The French Bulldog and its Clothes

To some, putting clothes on a dog may seem incredulous. Why would dogs need clothes anyway? It’s not like they can choose which clothes to wear, but then again, being a dog owner, this is one of the perks of being the master and also, making your dog look cute and unique. But then again, clothes on a bulldog? Some of you may be picturing it now and not really getting a good vibe from it, but the French bulldog is not like any other bulldog, although they may look quite the same, with their somewhat fierce look, the French bulldog is quite lovable and more cuddly and friendly looking than the American bulldog. So putting on clothes on a French bulldog can be a viable idea.

Besides, shopping for adorable French bulldog clothes can be a lot of fun. But don’t get manic just yet. Whether your shopping online or at your local department store, you hve to mke sure that you are doing it right. Just like shopping for clothes for you or your family, there are many considerations that you have to remember.

Firstly, you have to determine the size of your dog. Make sure that the clothes you buy would fit him or her, giving ample room for your French bulldog to move around comfortably. To get the measurements of your dog, calculate the length by measuring from your French bulldog’s neck down to the base of its tail. For the girth of the body, most dog clothes come with Velcro snaps to allow different sizes, but with the French bulldog, they usually have a larger chest, so it might be necessary to specify first what breed your dog is.

One important aspect you have to remember though is that a French bulldog does not do well with heat. So if you live in an area where the climate is typically warm, choose loose fitting clothes with a light cloth. This will allow the fabric to breathe and let in cool air to the dog’s body.

Accessorize! What is fashion without accessories, right? Be wary though, small accessories and designs, like buttons, necklaces, and tassels can become potential hazards. French bulldogs are naturally curious and would chew anything that dangles in front of it or catches its attention. These things can potentially harm your French bulldog and if swallowed can cause choking or can cause different stomach problems. Maybe you can just stick to some cool shades or a headband.

If you have good sewing skills, maybe you can even design and make the clothes yourself. There are a lot of themes you can choose from. But remember, it’s not necessary for you to clothe your dog every day, do it only on special occasions, and if your French bulldog has a problem with wearing clothes, try to familiarize it first with the fact that it would be wearing clothes.

French bulldog clothes are not only great for your pet, but also as a gift for your friends which has a French bulldog. So on your next shopping spree, think about your French bulldog as well.

Learning About the Allergies that Plague French Bulldogs

Nipping medical conditions in the bud is easier if you know what’s causing the condition in the first place. Going to a vet is always the best solution, but sometimes, the condition can be very simple and a costly vet visit can be avoided. An example would be conditions that are caused by allergies. But don’t just look at allergies as minor conditions, there are allergies that can be harsh and can result to the demise of your pet. So, the best solution to this predicament is knowing what allergies your dog may suffer so you can determine if a visit to a vet is required. And if you own a French Bulldog, with its size, its highly likely that it too can encounter some allergy problems.

In the canine world, light colored dogs that are small in stature and frame are more likely to get allergies than otherwise. French bulldogs, even in their adult stage easily fits the bill, and more so when they are just puppies. Allergies can mostly come from two factors, environmental and from the food they eat. If you don’t know which one is causing the allergic reactions then you will find it very difficult to treat it.

Because French Bulldogs are very close to the ground with their short legs, they can easily encounter allergic reactions due to the fact that they are closer to the ground, and can easily brush against many irritants such as pollen and grass. And because they have fine, short fur, these irritants can easily gain access to their skin, allowing them to penetrate easily. And the more they go up against these irritants, the more they are likely to feel the effects and become agitated, causing more problems.

If your French bulldog appears to be constantly rubbing its face and body against any surface such as the carpeting, furniture, or the walls, chances are it has an environmental allergy, also known as atopic dermatitis. Other symptoms include constant chewing of the pads, legs, and their feet. This means that the irritants are causing your dog to feel itchy and he is scratching his skin to alleviate the condition.

When this happens, what you need to do is to wipe the affected area with a damp cloth firmly and repeatedly. The rubbing motion and the rough surface of the cloth will help remove the irritants and the cool water in the towel will help soothe the itchy skin of your French bulldog.

Another problem that may be caused by allergies is a recurrent ear infection. Because the ears of the French bulldog are bat-like, it can easily get clogged by irritants and dirt. It is best though to consult a vet to determine first what the cause of the infection is. If it is due to an allergic reaction, then your vet will most likely recommend using an ear rinse or wash which can be easily bought from a pet store.

If the symptoms persist though, never hesitate to consult your vet, these home remedies should not be your last line of defense against French bulldog allergies.

Warm Climates and French Bulldogs: Not the Best Combination!

Many dog lovers have found that French bulldogs look very lovable and find it hard to resist them. This is the reason why a lot of them would like to own one, but they don’t understand that owning one requires a different approach and care from other dogs. Aside from the unusual attention that they demand, French bulldogs should also be kept in a cooler temperature. This canine breed has unusual physical characteristics which don’t allow them to adapt well to warmer climates. They are also not outdoor types of dogs.

While the unique shape of the French bulldogs head and its shortened nose makes it uniquely appealing, it also is one of the cause why they can suffer difficulty in breathing, especially in warmer temperatures. Other breeds also experience this condition and it’s also known in the medical community as Brachycephalic Syndrome.

The same short snub nose that makes the French bulldog look irresistible is the same aspect that causes them to suffer from this condition. Because of their diminutive nose, the French bulldog is unable to have maximized air intake, which they need to dispel heat. Dogs don’t have sweat glands all over their body like humans do. So they pant to dispel heat from their body, with their nose, they aren’t able to do so effectively, especially in warmer climates. So, if this particular breed is kept at a very warm climate and heat is no expelled from their body, this condition can result to the death of the dog.

