Dog Badge

December 11th, 2010 by admin

What do we look for in a partner? When asked, there are many characteristics that we would often throw out, like, loyal, playful, affectionate, trustworthy, funny, thirsty for knowledge, and looks out for your welfare, just to name a few. It may be hard to find someone that possesses all these qualities, but it’s not impossible, not with the French bulldog anyway.

French bulldogs can be perfectly described with all these adjectives, and then some. They may not be a candidate as a partner, but they are certainly perfect companions. But the thing about dogs is that they don’t have a long lifespan, with French bulldogs, its bout 10 to 14 years. So if you want to enjoy their company, you have to make sure that you will be able to take care of them fully.

Here are some examples that you should keep in mind to ensure that your French bulldog would always be healthy and live a long and loving relationship with you.

If you don’t plan on breeding your French bulldog, make sure that you get it spayed or neutered. When you neuter your male French bulldog, you decrease the chances of testicular cancer from happening, and curb aggression. For your female French bulldog, you dramatically decrease the chances of uterine infections and breast cancer.

Make it a habit to keep a regular visitation schedule with your French bulldogs vet. Regular medical checkups will prevent any health conditions to proper and nip it in the bud before it becomes too damaging and untreatable. Also, it would be best if you learn how to give your French bulldog a home exam of their eyes, ears, skin, nose, gums and teeth.

Make sure that the gums and teeth of your French bulldog are kept clean. Aside from making it a habit to regularly clean them with a special toothbrush and toothpaste, you can also get professional help for deep cleaning of the tooth and gums.

Keep your French bulldog on a healthy and well balanced diet. An overweight French bulldog can develop different health conditions like the swelling of the abdomen and labored breathing. Raw diets are recommended for French bulldogs, you can also give them natural dog food which contains real meat and vegetables. Avoid processed food as much as possible.

Develop a moderate exercise regimen for your French bulldog. Make sure that you don’t stress your pet too much s their body structure do not allow it. Allow ample rest time so that they don’t overstress their body.

Keep your French bulldog clean. Brush its coat regularly to remove dirt and grime, and also dead hair. Using a wet cloth, wash the mouth and the folds of the face of your French bulldog. This is necessary as French bulldogs are known to drool quite often. Clip the nails from time to time, just keep it on a comfortable length. Also, using a cotton ball and some baby oil, or an ear cleaning solution, make sure that the ears of your French bulldog is devoid of dirt, this will help prevent any infection.

November 26th, 2010 by admin

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.

November 11th, 2010 by admin

Compact, bat-eared, snub-nosed and has a muscular body, the Frenchy or the French bulldog is one of the top most choice for many families as the perfect pet for them. They can be very extremely playful and are also great watchdogs. But, do you also know that they are also revered for their shiny coats? As a matter of fact, French bulldogs come in a variety of colors, some of which are strictly prescribed by different kennel clubs and included in their stringent standards for show dogs.

In this article, we will discuss the different guidelines that the American Kennel Club has set forth as the standard for French bulldogs that are allowed to compete as show dogs. If your French Bulldog doesn’t meet the standards this doesn’t mean that they are of lower standards, they are still considered as purebreds, they just can’t compete in show dog competitions. They are also still able to show the many characteristics that makes the French bulldog a lovable companion.

Although there are different clubs and organizations all over, most of them would agree on the most common standards that are required for the coat of a French Bulldog. These most common coat color standards include brindle and white, and color combinations of all-brindle. Plus, the colors white, fawn, and colors that are not considered disqualified by the rules set by a particular competition.

Most colors of French bulldog coats that clubs, organizations, and competitions disqualify include a coat that are solid black, without any white or brindle marks, black and tan, mouse or liver color, black with white markings or vice versa. If your French bulldog’s cot has these color combination, it can still be a good house pet, but they can’t compete in contests.

Aside from the color of the coat, many competitions also set standards for the color of the nose and the eyes of the French bulldog. Commonly, a show French Bulldog should have dark colored eyes, when the canine is looking forward, there should not be any white color in the eyes. But, if the dog is light colored, the eyes and nose are accepted if they have a lighter shade. But, a black nose is commonly preferred more by judges, especially the strict ones. Consulting breeders from your area will help you get the blue ribbon all the time.

So if you are planning to buy a French bulldog, you must determine whether you plan to enter them in any contests or just keep them as household pets. The former would cost more though. But remember, it’s not the color of their cots, eyes, or nose. French bulldogs are popular because they are very loyal, are good companions, playful to the kids, and generally pleasant.

