Glacier French Bulldogs of Montana

Owning a French Bulldog is not just a privilege; it’s a responsibility. They depend on us for, at minimum, food and shelter, and deserve much more. When you take a dog into your life, you need to understand the commitment that dog ownership entails.

Health

Because of their front-heavy structure, most Frenchies cannot swim and should never be left unattended near a tub, pool, or body of water. Lifejackets should be used near water. Like all flat-faced breeds, Frenchies are prone to breathing problems and do poorly in hot or humid weather. Flat-faced breeds are also more sensitive to anesthesia. Frenchies occasionally have eye conditions such as cherry eye, juvenile cataracts, or entropion, skin allergies, and autoimmune skin disorders also are known to occur. A responsible breeder will take advantage of available tests to screen breeding stock for conditions that can affect the breed. Our Frenchies have DNA Health Tests.

Heat Safety 

Keep them indoors: During periods of excessive heat (e.g., above 90 degrees Fahrenheit or high humidity), Frenchies should stay indoors except for necessary outings. 

Provide ample water: Always have fresh, cool water available, and consider adding ice cubes to the bowl to keep it cold. 

Limit exercise: Avoid taking them for long walks or strenuous play sessions during hot weather. 

Be mindful of pavement: Hot pavement can burn their paws, so be cautious about walking them on hot surfaces. 

Never leave them in a car: Even with the windows cracked, a car can become extremely hot very quickly, posing a serious risk of heatstroke. 

Consider cool coats: Cool coats  or cool mats, which can help keep your Frenchie's body temperature down.

Grooming

Frenchies' short coat sheds minimally. Weekly brushing with a medium-bristle brush, a rubber grooming mitt or tool, or a hound glove will help to remove shed hair and keep them looking their best. Brushing promotes new hair growth and distributes skin oils throughout the coat to help keep it healthy. Frenchies' facial folds should be kept clean and dry. Frenchies' nails should be trimmed regularly as overly long nails can cause pain.

Exercise

A short walk or outdoor play session with their owner each day should provide enough exercise to keep the French Bulldog in shape. Frenchies enjoy participating in canine sports such as obedience, agility, and rally. As a flat-faced breed, however, they are prone to breathing difficulties and should never be allowed to exert themselves in hot or humid weather.

Training

Early socialization and puppy training classes are recommended. Exposing the puppy to a wide variety of people, places, and situations will help him or her develop into a well-adjusted adult. Puppy training classes serve as part of the socialization process, promote good behavior, and help the owner learn to recognize and correct bad habits. Frenchies have big personalities and can need a fair amount of training to make them civilized companions. They can be stubborn, but at heart they're people pleasers and therefore easy to train. The proper motivation (such as food) and making a game of the process will ensure their cooperation.

Nutrition

A high-quality dog food appropriate to the dog's age (puppy, adult, or senior) will have all the nutrients the breed needs. Frenchies are prone to obesity, which can damage their physical structure and puts them at higher risk for some of the breed's health issues, so it is vital to watch their calorie intake and weight. If you choose to give your dog treats, do so in moderation. Give table scraps sparingly, if at all, especially avoiding cooked bones and foods high in fat. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog's weight or diet.