Secretary

Each puppy is going to be different however as a general guide. By 3-4 months of age you can introduce adult kibble. We find with the heavier boned frenchies in particular it is better not to keep them on puppy kibble as it may push the growth too quickly. Fronts can go off and mouths can go off. Feed 3/4 kibble to 1/4 meat. Hope this helps.

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be) There is some confusion about health testing and available results. Recommended breeding practices for the French Bulldog include:- Over 12 months of age and prior to breeding x-ray spine & hips of any dogs to be used for breeding. Once this is done x-rays may be forwarded to Dr Rawlinson (SA) for official grading. At present this scheme is voluntary and it is not a mandatory requirement for puppy registration. However as stated above it is recommended breeding practice. Breeders please note that the grading forms are available on-line at the French Bulldog Club of NSW website - www.frenchbulldogclubnsw.asn.au Prospective purchasers of puppies may ask for copies of the hip & spine grading certificates of the sire and dam, particularly if breeders are advertising their dogs as spine & hip tested. If the breeder has not gone the extra step and had x-rays graded, they should at least be able to provide you with a report from the veterinarian who took the x-rays. Hope this helps.

In the last few years, ads for French bulldogs in RARE COLORS have exploded all over the Internet. French Bulldog breed clubs around the world are having to take a stand against the irresponsible people who are deliberately breeding non-allowable colour patterns. Official breed clubs are alerting the public about this scam. If you see puppies advertised as blue, blue brindle, blue pieds, blue fawns, chocolate, chocolate brindle be aware that these colours are not correct to the breed standard. They are highly undesirable. Yes - they can occur occasionally however reputable breeders will place these dogs after desexing in pet homes. The deliberate breeding of highly undesirable colour patterns (disqualifying colours) is not ethical. The more widespread the recessive genes for these colours infiltrate the gene pool, the greater the risk that reputable breeders will at some point find their own lines contaminated. Do not be deceived into believing that a diluted colour pattern is rare and therefore valuable. They are only rare because ethical breeders choose not breed them. Dilutes of any hue cannot be registered on the Main Register. All highly undesirable colour patterns must be accurately described and will only be allowed on to the Limited Register. Dogs on the Limited Register cannot be shown, nor can their offspring be officially registered – even on the Limited Register. This alone makes them less valuable. People who truly love this breed don't want to change it and make it something it is not supposed to be. I recently read a post on a forum with a comment about a dilute frenchie with green eyes. The person thought it was "EVIL". That is so not frenchie. Breed characteristics must be maintained otherwise we'll end up with a mutant which no longer resembles a frenchie. For more information about the French Bulldog please go to The French Bulldog Club of NSW website www.frenchbulldogclubnsw.asn.au

Thrilled ?? we were jumping with joy. Sadly no, we were not able to go. Costa only arrived 10 days prior to the show and needed to settle with his new owner and get used to things. He was very close to us and it would have confused him greatly, so we stayed home. The coverage via the Crufts website is pretty good - Saturday night I was thinking "They should have started judging by now, I'll just take a peek." The first three classes were already posted and there he was FIRST ! I couldn't believe it - what a thrill. Then emails were coming in telling us what was happening. We'd moved him to the Junior class to avoid the bigger puppy class knowing he could challenge for puppy if he did well. He certainly held the Aussie flag and challenged successfully taking Best Male Puppy. There were 126 Frenchies entered so it was quite exciting to be a part of it all. I just hope he continues to mature and do well next year. He has already qualified for Crufts 2011. Thanks for posting.

Hello all, This is a first time posting on this forum but I would like to share as it is a first for us to compete at Crufts and quite special. Our homebred French Bulldog D'Accord Rene Lacoste made his UK debut (under our name) at Crufts taking out Best Male Puppy. 11 months old he competed in Special Junior, winning that class and then challenging for Best Puppy against the winner of the puppy class. Absolutely thrilled - we're as proud as can be and wish him well in his new life in England.