Their coats would not change that. Check with your local breeder about the available Frenchies in your area. And it is also important to remember that French bulldogs need so much attention, so be prepared before owning one.

October 27th, 2010 by admin

Most French bulldog owners could probably give you dozens of reasons why French Bulldogs are considered one of the best dog breeds to have as pets. With their small and stocky and deceptively heavy diminutive bodies, and their great intelligence, the French bulldogs, first known as Boule-Dog Francais, are great companions and watchdogs. But, their temperament may also vary, this is why like any other breeds, the French bulldog should also be well-trained.

When training a dog, it is first best to get to know their behavior and characteristics. While they are a highly intelligent breed, they also have a short attention span. So be sure to have lots of patience. The French bulldog is also known for having the need to constantly command human attention. Sometimes they can also be very playfully aggressive, if this is the case, you should first discipline and train your dog before they are allowed to play with very small children.

First off, you should know that French bulldogs are generally playful; it’s not uncommon for them to be commanding your time and attention. They can be very aggressive when they need you to play with them and your not giving them the attention they need. Some though can be sweet when they do so, and some can do tricks to get you to notice them. Your training should be based highly on what their traits are, then you will be able to concentrate on which to develop. This way, you will be able to maximize your training time, and all your efforts will not be futile.

A laser targeted training will be able to let you hve an enjoyable time training your dog, you won’t only get a well trained and disciplined canine companion, but also be able to spend quality bonding time with him or her.

Always keep in mind that French bulldog are very independent thinkers, and they can become very stubborn if the training exercises seem pointless to them. Don’t be too gentle on them and show some assertiveness, but don’t shout at them excessively nor hurt them. In case of any unwanted behavior, be firm. Be the alpha dog and show your leadership over them. Use a strong and firm voice, don’t scream or yell when you get frustrated, this will be too confusing for the dog.

Be consistent with your commands, choose only one command in declaring your praise or your discontent, also, be sure to carry some treats with you when doing the exercises to reward them, this will act as the affirmation to their good work.

Make sure that the training exercise is only limited to a short period of time. This is not only because their attention span is short, but because mostly of the fact that French bulldogs cannot dispel body heat efficiently and may cause overheating.

And lastly be very patient. Although French bulldogs are very smart and intelligent, they are still dogs. It will take several training sessions before they can fully get the grasp of what you are teaching them.

October 12th, 2010 by admin

There is nothing quite like having a dog at your home. But sometimes, a dog can be a bit of a nuisance too. So if you’re not ready to have a dog just yet, then put your plans off owning one off first. Some people would rather not have a dog just yet even though they are ready for it because they don’t have enough space to spare, but with French bulldogs, with their small stature, even a small home or condo would be sufficient for them.

But aside from providing them with enough space, another consideration and responsibility of owning a dog is providing them with ample nutrients through the food they eat. Like babies, homegrown dogs need to be provided with their food, they tend to lose their hunting instincts and needs to be taken care of. So if you want a healthy dog that would be able to live a long and quality filled life, make sure that you will be able to provide it with top quality food. And remember, quality food doesn’t always mean its expensive, you can be able to provide good food for your French bulldog without having to break your piggy bank.

For French bulldog puppies, it is always best to provide them with dry dog food. They don’t only dispel the nutrients better, but they are also good for the developing teeth of your puppy. And like humans, French bulldog puppies can be picky at times, so it’s also a matter of trial and error which would be able to help you find which dog food your frenchie will actually eat. No matter how nutritious the dog food is, if your dog won’t eat it, then it’s useless.

When you are picking out dog food, read first the labels, there should not be excessive fillers. The ingredients should always contain protein as French bulldogs have muscular bodies that need protein to maintain its healthy body. If you’re able to, try to mix in your dog’s diet some homemade food, this will ensure that there are no chemicals are included in their dinner. A raw diet containing vegetables would also be good for them. This will help prevent the many different health conditions that plague this particular breed.

If you can afford it, try to get the premium brands of dog food. There are less fillers in them, but, if you want to save some money, find dog food that you can afford and compare their labels. See if there is not much of a difference. And when transferring one dog food to another, make sure that you do it gradually. Try to mix in the new with the old bit by bit. This will help your dog to get accustomed to the new taste.

You can try to ask your breeder as well to help you out mixing homemade dog food. They have the proper knowledge in mixing dog food as this is more cost effective than purchasing canned dog food, and healthier too.

