Preparing for a French Bulldog Puppy: A Complete Guide

Are you welcoming home (or considering) a French Bulldog puppy? We know this process can feel like uncharted territory for you. And understandably so. If it's your first time owning a Frenchie, one of your biggest challenges will be knowing what to expect.

We're here to help you with this.

Before bringing home your new furry friend, it's important to equip yourself with extensive knowledge about raising a French Bulldog puppy. This is what will set you apart as a doting pet parent from an average pet owner. If you're not equipped with the right information before your pup comes home, you might face undue challenges and maybe even miss out on key aspects of their upbringing.

We know that raising a Frenchie pup isn't always easy ... one of our customers shared her story of a sleepless week because her new Frenchie pup wouldn't stop crying at nights, and she couldn't figure out why. The poor lady was left feeling overwhelmed and unsure if she could handle raising her puppy.

So, where do we start? To make sure you get the right grounding, we need to start by understanding French Bulldogs.

1. Understanding French Bulldogs

The world of French Bulldogs is filled with fanfare and growing popularity. As you may have seen across social media, this breed's been stealing hearts across the U.S. and worldwide. In fact, for the first time in American history, the French Bulldog has unseated the Labrador Retriever as the #1 most popular dog breed in America!

Why such popularity?

French bulldogs have a lot going for them. They have a unique and adorable look, with adorable bat-like ears and short snouts. They also have playful yet laid-back personalities, and are described by the AKC as adaptable, smart, and loyal. At 16-28 pounds, Frenchies also make perfect companions for smaller spaces – which has further fueled the breed's popularity in city centers!

They're not only affable, but are also easy to teach and great with children … so what else could you ask for?

Now, this breed has some unique needs. For example, they suffer from some breed-specific health issues and are not great in extreme temperatures. They also are true companion dogs and love to be with people – so can’t be left alone too long.

We’ll dig into these and more below. But before getting there, if you haven’t yet picked out your pup, here are some tips on where to start looking.

Photo by Jens Mahnke

2. Choosing the Right Puppy

If you're on a quest to find your perfect French Bulldog puppy, check out reputable sources.

Consider Adopting

Before looking into purchasing, consider adopting from a shelter or rescue. There are many shelters dedicated to the breed, and may help you find a pup in dire need of a home.

If adopting is not an option for you, or you prefer to bring home an 8-10 week puppy, then consider purchasing from a breeder.

Finding Reputable Breeders

A reputable breeder prioritizes health over appearance or trends. They provide proof of health checks and vaccinations, genetically test their breeding parents, and truly care about the wellbeing and happiness of their puppies.

Remember: it's not just about finding any Frenchie - but one who'll be with you for years, and lead a healthy life. At Mawoo Pets, we specialize in this breed and boast one of the widest networks of excellent French Bulldog breeders. Our team can help you find a healthy puppy from a caring breeder.

Trust is key. By working with a platform like Mawoo Pets, you can be sure that the breeders meet the highest standards of animal welfare.

Your Family Compatibility

Before committing to bringing home a Frenchie, make sure this is the right breed for your family. Are you ready for a dog known as 'the clown in the cloak'? This refers to dogs with playful personalities wrapped up in dignified looks. Are you ready for the healthcare needs of Frenchies?

Make sure the needs of Frenchies fit your lifestyle before making a commitment. If you’re not sure, consider taking our Dog Breed Quiz to find the right puppy match for your lifestyle.

So, you’ve decided to bring home a Frenchie. Let's talk about the transition period! It might be challenging but will certainly be rewarding, too.

Photo by roman Tymochko

3. Preparing Your Home

Before your new companion joins you, make sure that your have the following items ready.

Puppy Supplies

The first step is gathering essential supplies. These include:

• A comfortable bed
• Nutritious food designed for puppies
• Food and water bowls
• Engaging toys
• A sturdy leash and harness
• Puppy pads (for toilet training)

Safety Measures!

You want to ensure that your house is safe for an inquisitive pup by puppy-proofing it.

What does this include? Here’s a list of the top actions to take:

• Secure loose wires
• Remove small objects your pup could swallow
• Set up barriers around dangerous (e.g., stairs or kitchens)

Dedicated Space for Your Puppy

Your little Frenchie will appreciate having its own space where it can relax and feel secure – so consider creating such an area that includes their bed, some toys, and perhaps even a crate if you plan on crate training them.

If you have the space, you can even dedicate an entire room for your new pup. Those with smaller spaces may double up a laundry room, make space under the staircase, or make a corner in their office or bedroom for their pup.

Now that we've gone over how to get your house ready for the coming of your lovable French Bulldog, let's discuss what those initial days may be like!

4. First Days and Nights

The first few days with your new pup might be a rollercoaster ride.

Puppies often experience anxiety when they leave their mom and littermates, which can lead to excessive crying or whimpering during those initial nights at home. But with the right sleeping area and consistent meals and routines, you should be able to manage the adorable chaos.

These are some steps to help:

• Create a cozy sleeping area using soft blankets and perhaps an item that smells like their mom or siblings. Some breeders will provide you a piece of the mom’s blanket with her scent. This can provide comfort in the new, unfamiliar environment.
• Avoid feeding them right before bedtime as it could lead to nighttime potty accidents. Instead, schedule dinner time 3-4 hours prior so there's ample time for potty breaks. PetMD provides more tips on puppy sleep habits.
• Spend quality bonding time together but also allow moments where your Frenchie is alone (while you're still nearby) to gradually foster independence.
• If signs of severe separation anxiety persist – like excessive barking, biting, or destructive behavior – consider consulting with a professional dog trainer or veterinarian (WebMD has helpful insights).
• Routines are crucial. They help create predictability which reduces stress levels in puppies. Set consistent times for meals, playtime, training sessions, and bedtimes from day one.
  
  

5. Feeding and Nutrition

A healthy diet is essential for your French Bulldog puppy's wellbeing growth. Below’s a checklist for your new puppy:

• Food type: Puppies have specific nutritional needs that are different from that of adult dogs. Select a high-quality puppy foot brand that is ideally formulated for small breed dogs. Your vet or the breeder can help you with this selection.
• Feeding frequency: Feed your pup three times a day. Start their day with 1/3 of their portion, another third lunchtime, and another third at dinner.
• Avoid table food: Many human foods are toxic to dogs. To keep your pup on a clear, regimented diet, stick with their dog food for the first set of weeks and months.
• Limit treats: To avoid obesity, keep treats intake to 10% or less of your Frenchie’s calorie intake.  

These tips will have make sure your pup is energized throughout the day while aiding digestion and preventing obesity - a common issue in this breed due to its low activity level.

Diet-Related Health Issues

Frenchies are prone to obesity. This is because of Frenchies’ low activity levels. This means that sticking with a strict diet and portion controls is extra important.

If French Bulldogs become overweight from overfeeding or lack of exercise, they can suffer from Brachycephalic Syndrome, which affects breathing and making them prone to heatstroke.

Another common condition in French Bulldogs is Hip Dysplasia. This is an adult dog condition, but improper nutrition from a young age can exacerbate this genetic problem which leads to painful joint problems later in life.

Does Your Frenchie Need Vitamins and Supplements?

In most cases, high-quality commercial foods contain all the necessary nutrients your pup needs. But sometimes supplements might help, especially during rapid growth phases or when dealing with skin conditions commonly seen among Frenchies.

Consulting your vet before starting any supplement regimen is always recommended as excessive vitamins can cause harm too. Learn more about pet supplementation here.

6. Training Basics

One of your first priorities after getting your French Bulldog should be training. Why? Because of their stubbornness.

The Stubbornness Factor

French Bulldogs are known for their stubborn streaks. This is a well-known breed trait that can make them difficult to train. However, with patience and consistent training, Frenchies can be very well-behaved.

