Melt Your Heart Frenchies

History

The ancient Molossian is the ancestor that elicited the Mastiff breed and eventually the Bulldog. In Europe Bulldogs were originally sought after and bred for bull-baiting or pitting them against other animals for pleasure and sport. Once bloodsport was abolished throughout Europe the Bulldog started to be bred with small Terriers or pugs in anticipation to reduce their size. This eventually led to the creation of the French Bulldog. This new small breed eventually made its way to France during the Industrial Revolution. The French fancied the small breed and they soon became great social companions and rose in popularity and were considered a social status symbol. They entered into the United States in 1898, and soon accepted as a companion breed by the American Kennel Club. In the early 1900’s the popular breed was being sold for nearly $3000. In retrospect that would amount to roughly $35,000 today!

The popularity of the French Bulldog has continued as it has topped the charts as the top breed for two years in a row, according to the AKC.

Personality & Temperament

French Bulldogs are fun, friendly, lovable, social, stubborn at times, but overall happy dogs. They get attached to their owners, and typically get along very easily with other pets and children. They are also smart and inquisitive, they like to smell all the smells and see everything that is going on around them. They are affectionate and can be very playful. Frenchies can be quiet, while others make whining noises, or grunt and make weird noises, while some can be a bit more vocal and can bark.

Maintenance

Most French bulldogs have short hair, unless you get a fluffy Frenchie. They typically do not shed much or need excessive grooming, as too much can strip the oils that keep the skin healthy. It is necessary to keep their ears and skin folds clean to prevent infections, as dirt and debris like to hide in their wrinkled skin.

Frenchies do not do well in the heat. They are a brachycephalic breed that leads to difficulty breathing and cooling down due to their shortened airways. Excessive heat and exercise can lead to heat stroke, so take precaution of the heat and humidity and avoid vigorous exercise.

They are also known for not being good swimmers. Do not let them near water without supervision for the uncertainty of drowning.

Frenchies should be fed a high quality food, and based upon their age and size most will be fed 1 to 1.5 cups split up into 2 feedings a day. Be mindful to not overfeed your dog as they are prone to obesity.

Lifespan

Like most brachycephalic breeds they have a higher predisposition to health problems. The typical lifespan for a French Bulldog is 10-12 years. Due to the popularity it has led to unethical and poor breeding practices. This has also increased the potential to have more congenital and other health related issues. It is important to research who you are purchasing your French Bulldog from, for responsible breeding practices. Pet Insurance is recommended for the breed for their higher than average predisposition to health problems.

Reasons why French Bulldogs are so expensive

The start up costs of purchasing a female and/or male suitable for breeding with no health related issues to be passed on to offspring.

Due to the natural formation of the female anatomy and the short legs and narrow hips of the male it makes it hard for Frenchies to conceive naturally, and therefore artificial insemination is often used for conception.

Progesterone testing is done to confirm perfect timing for artificial insemination, and can cost as little as $100 each visit until numbers are at the peak timing. You could visit the vet 1 or 2 times and achieve the desired number, or your bitch could stall and could have to visit the vet over 5 times (been there!)

Sometimes reverse progesterone needs to be done to determine timing for C-sections.

Did you know that expectant Frenchies are given Folic acid meds to help prevent birth defects and keep their beautiful babies healthy?

Did you know that stud fees for conception can range from $1500-3000 and sometimes more. While shipping costs can run around $300 to maintain viability?

Did you know that more than 81% of all litters must be delivered by C-section? This is due to the babies large heads and the moms narrow birth canal.

C-Sections can range in price from $1800- $7000, and yes these are prices that I have been given directly from pre-arranged planned c-sections to emergency care procedures.

Timing for C-sections are really important. Puppies can only be born safely from 61-65 days from ovulation. Before that time their lungs and other organs are immature, causing a threat to their survival rate.

The average Frenchie gives birth to 3-4 puppies in a litter.

Did you know that newborn pups need to be fed every 2-3 hours around the clock, and cannot be left alone with mom as she may accidentally lay on them?

Did you know that they are unable to monitor their own body heat and that is why heat sources, or incubators are used to help the babies survival rates? Newborn pups need to be in a heat source that is around 85 degrees F. A heat source needs to be provided for at least 2 weeks for newborn pups.

Worms can threaten the lives of newborn pups, so the mom and pups are provided deworming meds at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks making sure that your new pup is dewormed before it goes home.

DNA testing is often completed and price can range from a single test to a whole panel and can be anywhere from $50-$200 per dog.

Microchipping is often provided for your furry friend and can range from $25-$60.

We also AKC register our dogs and provide AKC paperwork for you to register your pet, with parental lineage, so that you can see your pups ancestors, and a new pup registration kit is roughly $70-$100.

And then you have the first vet visit with their first set of vaccines provided before they go home.

Not all vets provide these services. You may have to go to a veterinarian or a reproductive specialist who can provide the best care and who may not be local.