Owning a French Bulldog – Temperament, Breathing Issues & Grooming

French Bulldogs are typically short-haired dogs. However, fluffy or long-haired French Bulldogs occur rarely when two dogs carrying a recessive gene are bred. Since most French Bulldog health problems could be reduced by expanding the gene pool and breeding from the healthiest dogs, breeding for a long coat could be considered unethical.

Although they're not the worst breed for shedding, French Bulldogs do shed a moderate amount of hair. They require regular grooming (around once a week) to remove dead hair and keep their skin and coat healthy.

When humans have allergies or sensitivities to pets, it may be the hair itself or the dander (dead skin cells) that causes the symptoms. Therefore, although Frenchies don't shed as much hair as some other breeds, they are not considered hypoallergenic and are not likely to be suitable pets for allergy sufferers.

Hip dysplasia in dogs is a condition where the ball and socket that form the hip bone don't fit together well and can be a common occurrence with French Bulldogs. Often, the socket isn't deep enough, and the head of the femur bone (the ball part of the joint) moves around, dislocating easily and causing friction and damage to the cartilage. This instability causes pain and weakness that is worst 6 to 18 months old until the surrounding muscles and scar tissue can support the joint. However, dogs with hip dysplasia that is left untreated will also develop arthritis at a younger age.

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is a health condition affecting dogs with flat faces, including the French Bulldog, Pug, and British Bulldog. These dogs often have trouble breathing, as they have narrow airways and a large amount of soft tissue at the back of the throat, obstructing the airflow. Dogs with BOAS struggle in warmer weather and during exercise.

BOAS symptoms can often be improved surgically, by widening the nostrils and trimming the soft palate and other soft tissue around the airways.

French Bulldogs frequently suffer from skin allergies (atopic dermatitis) and other dermatological problems due to their sensitive skin and facial folds. Allergies may be triggered by environmental factors, food, or fleas. Symptoms include itching, redness, hair loss, and skin infections. The skin folds around the face and tail can trap moisture and debris, creating an environment for bacterial and yeast infections. Regular cleaning of the folds and identifying allergy triggers are essential for managing these issues.

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a spinal condition where the discs between the vertebrae bulge or rupture. This can compress the spinal cord, leading to pain, nerve damage, and in severe cases, paralysis. Symptoms include back pain, reluctance to move, weakness in the limbs, and loss of coordination. Treatment can range from rest and medication in mild cases to surgery in more advanced or critical situations.

A luxating patella is quite common in small breed dog, including Frenchies, and sometimes causes no problems. It occurs when the patella is loose and can slide side to side, instead of moving only up and down the leg when the knee is bent and extended. When it moves to the side (luxating) it can get stuck, causing pain and restricting movement. However, many dogs show relatively few signs and only skip or hop occasionally.

Part of keeping your French Bulldog as healthy as possible is ensuring they have good nutrition. That doesn’t just mean the right nutrients, but also the right amount. After all, too much fat or too many calories can lead to weight gain, which can cause mobility and breathing problems. If you’re not sure how much to feed your French Bulldog, check out our blog:  How much should I feed my dog?

Puppies

If you're looking for dog food for Frenchie puppies, you’ll want to choose one that contains good quality protein, to help them grow, as well as provide plenty of energy to fuel their playtime. Our puppy food options contain fresh wholefoods, so the nutrients aren’t destroyed during preparation. They’re also tailored to breed nutritional requirements, as well as life stage, with ingredients like marine collagen, glutamine, rosehip and pumpkin.

Adults

French Bulldog food should be nutritionally complete and balanced, containing the vitamins and minerals your dog needs to be healthy. Our adult French Bulldog meals allow you to make sure you’re feeding your dog exactly what their breed needs, including the following supplements:

• Marine Collagen - Collagen is a protein and one of the building blocks of your dog’s entire body. Therefore, it’s essential for growth and repair and helps keep your dog’s joints, skin, and coat healthy.

• Glutamine Powder - Glutamine is an amino acid and is required for healthy muscles and digestion and a strong immune system.

• Rosehip Powder - Rosehip is a natural antioxidant that can help reduce inflammation and improve joint health and mobility.

• Pumpkin Powder - Pumpkins are high in fibre, meaning they’re great for gut health and preventing constipation. They’re also full of vitamins and minerals and can help to keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy.