The French Bulldog is a small molosser . To go further, it is a small Molossoid that belongs to group 9, section 11.
The French Bulldog is one of the favorite dog breeds of the French like the Australian Shepherd, the Belgian Shepherd or the Golden Retriever. Playful and stubborn, this dog must be educated. How to proceed ? Here are all our tips.
The physical characteristics of the French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is a small dog. Females measure between 24 and 32 cm at the withers. The males are a little larger and measure between 27 and 35 cm at the withers. Females weigh between 8 and 12 kg and males between 9 and 14 kg. The dog is thick but also very muscular. Its head is square and has folds. The French Bulldog has rounded ears, dark eyes and a short tail. His hair is short, it can be fawn, brindle (with or without white spotting), black and white or even fawn and white. It is possible to find French Bulldogs whose dress is all white and this naturally. Be aware that vigilance is required with these dogs because they present a significant risk of deafness.
The character of the French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is one of the favorite breeds of the French but also one of the easiest to live with. Indeed, the small canine appreciates life in the countryside as well as in the city. He knows how to adapt to the environment that is offered to him as well as to his masters. This dog can be very suitable for a family with children, even young ones, or for seniors.
The French Bulldog is playful, affectionate and very intelligent. He is calm, barks little and takes long naps every day. It is therefore discreet and perfect for apartment living. Because it is small, you can take it everywhere. The French Bulldog is naturally sociable. Little fearful, he likes children, cats and other dogs. He will not show any aggression towards strangers. It is therefore not a guard dog! Because it can be stubborn, this canine must be educated very early and with a lot of pedagogy.
6 tips and good practices for educating a French Bulldog.
The French Bulldog is not difficult to educate but the breed does not shine with its docility. On the contrary ! He is a dog who does as he pleases. To keep control, you have to start your education early and stick to the rules at all times. Here’s how.
1 – Socialize the French Bulldog
Socialization is essential for all dog breeds. It is particularly so for the bulldog, especially if he has to live in an urban environment. This socialization begins at birth with the mother and the litter. From its 3 weeks of life, the French Bulldog will multiply positive and negative experiences.
He will learn to accept the presence of other dogs but also of people. This learning continues until the animal is 3 months old. Before this stage, it is not recommended to separate the puppy from its mother, even if it is weaned. If you live in town, your French Bulldog will have to get used to noise and crowds very early on.
2 – Pay particular attention to basic learning
To properly educate a French Bulldog, you have to make sure that he understands the basics. The first, of course, is cleanliness. When your puppy arrives at your home, you must teach him that he can relieve himself during the walk or in the garden.
So that he relieves himself in the right place, encourage him and above all congratulate him afterwards. To ensure the safety of your pet, you must teach him to respond to basic commands such as “no”, “stop”, “sit”… Also remember to teach him to walk on a leash.
3 – Educate through play
The game is an excellent tool for educating your French Bulldog. Playful, it is appreciated, beneficial and above all it strengthens the links. The ball and Frisbee are great because they allow you to practice recall. Know that the game is also a reward for the little mastiff who has a jovial temperament.
4 – Be consistent
Because the French Bulldog is very intelligent, you have to be consistent with him. The rules should always be the same, as should the reprimands and rewards. It is not uncommon with this breed, and with small dogs in general, to overlook certain behaviors.
This is the case, for example, if your dog pulls too much on the leash or if he chews on his leash. In order for your dog to obey, you must be firm. If you are lax, it will be more difficult to educate your dog.
5 – Opt for sweets in moderation
Rewarding your French Bulldog is a great way to educate it. However, moderation should be exercised. The molossoid easily gains weight. The risk of obesity in the French Bulldog of the cities is very high. To reward your dog, you can opt for petting or even playing.
6 – Ban violence
We must be honest, violence is never a solution. This rule obviously applies to the education of dogs. The French Bulldog is a small canine. He is nonetheless very muscular and above all very powerful. This build is very common in the molosser. Violence could be responsible for an aggressive reaction on the part of the dog. Positive education is always better!
