How to Raise a Happy and Healthy French Bulldog

The day you bring home your new French Bulldog puppy will be a day you remember forever. However, after welcoming in your new family member with plenty of treats and cuddles, you might have questions about the best way to take care of him.

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’re going to break down how to care for French Bulldog puppies and adults so your dog can live a long, happy, and healthy life as part of your family.

We’ll talk about everything from the French Bulldog temperament, grooming, nutrition, and even eye care for French Bulldogs. Let’s jump in.

All About French Bulldogs

It doesn’t take much to form an unbreakable bond with a French Bulldog, also affectionately known as a Frenchie. They are incredibly loyal dogs that will love you forever if you take good care of them.

Before we get into French Bulldog care 101, let’s look at the specs of this beloved breed.

First, they have short and non-allergenic hair, so they’re a great option if you don’t want to deal with a ton of shedding. Their coat is also easy to maintain and doesn’t irritate people with dog allergies as much as furrier dogs do.

Their coats have interesting markings and streaks, and they are typically multi-colored.

They are small dogs that range from 15 to 30 pounds. Males tend to be a bit bigger than females. They are about one foot tall, and they live for an average of ten years.

Frenchie’s have fun and friendly personalities, but they are also peaceful. They are great in multi-pet homes because they get along well with other animals. However, they can be stubborn, so they are not the easiest dog to train.

If you’re looking for a dog that loves to lay on your lap and stays by your side, the French Bulldog temperament is perfect for you. Now, let’s dive into their care.

How to Care for French Bulldog Puppies

When you first bring your Frenchie puppy home, it will need a healthy puppy diet. Feed him three meals a day of a cup and a half of puppy food. Once he is six months, you can start him on an adult food diet.

If you want to train your French Bulldog, you need to start when he is a puppy. Using treats to motivate your Frenchie puppy is the most effective training method, but remember to stay consistent with it.

You should also start cleaning your Frenchie’s teeth and clipping his nails when he is a puppy so that he will learn to sit obediently for both tasks.

The same rule applies to cleaning his skin flaps. They can collect bacteria and dirt, so it’s important to clean them with a gentle baby wipe once a week. Make sure you dry them thoroughly as well.

Start giving your puppy a bath once a month, and brush him regularly with a soft bristle dog brush.

The most important part of the puppy stage is the bond that you will form with your new pet. French Bulldogs are clingy, so they don’t like to be left home alone for too long, especially when they are young. If you can, take your puppy with you on errands and outings so they don’t get anxious when you are gone for several hours.

Feeding an Adult French Bulldog

After your puppy is six months, you can transition him to adult food. Most French Bulldogs are happy with one to one and a half cups of food a day. However, if your vet recommends a different amount for your dog, go with that.

You can split their food into two meals. Try to feed them at the same times every day to give them consistency.

Because of their body type, it’s easy for a French Bulldog to become obese. Sticking to a consistent and healthy diet can help avoid this. You should not feed your Frenchie human food off of your plate either.

French Bulldog Exercise Needs

For the most part, French Bulldogs are low maintenance pets when it comes to exercise. In fact, they have brachycephalic syndrome, which makes it harder for them to breathe, so walks should be kept to 15 minutes.

They also overheat easily, so they shouldn’t be outside for too long in the summer months. Always make sure they have plenty of clean and cool water so they can keep their body temperature down.

However, that doesn’t mean they won’t want to play around the house. Frenchie’s love to play fetch, so keep some toys around that you can toss for them whenever they get hyper.

French Bulldog Grooming

French Bulldog maintenance is easy when it comes to grooming. Their hair stays short; however, they will shed their undercoat twice a year. You can help the process along by brushing them more often during this time.

Just like when they were a puppy, you should continue cleaning their flaps once a week when they become an adult. This will prevent infections. You should also maintain their teeth cleaning and nail clipping routine.

Frenchie’s are adaptable dogs, so they do well with wearing clothes and stylish French Bulldog accessories.

Eyecare for French Bulldogs

One part of French Bulldog care that is a little higher maintenance than other dogs is their eye care. Because of their short snout, they are more likely to develop eye problems.

Common eye issues that French Bulldogs experience include:

Corneal ulcers
Cherry eye
Allergies
Eye infections
Dry eye

If you notice your Frenchie struggling with their eyes, take him to the vet for treatment right away. You can help prevent eye issues by cleaning their tear strains weekly. Also, when you bathe your pup, take extra care to not get any shampoo in his eyes.