As cute as they look, your Frenchie’s physical traits are what make it hard for them to stay outdoors. They are susceptible to weather-related health issues that can be fatal for them. Other than that, their mental health can also suffer as a result of staying outside too long.
Do French Bulldogs Need a Lot of Space?
Part of the appeal of this breed is that they do not need a lot of space to be happy. One of the reasons is that they are a small breed, at about 11 to 12 in (28 to 31 cm) in height. Another reason is their history, they lived in tiny workspaces with the lacemakers.
Having a smaller space at home should not discourage you from owning and caring for Frenchies. A small yard will do for them.
You can also walk them around the neighborhood or nearby parks. These are great ways to socialize Frenchies, having to meet a lot of people.
As long as your Frenchie stays active, even indoors with lots of toys, they will be content.
Are French Bulldogs Indoor Dogs?
French Bulldogs are indoor dogs and should not have to live or stay outside for long hours at all. Staying outside can be fatal for them due to the weather. They cannot regulate their body temperature well for a few reasons.
One is that their respiratory system is inefficient. Frenchies have narrow nostrils, longer soft palates, and shortened muzzles. These affect their airflow and their ability to regulate their body temperature.
Frenchies also have short legs, making them so near the ground. If the ground is too hot or too cold, they will feel this even more. It does not help that they have short coats, which does not provide them enough insulation.
Keeping them outside can lead to overheating, hypothermia, and even frostbite. All these are serious and can be life-threatening. Part of your responsibility as their owner is to make sure this does not happen.
Are French Bulldogs Good Apartment Dogs?
Frenchies are popular apartment dogs for various reasons. If you live in the city, there is not a dull moment with this affectionate breed. With this, below are reasons why Frenchies make great apartment dogs.
They’re Small
Frenchies are medium to small-sized dogs. They stand at a height of 11 to 12 in (28 to 31 cm) and usually do not exceed 28 lbs (12 kg). This also means that most landlords will accept Frenchies, as many do not allow bigger dogs.
They’re Low-Energy
Considered lazy by many, Frenchies only need a couple of 15-minute walks each day. They also love to run around and play around, but they can do this even with a small space. And as long as you keep them active, they will get tired easily.
This means that they are happy to nap around throughout the day. They recharge themselves for a bit, and they will perk up and zoom around again. This is why many consider them lazy, they take a lot of naps.
They’re Happier Indoors
As you know, Frenchies cannot regulate their body temperature well. Being indoors, they will not face this issue as much. As long as you have an air conditioner, fan, and heater, they are happy.
Another thing is that Frenchies are allergic to many environmental allergens. Pollen, grass, and more will make their skin itchy and red.
They’re Not Big Barkers
Frenchies will only bark for a few reasons. It can be their protective instincts kicking in, asking for attention, or when they are in pain. They are generally quiet dogs that only bark when needed.
Are French Bulldogs Hard to House Train?
Being an intelligent breed, Frenchies are not the hardest to house train. But it can also be difficult since they can be very stubborn. And this will take you some time.
Training them needs consistency, repetition, and lots of rewards. And as long as these three are present, your Frenchie will learn and adapt well.
How Long Does It Take to Housebreak a French Bulldog?
Housebreaking your Frenchie can take up to 8 months. It can be shorter or longer than this, it all depends on your furry companion. The process can be daunting but stay calm and remember that consistency is key.
How Do You Housebreak an Adult French Bulldog?
The time it takes to potty train your Frenchie should not discourage you. The process is pretty straightforward with only a few steps.
Set a Schedule
Frenchies will learn better with a consistent routine. It is best if you take them out at the same time each day. Dogs cannot read the time, but they will learn when the next potty time is with their body clock.
Take them to the potty first thing in the morning, after meals and drinking, after playing, and before bed. Setting this schedule will help them know what to expect, so it will be easier to train them.
