French Bulldog

French Bulldogs need only 20 to 30 minutes of gentle exercise per day. Short walks and indoor play sessions are ideal. Never exercise them in the heat of the day — on the Gold Coast, this means walking only in the early morning before 7 am or after 6 pm in summer. Watch for signs of overheating: excessive panting, drooling, or reluctance to move. They enjoy interactive toys and gentle tug games. Avoid high-impact activities like jumping from heights, as it can stress their spine.

Their short coat needs only a weekly brush with a rubber grooming mitt to remove loose hair. The critical grooming task is cleaning their facial wrinkles — use a damp cloth to clean between the folds daily, then dry thoroughly to prevent bacterial or yeast infections. Clean ears weekly and trim nails every two to three weeks. Dental care is especially important; brush teeth several times per week, as small brachycephalic breeds are prone to crowded teeth and dental disease.

Feed three-quarters to one and a half cups of high-quality food per day, divided into two meals. French Bulldogs gain weight easily, which worsens their breathing difficulties, so portion control is essential. Choose a food formulated for small breeds with moderate fat content. Some Frenchies have food allergies — common triggers include chicken, wheat, and soy. If your dog has recurring skin issues, discuss a limited-ingredient diet with your vet.

French Bulldogs are intelligent but have a famous stubborn streak. Keep training sessions short — five to ten minutes — and highly rewarding. They respond best to food motivation and enthusiastic praise. Harsh corrections cause them to shut down. Start housetraining from day one with a strict schedule, as they can be slower to learn than other breeds. Socialisation is important: expose them to other dogs, environments, and situations early. Despite their stubbornness, a well-trained Frenchie is a joy — they love to perform for attention.