French Bulldog

[Mjosa]

The percentage is high for c sections with our girls and yes it is due to the size of the head and shoulders of the babies.

In saying this I have had two selfwhelped litters in 27 years with this breed.

The reason for the prices being asked for a puppy is a combination of the popularity (sadly for the breed will not go into this) but also the high cost of c sections and rearing of the puppies, they need 24/7 attention for the first three weeks due to the fact because of their gorgeous flat faces and their structure they can easily inhale milk and get sick or die from pneumonia so ALL feeds need to be supervised, also the mortality rate within these first few weeks can also be a cause of costs as the litters, on the whole, are not large, average four or five, you lose one or two of them and then you are on the debit side of the ledger so to speak, with a Frenchie litter you are lucky to break even, this does not bother me though if it did I would not still be in the breed, if I was in it to make money I would turn to a free whelping breed, my soul purpose in breeding Frenchies is to breed healthy babies from health tested parents, I have a litter here now, the first in over two years, and this is my normal pattern for litters every 18 months to two years, with a lot of planning and expense, frozen semen etc.,

[Dutchess]

I really wanted to post something up here cause I love my little Frenchie, so here's my reply to the questions...

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

First time owner

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

Duch is very cheeky, very spoiled and stubborn, but also a real clown, when she's hyper she runs laps around the house as fast as she can...

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

Not much. We can't take Duch out yet cause she hasn't had her 12 week shots... So we spend at least a couple of hours each day trying to wear her out...

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

I'm a first time puppy owner and apart from (me) being overly neurotic when we first got her she's been pretty easy to care for

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

Hmm not really, the longest Duch has been alone is 4 hours and she made sure to let us know that she wasn't happy (as soon as we came home she pooped and pee'd in about six different hard-to-reach places

9. How much grooming is required?

Not much. We bath and brush once a week, he doesn't seem to shed to much hair either... Awesome!!!

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

Mmmm I don't think the puppy would be too boisterous, but I would worry about people picking the dog up, we were warned by the breeder we got Duch from that bulldog are top heavy and thus easy to drop...

Aaaand just because I think she's the cutest thing, some pictures of little Duchess...

I'm pretty sure at this point she was trying to tell me to get the camera out of her face...LOL

Aaaaand, back to loving the attention!

Edited January 6, 2010 by Dutchess

[Bluefairy]

Hi,

I have been in love with the French Bulldog Breed for several years now. And I hope in the future to one day be the proud owner of one

If I decide to get another dog I want a slightly smaller dog of the bulldog persuasion. The Frenchies are perfect, smaller, just as stubborn most of the time, energetic one minute lap dog the next.

I have done quite a lot of research in the this breed, reading everything I can get my hands on, so I feel I would be prepared for nearly everything.

But I do have a question:

It has been said Frenchies love a companion. I could only ever get one dog, but would it be enough just having human companionship?

My hubby is retired, I am home all the time. I have grandchildren, but they rarely visit. So the only ones home all the time are us, plus our 4 yr old cat who loves playing chasey.

Thanks

Edited January 21, 2010 by Bluefairy

[spanky]

Hi,

I have been in love with the French Bulldog Breed for several years now. And I hope in the future to one day be the proud owner of one

In the last 2 years I had to put my 8yr old Aussie Bulldog to sleep due to bowel cancer. I also this year had to do the same thing with my 11 month old Aussie Bulldog pup for cancer too.

If I decide to get another dog I want a slightly smaller dog of the bulldog persuasion. The Frenchies are perfect, smaller, just as stubborn most of the time, energetic one minute lap dog the next.

I have done quite a lot of research in the this breed, reading everything I can get my hands on, so I feel I would be prepared for nearly everything.

But I do have a question:

It has been said Frenchies love a companion. I could only ever get one dog, but would it be enough just having human companionship?

My hubby is retired, I am home all the time, I have a 20yr old daughter and 13yr old daughter as well. I have grandchildren, but they rarely visit. So the only ones home all the time are us, plus our 4 yr old cat who loved playing chasey with our last pup.

Thanks

If they have human company and a romp with some doggy friends every now and then they will be fine. It's important to socialise them with other dogs, but I wouldn't say they have to live with another dog.

[NalaCleo]

Hi,

I have been in love with the French Bulldog Breed for several years now. And I hope in the future to one day be the proud owner of one

In the last 2 years I had to put my 8yr old Aussie Bulldog to sleep due to bowel cancer. I also this year had to do the same thing with my 11 month old Aussie Bulldog pup for cancer too.

If I decide to get another dog I want a slightly smaller dog of the bulldog persuasion. The Frenchies are perfect, smaller, just as stubborn most of the time, energetic one minute lap dog the next.

I have done quite a lot of research in the this breed, reading everything I can get my hands on, so I feel I would be prepared for nearly everything.

