French Bulldog: Answering Some Common Questions
Do Frenchies shed?
Yes! They have short hair which is very easy to groom, and a simple bath with a gentle shampoo once to twice a month is all that is needed. Typically shedding is very minimal. However, when the seasons change, they will shed their coat and you will notice more hair than usual. After a few weeks the amount of shedding will go back to normal. If your French Bulldog is shedding profound amounts of hair, even to the point of bald spots, please have you vet evaluate for possible parasite (mites, fleas, ticks, lice) or skin infection (fungus or bacteria). Pregnant and lactating females will also shed enormously, however their coat will return to normal within a month of weaning. Any other immune stressor or disease can also affect the coat including allergy and food intolerances. If your pup has dull or dry hair you can try adding a high-quality human-grade fish oil to their diet to improve the luster of their fur and even reduce shedding.
What is the average weight of an adult French Bulldog?
The American Kennel Club show standard is to be below 28lbs, however many Frenchies can be much less and much more. I would say that average weight of most French Bulldogs is 26lbs. Less than 22lbs I would consider petite and above 28lbs large.
Can I travel with my French Bulldog?
In my experience, the best airline for traveling with your Frenchies within the USA is American Airlines as they have no weight limit. Other airlines have a 20lb weight limit. Frenchies cannot fly cargo like other breeds due to their short noses and difficulty breathing. They must be accompanied with a human in cabin. This means your French Bulldog must fit comfortably inside of a carrier under the seat in front of you. Furthermore, your beloved pet must have a health certificate from you vet within ten days of flying. One last important piece of information is that you need to purchase a flight ticket for your pet at the same time as purchasing your own (about $125 each way). Rules and regulations for traveling with short nosed breeds change frequently, so please call the airline to confirm their policies before paying for your flight.
Can Frenchies swim?
No! Frenchies are built like tanks. They are extremely heavy and tend to sink right to the bottom immediately. Very few French Bulldogs can actually swim, however if you are planning a vacation by the pool with your furbaby, you can order them a life jacket made just for Frenchies😊 just remember, if you are near a body of water, always have your pup under supervision.
Are Frenchies family friendly?
Yes! Frenchies have a temperament well suited for family life and children. Not only are they great with kids, but they are usually very friendly with visitors, and other pets as well. Their low-energy demeanor also make them suitable for apartment living. Despite their lazy tendency, Frenchies certainly enjoy walks, tug-of-war, and catch as well! Just be carful not to exercise your pup in hot weather. Frenchies are not outside dogs! They are very sensitive to temperature (hot and cold) and can only live inside of the home with the rest of your family.
Are Frenchies hard to train?
Well bred French Bulldogs are intelligent but can be stubborn. Potty training can be one of the hardest hurdles to tackle as a new Frenchie owner. Luckily, I have an entire article just on that topic. Please read here -> https://www.nwfrenchies.com/blog/2018/10/14/pottytraining And due to their stubborn nature they also tend to pull on the leash while walking, sometimes bark at other dogs, and have a hard time kennel training.
Do you have a questions about French Bulldogs that I missed? Please comment down below! Sending my love and my hugs from NW Frenchies <3