Beladoza - could you please email me privately for an update. Cheers

They always have a stall at the Royal if you're going to be in Sydney for that. Otherwise ring them on 4967 6504 and ask them for your nearest stockist. Pet Barn might have it, might be worthwhile asking them. I know that when I see it on the shelves I usually but a few at a time. Good luck

More questions, sorry I have a few With regard to the feeding question and your answer regarding the raw meat, what do you find works best with this breed, and is it best to stick to that, or do you rotate between chicken, beef lamb etc to keep it interesting for them. Also is the feeding of fish benificial. Also what type of dry food works best for puppies and again the raw meat ?? I feed a high grade semi-lean beef and do not rotate the meals. The only exception is to feed cooked eggs once or twice a week which I find very beneficial. Royal Canin medium adult is good for puppies, once they reach 12 weeks. Quite a few breeders find this the best way of "growing" the frenchie. They are a miniature mastiff, heavy bone for such a little dog and you can't afford to push the growth with puppy kibble. Advance rehydratable is a good starter when weaning - so is the Royal Canin product if you can get it (not easy to obtain). Stay on the Advance Puppy until around 12 weeks and then move to Royal Canin Medium adult. We've had great results. Do you recommend crate training for feeding and sleeping etc and if so what is the best way to go about it without stressing everyone . I always supervise meals and wait whilst the group eats together, however it is much easier to feed separately and whether you do that in a crate or kennel run, should work out fine. If you've got more than one or two dogs, crate train them for sleeping. Easier on you and the house!! Last but not least, where can you get the Oakwood shampoo you recommeded from . Oakwood sponsor a lot of dog clubs. They have a website www.oakwoodproducts.com Australian made which is a bonus. First started using it about 5 or 6 years ago after winning it at Sydney Royal. They've just launched a new oatmeal and aloe vera shampoo which would be worth trying. Cheers - hope this answers your questions.

In the USA & Canada quite a few frenchies compete in various doggy activities. Brenda Buckles' frenchie Magnum UD was an incredible dog who achieved just about everything going. I've seen classes at the US Frenchie Nationals and love to see these little guys in action. Not many people have committed to the task in Oz. Here's a bit of interesting history though: - The first frenchie on record was Ch Diwali Le Tigre CD (Ch Amlone Beau Robb x Ch Marteray La Solaire ) dob 28.8.1975 Competing around the same time Ch Diwali Fleurette CD (Ch Jesmalphi Beau Pierre x Ch Marteray La Solaire) dob 2.2.75 Le Tigre & Fleurette's daughter also gained titles - Ch Josshi Crepe Suzette CD dob 30.4.77 Following on many years later (2006 in fact) Vicki Scott's Frannie became the first french bulldog titled in agility jumping. FBCNSW published an interview with Vicki and Naomi Dunn (Fran's trainer and trialler) and one of the questions asked was "Do you think that it is responsible to allow a French Bulldog to compete in Agility?" Here is Naomi's reply:- "Well, this is the toughest issue in trialling a Frenchie. Ability to breathe well, and good spinal health are the most concerns. This is not for every Frenchie! Agility trials are not held during the warmest summer months for any breed, but even in winter we monitor the breathing comfort of the dog at all times. Any breed can incur skeletal damage from jumping and running, so I think that keeping the dog in peak physical condition, not overweight, and using common sense if the dog is not 100% fit is important. Fran is very competitive, very fit and loves the atmosphere of the trials. Her enthusiasm is infectious, people stop to watch her compete and she draws a lot of positive comment from judges and competitors. This wasn't always the case, I took a real bagging when I first started competing with her, as people are not used to a rare breed, let alone a Frenchie, appearing in Agility trials. She is a real show stopper and we are very proud of her. Here's a photo of Fran in action - isn't she great !! FBCNSW has implemented recommended breeding practices which includes spinal checks for all breeding stock. Obviously this would also be the club's recommendation for any frenchie before competing in agility. Health screening details can be found on the club website www.frenchbulldogclubnsw.asn.au Yours in frenchies That's Callista's mum! You should be very proud !! Here's another super shot of Frannie in action.

