Dogs are our best friends. This is confirmed by many years of human experience, when people with four-legged companions went on hikes, took them with them to hunt, and taught them how to catch animals. Dogs are second people, they can treat us, listen, understand human speech and even assent, agree on everything. The dog can tell any secret and be firmly convinced that the secret will not be known to anyone. Four-legged friends rescued people from traps and troubles. And a person pays them for this with the most valuable that he has - with his own love.
In this article we will talk about a dog breed such as French Bulldog. Find out what his character traits, body structure, how to care for a pet. Does he really have such a friendly disposition, as it seems to us?
The history of the breed
The most reliable information about how this breed of dogs appeared is unknown to mankind. However, there are two versions of how these wonderful animals saw the light.
The first tells us that the French bulldog descended from its ancestor - the small Old English bulldog. Relatives of the latter are the Athenian Molos dogs. As this version of the appearance of the French bulldogs says, the Molossoid dogs were brought to France by migrant workers during the industrial revolution. There they took root and gave offspring, from which wonderful dogs appeared - the heroes of this article.
But the second version tells us that the progenitors of modern French bulldogs are not Old English bulldogs at all, but Spanish ones. In another way they are also called medieval Alans. To date, representatives of this breed are no longer in the world, but the story goes that dogs were used to take part in bullfights. It is not surprising why their descendants of the French Bulldogs have such a formidable and serious look.
French Bulldog: breed description
The hero of this article is a dog of not too large size, but this shortcoming more than compensates for a strong, built physique, the muscles of the dog are well developed, they can easily be seen with the naked eye. The coat of bulldogs is short, smooth and thick. Adult dogs weigh differently: males from 9 to 14, and females from 8 to 13 kilograms. This is a necessary standard for a French bulldog.
This is a typical small sized fighting dog. Possessing a powerful, tightly knocked down body, these dogs are stocky and naturally have a short tail. But with their formidable appearance, these dogs are cheerful and cheerful, intelligent, understand the kind and affectionate attitude. With proper upbringing, they love their owners very much and are devoted to them. You can safely call them a companion dog, they are happy to walk with you or your children in the fresh air. These animals are kind to the guests in the house, but if the people who come in do not seem too friendly, wait for the reaction. This dog has a strong character and in case of unexpected danger is always ready to rush to the rescue of any member of his family.
Also, the "French" may be unfriendly towards other dogs and cats. But here it all depends on the upbringing and temperament of the dog.
Features of the French Bulldogs
"French" are distinguished by a massive and wide head, covered with many wrinkles. The wrinkles on the forehead of these dogs are very pronounced. The muzzle of the French bulldogs (boys and girls) is short, the nose is small and forked. The upper lip is also bifurcated, the ears are erect, with a wide base and rounded ends. In dogs, the superciliary arches protrude very strongly, which are separated from each other by a wide groove between the eyes. But at the same time, it has no continuation on the forehead, unlike their close relatives - the English bulldogs.
These dogs can be of very different colors. Particularly popular animals in the colors of "tiger French bulldog." This color represents the presence of red hairs on a black background or vice versa. A mask can be “drawn” on the face, and marks on the throat or chest of the animal may also be present.
There is another, no less popular, but rarer species: a white French bulldog. Finding a pet of pure white color will be a daunting task. It is much easier to find a white dog with spots of red or black.
We discussed the features of the breed of this dog, now we need to find out what kind of care for the French bulldog is required.
Features of caring for a dog of this breed
Before deciding to get yourself such a dog, you should remember that this breed requires special attention and more careful care. This is due to the fact that bulldogs have narrower nostrils than other dogs, as well as blocked nasal passages and pharynx. Therefore, French bulldogs often develop brachycephalic syndrome. A caring and loving owner should do everything possible to prevent this. To prevent the disease, do the following:
- French bulldog should be fed at least twice a day.
- Take a walk in the fresh air, letting the dog lower all the accumulated energy.
- Inspect eyes, ears, teeth for foreign bodies and inflammation.
- Wash front and hind legs.
This is a necessary minimum of care for the French bulldog. Now we will figure out what needs to be done so that the pet feels as comfortable and favorable as possible.
Dog Hair Care
French bulldogs are short-haired animals, therefore care for the hairline of the dog is minimal. But according to the reviews of the owners of these dogs, bulldogs molt strongly, so during such periods do not forget to carefully comb the dog. This must be done not only during molting periods, but also constantly, with mandatory subsequent bathing. To “French” was not uncomfortable during combing, you can buy a special mittens for bathing dogs. With its help, you easily and quickly redeem your pet, without causing undue inconvenience to yourself and him.
Also take care of choosing good clothes for the French bulldog so that the animal is comfortable in it. This will prevent the quick wiping of the wool and, as a consequence, the deterioration of its quality.
