What you need to know if you want to get a French Bulldog. Opinion of a Belarusian pet owner

Dogs of the French Bulldog breed are a little formidable on the outside, thanks to the folds and a peculiar groove on the muzzle, but they are kind on the inside. Possessing a multifaceted character, this pet can become a wonderful companion in the life of any person. But at the same time, it can cause some inconvenience. For example, behave aggressively towards other animals. Today we will tell you what other advantages and disadvantages exist in representatives of this breed.

Basic properties

Despite its early duties as a war dog and small rodent hunter, the French Bulldog quickly found its place in the niche of decorative pets. This is understandable: the original appearance and unique character helped this dog win the hearts of many “dog lovers”.

Such a pet can become an excellent friend to a family with children or to single people, because it has a calm and balanced character, although on the street without proper training it can show aggression towards other dogs.

The French bulldog is able to sense the change in the owner’s mood. He loves to be the center of attention, but he can wait until this attention is given to him.

Unfortunately, there are not only advantages in the characteristics of dogs of this breed. Like any animal, the French Bulldog's character is not without its shortcomings. Therefore, if you are thinking about purchasing such a pet, it is better to find out everything about it in advance.

Let's look at the pros and cons that are typical for representatives of this breed.

General Information about the French Bulldog

Initially, the breed was bred for use as a fighting dog and for hunting small rodents. Contrary to everything, the French bulldog belongs to one of the first places in the cohort of numerous pets. The hearts of numerous breeders and simply dog lovers were forever captivated by the original appearance and peculiar disposition of this breed.

Both a large family with children and single people - this dog will try to become a true friend to all of them. A calm and balanced character contributes a lot to this. The bulldog is sometimes aggressive towards other dogs, so it is necessary to train him.

The French bulldog perfectly senses the emotional state of the owner. Despite his love for being the center of attention, he calmly waits for his owner to give him time.

Advantages of a dog

The first advantage of dogs of this breed is the compact size of the animal. Even owners of small apartments can afford to have a small pet. To keep a French bulldog, it will be enough to allocate a small corner.

Representatives of this breed will fit perfectly on their owner’s lap and will happily lie next to them on an armchair. They will be able to adapt to any conditions of detention.

But the small size of a dog does not mean limited abilities. Quite the contrary - the French bulldog will become an excellent guard, barking to report suspicious noises or the arrival of strangers.

And he will make a good defender. The serious expression of the muzzle, the muscular body and the hoarse bark of the pet will be able to scare away anyone who dares to threaten the peace of its owner. He can also prove himself in battle.

If you put some effort into raising and training a dog, then over time it will begin to show aggression only in an emergency. The rest of the time, the French Bulldog will be indifferent to other animals during a walk.

In general, dogs of this breed do not bark over trifles when at home. This is also a great advantage, especially for owners living in an apartment - there will be no unnecessary quarrels with neighbors over another sleepless night due to a noisy pet.

Disadvantages of a dog

The small size and short hair of a dog at a certain point turn into a big disadvantage. After all, representatives of this breed cannot withstand temperatures that are too high or too low. Due to direct sunlight in the hot season, French bulldogs can easily get sunstroke, and the slightest draft can lead to a cold in the animal.

Therefore, the owner will have to dress the pet in warm overalls during the cold season and not go outside during the hot peak of summer. During water procedures, you will have to prepare the bathing area well in advance, and then wrap the dog in a large towel. Rain and snow can be an obstacle to walking without prior preparation.

Because of these problems, it is advisable to avoid swimming in ponds. Not only can a dog catch a cold, but a French bulldog also has a very difficult time swimming due to its large head and powerfully developed muscles.

French bulldogs have peculiar folds on their muzzle, and some representatives of the breed have a tail that fits very tightly to the body. Fungus can grow in these places, so you will have to periodically examine the dog to prevent inflammation or the formation of ulcers, and also wipe problem areas with at least a damp cloth.

