Everything you need to know to raise a healthy, happy French Bulldog
Congratulations on welcoming a French Bulldog puppy into your family! This comprehensive care guide will help you provide the best possible care for your new companion. From nutrition and training to grooming and health, we'll cover everything you need to know.
Proper nutrition is essential for your French Bulldog puppy's growth and development. Here's what you need to know about feeding your puppy:
Select a high-quality puppy food specifically formulated for small to medium breeds. Look for foods with:
8-12 weeks: Feed 3-4 small meals per day
3-6 months: Feed 3 meals per day
6-12 months: Feed 2 meals per day
12+ months: Feed 2 meals per day (adult food)
Follow the feeding guidelines on your puppy food package, adjusting based on your puppy's activity level and body condition. Avoid overfeeding, as French Bulldogs can be prone to obesity.
Always provide fresh, clean water. Change the water at least twice daily and clean the bowl regularly.
French Bulldogs are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train with the right approach.
Start house training immediately. Take your puppy outside:
Praise and reward immediately when your puppy eliminates outside. Be patient and consistent.
Start with essential commands like sit, stay, come, and down. Use positive reinforcement with treats and praise. Keep training sessions short (5-10 minutes) and fun.
Expose your puppy to various people, animals, sounds, and environments during the critical socialization period (8-16 weeks). This helps develop a confident, well-adjusted adult dog.
A crate provides a safe space for your puppy and aids in house training. Make it comfortable with bedding and toys. Never use the crate as punishment.
French Bulldogs have relatively low grooming needs, but regular care is important for their health and comfort.
Brush your French Bulldog 2-3 times per week with a soft-bristle brush or grooming mitt. This removes loose hair and distributes natural oils. Bathe only when necessary (every 4-6 weeks) using a gentle dog shampoo.
Clean the facial folds daily with a damp cloth to prevent moisture buildup and infection. Dry thoroughly after cleaning.
Trim nails every 2-3 weeks or as needed. If you hear clicking on the floor, nails are too long.
Check ears weekly and clean as needed with a veterinarian-approved ear cleaner. French Bulldogs' bat ears can collect debris.
Brush teeth 2-3 times per week with dog toothpaste. Start early to get your puppy accustomed to the routine.
French Bulldogs have moderate exercise needs and should not be over-exercised, especially in hot weather.
Provide 30-45 minutes of exercise daily, split into shorter sessions. This can include:
French Bulldogs are brachycephalic (flat-faced) and can have breathing difficulties. Avoid exercise in hot or humid weather, and always watch for signs of overheating like excessive panting or difficulty breathing.
Provide puzzle toys, training sessions, and interactive games to keep your French Bulldog mentally engaged.
Understanding French Bulldog health needs helps you provide the best care and catch potential issues early.
Schedule regular checkups with your veterinarian. Puppies need several visits for vaccinations and health checks during their first year.
Follow your veterinarian's recommended vaccination schedule to protect against common diseases.
Use veterinarian-recommended flea, tick, and heartworm prevention year-round.
French Bulldogs can be prone to certain health issues. Be aware of:
Our puppies come from health-tested parents and include a comprehensive health guarantee.
Contact your veterinarian if you notice: