Frequently Asked Questions
Health
What health concerns do frenchies have?
Alopecia-
- Alopecia, otherwise known as abnormal hair loss or baldness, is the inability to regrow hair regularly or when hair falls out partially or entirely over the dog’s body. It occurs when the body attacks its own hair follicles, resulting in hair falling out.
Alopecia is the partial or complete lack of hairs in areas where they are normally present. Hair loss is a sign and its underlying cause must be determined for the condition to be successfully treated. If a dog has hair loss and is also scratching the area excessively, the itching should be investigated first.
There are many causes of hair loss, which can be congenital (the animal is born with the condition) or acquired. Congenital hair loss may or may not be hereditary. It is caused by a lack of normal development of hair follicles. It may be apparent at, or shortly after, birth. Or, the dog may be born with a normal coat ,and patchy or widespread hair loss occurs when the dog becomes a young adult.
In acquired hair loss, the dog is born with a normal hair coat. It has or had normal hair follicles at one time, and is or was capable of producing structurally normal hairs. Any disease that can affect hair follicles can cause hair loss. Certain diseases may destroy the hair follicle or shaft or interfere with the growth of hair. Some diseases can cause discomfort, leading to self-trauma and loss of hair. Acquired hair loss can be inflammatory or noninflammatory.
Diseases that can directly cause destruction or damage to the hair shaft or follicle include bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections; severe inflammatory diseases of the skin; skin trauma, such as burns; and (rarely) poisonings caused by mercury, thallium, or iodine. These diseases tend to be inflammatory.
Diseases that can directly inhibit or slow hair follicle growth include nutritional deficiencies (particularly protein deficiencies), or hormonal imbalances (such as hypothyroidism). Temporary hair loss can occur during pregnancy, lactation, or several weeks after a severe illness or fever. These types of hair loss tend to be noninflammatory unless a secondary infection of the skin develops.
Gassiness- French Bulldogs may fart so much due to a variety of reasons such as sensitive digestive systems, certain dietary choices, food intolerances, their eating habits, their unique anatomy, obesity, gastrointestinal infections, presence of worms, certain medications, stress or anxiety, and inflamed bowels.
https://pet-how.com/french-bulldogs-fart/
Allergies-https://askfrankie.co/french-bulldog-allergies/
Small nares/ breathing difficulty/ sleep apnea- https://askfrankie.co/french-bulldog-nose-surgery/
How can I have a healthier french bulldog?
What is a fluffy?/ Where do rare colors come from? What is a platinum?/Why are french bulldogs expensive?
A fluffy is a french bulldog that carries two copies of the long hair gene which is recessive. When it was first discovered they were originally thought to be defective. They were sold at discounted prices because they did not meet the standard. With new advances in genetics they have discovered the gene is a true french bulldog variant. Other true french bulldog genetics include rare colors that dilute the black hair gene, carrying more than one of the color variants which are recessive can further change the color of the coat. The coat variants are usually shades of gray or brown with patterns of merle or brindle, pied, or solid coat. Rare colors include Isabela:dd bb, Lilac: dd coco, Rojo: bb, Newshade Isabella: dd bb coco, Newshade: bb coco. Platinum dogs are either Lilac or Isabela that carry two copies of the cream gene which covers the rare color except for coloring of the nose, mask, and footpads.
What is a fluffy coat like? It is softer than a regular french bulldog coat and the coat is longer with more fringe on ears and legs.
What about a fluffy carrier? If you are getting a fluffy carrier as a pet, in general even though it is not a fluffy, it will tend to still have a softer coat than a regular french bulldog that has a smooth coat.
What is special about a platinum?
Platinums carry several recessive genes. This makes it possible to choose which genes you are desiring to produce. For example if you cross a blue dog with a platinum and your dog is not a cream carrier, you will get blue pups. If you want chocolate pups you use a chocolate dog to create chocolate pups and so on and so forth.
Why are french bulldogs expensive?
If you are producing french bulldogs, there are several costs associated with the reproduction process. Because of their adorable large heads with tight little rears which make them who they are; many french bulldogs do not breed the traditional way. The use of collection and artificial insemination are necessary. In addition to this because of their body shape it is usually unsafe for them to be delivered naturally and most are delivered via c-section. Also, because they are c-section delivered there is a limit to the number of litters a single female can produce. One other reason french bulldogs are expensive is because of small litter sizes. Where many breeds of dogs can produce 6-8 puppies on average per litter, french bulldog litter sizes are usually around 2-4 pups per litter. Additionaly, because french bulldogs are expensive, many who breed them do not own their own studs and often have stud fees to pay. Other factors that add to the cost are that most french bulldogs have had both coat color and disease testing done on their genetics. Because of these special breeding practices breeders can produce fine colors and healthier pups.
So in conclusion, when you get a french bulldog you are truly getting a special and rare pet! You could call them little miracles!
General French bulldog facts/history
AKC Link: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/french-bulldog/
About the Breed
The one-of-a-kind French Bulldog, with his large bat ears and even disposition, is one of the world's most popular small-dog breeds, especially among city dwellers. The Frenchie is playful, alert, adaptable, and completely irresistible.
The French Bulldog resembles a Bulldog in miniature, except for the large, erect 'bat ears' that are the breed's trademark feature. The head is large and square, with heavy wrinkles rolled above the extremely short nose. The body beneath the smooth, brilliant coat is compact and muscular. The bright, affectionate Frenchie is a charmer. Dogs of few words, Frenchies don't bark much, but their alertness makes them excellent watchdogs. They happily adapt to life with singles, couples, or families, and do not require a lot of outdoor exercise. They get on well with other animals and enjoy making new friends of the human variety. It is no wonder that city folk from Paris to Peoria swear by this vastly amusing and companionable breed.
Breed standard:
https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/French_Bulldog-6-18.pdf
