Dog Badge

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.

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.