Many owners will have to face problems when cleaning their pet's ears. This is a must, as French Bulldogs have rather large and open ears. But these dogs do not really like this procedure and may resist.

Dogs of this breed have in their characteristics such a feature as snoring and emitting gases during sleep. This is due to the peculiar anatomical structure of the muzzle and respiratory tract, as well as problems with the digestive system - the animal does not digest some foods well. For example, milk.

This leads to another disadvantage: French bulldogs are more likely than other breeds to have an allergic reaction to external irritants and certain foods.

Some dogs may periodically drool profusely. For many owners, this can be a big disadvantage, especially for those who have a clean character or are worried about their young children.

French bulldogs, despite their calm and balanced character, can sometimes behave unexpectedly in the family circle:

can turn the house upside down during the next burst of activity;
they may be offended for a long time;
They can bite if they don’t like something.

Another disadvantage that must be noted among representatives of this breed is their stubborn and lazy temperament. Without timely training in good manners and obedience lessons, French bulldogs may shirk commands. If the owner is lazy, then the pet will not go far. Without constant repetitions of the material covered, the dog will simply refuse to obey commands.

French bulldogs do not tolerate loneliness and love attention. Therefore, such pets are simply not suitable for busy people. Of course, a well-mannered dog will wait until the owner is free and start playing with it, but not all day.

The courageous French Bulldog knows no fear. This, of course, is good, but if the opponent is a big dog, then this is a minus. Due to sudden aggression, a small pet can suffer serious injuries.

If the owner wants to place a guard in the yard of a private house, then a French bulldog is not the best choice. It is advisable to keep such animals at home to avoid problems. For example, hypothermia or an uncontrollable fight with a neighbor's dog.