But I do have a question:

It has been said Frenchies love a companion. I could only ever get one dog, but would it be enough just having human companionship?

My hubby is retired, I am home all the time, I have a 20yr old daughter and 13yr old daughter as well. I have grandchildren, but they rarely visit. So the only ones home all the time are us, plus our 4 yr old cat who loved playing chasey with our last pup.

Thanks

If they have human company and a romp with some doggy friends every now and then they will be fine. It's important to socialise them with other dogs, but I wouldn't say they have to live with another dog.

I agree with Sparky.

[Bluefairy]

I have a couple more questions

Because of their short face, do they need a special food bowl?

I heard a slanting bowl is best.

When walking, what do you use....collar, harness, etc?

Is it ok to clean the wrinkles/folds with baby wipes....those hypoallergenic ones?

What food do you recommend for these dogs?

Do they put on weight easily?

Are they a food oriented dog?

When bathing what do you use?

I asked the weight question as I have seen a lot of Frenchies on you tube that are overweight and it doesn't look very comfortable for them being that size, and obviously not good for their health.

Edited January 21, 2010 by Bluefairy

[spanky]

I have a couple more questions

Because of their short face, do they need a special food bowl?

I heard a slanting bowl is best.

When walking, what do you use....collar, harness, etc?

Is it ok to clean the wrinkles/folds with baby wipes....those hypoallergenic ones?

What food do you recommend for these dogs?

Do they put on weight easily?

Are they a food oriented dog?

When bathing what do you use?

I asked the weight question as I have seen a lot of Frenchies on you tube that are overweight and it doesn't look very comfortable for them being that size, and obviously not good for their health.

Lynn

No special bowls here. They have stainless bowls and don't struggle to eat.

I walk them on harness. This means training them as a puppy to walk without pulling is very important. Walking on a correction collar (check chain) is not good for brachy breeds. I do use a prong collar on Callista, but these are only accessible through certain behaviourist / trainers and you should be shown how to use them appropriately.

Baby wipes are fine. I use salt water on mine on a cotton makeup remover pad.

Both dogs here eat raw. No dry food. I've found they both do better on this for weight, coat, farts and poop.

Like any dog if you overfeed and give treats and too much human food they will put on weight. Callista eats more than Griffin as she burns more energy than he does and sometimes it is hard to stop her looking skinny.

They may or may not be food oriented. Both mine will sit for food, but Callista prefers to work for a game of tug. Just depends on what your dog is really motivated by.

Callista is bathed in Malaseb every second or third bath to keep her skin ok, otherwise I use Avolen or similar... soap free.

[NalaCleo]

I have a couple more questions

Because of their short face, do they need a special food bowl?

I heard a slanting bowl is best.

When walking, what do you use....collar, harness, etc?

Is it ok to clean the wrinkles/folds with baby wipes....those hypoallergenic ones?

What food do you recommend for these dogs?

Do they put on weight easily?

Are they a food oriented dog?

When bathing what do you use?

I asked the weight question as I have seen a lot of Frenchies on you tube that are overweight and it doesn't look very comfortable for them being that size, and obviously not good for their health.

Lynn

Pierre has a standard dog bowl.

He walks with a harness unless i'm practising walking him in the ring which he then wears a thin check chain.

Baby wipes are fine to clean in wrinkle folds and on white parts of the face u can put vaseline on to prevent staining.

Pierre eats 1/4 raw meat mixed with 3/4 Royal Canin dry food.

Yes he has a good appetite so he seems to oput on weight easily.

Pierre loves his food and is easy to train with treats

I wash him in Aloveen Oatmeal Shampoo

[Secretary]

I have a couple more questions

Because of their short face, do they need a special food bowl?

I heard a slanting bowl is best.

When walking, what do you use....collar, harness, etc?

Is it ok to clean the wrinkles/folds with baby wipes....those hypoallergenic ones?

What food do you recommend for these dogs?

Do they put on weight easily?

Are they a food oriented dog?

When bathing what do you use?

I asked the weight question as I have seen a lot of Frenchies on you tube that are overweight and it doesn't look very comfortable for them being that size, and obviously not good for their health.

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

[~*Shell*~]

How do Frenchies do in different dog spots given that they are food motivated? For example, would you ever see one in the obedience ring? doing agility? flyball? Obviously they're a brachy breed so you have to take that into account but I've seen lots of different breeds competing and I'd be interested to know if anyone actually does it with their frenchies.

[spanky]

How do Frenchies do in different dog spots given that they are food motivated? For example, would you ever see one in the obedience ring? doing agility? flyball? Obviously they're a brachy breed so you have to take that into account but I've seen lots of different breeds competing and I'd be interested to know if anyone actually does it with their frenchies.

