dogs within their vicinity.
This does not however mean that French bulldogs are a lazy dog breed – far from it! Frenchies love to run around and play but they don’t typically have the stamina and endurance to play for long periods. A quick play session indoors is often enough of a physical stimulation for them. Because of French bulldogs having short snouts and squashed faces, they are not always able to breathe properly, especially when they are worked up. It is therefore important to monitor their breathing and not exercise them too much.
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French Bulldogs Should be Neutered
French bulldogs can be a little ‘nippy’ in nature from time to time as adults if they are not neutered. Just as bulldogs, French bulldogs tend to be naturally aggressive and sometimes territorial as adults. However, if they are neutered between 4 – 9 months of age, their aggressive and territorial nature can be curtailed, and you will find your Frenchie to be calmer and more playful in nature.
Unless you are looking to start breeding with your Frenchie, neutering can provide other benefits as well. A spayed female is less susceptible to breast cancer and reproductive tumours. A castrated male on the other hand is less prone to health problems such as prostate, testicular, and other cancers. In short, spaying your French bulldog is recommended for them to lead a healthy life.
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French Bulldogs Are Friendly with Other Pets
French bulldogs are quite affectionate in nature, and while each dog is different, French Bulldogs are generally good with other pets. They aren’t really known to be “Dogs’ dogs”, but they still are quite good around other dogs once they get to know them. They happily enjoy playtime with other dogs after socialising with them initially.
Can French bulldogs get along with Cats?
Frenchies, unlike several other dog breeds often get along with other cats as well. However, it is important to gently introduce your French bulldog to its feline friend to avoid the cat from running away out of fear. Once introduced under a calm and safe environment, cats and French bulldogs are known to be friendly who enjoy the others’ company.
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French Bulldogs Get Separation Anxiety
As mentioned earlier, French bulldogs are affectionate creatures. They like to be around their humans at all times – this is also a reason why they are sometimes called “velcro dogs.” French bulldogs, especially French bulldog puppies, have a need to follow their humans and beg for attention. It is therefore not advisable to leave your French bulldog puppy at home without you for too long, i.e., for more than a working day as they can develop separation anxiety and may not know how to deal with it.
Do French bulldogs get lonely? Can you leave them alone?
Lots of French bulldog owners carry their Frenchies around in a specially made backpack when venturing outdoors. This allows their dogs to be close to them and feel safe while exploring the world. This could also be a good way for you to show your French bulldog that you love them and want to spend time with them as much as they want to spend time with you.
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French Bulldog Puppy Care is A Lot of Hard Work:
In addition to above, you must also ensure that your French bulldog is kept cool at all times. Since Frenchies have short noses and a small body frame, they aren’t always able to inhale enough air to cool off. If you notice your Frenchie panting too much, you should splash water on them instantly! French bulldogs have delicate paws as well which can get burnt if their paws come in contact with concrete that’s been out in the sun all day. You must therefore also be careful when you venture outside with them.
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French Bulldog Spine Disorders:
French bulldogs are susceptible to a lot of back problems. This breed was specifically bred to have a shorter spine and a small, curled tail. Because of such breeding, French bulldogs can develop certain congenital conditions which could possibly lead to spine deformities. This can be very painful for your Frenchie and in extreme cases may lead to paralysis or lead to a situation where your French bulldog would need a special wheelchair to continue walking. This makes it highly important for you to choose the right French bulldog breeder so as to ensure that your puppy has come from a good lineage and has grown up in sound facilities which would minimise the risk for such disorders.
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French Bulldog Health Problems:
The oldest French bulldog, Popeye, lived to be 18 years and 3 months old! However, French bulldogs usually have a lifespan of 10-14 years.
Read the 10 Most Common French Bulldog Health Problems to know more.
If you opt to bring a French bulldog home, you must be prepared to tackle the ongoing expenses that are involved in raising and caring for a breed of dogs that are prone to a plethora of health issues. Your commitment to their wellbeing would affect your French bulldog’s quality of life.