The French Bulldog, or Frenchie as they’re lovingly nick-named, is a unique breed that requires care as special as they are. These dogs make great apartment companions because they don’t require much exercise, but don’t mistake them for being low maintenance, either.

Your Frenchie will need frequent attention and will want to be your best friend. They don’t do well alone for long periods of time and require indoor living, preferably in an environment that doesn’t get too hot or too cold. In return, you’re getting a cute dog who will adore you.

Here are the essential French Bulldog supplies to spoil your new pup as soon as they walk in the door.

 

The 10 Essential French Bulldog Supplies

Feeding

1. Food

All dogs require a lot of protein, a moderate amount of fat, and a small amount of carbs. There really aren’t any breed specific requirements for food for French Bulldogs. The biggest criteria to look at when determining the best food for your dog depends on their age and health condition.

We recommend The Farmer’s Dog for canines of any age. This is a great alternative to dry, stale kibbles that your dog might not like and which are stripped of nutrients due to processing at high heat. The Farmer’s Dog is a subscription-based dog food that’s cooked at a low temperature, frozen, and then delivered straight to your door.

If you’re looking for a food specifically for Frenchies under a year old, we recommend Wellness Complete Health Puppy.  This dry food contains chicken as the first ingredient and features a good blend of meat, veggies and probiotics. All the ingredients are natural, without any by-products, artificial ingredients, or GMOs.

Treats and Toys

2. Treats

Treats are necessary for training your new dog and rewarding them for good behavior. But like any dog, your Frenchie should be getting most of their calories from their food, not their treats. We recommend finding small, healthy treats like these from Bocce’s Bakery so that you can reward them more frequently. Bocce’s Bakery uses simple and natural ingredients. Your new dog will enjoy these morsel-sized snacks as a reward for good behavior or just because.

---

3. Toys

Frenchies—especially puppies—are mighty chewers and need durable toys. They tend to be playful dogs who will never grow out of having a good time.

We recommend getting your dog a Kong chew toy that’s suitable for their size and allows you to put a treat in the middle. These toys are known for being chew-resistant and can entertain your dog for hours. The Kong Jump’N Jack Dog Toy has Denta-Ridges like a dental chew to clean your dog’s teeth and it’s stuffable, which means you could hide a treat inside for extra incentive. This toy comes in three sizes, with small being the appropriate size for your Frenchie.

• Related Read: 9 DIY Indestructible Dog Toys for Dogs That Chew

Comfort

4. Bed

Your dog needs a nice, plushy place to lay their head that also supports their joints. We like this small Donut Cuddler for Frenchies because it’s soft and inviting, with a thin barrier around them to make them feel safe.

• Also Read: 7 Best Dog Beds for Anxiety

Walking

5. Leash

Though Frenchies are mostly home-dwellers, they’ll still need daily 10-15 minute walks to use their energy and stay healthy. We like stretchy bungee leashes because it reduces the pull on your Frenchies’ body. This hands-free bungee leash by Tuff Mutt reduces the pull on you and your dog’s shoulders by buckling around your waist. We also like how the bungee concept makes the leash pretty much tangle-free.

---

6. Harness

The French Bulldog is considered a brachycephalic breed, meaning those adorable snub-noses unfortunately are not very efficient at breathing and their airways are more constricted than other dogs due to their small facial bones. It’s important to not attach your Frenchie’s leash to their collar because pulling at their neck will further restrict their breathing and could be hazardous to their health.

We opt for a padded harness instead, like this one from Mighty Paw. This one allows you to attach their leash from the front or the back and has a handle in case you suddenly need to pick up your puppy. The reflective tape adds visibility at night in case they accidentally get away.

---

7. Sunscreen

Frenchies have extremely short hair and sensitive skin, which makes them candidates to get sunburned. White Frenchies are especially susceptible. To protect your dog’s skin and coat, invest in some dog-friendly sunscreen like this one from Lucky Pup if you’re planning on being outside with them for an extended period of time.

Note: never put human sunscreen on a dog because it contains toxic ingredients for your dog. You also shouldn’t plan on long activities with your Frenchie during the hotter months because they don’t tolerate heat well.

---

8. Winter Coat

If you live in an area that gets cold, invest in a winter coat for your new pup. Frenchies don’t have much protection against cold weather and will need an extra layer to stay warm. This puffer coat from GF Pet comes in a sunny yellow color that will keep your pup warm and chase all your winter blues away.

Grooming Supplies

9. Shampoo

Because Frenchies are short-haired dogs with skin that is prone to drying out, you should aim to wash your dog no more than once a month. However, if your dog gets dirty often, once a month isn’t a very realistic goal. If you bathe your puppy often, it’s even more important to pick a good shampoo that won’t strip oils from their coat.

We like Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Dog Shampoo because it’s plant-based and safe for all life-stages. We like how it contains colloidal oatmeal and aloe vera, which is very good for your dog’s skin and coat. Its vanilla-almond scent comes from food-grade extract instead of artificial fragrance. This makes it a more health-conscious choice than most shampoos and the pleasant scent may help stretch out the time between baths.

Pet Insurance

10. Pet Insurance

Although health insurance can be a beneficial investment for any pet, it is an especially good idea for Frenchies because they are prone to certain genetic health issues. As brachycephalic dogs, they are especially susceptible to respiratory problems. Finding a good pet health insurance provider can help lower the costs of any medical bills that may arise.

Conclusion

As you welcome your Frenchie into your family, we hope this list helps you give them the special care they deserve. Frenchies are wonderful, attention-loving dogs who will quickly become your best friend. These supplies will help ensure that they live their best life.

See also: 

• How Much Do Pugs Sleep? Everything You Should Know
• How Much Does It Cost to Own a Pug? 

---

Featured Image Credit: hedgehog94, Shutterstock