Callista's dam is titled in agility and if I ever get off my butt and complete the TID with Callista I think she'd kill obedience. Unfortunately with her back issues I don't want to risk her at agility or flyball.

It is not only food, prey drive does exist in the breed. Griffin works for food and Callista works for prey, so it just depends on the dog... like any breed.

You would need to take the weather into account, but as long as the day wasn't really hot and you had a cool coat / mat for the dog etc they would handle it... well I think so anyway.

[Secretary]

How do Frenchies do in different dog spots given that they are food motivated? For example, would you ever see one in the obedience ring? doing agility? flyball? Obviously they're a brachy breed so you have to take that into account but I've seen lots of different breeds competing and I'd be interested to know if anyone actually does it with their frenchies.

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

[~*Shell*~]

That's fantastic! Fran looks like she loves it!

They're definitely on my list of breeds to own one day but it'll be a while down the track and there will be a lot of research going in before then!

[spanky]

How do Frenchies do in different dog spots given that they are food motivated? For example, would you ever see one in the obedience ring? doing agility? flyball? Obviously they're a brachy breed so you have to take that into account but I've seen lots of different breeds competing and I'd be interested to know if anyone actually does it with their frenchies.

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!

[Secretary]

How do Frenchies do in different dog spots given that they are food motivated? For example, would you ever see one in the obedience ring? doing agility? flyball? Obviously they're a brachy breed so you have to take that into account but I've seen lots of different breeds competing and I'd be interested to know if anyone actually does it with their frenchies.

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.

[Affirmation]

What food do you recommend for these dogs?

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.

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.

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 ??

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 :D .

Last but not least, where can you get the Oakwood shampoo you recommeded from .

;)

[spanky]

You should be very proud !! Here's another super shot of Frannie in action.

Very proud. Callista certainly gets her drive from Frannie. It's a shame that Callista's back can't handle the rigors of agility.

[Secretary]

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.

[Raelene]

Now I see that my special little Frenchie is just that - all Frenchie....

So much of what has been described is Claire all over -

Super affectionate

A total clown

LOVES the company of her doggy mates (always sleeps curled up with someone)

Very much conformation standard

Is cat like and can spring to great height in a single bound

Is intelligent - this girl works a situation so that the outcome suits her and if that means sitting and waiting for sometime for a dog to give up a toy or something she will.... she will also use her affection on the husband so he will pick her up and cuddle her, giving her access to me on the other lounge (he feels very used here) (Oh she does like to try and suck your ears)

Completely food motivated

Trainable and is getting better at it but there is a bit of "is it worth my while" to it sometimes (we also got her as a 2yo so some of the exercises were very new to her)

House training - hmmm I see that is generally an on-going thing - okay but not reliable

She eats advanced sensitive skin (tuna and rice), minced organic chicken frames, with green-lipped muscle powder and looks fabbo (You do need to be careful with bones - they choke very easily, we chop and bash chicken necks and occasionally she'll be allowed to gnaw on a very large brisket bone but alway under very close supervision and only whilst the bone remains large.)

No problems at all with food aggression, I do feed her separately but only because she is so slow by comparison and the others will want to pilfer her dish. She doesn't try to take the other dogs food, though she will sit reasonably close by and stare - willing the dog to give it up. As far as she is concerned, left food is her gain. I'm surprised how effective this technique can be for food, toys, sleeping space. Must be somehow intimidating??

She lives happily together with 4 other girls.

Her downside is she does have some allergy issues but they seem to be generally mostly under control

Claire is our first Frenchie - previously (and currently) we have mostly had staffords.

I must say, the Frenchie is incredibly endearing and though they have to be managed carefully, they are so rewarding and lovable. She is the first dog to COMPLETELY win my husband over and have him treating her like a baby princess.

I highly recommend them as a lovable family companion! We are looking forward to adding another at some point in the future.

R

PS. I don't know if others find this but mine likes to get dressed up. She has a couple of favourite outfits and will actually get them out herself and bring them to be put on, hold it up and she'll put her head in...

PPS. I have also used Oakwood Shampoo and found it very good.

Edited February 4, 2010 by Raelene

[Affirmation]

Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions ;) .

I was using the Purina Pro Plan puppy, and it seems to be ok, but I went and bought a small bag of the Royal Canin Medium on my way home yesterday, to see if they liked it, and they did , they loved the handful they shared between them. I must say that it smells very nice also, like a nice rich gravey, so I mixed a bit of it with their Pro Plan, so as to switch slowly. I'll let you know how they go on it.

I just have to get the meat and cook some eggs to round it off. :rolleyes:

Since bringing one of these dogs home, they have definitely won a place in our family. They always manage to put a smile on your face, even if they did do something naughty. They are my most favourite breed and I wish I'd had them a long time ago .