If you live in a warm climate area and really want to own a French bulldog, then there are certain conditions that you have to consider first. Remember that the outdoors will be very hot, especially in the summertime, plus, French bulldogs are not really outdoor dogs, they are bred to be kept inside the home. So, monitor their outdoor activities, don’t allow them to stay outside in a prolonged period of time.

If you plan to play with your dog in your backyard, make sure that there is adequate shade for you to play in, Also, make sure that fresh cool water is accessible at all times. Overheating can result to the death of your beloved pooch. Make sure to check the humidity periodically, if the levels are high, bring your dog indoors. Keep in mind that the higher the humidity and heat, the less time the doig should spend outside, lessen their exercise and walking.

Unlike other dogs, French bulldogs should be accompanied when they venture outside the home, whether to play, exercise, or to do their business. If you notice that your dog is having a hrd time breathing, take him indoors immediately to cool off. If your home is also warm, make sure that an air-conditioned area is ready for him. To help your pet overcome overheating, make sure to rinse them off in cool water and place your pooch in wet towels. Make sure not to use ice cold water as it may cause the dog to go under shock.

This may sound too much work, but French bulldogs are definitely worth it.

Understanding the Issues in French Bulldog Breeding

It’s easy to just come out with all the good things about the French bulldog. First off, their very lovable, doesn’t require much space, is very loyal, playful and a good companion, and is a breed that can serve both as an effective watchdog and a family member. See, what’s not to love about them? But it’s not as easy as it may seem. Although they seem to be the perfect choice, they certainly have their flaws, and there are different issues when raising them.

At the very beginning, buying a French bulldog would require you to cough up a huge wad of cash. It is a known fact to many dog breeders that the French bulldog commands a higher price tag than many other dog breeds. That’s why there are a number of dog breeders that tend to make money by breeding their French bulldogs and sell off the litter. The problem with this is that a French bulldog’s litter doesn’t produce much, the common number would be about 3 to 4 pups per litter.

Also, breeding the French bulldog is not as easy as it would be with other breeds. There is always the need to have n extensive knowledge and loads of information about their breeding process. This doesn’t mean though that only professionals can do it, but arming yourself with the proper knowledge will make the process easier and help you avoid in making it a hit and miss affair. Plus, you should only breed French bulldogs that possess good qualities. Although there is not much population in the French bulldog community, it is imperative to ensure that the population retains its high standards. This alone elevates the prestige of owning such a breed.

Inbreeding should also be avoided. With such a small population and minor differences, it can be easy to mistakenly breed different types of French bulldogs. So it is imperative that the linage of the particular French bulldog is known initially. Researching is just a part of becoming a responsible breeder. To be one, it is important to acknowledge the fact that you need help. If you don’t have the experience and the knowledge just yet, asking for help is not only acceptable, but also highly recommended.

A professional breeder will inform you of the stringent restrictions that they apply when breeding French bulldogs. This will include ensuring that the breeding standards are met. Also, if the dog does not meet the standard, they should be spayed or neutered. This may sound harsh, but it’s the only way to ensure that the quality is kept. And if you plan on selling some of your litter, you should ensure that their new owners would not breed them if the dog does not meet the standard.

A written agreement should be drawn up. The dogs are categorized into two; they could either be pet dog standards or show dog standards. This two should not be bred together.

The Pros and Cons of Owning a French Bulldog

It’s easy to see why many people, even celebrities today, have embraced the French bulldog breed as their companion or pet. They have the same character as bulldogs provide but they are smaller and more lovable. While some may find the American Bulldog’s frame and look to be scary, its miniaturized version, the French bulldog doesn’t give off the same vibe. And another difference that this Frenchie has over its American counterpart is that it is more at home inside the house.

In fact, the average size of a Frenchie in its adulthood would be only about 2 feet up to its highest point. There are even types of French bulldog that are somewhat smaller. They are even lightweight as compared to other dogs, even with their stocky body, they can weigh only about 19 to 22 pounds, the bigger class weight can weigh about 22 to 28 pounds.

And like in any other purchases, you should weigh first the Pros and Cons of a product, or in this case, the dog’s breed, and see if the advantages would be much better in your situation than the disadvantages. Here are some of the pros and cons that have been noted by most French bulldog owners about their beloved pet. But remember, dogs, like humans, are individuals too and may tend to be different than the others. So what may be a a pro to one French bulldog, may not be present in another, and vice versa.

The PROS

French bulldogs are generally very intelligent and can be taught easily. They can be very good watchdogs when trained properly. They are also not excessive barker. They bark only when they have something to tell you and that includes having an intruder in your home. French bulldogs also have a good temper and are well behaved. They also like to hunt mice so that means you won’t need a cat. Most of all, French bulldogs are great companion dogs. They are very lovable and cuddly and loves to play. Because of their small stature, they don’t require too much space or a big back or front yard to play or exercise.

The CONS

The French bulldog can be hard headed and stubborn at times. When not trained well, a French bulldog cannot be relied on as a guard dog. Also, French bulldogs can become gassy, easily get tired and overheated, snores when asleep, and has the tendency to drool.

Plus, because of their body structure and bloodline, French bulldogs are known to be poor in swimming, get problems with breathing, and have trouble producing. They are also known for having a number of health concerns. That’s why they can be quite costly and would tend to require more than normal visitations to a vet.

Thos are just a number of examples that one would find as advantages and disadvantages with a French bulldog. It’s now up to you if you are able to cope with the cons and enjoy the pros of owning a French bulldog.