French Bulldog. Owner reviews

Here is what the famous biologist and animal behavior specialist Konrad Lorenz writes about his bulldog: “My little French bulldog will run up with a ferocious growl not only to a stranger, but also to a family member who has swung at me, jokingly or seriously, he will fiercely grab a skirt or the aggressor’s trouser leg, but his teeth will never touch the skin.”
The French Bulldog is very interesting in its behavior. Among this breed you will not find nervous and lazy dogs. The “French” have a normal psyche and a strong nervous system. This breed is like a golden mean between such fidgets as, for example, the miniature schnauzer, and the important Pekingese. There are whole legends about the intelligence of French bulldogs, especially among their owners. Any breeder of this breed will tell you that his pet is the smartest and smartest. This is true: the “Frenchman” is smart and quick-witted, and is easy to train. French bulldogs cannot be denied their stubbornness. They are very persistent and also like everything around them to be quiet and calm. In short, they don't like messes. The French Bulldog is also very jealous. There are often cases when jealousy occurs even towards family members living in the same house with the dog, not to mention “uninvited guests” and dogs trying to get closer to the owner. As a guard, the French bulldog is perhaps not inferior even to the Rottweiler - of course, not in strength and height, but in anger towards strangers and wariness. Even at night, when it would seem that the little one is fast asleep and even snores in his sleep, his erect ears never let him down. The slightest rustle will not escape the excellent hearing of your little watchman /1/. The French bulldog is the master of the house. And even if you keep two dogs (of different breeds), he will always try to take over. Two “Frenchies” in your house (especially of the same sex) can make your life, to put it mildly, difficult: they will always divide you between themselves. Dogs of this breed are ideal for keeping in a small apartment and for living in a private mansion. Their short, smooth, close-fitting coat causes absolutely no trouble and does not require any cutting, combing or trimming; it is not dangerous for your carpets, sofas and armchairs. The size of the “French” is comfortable in all respects (30-35 cm at the withers). It does not get in the way and is able to accompany you on any trips and travels. /eleven/. The French Bulldog has the amazing ability to adapt to the living conditions that are offered to it. This dog is extremely sociable and loves the company of its beloved family members. She's just happy when everyone is home, she can play with our baby for hours or lie next to you watching TV, and won't disturb us with a single move. If everyone is at work, the bulldog will quietly doze all day, curled up comfortably in his favorite place, waiting for the sound of the door being opened by the key. He will meet you on the threshold of the house with such a happy and joyful expression on his face that all your fatigue that has accumulated during the day will disappear, adversity will fade into the background. Looking at this sweet, wonderful creature, you suddenly realize that a small, charming, very warm sun has shone in the house. It’s amazing how tender feelings French bulldogs can evoke in a person who decides to take a dog of this particular breed into their home. Already in the first weeks of a Frenchie’s life in the family, the owners often unexpectedly realize that they can no longer do without communicating with their new friend. With the arrival of a puppy, the house is filled with comfort and joy. French bulldogs become very accustomed and become attached to their owners. In response to your care, the Frenchman’s heart responds with such affection and such great love that it is simply impossible to express it with elephants. French bulldogs are also very subtle psychologists. They are good at understanding people and navigating the environment. If a person comes to the house as a guest and friend, as a good acquaintance, and the owners are glad to see him, then the Frenchman rejoices along with everyone else. He will bring and show the guest his toys, and even invite them to play together. If the guest allows, he will jump onto his lap and gently, in a friendly way, lick his cheek. And if there is no time for him in the house, he will lie down and doze off, waiting for the hour when they will remember him and call him. But God forbid if the guest turns out to be “uninvited.” The bulldog will not only bark to notify its owners of the approach of a stranger, but will also fearlessly rush at the enemy, defending its home and people close to it. The heart of a little bulldog knows no fear. This breed has retained all the qualities inherent in the fighting ancestors of this dog. The name of the breed “Bull-dog”, translated into Russian means “bull dog”. Of course, the little French bulldog has never fought with bulls in the arena, but he is a fighter at heart. And woe to the one who dares to offend his beloved owner or encroach on his territory. Indeed, despite its small stature, the French bulldog weighs 8-14 kilograms, and its jaws are able to inflict quite noticeable and unpleasant injuries on the enemy. Moreover, once a bulldog rushes into battle, it is almost impossible to stop him. Therefore, if you have a French bulldog in your home, try never to provoke your dog into fights with others during walks. Because often a bulldog, having experienced the taste of a fight once or twice, the feeling of victory (and in fights he almost always comes out victorious, unless of course the opponent is not a dog specially trained for fighting, but an ordinary neighbor’s dog-fighter and bully), will then always look for a reason to quarrels with brothers, even if the enemy is ten times larger than the “Frenchman” himself. Of course, there are no rules without exceptions. Like people, dogs (even of the same breed) differ greatly from each other in both character and temperament. How many dogs - so many characters. Among the bulldogs there are both good-natured people and avid fighters. There are little gluttons and sloths, and there are energetic, active sports dogs. Very often, the character of this dog depends on the environment in which it was raised, on the character of the person who has assumed the role of owner and educator. After all, how sometimes a dog resembles its owner! Simply amazing! If the owner moves a lot, walks a lot, and is sociable, then his bulldog is active and cheerful, and does not know fatigue. And if the owner is a homebody and a couch potato, then even a bulldog, it is impossible to get him out of a cozy and warm chair in the morning. He won’t even open his eyes until he gets enough sleep, no matter how much you ask. That's what French bulldogs are! I would like to note one more feature of this breed. If suddenly, for some reason, an adult bulldog changes his owners, breaks up with people dear to him, then often this event turns into a severe blow for the dog, psychological stress. French bulldogs experience a change of owners very hard and experience severe moral torment. “The Frenchman” is not a toy, not entertainment, not a small living doll, but a faithful friend, devoted to the depths of his soul. If fate ever brings you together with a French bulldog, then you will never betray this breed” /12/.

Conclusion

Now you are familiar with the main features of the positive and negative qualities of the French Bulldog breed. If you have the strength, patience and desire, then feel free to purchase such a pet.

Remember - any minus of a dog can easily turn into a plus with proper care, education and endless love on your part.

What is your dog's character? Please share with us in the comments. Your opinion is important to us.

If you liked the article, please like it.