September 27th, 2010 by admin

Awesome, that’s just one word to describe the French bulldog. It’s no wonder why so many people today are buying French bulldogs and making them their pets. Here are more adjectives to describe the French bulldog, they are very loyal, intelligent, playful, and has a personality that will be able to match with any person. The price you pay for such a creature comes back a thousand fold when you discover that it’s such a good companion.

But, that companionship may not last a long time if you discover that the French bulldog pup that you just bought has health concerns. It’s not only the money, but also the emotional investment that you have given. As a matter of fact, a French bulldog is a breed that has the potential to suffer from many different health issues, some of them are even considered serious. Knowing this now, it’s imperative that any person, or families, that is considering buying a French bulldog should know about these health concerns and learn how to properly buy a French bulldog that is healthy so as not to waste not only their time, but also their financial and emotional investment.

The first thing that you should do, like in any kind of purchase, is to do your research. Learn more about the different health concerns that can plague the French bulldog breed. This way, you will be able to ask significant questions to the breeders. You can make sure that the health concerns are not present in the puppy or in their lineage. Always be prepared, French bulldogs don’t come cheap, and because they are so lovable, you my just buy one without asking about any health concerns. In the long run, you will incur more expenses for their vet bills. Plus, if they die young, you may just get a broken heart.

Go only to reputable breeders who do health tests on their French bulldog puppies. Well, every good breeder should do so. Reputable breeder should know that any breed, and any creature, has health problems. It is imperative that they should do health tests to ensure that their kennel would have a good track record. Don’t get easily impressed by their awards, it may just be a cover up, they may only show you their good breeds, but eventually, somewhere along the line, a puppy may develop health issues. And it may be your bad luck to pick that dog.

Make sure that the breeder provides you with a written guarantee or warranty. This warranty should assure you that the French bulldog you just bought is healthy and upon a certain period of time will refund you or replace your dog with another dog of your choice if any health issues arise.

Admittedly, there is no one hundred percent assurance that you will get a French bulldog that wont get any health problems. But at least, you have made the steps to ensure that the chances are slim that they will develop major health concerns.

September 12th, 2010 by admin

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.

August 28th, 2010 by admin

There is nothing wrong with mixed breed dogs, they can be as loyal and a great companion as any other dogs. But if you’re out in the market for something that you can be sure about in terms of temperament, health concerns, and the precise look of the dog when it grows up, then you should definitely go for purebred. And if you also would like to join dog shows, then you should know that only purebreds are allowed to join. And if you’re like the thousands of Americans today, then you would most likely would want to have a French bulldog as your pet.

Purebred French Bulldogs can be quite expensive. So if you’re going to spend a lot of money to have a great looking, loyal, and playful dog, then you have to be sure that it comes from a good breeder. A reputable breeder will be able to provide you a French bulldog that is very beautiful, but a dog that you know will be able to give you the true experience of owning a French bulldog. But first things first, how do you know if a breeder is trustworthy?

Many breeders have become such because they love their dogs. It is a source of income for many of them but mostly, it’s all about their love for that particular breed or several breeds. So, you need to see or discover for yourself whether a breeder is in it just for the money, meaning he skimps on whatever he can to make a profit, or is in the breeding game for the love of dogs. Here are some ways to help you learn this.

Be doubtful of breeders that advertise their puppies. Advertising cost money, so they are probably skimping on other costs, like maybe important health tests. And when the ads declare that their puppies are from champion lines or are sired from dog show champion parents without showing which pedigree it is, then be wary about that breeder. Do not be persuaded either by ads of breeders that boast of certification from the American Kennel Club.

And if you’re in the market for a pure bred French bulldog because you may want to enter it into a competition, then don’t go to a breeder that sells puppies with a rare color. Although it may be enticing to have a unique French bulldog, rarely are they qualified for competitions. Also, extreme sizes, either too small or bigger than normal, should not be bred, they can throw off the balance of the purebred line.

Reputable breeders share all information about their dogs, they even show it in their website. All photos and pedigrees are posted and all health concerns are shown as well. In fact, reputable breeders oftentimes enter competitions to show their dogs. This means that the dogs are very well cared for and they have great concern in maintaining the integrity of the breed.

And finally, but definitely not the last aspect in defining a reputable breeder, a breeder should always have tests for the health of their litter. They should let you know of the line has any recurring health concerns and should provide a guarantee or warranty that your French bulldog is healthy.