Training Tips

Your training efforts should cover:

• Potty training – Start potty training immediately when your pup arrives home; regular feeding times help make bathroom breaks predictable.
• Crate training – Make the crate comfortable and reward entry into it; don’t use it as a place of punishment.
• Basic commands – Start by teaching “sit” and “stay”.
• Chewing – Frenchies will go through a chewing phase, so get your chew toys ready!

7. Socialization and Exercise

Frenchies are known for their friendly demeanor, but socializing them early on is crucial. It helps prevent behavioral issues down the line. They should be exposed to different people of different ages, and various environments to ensure they grow up well-rounded.

From an exercise perspective, don't be fooled by their small size. French Bulldogs may not require as much physical activity as larger breeds, but regular playtime keeps them healthy. Try to incorporate daily exercise into their routine, always mindful of this breed's sensitivity to heat due to their brachycephalic nature.

Photo by Christian Alvarez

Playtime Activities & Toys

Playtime is an important part of your puppy's exercise routine. Play fetch or give them interactive toys to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. Benefits of playtime include:

• Mental stimulation.
• Aids in weight management.
• Fosters bonding between pet and owner.

8. Finding the Right Vet

Choosing a vet for your French Bulldog is an essential step in ensuring their health and happiness. Your chosen vet should have experience with this breed, particularly as Frenchies can be prone to certain health issues          .

How Do You Select a Vet?

Ask the breeder for recommendation of veterinarians they have worked with. Reputable breeders have reliable, vetted vets to recommend to you.

Look up reviews to make sure you’re selecting a vet with the relevant experience.  

The location of the veterinary clinic matters, too. It's best to pick a clinic that is near home or work for convenience during emergencies.

You also need to consider office hours - does it align with your schedule? Can you easily make appointments?

To find puppies near your home, our team has prepared an inventory of reputable vets by city across the US and Canada. Explore the veterinarians here.

Initial Visits and Regular Check-ups

In initial visits, expect vaccinations, deworming treatments, and thorough health checks.

Establishing a relationship early on helps ensure that any potential problems are detected before they become serious issues.

Check with your vet what the right cadence is for check-ups, in the first few months and beyond.

Pet Insurance

Although not mandatory, health insurance could provide peace of mind knowing you're financially prepared for unexpected costs related to your pet's healthcare.

Conclusion

Understanding French Bulldogs is your first step to a successful pet parent journey. Their unique traits and characteristics make them lovable companions, but also require special attention.

Selecting the right puppy from reputable breeders like from Mawoo Pets ensures you're bringing home a healthy, happy pup.

Your home should be prepared with all necessary supplies and safety measures in place for your new furry friend's arrival. The initial days might bring some anxiety, but setting routines early on will help ease the transition for both of you.

Nutrition plays an integral role in their growth - feeding schedules and amounts matter as much as what they eat! Training can be challenging given their stubborn nature; however, patience coupled with effective techniques will yield results over time.

Socialization activities and regular exercise are key to keeping your French Bulldog physically fit and mentally stimulated.

Are you prepared to start your thrilling journey? At Mawoo Pets, we have adorable French Bulldog puppies waiting for their forever homes! Embrace What to Expect When Bringing Home a French Bulldog Puppy by choosing one of our lovingly raised pups today!

FAQs on Preparing for a French Bulldog Puppy

What should I know about Frenchies before getting one?

French Bulldogs are loving but can be stubborn, requiring patient training. They have unique dietary requirements due to their size and breed-specific health issues. Also, regular exercise is important for this breed to avoid obesity – but avoid overexertion which can cause breathing difficulties.

Are French Bulldog puppies difficult?

Expect an energetic, affectionate pup that may be stubborn at times. Early training and socialization are key for this breed. They also require specific nutritional needs and regular vet check-ups which we've outlined in this article.

While they're known for being somewhat stubborn during training, with consistent guidance and positive reinforcement, raising a French Bulldog puppy isn't necessarily difficult. It's all about understanding their unique temperament and needs. This breed is novice-friendly and can be managed by a first-time dog owner.

How long does it take to house break a Frenchie?

Housebreaking varies per dog but typically takes between four months to six months, and up to a year. Consistent training practices in place.