Dog Badge

May 10th, 2011 by admin

It has been said over and over again, that the dog is man’s best friend. This statement has frayed edges, torn creases, and bite marks from being used over and over again. Nothing is more cliché, nor is truer, especially to dog aficionados and tens of millions of households all over the world. And why not? Dogs are very affectionate, playful and loyal, and nothing fits the bill more than French bulldogs.

But before you get bombarded with the pros of owning a French bulldog, its best to understand first the basics of this very playful and affectionate dog breed, this way, you can have better information on what kind of dog breed it is.

French bulldogs are popularly known to be descendants of British Bulldogs. British royalty which transferred to France later on took their bulldogs with them. French dog lovers then took notice of the breed and took a fancy on them. Soon they were raising them and developed their own breed. This breed was then dubbed as the French bulldog, or as some dog breeders today call as “Frenchies.”

As Americans have come to France and more French people have travelled to America, the French bulldog then became known in American soil, which led to its acceptance and inclusion in the roster of many dog breeding associations in the country. And up to this day, the French bulldog has been the breed of choice for many American households.

Now to the best part. The main reason why French bulldogs are the best choice for a house pet is due to many characteristics, reasons that are more or less when combined are unique to a French bulldog.

First off is their size. Even if you have a small home, the French bulldog would fit perfectly as they re diminutive but large enough to act as a watch dog scare off would be intruders. Usually, a French bulldog would grow up to 12 inches to their wither, or to the top of their shoulder. Given enough space to run and play, they can have sufficient exercise already. One thing though, you have to make sure that you can house train them immediately. The French bulldog is more comfortable in cooler environments, so they tend to stay indoors.

Another great factor about the French bulldog is their temperament and personality. French bulldogs are very affectionate, they love to be cuddled and require human attention. They prefer to be treated as a member of the family and is very playful and safe with kids. It is also easy to befriend them but still remain n effective watchdog, this is because they are highly intelligent. And because they can easily adapt to new surroundings, they can be very outgoing as long as the weather is not too hot. This means you can take them most anywhere.

This and more are the reasons why the French bulldog is a great choice as a pet.

April 25th, 2011 by admin

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.

April 10th, 2011 by admin

There are numerous people who have seen the great potential involving French bulldogs. Their rise in popularity has shown many enterprising dog lovers that this could be an opportunity to make extra cash off their beloved French bulldog pets. But, there are so many aspects in French bulldog breeding that one should consider first. In fact, if you don’t have the proper knowledge and resources, you may end up spending more than what you may earn. Or maybe you won’t even earn anything at all.

Breeding French bulldogs is not just about getting them to procreate, that’s the easy part. You have to factor in the many responsibilities of ensuring the health of your bitch while she is pregnant, also, French bulldogs usually needs caesarian surgery when giving birth. Then there is the care after birth, both for the mother and the litter. And it’s not just the cost; you also would need to invest much of your time. You have to be around most of the time to be certain that you will be able to heed any emergencies. So with that said, you now know that you have to be prepared mentally, physically and financially to become a French bulldog breeder.

To be a responsible breeder, you have to consider the different factors to ensure that the litter would be in good health and the mom as well. For instance, the recommended age for French bulldogs to get pregnant is over eighteen months and no more than five years. Plus, if your dog has any health concerns prone to French bulldogs, then you shouldn’t breed them at all. This health conditions could be passed down to their offspring. Some of these health conditions include cataracts, cherry eye, hip dysplasia and several cardiac diseases.

Now, what if you only have a female Fren
ch bulldog? Then that would mean that you would be needing the services of a French Bulldog stud. There are also many risks involved here, plus, not to mention the costs needed for the stud service. The sad thing is that it could be a hit and miss. There is no guarantee that your bitch will get pregnant. So it means that you may have to pay for the services more than once. Plus, you’d be wasting precious time to confirm if your dog is indeed pregnant.

You also need to make sure that the stud you will get is from a good lineage, and that it is healthy and should provide proof that the stud doesn’t have any health issues, which it can pass on to its future litter. And if your dog gets pregnant, there’s also the risk that it may lose its litter.

If you get lucky and your dog produces a litter, then there will still be numerous concerns for you to ensure that they will be in the pink of health. This will entail additional costs as well. So if you’re not prepared, then it would be better if you just leve breeding French bulldogs to the experts.

March 26th, 2011 by admin

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.

March 11th, 2011 by admin

To some, it would be very understandable, that they would see bulldogs in the same light. But many dog aficionados today know that there are a variety of bulldog breeds, there’s the English bulldog, the American bulldog, and of course, the French bulldog just to name a few. Although they come from the same higher breed, there are many distinct characteristics that can be found from one sub breed that is not present from another. This is because of the different combinations of breeds that they have prior to the establishment of their own line.

SO, if you are going to purchase a French bulldog, it’s not only by the way the dog looks that you can determine whether the creature is a purebred, you can also now this by their characteristics, like in the manner they keep themselves as a puppy. Although it is not inherent in all French bulldog puppies, these are the characteristics that are very notable with this particular bulldog breed.