Muzzle wrinkle care
The folds of a dog of this breed are perhaps the most tender place in the whole body. Daily care for a French bulldog in 2 months, six months, a year and beyond requires careful processing of all the folds on the body of your pet. Be sure to every day with a soft sponge dipped in warm water, carefully and thoroughly rinse them, wipe the dog's face. If you do not do this, then pathogenic bacteria may appear in the folds, diaper rash will appear, the skin will be irritated and begin to inflame.
If the infection nevertheless penetrated the dog’s skin, then simple wiping will no longer help. Children's creams will come to the rescue. With a delicate structure, but at the same time quite dense and oily consistency, they perfectly cool the inflamed skin and relieve pain. You can also try to rinse the stubborn creases with Chlorhexidine, which you can buy at the pharmacy. But when using it, be careful and careful: if the medicine gets on the mucous membranes of the nose or eyes, a burn may occur.
Also try to approach the choice of clothing for the French bulldog with great attention. Improperly selected, tight clothes can constrain the pet in movements, put pressure on its body and injure delicate folds.
Dog Ear Care
When keeping a French bulldog, it is worth remembering that another weak spot in him is ears. A peculiar form, they are very quickly and often contaminated, so they will have to be washed and cleaned every day. You need to purchase a special lotion for dogs that does not contain alcohol, and clean your pet’s ears with it. To do this better, take a cotton swab, dip in a tool and wipe the ears, until you are sure that there is no more dirt left there.
If your pet begins to hear worse, then it is possible that too much sulfur has accumulated in the ear canal. In this case, fill the lotion directly into the ear opening. The tool will quickly dissolve all unnecessary substances in the dog’s ear, and the ability to hear normally will return to it.
A daily French bulldog care routine includes checking your ears for parasites such as ticks. If you suspect an uninvited guest in your pet’s auricle, then, without wasting time, contact your veterinarian.
Dental care
French bulldog needs to brush his teeth twice a month. This is necessary to prevent caries and tartar, which in an advanced stage can greatly complicate the dog’s life. Regular brushing of the teeth will make the animal’s breath fresh and pleasant.
For toothbrushing, you need to purchase a special toothbrush for animals, sold at the pet store. You can also buy toothpaste for dogs there. Do not worry that her taste may not be to the liking of the pet. Now there are a lot of varieties of pastes for animals, even meat-flavored products are found! Your bulldog cannot ignore such a valuable find.
If you were unable to get a specialized toothbrush, then use the usual one. But pay attention to the bristles: they must be soft so as not to injure the dog’s delicate gums.
Regularly check the oral cavity of the animal. If you notice plaque on your teeth, bleeding gums, or other suspicious symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately. Remember that the disease is easier to prevent than to cure.
Bathing
It is important to know that you don’t need to bathe very young puppies. Why? At this age, their immunity is still not sufficiently strengthened. A special protective layer on the coat and skin of the animal rescues them from various diseases and viral diseases. When bathing a puppy there is a big risk to wash off this layer, and then the dog will begin to get sick much more often.
Adult French bulldogs need to bathe as they become dirty. Bath procedures should take place no more than once every three months. Before you wash your dog, you should buy shampoo for puppies or dogs at a veterinary pharmacy or specialty store.
Remember that the use of laundry soap is strictly prohibited, as it injures the delicate skin of the dog and can cause it to be allergic to the components in the detergent. Make sure that the composition of the shampoo or soap is as natural as possible.
Claw care
When caring for a French bulldog, special attention is not required to claws. It is only necessary to purchase a special nail clipper for dogs and, as the nails grow, carefully trim them. Try not to damage the vessel in the claw, which is sometimes very visible. If you notice it, then cut it to the level where it starts. If the dog’s claw is dark and the vessel is not visible, then try to cut it gently, with small movements.
If you are in doubt that you will be able to gently and safely trim your dog's claws, contact your veterinarian. He quickly and without pain for your pet will perform all the necessary procedures.
Grooming
Typically, French bulldogs need grooming services only when they are preparing for an exhibition or some kind of competition. First you need to make your pet look as neat and tidy as possible. To do this, comb the dog, make sure that the coat is smooth, without tangles and tangles. Make sure that the hairs are at the same level, do not let them get out of the general row.
Then it is worth trimming the animal in those places where the hair has grown too much. Usually such places are on the ears, between the fingers, on the elbows, etc. Please note that caring for a French bulldog involves a neat and delicate haircut, try to carry out this procedure in a relaxed atmosphere.
Site Equipment
Before you get such a dog, it is worthwhile to properly equip and think over the place where she will sleep. The main thing to remember: you can not lay the dog next to radiators, heaters, fireplaces and other heating appliances. This is fraught with the fact that the dog will get used to high temperatures and subsequently will often catch a cold.
What can be offered to the dog as a sleeping place? This can be a lounger, bought at a pet store, a soft carpet or a box with holes made for breathing in it. At the bottom of the box, you can lay a soft blanket or put a folded baby sheet. And do not forget that the puppy must be trained in its place from the very first day, as he appeared in your house.
That's all. Now you know the basics of caring for a French bulldog. Let your pet never get sick!