Use Doggy Pee Pads
Pee pads are a must for every dog who stays indoors a lot. This gives your Frenchie a place to poop or pee without having to go outside.
While you can let your Frenchie outdoors do their deed, it can be inconvenient. If your Frenchie needs to go potty at odd hours, they may not have access to your yard. And for apartment Frenchies, they have nowhere else to go.
This also prevents them from doing their deed on the floor or carpet. That would mean more cleaning time for you. There are washable pee pads on the market that can save you money in the long run.
Use a Potty Command
It can be as simple as “go potty”, something that your Frenchie will easily understand. Verbal commands are a staple in training dogs, so use them when potty training your Frenchie too.
Reward Your Frenchie
Whenever they make a successful trip to the toilet, reward your furry companion. You can use treats, give them lots of praises, and pets! This way, they will associate going to the toilet with something good.
Positive reinforcement is the best way to train your Frenchie. Punishing them for bad deeds will only do more harm than good. Sometimes, this can make your Frenchie fear you, which can make them aggressive.
Know Their Potty Signs
Your Frenchie’s body language will tell you when they need to go. It may take you time to understand them, but they are pretty obvious. Some of the signs include:
- Pacing Around
- Whining
- Barking
- Sniffing
- Staring At You
Can French Bulldogs Be Left Outside?
Frenchies indoor dogs so living outside is not good for their health. While they can handle most climates, extreme temperatures are fatal for them. Hot temperatures can cause heatstroke while cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia.
Frenchies are brachycephalic breeds that make them prone to these weather-related issues. They also have only one coat, which is short. This does not provide them enough insulation for the cold.
And being short-legged, they are closer to the colder or hotter ground. This is another consequence of their physical traits. Their physical characteristics are not cut out for outdoor living.
Another thing you need to consider is their allergies. Frenchies, like other Bulldog breeds, are prone to skin issues. Frenchies are allergic to many things.
Environmental allergens like grass, pollen, dust, and more can trigger an allergic response. This is very uncomfortable for Frenchies. And they may itch their skin until they hurt themselves.
Allergies can show up in different parts of the body, making the following inflamed:
- Groin
- Stomach
- Paws
- Ears
- Eyes
- Nose
- Face
Other than that, these allergens can cause the following symptoms:
- Excessive Itching
- Skin Redness
- Scaly Patches
- Excessive Licking
- Sneezing
- Watery Eyes
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Recurrent Ear Infections
Staying outdoors takes a toll on your Frenchie’s physical health. But it can also do the same for their mental and emotional health.
Frenchies are companion dogs who thrive with human contact and love. This is why they are prone to developing separation anxiety. This condition puts them in great distress when you, their owner, are away.
Living outside limits their contact with you and your family. This can put them in depression, may make them aggressive, and can lead to unwanted behaviors.
So as a responsible Frenchie owner, you should not make your Frenchie live outdoors. You are the apple of their eyes, so do not take that away from them.
How Do You Keep a French Bulldog Outside?
With the many risks of keeping Frenchies outdoors, you do not keep them outside. Instead, you should learn how to protect your Frenchie when taking them outdoors. Especially during harsher temperatures.
Before that, you should know that you have to take them outside briefly when it’s too cold or hot. In more moderate temperatures, they can stay outside longer.
So here are your Frenchie’s essentials to cool down or warm up.
Hotter Weather
- Kiddie Pool
- Cool Water for Their Body
- Outdoor Fans
- Umbrella
- Doggy Tent (preferably an elevated one)
- Clean Water for Drinking
- Sunscreen
- Damp Towels
- Doggy Boots
Colder Weather
- Doggy Coat or Jacket
- Doggy Sweater
- Doggy Boots
- Headband
- Warm Water for Drinking
- Balms for Their Nose and Paws
When it is extra chilly or warm, it is best to keep them indoors. But that does not mean they cannot have fun during harsher climates. All you need to do is give them protection from these temperatures.
