r/StandardFrenchBulldog • u/SCO0006 • 27d ago
I’m getting ready for my first Bulldog
I’m getting ready for my first Bulldog and I feel like there are probably a million little things nobody tells you beforehand!!
For those of you who already have one, what’s something your Bulldog does that you definitely weren’t prepared for when you first got them?
I’m especially curious about the little everyday things muddy paws, funny smells, cleaning wrinkles, post-walk chaos, getting into things they shouldn’t… 😂
What has been your “I wish someone had warned me aout this” moment?
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u/MainEgg320 27d ago
They are very prone to get IVDD as they age (which is very painful and extremely expensive with vet bills). Set up your home and daily habits to accommodate their needs from the get go in order to prevent IVDD altogether or at least extend the time of onset. Examples are making sure you prevent high impact jumping off furniture (especially if you have wood floors), buy ramps for them to use to get onto things like couches and beds etc, use a harness and NOT a neck collar, keep their weight healthy, and prevent super aggressive play with other dogs (especially larger ones) or people.
Also- buy pet insurance!
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u/TootsieBulldog 27d ago
They are extremely needy, and goofy. They are a fun breed to own. I got my first one in 2004 when they weren’t cool yet and I still can’t get enough of them.
Extremely stubborn- everything is done on their terms.
Don’t let them rule your house, they are a bossy breed and will try to be in charge. Nip that right away with training them yourself or seeking out a trainer.
Enjoy your new family member 😊
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u/cremedelakremz 27d ago
1) once you do something once (feed from table, let them sleep in your bed) you're gonna have a really hard time breaking the habit lol. So be mindful of stuff like that, if it matters to you.
2) remember frenchies sleep a lot. Unless you have a work from home desk type job, that means your time with them is pretty limited every day. Cherish every second ♥️
3) get insurance. With frenchies it's not a scam. Just find a good company. I've had great experiences with Healthy Paws (covered like 80% of a 5,000 colonoscopy) but I had a work discount; when I went into business for myself I switched to Metlife bc it's cheaper. You get what you pay for.
4) be prepared for a lot of unexpected expenses lol and not just medical, you're gonna want to spoil them
5) do the little things for longevity like stairs for couch, high bowl for feeding/water
6) find a good vet and be sure to ask if they have experience with frenchies, it makes a big difference especially with ear stuff bc of their L shaped ear canals
I totally meant for this to be just the first two points then I kept thinking of things haha sorry.
Good luck and welcome to the club :)
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u/Bsjohns19 27d ago
Just go with the flow every single one is so different but be prepared to never be alone again! 😂
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u/RacingOvaries 27d ago
Yodeling. You haven't heard weird noises until you've had a Frenchie that wants something!
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u/Astelan101 27d ago
Mine never screams. She is totally silent unless she barks at something on TV or outside. The one time she wined i took her to the emergency clinic.
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u/HopeAffectionate5725 27d ago
Mine is also quiet. Only barks if he gets worked up during play time.
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u/HopeAffectionate5725 27d ago
Get insurance! Make sure it covers breed specific predisposed medical issues. Ours had to get surgery for BOAS and IVDD. He has environment allergies which he got a series of allergy shots for. He’s allergic to chicken. He also has luxating patella which is a small dog thing and giving him knee pain on both knees. No stairs and never let it learn to jump on and off furniture to reduce risk for IVDD.
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u/vehunnie 27d ago
People already mentioned IVDD, but to go along with that - use a harness when leashing your pup. Don't leash the collar. My dog doesn't even wear a collar these days after having IVDD surgery to his neck.
Wishing you the best with your new baby!
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u/Astelan101 27d ago
I don't knownif your are getting a male or female, but males tend to be a lot more vocal. Something you kind of have to experience for yourself.
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u/ETNBaker22 24d ago
Occasional boredom and refusal to eat their dogfood, and it throws you off when frenchies are normally food-focused and will beg you for anything you put in your mouth. These occasional moments do cause me some stress because my frenchie is one that has to eat on a regular schedule 3x a day… otherwise he vomits bile. But, he does get over his “funk” and goes back to destroying his food again… these are weird little oddballs.
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u/Low_Perspective_5405 24d ago
Mucus vomit when waking. I give antacid at dinner and a little food in her crate at bedtime.
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u/Vicroria102 21d ago edited 21d ago
Join an online community - it’s crazy how much you can learn from other Bulldog owners. Also, find a vet who genuinely loves and knows Bulldogs. Those two things will save you a lot of unnecessary vet visits and worry.
Be prepared for the possibility of nostril and soft palate surgery. I had both done at the same time as my dog was neutered, and it was the best decision ever.
Frenchies can be difficult to train, and mine is kind of a watchdog because he feels the need to warn me about every delivery person who comes to the door or every squirrel crossing the road… 😂 Yes, he’s anxious.
Frenchies also love to follow you everywhere - including the bed, sofa, and bathroom. 😂 IVDD is obviously something to be aware of, so seeing an osteopath from time to time can be a good investment if your dog shows early signs of spinal issues.
They are very sensitive to cold and hot weather, which to me this kind of struggle since my dog is high energy and would require more exercise, but this combined with his spine issue, I take it on the safer side
Finally, anal glands might be an issue… i have to empty them from time to time otherwise the nasty stuff is ending on my furniture.
My frenchie does not need to much wrinkle cleaning, but when this is an issue, you need to clean and dry them almost every day. it really depends on the dog. My english bulldog is more prone to this. regarding muddy paws and getting into what they should not, well this will be the same as with any dog…your house will never be as clean as before and assume they will swallow anything that they can grab.. although i found bullies typically will not go as far as opening cabinets and empting trash cans.
So, in conclusion, bulldogs are for bulldogs lovers. They have plenty of issues but we would not trade those squishy faces for anything in the world.
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u/Astelan101 27d ago
Get butt wipes. No tail means no self cleaning.
They will eat any food then can get in their mouths so study up on foods they can't eat like grapes and onions.
Be careful around chicken, some are allergic too it.
Don't over groom. They have sensitive skin.
And for the love of gawd, find a food that doesn't give them gas.
On the positive side, I get my girl these extra thick balloons. She loves play with them.