The Scoop on French Bulldog Floppy Ears: Understanding and Addressing the Issue

Welcome, Frenchie Lovers! Johnny here, your resident French Bulldog aficionado, and today we’re diving into the world of those adorable, expressive ears that we all know and love. 

But what if those trademark bat ears are a bit more… floppy than expected? 

Is it cause for concern or just another endearing trait of your furry friend? 

Buckle up because we’re about to dive into the delightful and sometimes perplexing world of French Bulldog floppy ears. Let’s get started!

Decoding the Mystery: Why Do French Bulldogs Have Floppy Ears?

Understanding French Bulldog Ears

Hey there, Frenchie parent! Are you wondering why your adorable Frenchie’s ears are floppy instead of standing upright like a bat’s ears? Well, I’m here to help you unravel this mystery. Floppy ears in our lovable French Bulldogs can be due to a couple of factors—genetics, health conditions, or just part of your pup’s growing up journey.

Genetic Factors

Did you know that some Frenchies are born to have floppy ears, thanks to their genes? Yup, that’s right! Some breeders are even specially breeding French Bulldogs with what they call “rose ears.” If your little one’s ears are floppy, maybe they are just flaunting their unique, rose-eared charm! So, it’s nothing to worry about​.

Health Factors

But, let’s get serious for a moment. If your Frenchie’s ears are still floppy by around 7 months, it might be worth having a chat with your vet. They could suggest a slight change in diet or even recommend a calcium injection, which might give those ears a little boost.

Common Misconceptions

You might have come across suggestions on social media to give your Frenchie calcium supplements to fix those floppy ears. Here’s the thing—too much calcium can actually cause more harm than good, leading to issues like bone spurts, arthritis, and joint problems. Instead, try giving your Frenchie small amounts of foods like cottage cheese or yogurt, which are believed to help with ear growth. And remember, always consult your vet before making any big changes to your puppy’s diet.

Is it Normal for French Bulldogs to Have Floppy Ears?

You might be asking, “Is it normal for my Frenchie to have floppy ears?” The answer? Absolutely! It’s totally normal for some French Bulldogs to have floppy ears. Now, let’s dive into the details.

Can French Bulldogs Swim

In the wide world of Frenchies, ear development can vary quite a bit. Typically, French Bulldogs are born with their ears sealed shut and then, around 3 weeks, their ears begin to open. As they continue to grow, their ears will usually start to stand up between 5 to 15 weeks old. However, during the teething phase, which typically happens around 7 to 8 months, their ears may go up, down, or be floppy. And guess what? This is all part of their normal development.

Here’s a video on French Bulldog ears, courtesy of Woodland Frenchies:

But, what if your Frenchie’s ears remain floppy even after 8 months? Well, it’s nothing to worry about. Every Frenchie is unique and some may just naturally have floppy ears. It doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with them. As Frenchie parents, we should celebrate their individuality and love them for who they are, floppy ears and all.

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So, the next time someone asks, “Why are your Frenchie’s ears floppy?” You can just smile and say, “Because that’s just how they are, and we love them all the more for it!” Now, in the next section, let’s look at some gentle ways we can encourage those adorable ears to stand up. Stay tuned, you won’t want to miss it!

How to 'Fix' Floppy French Bulldog Ears

How to 'Fix' Floppy French Bulldog Ears

The first thing you should do before even thinking about trying out any of the methods we’ll discuss is to consult with your vet. Your vet can perform a health check-up to rule out any developmental issues and may recommend dietary changes or a calcium injection if your Frenchie’s ears still aren’t standing up by around seven months.

Do not, I repeat, do NOT give your Frenchie calcium supplements yourself. Too much calcium can lead to serious health issues, including bone spurs, arthritis, and joint problems​.

Instead, consider adding a cartilage-encouraging supplement to their diet. Some owners swear by glucosamine, which is said to help maintain and encourage the growth of your Frenchie’s cartilage and connective tissues.

And don’t forget about chew toys! Chewing helps strengthen the temporalis muscle at the top of the jaw and under the ear, which can contribute to ear development​​.

But remember, just as we embrace our own quirks and differences, it’s important to love our Frenchies’ floppy ears and all. After all, those floppy ears might just be part of what makes your Frenchie uniquely adorable!

What Other Frenchie Owners Are Saying

What Other Frenchie Owners Are Saying

As an owner, you might have wondered if your Frenchie’s floppy ears are a common occurrence among other Frenchies or if there’s a larger community out there sharing your experience. Well, guess what? You’re not alone!

A quick look at social media tells us that Frenchie owners across the world have shared their own tales about their pets’ adorable ears.

One owner shared, “Our Frenchie’s ear did this while she was teething. After a couple of weeks went back up and never down again. We were really worried, but it’s all fine now, and no more floppiness!”

Another owner beautifully stated, “Please don’t tape your Frenchie’s ears. They are living creatures, not a showpiece. Leave their ears alone, and if one is a bit floppy, just embrace the difference as it will be part of their character!

Yet another chimed in, “Our dog is two now, and her ears are still floppy. They were up and down as a puppy but eventually never went up again. We think he looks amazing and love him to bits”.

Here are some more experiences people had with floppy ears on Frenchies:

One Reddit discussioon:

Look at these comments:

Reddit thread about french bulldog ears

This Reddit thread is quite popular:

There's even a Floppy Ears Facebook group out there!

