Welcoming a dog into your family is a big decision, whether it’s your decision alone or the whole family’s. Dogs are a lifelong commitment, and not all breeds suit all owners and their lifestyles.
However, while browsing the internet for information on a great family dog, you might encounter French Bulldogs.
Before deciding if this is the right breed for you, here are a few things to consider.
Where You’ll Get One
French Bulldogs, also known as Frenchies, are pure-bred dogs you don’t often find at shelters and rescue centers. If you’ve decided you’d like to welcome a Frenchie into your family, start researching quality AKC registered French Bulldog puppies for sale.
The more reputable a breeder is, the more peace of mind you might enjoy about the puppy’s health and temperament before welcoming it into your family.
Your Lifestyle
If you love spending your free time partaking in exciting and unique activities, a French Bulldog is undoubtedly a dog breed you might consider.
They are known for being quite relaxed and adaptable dogs, meaning new environments are typically not as overwhelming for them as they would be for several other dog breeds.
However, this low-energy breed can also be just as happy snuggling with you on the sofa if you like spending your free time relaxing at home.
Your lifestyle should be one of the primary considerations before welcoming any dog into your household. The more they fit in with your schedule, the easier the adjustment can often be.
Your Family Dynamic
People from all walks of life decide to adopt and buy dogs. Consider your family dynamic to determine whether a French Bulldog is right for you. Fortunately, Frenchies can suit many different dynamics.
They love having a family to call their own, get on well with children, and are also considered ideal pets for older people. This is because they generally require less exercise than larger breeds.
Your Budget
There’s more to dog expenses than their initial price tag. Whether you spend a little or a lot buying a French Bulldog puppy, you must also factor in their ongoing care. Desexing and vaccinations are two of the most common upfront costs.
You’ll also need to pay for ongoing vaccinations, vet care, food, toys, and other essentials. Some breeds require more specialized care and food than others, which is important to keep in mind for any dog breed you buy – French Bulldogs included.
Size Preferences
Dogs come in all different shapes and sizes. Some people prefer large dogs for their personalities, trainability, loyalty, and protectiveness. Others prefer toy breeds for their apartment compatibility and minimal exercise requirements.
French Bulldogs aren’t quite large dogs or a toy breed. They typically grow up to 12 inches tall and weigh 16 to 28 pounds. This is the perfect size for many families who want a dog but don’t have the space for a large dog.
Whether You Have Other Pets
Some families are happy with one pet. Others want to welcome new pets to join their current members when they feel they have the time, space, and money to cater to their needs.
Breed can be a major consideration when attempting to introduce a new pet into a house with one or more dogs, cats, and other animals.
Fortunately, French Bulldog puppies are known to generally integrate into households with other pets quite well. However, it still pays to follow vet advice regarding safe introductions and never leave pets unattended when they’re still getting to know each other.
Exercise Requirements
Some dogs need a great deal of physical and mental stimulation to tire them out. It can even feel like providing it is a full-time job on top of your other obligations like errands, work, and family.
However, if you’ve avoided getting a dog in the past for this reason, you’ll be pleased to know exercise doesn’t have to be an obstacle to getting a French Bulldog.
According to the American Kennel Club, French Bulldogs typically only need one short walk or outdoor play session daily. In particular, they love canine sports like rally, agility, and obedience.
However, they don’t require a great deal of physical exercise due to being a flat-faced breed.
Training
Most dog owners know that no matter what breed they buy, they’ll need to dedicate time to training. Like most breeds, training French Bulldogs can require time, patience, and persistence.
Early socialization is always a recommendation, as are puppy training classes. The more places, people, and situations you expose them to from a young age, the more well-adjusted they can be once they reach adulthood.
Consistency is also key in training Frenchies. They can be stubborn as puppies but eventually learn basic commands when you stay on top of training and use motivators like food and toys.
Grooming Requirements
Grooming can be a significant consideration for many people. Not everyone has time to spend hours washing, brushing, and trimming their pets’ fur to ensure their comfort and health. In that case, French Bulldogs can be an ideal dog. Their grooming requirements are minimal compared to many breeds.
They have short coats you can tend to with a medium-bristled brush or a grooming mitt. Aside from brushing, you typically only need to ensure that you trim their nails regularly and keep their facial folds clean and dry.
Space
Many people say no to dog ownership because they don’t have a large yard. Often, they believe this is necessary for a dog to thrive. That can be true of many breeds like German Shepherds, Labradors, and Golden Retrievers.
However, Frenchies require far less space than many larger breeds. In fact, they are often described as an ideal apartment dog.
They need minimal exercise, rarely bark, and can be entertained both indoors and outdoors. Small homes with small yards and apartments are generally more than fitting for this dog breed.
There’s no denying that there’s much to consider before adopting or buying a dog. However, after considering these points, you might realize that a French Bulldog is an ideal companion for your family.