Most first time French bulldog owners have the dog as puppies. It is rare that one would be in possession of an adult French bulldog at the start, but it does happen, especially those who have rescued them. So when you finally own a French bulldog puppy, you most probably would like to train them to make them easier to live with. Fo the first time French bulldog puppy owner, be warned, if you don’t have a lot of patience, this is not the dog for you. They are reluctant learners so you need to have huge patience and persistence with them. You have to develop effective and short signals to let them know what you want them to do, this should be repeatedly done every day.

French bulldog puppies also crave attention, and lots of it. More than other dogs, they require human interaction and are psychologically let down if they don’t get that much human interaction. French bulldogs also play well with other dogs, they are not usually aggressive, but, if you have a small child that would tend to hurt the dog, this would not sit well with them. But generally, they are great companions for families as they are very lovable, playful, very affectionate, and hs a pleasant behavior.

Also, French bulldog puppies tend to sleep a lot. They try to conserve their energy. With the distinct form of their face, they find it very hard to breathe so they tend to get tired easily. So don’t get frustrated if they tend to doze off after a while.

S one of the smallest in the bulldog breed, French bulldogs as puppies are generally very small, so they are very cute and cuddly, even s they go into adulthood, they don’t really grow into a huge frame, their small and stocky, unlike their American cousins. Their smooth coats also don’t shed a lot so there’s not much of a mess to clean up, provided you have trained them well to do their dirty deeds outside the house.

February 24th, 2011 by admin

Its rare that you would find a family that’s not eager to take a vacation. Everybody packs up, looking forward to having a great time after a stressful year, but. Is the whole family really going? Many American households today said in a survey that they look as their dogs s members of the family, so when a “family” vacation is coming, most of them would like to take their dog along with them. The problem is, having a dog along can become a nuisance as well, and this is known to be true as well with the French bulldog.

So, many families would just resort to leaving their pets behind with their extended family or friends or just hire a pet sitter. But what if you really want to take your French bulldog with you? What re your options? What should you do to enable you to bring your French bulldog with you and still fully enjoy your family vacation? Here are some tips and reminders which you can take note of, to help you get that “true” family vacation that you have always wanted.

Tip 1 – Check out the places where dogs are normally allowed in most of the places of interest. You should also look for a place where you will be able to comfortably stay which allows pet dogs inside. You can ask your travel agent or scour the internet for recommendations on the places of interest which answers your vacation needs for pet-friendly places. Make sure that these places have all the facilities that can help your French bulldog enjoy itself and at the same time have health care services as well.

There are now many travel agents and websites that offer vacation packages that allows for a pet to be brought along. Choose along with your family so that everyone will know what is ahead for them. This way, you are not just choosing a place for your dog, but for the whole family.

Tip 2 – If your French bulldog is not yet familiar in riding a car, then prior to the trip you should start familiarizing it. Take it for short drives. At the start, just let him stay in the car for awhile with the engine idling, this will allow him to familiarize with the sound and the shaking. Then slowly let the car move, don’t jerk the car and go slow at first. Then take him for short rides stopping at least every mile or so, gradually add more miles before stopping.

Tip 3 – Have your dog get a thorough checkup by his vet before leaving on your dream vacation. This will eliminate the risks of him having any health concern while on vacation which can ruin the trip. Take any medication with you that your vet may recommend. Remember to get the ok signal from your vet first.

Tip 4 – Remember to pack everything that your dog may need, most importantly its collar, with all the contact details on the tag. Also remember to bring his food and anything that can make the journey comfortable for him. Also, make sure to bring cleaning materials as the dog may vomit or emit waste.

February 9th, 2011 by admin

It’s easy to be embarrassed when your dog shows unwanted behavior, and this commonly happens when there are other people or dog around. Imagine this, your in the park, your talking your dog for a stroll, your dog suddenly jerks on the leash, then runs off chasing other dogs, or worse, other people and maybe even taking a bite or two. This could get worse if you don’t train your dog to be able to socialize, knowing the right time to be aggressive and to be be passive. Luckily, to French bulldog owners, this is an easier task.

Easier as compared to other dogs but definitely not a walk in the park. French bulldogs are still dogs so it still my take a while to train them, but, because French bulldogs are innately sociable as compared to other breeds, you may surprisingly find that it doesn’t really take a lot of time and effort. To help you do so, here are some tips that may be able to aid you in achieving this goal.

Start your socialization training at home. This means that your dog should be able to absorb the training step by step, doing so in a place where he or she is comfortable, like your home. If the pup is new at home, don’t crowd him just yet. Approach him one by one until he gets to know all the family members. Do this slowly, don’t just jump at the dog or he may take this as an act of aggression. When friends come along for a visit, do the same procedure, just remember not to rush and close in on its space. Eventually, once you deem that your dog is ready to meet nw people, he or she can now socialize with other dogs. Let your friends or family members bring their dogs to your home.

