Sep 14, 2010

The Best Food for your French bulldog

There is nothing quite like having a dog at your home. But sometimes, a dog can be a bit of a nuisance too. So if you’re not ready to have a dog just yet, then put your plans off owning one off first. Some people would rather not have a dog just yet even though they are ready for it because they don’t have enough space to spare, but with French bulldogs, with their small stature, even a small home or condo would be sufficient for them.

But aside from providing them with enough space, another consideration and responsibility of owning a dog is providing them with ample nutrients through the food they eat. Like babies, homegrown dogs need to be provided with their food, they tend to lose their hunting instincts and needs to be taken care of. So if you want a healthy dog that would be able to live a long and quality filled life, make sure that you will be able to provide it with top quality food. And remember, quality food doesn’t always mean its expensive, you can be able to provide good food for your French bulldog without having to break your piggy bank.

For French bulldog puppies, it is always best to provide them with dry dog food. They don’t only dispel the nutrients better, but they are also good for the developing teeth of your puppy. And like humans, French bulldog puppies can be picky at times, so it’s also a matter of trial and error which would be able to help you find which dog food your frenchie will actually eat. No matter how nutritious the dog food is, if your dog won’t eat it, then it’s useless.

When you are picking out dog food, read first the labels, there should not be excessive fillers. The ingredients should always contain protein as French bulldogs have muscular bodies that need protein to maintain its healthy body. If you’re able to, try to mix in your dog’s diet some homemade food, this will ensure that there are no chemicals are included in their dinner. A raw diet containing vegetables would also be good for them. This will help prevent the many different health conditions that plague this particular breed.

If you can afford it, try to get the premium brands of dog food. There are less fillers in them, but, if you want to save some money, find dog food that you can afford and compare their labels. See if there is not much of a difference. And when transferring one dog food to another, make sure that you do it gradually. Try to mix in the new with the old bit by bit. This will help your dog to get accustomed to the new taste.

You can try to ask your breeder as well to help you out mixing homemade dog food. They have the proper knowledge in mixing dog food as this is more cost effective than purchasing canned dog food, and healthier too.

Sep 12, 2010

Coats and Colors of French Bulldogs

Compact, bat-eared, snub-nosed and has a muscular body, the Frenchy or the French bulldog is one of the top most choice for many families as the perfect pet for them. They can be very extremely playful and are also great watchdogs. But, do you also know that they are also revered for their shiny coats? As a matter of fact, French bulldogs come in a variety of colors, some of which are strictly prescribed by different kennel clubs and included in their stringent standards for show dogs.

In this article, we will discuss the different guidelines that the American Kennel Club has set forth as the standard for French bulldogs that are allowed to compete as show dogs. If your French Bulldog doesn’t meet the standards this doesn’t mean that they are of lower standards, they are still considered as purebreds, they just can’t compete in show dog competitions. They are also still able to show the many characteristics that makes the French bulldog a lovable companion.

Although there are different clubs and organizations all over, most of them would agree on the most common standards that are required for the coat of a French Bulldog. These most common coat color standards include brindle and white, and color combinations of all-brindle. Plus, the colors white, fawn, and colors that are not considered disqualified by the rules set by a particular competition.

Most colors of French bulldog coats that clubs, organizations, and competitions disqualify include a coat that are solid black, without any white or brindle marks, black and tan, mouse or liver color, black with white markings or vice versa. If your French bulldog’s cot has these color combination, it can still be a good house pet, but they can’t compete in contests.

Aside from the color of the coat, many competitions also set standards for the color of the nose and the eyes of the French bulldog. Commonly, a show French Bulldog should have dark colored eyes, when the canine is looking forward, there should not be any white color in the eyes. But, if the dog is light colored, the eyes and nose are accepted if they have a lighter shade. But, a black nose is commonly preferred more by judges, especially the strict ones. Consulting breeders from your area will help you get the blue ribbon all the time.

So if you are planning to buy a French bulldog, you must determine whether you plan to enter them in any contests or just keep them as household pets. The former would cost more though. But remember, it’s not the color of their cots, eyes, or nose. French bulldogs are popular because they are very loyal, are good companions, playful to the kids, and generally pleasant.

Their coats would not change that. Check with your local breeder about the available Frenchies in your area. And it is also important to remember that French bulldogs need so much attention, so be prepared before owning one.