New Owner FAQS
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Welcome to the Melissa Frenchies family! We understand that bringing a new French Bulldog into your home is a big decision, and we want to make your transition as smooth as possible. Below are some of the most common questions we receive from new Frenchie owners. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Is the French Bulldog recognized by the AKC and is there a breed standard?
The French Bulldog: History and AKC Recognition
The French Bulldog was officially recognized by the AKC in 1898, one year after the French Bulldog Club of America was formed—the first club in the world dedicated exclusively to the welfare of this wonderful breed. We provide AKC registration papers for all the French Bulldogs adopted from us, ensuring that each puppy is a registered, purebred member of this exceptional breed.
The French Bulldog was originally bred in England from larger bulldogs, selectively bred to achieve a smaller size (no more than 28 pounds). The breed’s popularity surged in France, hence its name, and America has played a significant role in shaping the breed’s standard, including the iconic bat ears. The AKC breed standard, which is widely recognized, has helped set the guidelines for what constitutes a well-bred French Bulldog, and we are proud to adhere to this standard in our breeding program. Limited vs. Full AKC Registration Most of our French Bulldogs are placed with limited AKC registration, meaning they are adopted as pets, and the new owner agrees to spay or neuter the puppy at around 6 months of age. These puppies are every bit as much purebred French Bulldogs as those with full AKC registration. They can participate in various competitions such as obedience, agility, earth dog, tracking, and herding—just not conformation competitions where breeding stock is evaluated.
A select few of our puppies are available with full AKC registration. These are typically placed with experienced, carefully screened breeders or individuals who wish to show their French Bulldogs. Puppies with full AKC registration are priced higher due to their potential for breeding and conformation events. Breed Standard We take great pride in breeding French Bulldogs that conform closely to the AKC breed standard. Below is a summary of the key traits that define the ideal French Bulldog: General Appearance The French Bulldog is an active, intelligent, and muscular dog with a smooth coat and compact build. It should appear sturdy with medium or small structure. The expression is alert, curious, and interested. The breed’s overall appearance should be balanced and well-proportioned. Head and Face The head is large, square, and broad, with round, dark eyes that are wide apart. The ears are large, bat-shaped, and carried erect, a signature characteristic of the breed. The muzzle is broad and deep, with a short, well-defined stop and a short, turned-up nose. The nose should be black, although a lighter nose is acceptable in lighter-colored dogs. Body The neck is thick and well-arched with loose skin at the throat. The back is slightly roached, broad at the shoulders, and narrowing at the loins. The chest is broad, deep, and full, with a well-ribbed body and a slightly tucked belly. The tail is either straight or screwed (but never curly), short, thick at the root, and carried low. Coat and Color The coat is short, smooth, and moderately fine, with a soft and loose skin texture, especially around the head and shoulders. Acceptable colors include brindle, fawn, white, brindle and white, and any other color, except for solid black, mouse, liver, black and tan, black and white, and white with black. These colors are disqualifications. Black refers to a true black color without any brindle pattern. Size French Bulldogs should not exceed 28 pounds. Any dog over this weight is disqualified from the AKC standard. Temperament French Bulldogs are well-behaved, adaptable, affectionate companions with even temperaments. They are active, alert, and playful but not overly boisterous, making them excellent family pets. Disqualifications Any alteration other than the removal of dewclaws. Over 28 pounds in weight. Ears other than the bat ear type. A nose color other than black (except in lighter-colored dogs). Disqualifying colors: solid black, mouse, liver, black and tan, black and white, and white with black. Note on Blue and Chocolate French Bulldogs There is some debate in the French Bulldog community about whether blue Frenchies are considered “mouse” colored by the AKC or if chocolate Frenchies are the same as “liver” colored dogs. Both blue and chocolate Frenchies have been successfully entered into AKC-conformity competitions and have won ribbons. While some “purists” might have a bias against these unique colors, many people enjoy them for their rarity and beauty. From a health perspective, there has been no evidence to suggest that blue or chocolate French Bulldogs are more prone to health issues than other Frenchies. In fact, our blues and chocolates are some of the healthiest, most athletic French Bulldogs we breed.
New Owner FAQs
When you bring your French Bulldog puppy home, you’ll notice that they’re playful, affectionate, and curious. They’ll need some time to adjust to their new environment, so be patient and provide a safe, calm space for them. Expect some initial whining or crying, especially at night, as they get used to being separated from their littermates. Make sure you have their crate or bed set up for comfort, and establish a routine for feeding, potty training, and playtime.
Before bringing your puppy home, you’ll need to puppy-proof your house. Remove any small objects they might chew on or swallow, and make sure that electrical cords and sharp objects are out of reach. It’s also important to have their essentials ready, including a bed, crate, food and water bowls, toys, grooming tools, and high-quality puppy food.
At Melissa Frenchies, we recommend high-quality puppy food that is appropriate for small breeds. Look for food with a good balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates to support healthy growth and development. If your puppy is already on a specific food, we recommend transitioning gradually to avoid digestive upset. Be sure to consult your vet for specific dietary recommendations.
House training is one of the first steps in integrating your Frenchie into your home. We recommend using a crate for potty training, as dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area. Take your puppy outside frequently, especially after meals and naps. Be consistent, patient, and praise your Frenchie when they go potty outside.
French Bulldogs are intelligent and eager to please, but they can also be a bit stubborn. Start training early and use positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise. Keep training sessions short and fun, as Frenchies can get bored easily. Socialization is also crucial, so introduce your Frenchie to various people, animals, and environments during their early months.
French Bulldogs have short coats that are easy to maintain, but they do shed. Regular brushing (about once a week) will help reduce shedding and keep their coat healthy. They also need regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care. Don’t forget to clean the folds on their face, as moisture and debris can collect there and lead to skin issues.
While French Bulldogs are generally healthy, they are prone to certain health issues due to their unique body structure. Common concerns include breathing problems (brachycephalic syndrome), hip dysplasia, and skin infections due to their wrinkles. Regular vet check-ups, a healthy diet, and maintaining a healthy weight will help manage these risks.
French Bulldogs don’t require excessive exercise, but they do need regular, moderate activity to stay fit and healthy. Short walks, playtime, and mental stimulation (such as puzzle toys) will keep your Frenchie happy. Avoid overexerting them, especially in hot weather, as they are sensitive to heat due to their short snouts.
French Bulldogs are known for being affectionate and sometimes experience separation anxiety. If you need to leave your Frenchie alone, start by gradually increasing the time they spend alone. Provide them with toys, a comfy bed, and a safe environment. Crate training can also help them feel secure when you’re away.
After bringing your French Bulldog home, continue to monitor their health, provide regular vet visits, and ensure they’re adjusting well to their new environment. Keep up with their training, socialization, and grooming. Most importantly, shower them with love and attention—your Frenchie will quickly become a cherished member of the family.
Absolutely! We want to ensure that your experience with your new French Bulldog is a positive one. If you have any concerns or questions, whether it’s about training, health, or general care, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to support you and your new companion every step of the way.
Yes! At Melissa Frenchies, we offer a health guarantee for all of our puppies. We stand by the health and well-being of each of our French Bulldogs and are committed to providing you with a healthy, happy companion. Please refer to our contract for more details about our health guarantee.
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