Allow your dog to visit different sites and places. This will allow him to be relaxed at other sites besides your home. Take your French bulldog out for a walk making sure that you have a good grip on its leash. Take him first to a less crowded area, eventually exposing him to populous places once he is ready for it. . Remember not to shock your dog by taking him to busy streets as this may traumatize the dog and would eventually make him give up going out and socializing, a nice quiet park will do the trick. As a reminder though, make sure that your French bulldog pup has had its vaccinations, French bulldogs are prone to allergies and other health concerns that he or she may pickup in other areas or other dogs.

Always bring rewards such as different dog treats to reinforce a good behavior. If he starts barking or acting aggressively, remind him that it is not good and do so with a stern and firm voice, don’t hit your dog though. Eventually, your dog will get into the routine as it is a creature of habit and see that socializing is easy. A word of caution though, French bulldogs are susceptible to heat, so don’t overexpose it to the sun.

January 25th, 2011 by admin

Breeders today are simply enjoying what they do, not just because they are surrounded by the creatures that they love, but also because they are able to make a living out of it. The reason behind this is more people today are purchasing dogs. This may be because of several reasons; some see them as the ultimate in home safety, while some have them for companionship, whatever your reasons are you definitely have made a good decision. Dogs have always been known as the best pet to have, and for so many reasons that need not be elaborated. And presently, many dog lovers have found that the French bulldog is one of the top choices.

Like cuddly teddy bears, French bulldogs have an appeal of their own. They possess the same stocky and muscular, sometime fearsome look, but they are also diminutive and lovable. And although purists would prefer purebred French bulldogs, you have to know that there are a variety of French bulldogs available in different colors and sizes. So once you have decided that you are ready to own a French bulldog, here are some of the considerations that should know to help you decide which type of French bulldog to purchase.

The type of body and size. Yes, they have the same body type, to a certain extent. Some French bulldogs are stockier while some are much thinner. Some have longer legs, while others are lower to the ground. Depending on their lineage, you will be able to choose, based on their parents, what type would best suit your preference. Some are noticeably bigger as well. If you want to let your dog join a show later on, you can check the American Kennel Club in their minimum and maximum requirements.

The gender. Some say that female French bulldogs are more susceptible to training. And this consideration is based on the fact that if you want to produce a litter later on. This though depends on the breeder that you bought the dog from. Some do not allow their dogs to produce offspring and requires them to be spayed or neutered.

The bloodline of the dog of and the reputation of the breeder. Once again, if you want your dog to be entered into competitions, having champion parents will help boost the chances. To do this, you must be able to get proof of their registration with the AKC and proof of their champion win. A reputable breeder will be able to show all of this to you. As much as possible, only get your dog from a reputable breeder.

Health. A breeder should be able to show you the health history of the bloodline of the dog. Also, the results of the health tests on the puppy should be produced. This will help ensure that you are getting a healthy French bulldog puppy.

And lastly, check on yourself. See if you are indeed ready to take on the responsibility of being a responsible owner. Not only emotionally, but also financially and have ample time and space.

January 10th, 2011 by admin

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.

December 26th, 2010 by admin

Just like men, French bulldogs are creatures of habit too. So, if left to their own devices, French bulldogs would just rather lay around and the only activity they would get is the occasional playful times they have with their owners. To some, this characteristic is normal to French bulldogs, in fact, if you own one right now, then you know that French bulldogs would just rather lie down and rest. They have probably commandeered your sofa or favorite chair already.

French bulldogs though do this not because their lazy, but because their lazy, but because they tend to get tired first and overheated. So, you can’t really blame them if they would just rather lie down, it’s not their fault, it’s their body going against them. But, that doesn’t mean that you should just let them be. Like any other dogs, the French bulldog needs exercise to keep fit and stay healthy. This is not an easy task though, this canine would prefer to stay still than exercise, they are also very hard headed, even though they are playful at times.

If you want your French bulldog to be healthy, then you must find ways to make your pet exercise. To ensure that they will be accustomed to these activities, then you have to start your exercise regimen while your French bulldog is still a pup. Remember though, French bulldogs should only get moderate exercise as they tend to overheat their body temperature, which can led to different health problems and even death.

When walking your dog, avoid running or going through a fast pace, their body structure can’t take it. Aside from overheating, your French bulldog may suffer from labored breathing. Also, avoid taking your dog for a walk or play with it outside your home when the weather is very humid and hot. As much as possible, exercise your dog at nighttime when it’s cooler. This way you can avoid the complications.

Entice your dogs with treats. Make sure that you carry with you some rewards so that your French bulldog puppy will associate exercising with getting a reward, so this means that your pet would like to do exercises when you ask it to.

Make sure that your exercise regimen is fun! Dogs like humans would eagerly do activities that make them happy, not stressful. Think of ways to make your exercise more fun, like creating some obstacles for your dog to run through.

Make sure that you do your exercises before meal time, when French bulldogs are full, they tend to become drowsy and lazy, preferring to just lay around.

And like humans one again, good physical health is not just about exercise, but with proper nutrition and health as well. Prepare a well balanced diet for your dog and schedule exercises with frequent rest times in between. And a final note, it can’t be stressed enough that French bulldogs only need moderate exercise, so please don’t overdo it.