French Bulldogs, known for their bright, playful, and adaptable nature, have secured their spot as America’s second most beloved dog breed. However, due to their unique physique, finding a well-fitting harness for French Bulldogs can be quite challenging. With their barrel chests, square-shaped heads, large bat ears, and flat faces, standard dog harnesses often end up either too tight around the neck or chest or too loose, allowing these dogs to slip out.
In this manetprints.co Dog Blog post, we will explore the exercise needs of French Bulldogs and provide guidance on selecting the perfect harness for them.
Exercise Requirements for French Bulldogs
The amount of exercise a French Bulldog requires depends on their age and activity level. Typically, these dogs stay in great shape with short walks and daily outdoor play.
Dr. Paula Simons, a veterinary consultant at K9 of Mine, suggests, “French Bulldogs should have the freedom to determine their activity level. They should not be forced to walk longer than they desire, and a 10-20 minute walk is usually sufficient.”
Keep in mind that temperature and humidity are critical factors when exercising your French Bulldog. Brachycephalic breeds like the French Bulldog are sensitive to humid and hot weather, which can affect their breathing. It’s essential to avoid outdoor activities on warm or hot days, especially when it’s humid. The optimal outdoor temperatures for French Bulldogs are in the 50s and 60s. In extreme heat, keep your Frenchie indoors and opt for walks during cooler parts of the day, such as sunrise or evenings. However, dogs living in colder climates can engage in more outdoor activities.
Selecting the Best Harness for Your French Bulldog
Given the unique anatomy of French Bulldogs, harnesses are recommended over collars for leash attachment. Harnesses distribute pressure more evenly, reducing strain on the dog’s back and airway.
When choosing a harness for your French Bulldog, consider the following features:
1. Material: Look for a harness made of comfortable and durable materials that are easy to clean and don’t stretch over time. Materials like polypropylene webbing and polyester webbing are recommended for their strength and longevity.
2. Weight: Opt for lightweight harnesses during the summer months to prevent overheating. These harnesses should be breathable and may have cooling properties. In colder weather, lightweight hoodies can provide warmth without causing discomfort.
Additional Considerations
- Preventing Skin Fold Pyoderma: French Bulldogs are prone to skin fold pyoderma, a condition that can occur when moisture and bacteria get trapped in their skin folds. To prevent this, choose a breathable harness that is designed to repel water and dry quickly.
- Comfort and Chafing: Some harnesses may cause rubbing and chafing. To avoid this, look for harnesses with a narrow, deep harness body. This design minimizes the risk of rubbing or chafing under the front legs.
- Senior Dogs with Joint Issues: If your French Bulldog is a senior dog with joint problems like arthritis, opt for an adjustable harness that can be easily put on and removed without lifting your dog’s paws. Harnesses with quick-release buckles on the chest strap are a practical choice for easy on and off.
- No-Pull Harness: If your Frenchie tends to pull during walks, consider a no-pull harness with a front D-ring for leash attachment. This design discourages pulling by causing the dog’s body to turn to the side when they pull.
Where to Find Manetprints.co Harnesses for French Bulldogs
Manetprints.co is a family-owned business specializing in high-quality outdoor gear for small and medium-sized adventure dogs and their owners. Their harnesses are designed to meet the unique needs of French Bulldogs and other small breeds. You can find Manetprints.co dog harnesses on their official website, Amazon, and select pet boutiques across the United States, Canada, the European Union, and the United Kingdom. Be sure to check with your local pet retailers for the availability of Manetprints.co harnesses.
In Conclusion
When selecting a harness for your French Bulldog, prioritize comfort, durability, and suitability for their specific needs and lifestyle. By choosing the right harness, you can ensure that your Frenchie enjoys safe and comfortable walks and outdoor adventures.
