When the bull-baiting experts, English Bulldogs, crossed the borders and reached France, the breeders there thought of making a compact and a little more charming version of them. And just before they were about to announce the birth of a new breed, someone decided to add another peculiar feature to them that has today become a trademark – the bat ears. And this is how the French Bulldog was born.
They are playful, energetic, easygoing and affectionate. They are comparatively low-maintenance dogs as they don’t require much exercise and grooming. Just like their English counterparts, they have a flat face. This means they have a smushed nose that does not allow heavy exercise anyway.
About their grooming, they have a single-layered short, smooth, fine, and silky coat. This coat comes in brindle, fawn, cream, white, lilac, blue, and merle colors. Single-layered coats usually shed less than double-layered ones. That doesn’t mean that these dogs don’t shed. They shed lightly throughout the year. But luckily, your vacuum cleaner won’t be over-clogged with fur all the time. (2)
They will have two shedding seasons as well in a year – usually spring and fall, when they tend to shed a little more than normal. This is nature’s way of helping them cool down.
Are French Bulldogs High Maintenance?
French Bulldogs are not usually considered high maintenance. You won’t have to spend a lot on their grooming or diet. While they need some exercise daily, spending about half an hour with them in the park should be enough. For their diet, all you need is some good quality vet-recommended pet diet, just like for any other dog, and they’ll be fine.
There’s one thing that can cost you both time and money in the case of French Bulldogs – their health. The smushed noses come with some challenges of their own. Some medical conditions are commonly seen in French Bulldogs. These include – (1)
Brachycephaly – This is the deformation of the upper airway tract because of the shortened snout. It results in obstruction of breathing.
Hip dysplasia – This happens due to an abnormal formation of the hip socket that can lead to lameness and arthritis.
Patellar Luxation – This is when the kneecap or patella dislocates or moves from the original place.
Skin Fold Dermatitis – This is a skin condition (of course) that comes in the form of an inflammatory rash when the skin folds. When you look at a Bulldog, you’ll know why this is common in them.
Apart from these, they are also prone to other issues that all other dogs have, like allergies, infections, etc. Some of these conditions may be minor, but some can be very severe. The cost of treatment can easily make a big dent in your savings. We have a solution to save most of these costs. Keep reading.
Read More: How Much Does a French Bulldog Cost?
Are French Bulldogs Hypoallergenic?
Even though French Bulldogs are light shedders, they are not considered to be hypoallergenic. So, in case you have an allergy issue with pet dander, these dogs may not be the best option for you.
Are French Bulldogs Good House Dogs?
French Bulldogs were bred to be house dogs. They are gentle, affectionate, and calm. They are even adaptable to various living conditions. They can do well with families with and without children. The fact that they have low exercise needs helps families that are not that active to maintain them easily.
Looks like too good to be true? Well, all of that is true, but there are some cons too. They tend to develop separation anxiety if kept alone for a long time. Bulldogs also tend to be stubborn at times. But these given all the pros, these are small issues to deal with. And who would want to stay away from such an adorable pup for a long time anyway?
Read More: 4 Common French Bulldog Issues
More About Spot Pet Insurance
About the solution that we mentioned that can help you save most of the costs related to treating French Bulldogs – it’s us. Yes, we can help you save up to 90% of the costs associated with treatment of health conditions. Some conditions may even require treatments like alternate therapies, prescription diets, surgery, etc. Our plans cover all of these expenses.
Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home, or traveling to the U.S., veterinary services your pet receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions can be eligible for reimbursement. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions including broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. With the addition of Wellness Riders for an extra cost, you can also receive reimbursements for wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more.
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Audrey Halfen: Beta fish whisperer - whopping 9 months and counting! Once had a dog named Max, who I assertively claim is the cutest dog ever. Ready to throw down in a cute-off, if necessary.
With 10 years of experience as a pet parent, I aim to empower pet owners with insights into pet insurance and maintaining their pet's well-being. I aspire to be a trusted source, combining knowledge with a commitment to the welfare of our beloved pets.
Wikipedia contributors. (2024, December 1). Bulldog. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulldog
Boswell, E. (2024, October 21). French Bulldog. DogTime. https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/french-bulldog