In the USA & Canada quite a few frenchies compete in various doggy activities. Brenda Buckles' frenchie Magnum UD was an incredible dog who achieved just about everything going. I've seen classes at the US Frenchie Nationals and love to see these little guys in action. Not many people have committed to the task in Oz. Here's a bit of interesting history though: - The first frenchie on record was Ch Diwali Le Tigre CD (Ch Amlone Beau Robb x Ch Marteray La Solaire ) dob 28.8.1975 Competing around the same time Ch Diwali Fleurette CD (Ch Jesmalphi Beau Pierre x Ch Marteray La Solaire) dob 2.2.75 Le Tigre & Fleurette's daughter also gained titles - Ch Josshi Crepe Suzette CD dob 30.4.77 Following on many years later (2006 in fact) Vicki Scott's Frannie became the first french bulldog titled in agility jumping. FBCNSW published an interview with Vicki and Naomi Dunn (Fran's trainer and trialler) and one of the questions asked was "Do you think that it is responsible to allow a French Bulldog to compete in Agility?" Here is Naomi's reply:- "Well, this is the toughest issue in trialling a Frenchie. Ability to breathe well, and good spinal health are the most concerns. This is not for every Frenchie! Agility trials are not held during the warmest summer months for any breed, but even in winter we monitor the breathing comfort of the dog at all times. Any breed can incur skeletal damage from jumping and running, so I think that keeping the dog in peak physical condition, not overweight, and using common sense if the dog is not 100% fit is important. Fran is very competitive, very fit and loves the atmosphere of the trials. Her enthusiasm is infectious, people stop to watch her compete and she draws a lot of positive comment from judges and competitors. This wasn't always the case, I took a real bagging when I first started competing with her, as people are not used to a rare breed, let alone a Frenchie, appearing in Agility trials. She is a real show stopper and we are very proud of her. Here's a photo of Fran in action - isn't she great !! FBCNSW has implemented recommended breeding practices which includes spinal checks for all breeding stock. Obviously this would also be the club's recommendation for any frenchie before competing in agility. Health screening details can be found on the club website www.frenchbulldogclubnsw.asn.au Yours in frenchies

Hi there - here are some answers to your queries. Re the food bowl - you won't need a special bowl. I use stainless steel dishes which are sturdy and easily cleaned. For walking a collar and lead is fine provided your frenchie is a good breather. Harnesses have their place but on the whole frenchies are walked on a lead. Baby wipes are great - use them all the time. An adult frenchie will eat a cup of quality kibble per day plus some raw meat - try to keep the ratio to 2/3rds dry to 1/3rd wet. Royal Canin Medium Adult seems to suit most frenchies and is highly recommended by a lot of breeders, including me. Regarding weight - depends on the dog. Some frenchies put on weight easily especially if they are not exercised properly. This breed has the reputation of being a couch potatoe. Couldn't be further from the truth. They are supposed to be active. Try and catch a frenchie on the run - they are incredibly fast and can twist and turn whilst moving at full speed. Some of the older lines tend to be picky eaters and this may stem from a number of problems. FBCNSW has a beaut Puppy Booklet which is quite comprehensive. If you are planning on getting a frenchie, get a copy of the booklet. Go to www.frenchbulldogclubnsw.asn.au and you'll find the details. Food orientated - in one word "Yes". Some frenchies can be food aggressive so it's best to supervise if feeding with another dog. They are easily trained for the showring with bait. Can highly recommend Oakwood Rose Petal Shampoo and the Aloe Vera Conditioner. Excellent and works beautifully with the frenchies. I note the other recommendation of Aloveen which is another good shampoo however you don't get the brilliant shine with this product. Frenchies should be well covered and well muscled - they should have a waistline. It is not healthy to have an overweight dog. Again suggest you get a copy of the Puppy Booklet from FBCNSW - cost is only $5 posted within Australia. Hope this helps - yours in frenchies

Usually no problem when introducing a frenchie puppy to a cat household. Many frenchie owners also have cats. Hope this helps.

Average price for a frenchie pet on the limited register is $2,000 - $2,500. Price should be inclusive of vaccinations, microchip, and health checks. Be prepared to wait and buy from a responsible breeder. Don't let your heart rule your head and be sure your are dealing with someone you can trust. Responsible breeders have a history of club activity and involvement, are active in showing and/or obedience trials. They health test and study pedigrees. They have a thorough knowledge of the breed and should be able to answer any questions you may have. Don't be afraid to ask - responsible breeders expect this of you. If you find yourself dealing with a breeder who isn't interested in finding out about your suitability as an owner, beware. Responsible breeders want their puppies to go to good homes and will "grill" you thoroughly before agreeing to sell you a puppy. Frenchies may be food aggressive - it depends on the individual dog. Recommended breeding practices include x-raying spine and hips of dogs and bitches over 12 months of age and prior to breeding. Puppies may be xrayed for spinal defects about 8 weeks of age before leaving the breeder. Hope this is of some help.