August 13th, 2010 by admin

Owning a pet dog has more highs than lows. Millions of American homes know this and more are buying or adopting dogs nowadays. In fact, many of the dogs that are getting new homes presently are French bulldogs. It’s easy to see why, although some would find its face a bit odd, it’s still very lovable to a good number of people. But, owning a dog can also become a stress, especially if you’re not ready yet to own a dog, or, if your dog has fleas.

Dog fleas are the eternal bane to being a dog owner. Sadly though, it’s virtually impossible to avoid this problem. But, that doesn’t mean that you should just give up and surrender to this fact. If you take the proper precautions, then the chances of your dog getting fleas can be slimmed down dramatically.

The first thing that you should consider is to nip this problem in the bud. Don’t wait until the problem has full blown. Besides making it easier for you to address the problem, it will also spare your French bulldog from having to cope with the many complications and discomfort that fleas may provide.

Here are some of the steps that you can undergo not only to help rid your French bulldog of fleas, but to also prevent it from coming back.

First, there is no better choice than to check with your veterinarian. This may sound too obvious, but for French bulldogs, it is the perfect decision. Why? Because French bulldogs have many allergies and are more susceptible to health conditions than other dogs. While there are many home remedies that are indeed effective, checking with your vet first will help eliminate the chances of further compounding the problem.

Depending on the severity of the flea infestation, your vet will recommended or prescribe ointments, sprays, or any other flea products and give the instructions on their application. Just make sure to follow the directions to the T. You will soon notice that the fleas will be gone.

As soon as the flea problem is being addressed you should now look towards your house or any other places that your dog frequents in your property. Its a sure thing that when your French bulldog had fleas, it would also leave some of them in the places he frequents, like your furniture. The fact alone that you use your furniture and it has fleas in it will surely make you want to get rid of them fast. Failure to do so would lead to re-infestation of your dog by the fleas. Vacuum your house well, yes it cn be a large effort especially if you have a large home, but this is well worth the effort.

If your flea problem was severe, then there is a good chance that there may be eggs or larvae of the flea in your home. So don’t spare any change, if you can afford to get professionals to clean your home, do so. Be diligent, that is the key to this situation. If your dog frequents your closets, then maybe you should consider taking your clothes to the cleaners, or washing them with hot water.

Being a French bulldog owner, it is your responsibility to take care of your dog. It may sound a bit tedious, but it’s all worth it, especially with a dog like the French bulldog.

July 29th, 2010 by admin

Dogs bark for many different reasons. Some of these reasons are good while some can just be downright annoying. So if you have had many countless sleepless nights, constant visit from the cops because of complaints from your neighbors or if you have simply had enough of all the barking making your home stressful instead of a relaxing solitude, then it’s high time that you do something that will make the excessive barking stop. And although the French Bulldog is generally known to be a quiet breed that barks only when needed, there will be times that they too will bark excessively.

French bulldogs are known to be great companions; they are very loyal but can be impatient. They will bark only when they demand attention from you, or when they play or if there are intruders in the house. But even then, they won’t really bark excessively, by that I mean that when you have given in to what they want, they will stop barking already. Some French bulldogs will go on to bark though, when this happens, you will surely become, disappointed, frustrated, annoyed, embarrassed, and this will cause an emotional strain and put a dent on your relationship.

The first step in stopping your French bulldog from excessively barking is to fully understand the cause as to why it is doing so. By determining the root cause, you can develop a training that will laser target the root cause of the problem. Remember though, if the dog is barking because it’s hungry, or there is an intruder in the house, don’t reprimand your dog, this will take away their natural instincts of being a good watchdog and companion. A dog should only bark because of the situation they are in, if the situation has changed they should stop. If not, then you have a dilemma, either the situation hasn’t been fully resolved, or they have a psychological or emotional problem, or a physical discomfort.

For the latter, a visit to a veterinarian will solve the problem. For the first problems, you need to have a good training program not only to instill in your French bulldog the proper traits, but also to create a solid emotional bond between you and your pet. There are numerous techniques one can use to stop excessive barking in French bulldogs. Some will choose to use the reward system where they provide a treat after the dog follows their command; this reinforces the notion that they have done good. Just make sure to use a firm voice and never shout at them. Be sure to also have lots of patience. It takes time to train a dog. Also, remember not to hit your dog.

Some though would use electronic gadgets to help stop excessive barking, like a laser pointer or a collar specifically designed to stop excessive barking. This though would not help in creating a bond between you and your French bulldog.