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc) Breeder/exhibitor/international judge/secretary of FBCNSW - started in the breed in 1986. 2. Where and why was the breed first developed? Country of origin France. Countries of development UK, USA, Germany. Frenchies are regarded as companion animals and in FCI countries (Federation Cynoligique Internationale) are in the Toy & Companion Group. The history of the breed is well documented in many outstanding books which are readily available. Recommended reading: The French Bulldog by Steve Eltinge (out-of-print and expensive but worth trying to get a copy), Celebrating Frenchies by Arlie Alford (www.frenchbullytin.com), The French Bulldog by Muriel Lee (Kennel Club Classics series available from Amazon.com). 3. How common is it in Australia? 500 puppies registered nationally in 2008. The breed is currently enjoying a period of popularity. 4. What is the average lifespan? 10-12 years however many frenchies live well over 13 years of age. 5. What is the general temperament/personality? Commonly referred to as the 'clown of the dog world', they are endearing little dogs who will steal your heart. 6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult? Exercise requirements are minimal but essential for a healthy happy little dog. Keep your frenchie fit. He should not be overweight and should be well muscled. Being a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed care MUST be taken during hot weather so it's best to let them exercise mornings or evenings outside of the heat of the day. The frenchie is a little athlete with a lot of speed and flexibility. They are agile and can jump from a standing position, much like a cat. 7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with? Very much so provided the owner has done his/her homework beforehand. Commonsense and backup from the breeder at all times. When you buy a dog, you are buying the breeder as well. Breeders should be willing to act as your mentor for the entire life of your dog. 8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods? Frenchies need companionship. Not recommended for people who work long hours. 9. How much grooming is required? Grooming is minimal. Bathe fortnightly. Regular brushing keeps the coat soft and shiny. The main areas of concern are ears and face folds which must be kept clean and dry. 10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)? Despite their small stature, frenchies have an incredible power weight ratio. They are built like a miniature mastiff and are very strong. Having said that, provided you have a frenchie with a calm soft nature, they are fine around the young and elderly. A well socialised, well bred frenchie with correct temperament for the breed would be fine. 11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of? Elongated soft palate, pinched nostrils, spine abnormalities, pyloric stenosis, slipping patella (knee caps) are considered hereditary and do occur in the breed. FBCNSW has a puppy booklet with detailed information about common breed problems in the Australian population of frenchies. Refer to the club website www.frenchbulldogclubnsw.asn.au for a comprehensive article about health related issues. Puppy buyers should do their homework before contacting breeders and try to learn as much as possible about health related problems. FBCNSW devotes a lot of energy into educating the public about our wonderful breed. Unfortunately with increased popularity and demand for puppies, the frenchie has attracted many breeders with little or no experience of french bulldogs and french bulldog breeding. Health testing is recommended on all dogs and bitches before breeding and indeed members of FBCNSW sign a code of ethics which they (hopefully) abide by. At the moment it is very much a BUYER BEWARE situation so please do your homework before buying a dog. 12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be) Try and visit the home and meet the breeders, their dogs - in particular the dam of the litter and the sire if he is owned by the breeder. Are the frenchies living in a suitable environment, clean, well socialised and well cared for? Are the breeders involved in showing, obedience, or other dog related activities? Are the breeders a member of a recognised breed club? Do the breeders have one or more breeds? Have the parents been x-rayed for spine and hip abnormalities and are they clear of any major defects? Are the parents good breathers?? Has either parent had soft palate surgery?? Have the puppies been x-rayed and are they clear of major defects? (Preliminary x-ray screening can be done over 8 weeks of age.) Are the puppies microchipped?? It is compulsory in NSW to microchip all companion animals - this must be done by the breeder before the puppy leaves for his/her new home. What health guarantees can the breeder provide??