Floppy ears French bulldog Facebook group
You'll have to request to join

The conversations are a testament to the variety and the uniqueness of our beloved Frenchies. It’s clear that whether their ears are standing tall or they’re rocking the floppy look, these dogs are loved unconditionally by their owners.

And really, isn’t that what matters most!

Conclusion

In the end, the charm of French Bulldogs lies not in the position of their ears but in their personality, their love for their owners, and their unique, individual quirks. Yes, French Bulldogs can have floppy ears, and some may even have just one floppy ear. But remember, this doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with their overall health.

While it’s not the breed standard according to organizations like the Kennel Club, it doesn’t make your pup any less appealing or lovable. After all, each Frenchie is a bundle of joy wrapped in its own adorable package, floppy ears and all. So, let’s celebrate the diversity in our Frenchies, floppy ears or not because every single one of them is special in their own way.

So, if you’re the proud owner of a Frenchie with floppy ears, embrace it. Love them for who they are, not just how they look. After all, it’s the love, companionship, and joy they bring into our lives that truly matters. Floppy ears or not, they’re perfect just the way they are.

Blue or Lilac French Bulldog – Which one is better? Let’s Take A Look!

French Bulldogs are the definition of smallish but powerful furry buddies. They may bark at the mail carrier but don’t expect them to deter a house burglary.

Frenchies come in various hues, but Blue and Lilac Frenchies are the canine supermodels. They’re so lovely that they’d make even the most stoic person swoon. 

With this article, we did our best to answer the question Blue or Lilac French Bulldog – Which one is better?

As there is no precise answer, we will have to settle for the following: While they appear to be highly similar at first look, the main difference between Lilac and Blue Frenchies is that the brown gene is missing in Lilac puppies, giving them a more purple tint.

If you are interested in all other differences between Blue and Lilac French buddies, this article is the right place for you!

Blue French Bulldog

Blue French Bulldog

Blue Frenchies – the ultimate blue-dutiful companions. These gorgeous pups are like the cool kids of the dog world. Their sleek, blue coat is so shiny you could use it as a mirror. 

Plus, they’ve got the attitude to match. You’ll never catch a Blue Frenchie begging for attention – they know they’re hot stuff.

But don’t let their great exterior fool you. Blue Frenchies are notorious for being total goofballs. 

They love to play, make their owners laugh, and do anything for a treat. Plus, they’re loyal as heck. They’ll stick by your side through thick and thin, no matter what.

Only their genes can account for the beautiful fur color of French Bulldogs. Many people believe that blue-colored Frenchies will develop many health difficulties.

If a dog was correctly bred and its parents were fully healthy, it would not exhibit any health difficulties.

The cause for the gray-blue coat is due to the presence of a dilute gene.

It is frequently asserted that dilute canines are less healthier than those with normal pigmentation.

This misperception is most likely due to the occurrence of a disorder known as Color Dilution Alopecia in specific breeds (CDA).

This ailment is caused by a defective variant of the d allele known as dl. As a result, it is critical to select only perfectly healthy Frenchies for breeding.

It’s worth noting that not all breeds have this defective gene. If correctly bred, most blue Frenchies and Isabella French bulldogs are entirely healthy.

Blue dogs’ coat colors range from practically black to dark gray, light gray, and blue.

Lilac French Bulldog

lilac french bulldog

Lilac French Bulldogs or, as we like to say, the unicorns of the dog world. These rare and enchanting pups are like no other. 

Their unique coat color is a soft, muted shade of lavender that makes them stand out in a sea of beige and black dogs. It’s like having a real-life stuffed animal.

So, yes, the coat of the Lilac French bulldog is noticeably lilac. It is caused by the same dilution gene that creates blue hair.

If you ask us to describe the color of this coat, it is a pale grayish-brown coat. This hue appears spontaneously in dogs who carry a recessive gene.

The genotype body will be found in an Isabella or a Lilac French bulldog (homozygous for liver, homozygous for dilution).

A Lilac French bulldog’s coat may resemble that of a blue French bulldog when it is born. Its coat lightens and develops a noticeable Lilac color as it matures.

A Lilac French bulldog’s eyes are generally blue, light gray, or amber. Their noses are often light pink or grayish-brown, with noticeable pale pink marks around the eyes and mouth.

That is why rare-colored Frenchies range from $5,000 to $15,000.

Did you know Lilac Frenchies are known for their goofy and playful personalities? They love to clown around and make their owners laugh. Plus, they’re cuddly as heck. 

But that’s not all that makes them unique. You’ll never want to let go of your little Lilac snuggle bug.

Also, Lilac Frenchies are notorious for being stubborn, which adds to their charm. They know what they want and will only stop once they get it.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a unique and delightful addition to your family, a Lilac French Bulldog might be the perfect pup. Just be prepared for endless snuggles and goofy antics.

Blue or Lilac French Bulldog- Which one is better?

French Bulldogs are like a box of chocolates – you never know what color you’ll get. From fawn to brindle to pied, these pups come in various hues. 

But did you know that some of these colors are not accepted by Kennel groups? It’s like being rejected from the fantastic kids club just because you’re wearing the wrong color shirt.

But who needs those stuffy authorities anyway? Some of the most popular Frenchies are the rebels with non-traditional colors. Blue and lilac Frenchies, for example, are taking the world by storm with their unique and enchanting hues. It’s like having a unicorn for a pet.

Fun fact time! Despite not being recognized by kennel groups, blue and lilac Frenchies are still purebred French Bulldogs. 

It’s like saying you’re not a human because you have blue eyes. Did you know Frenchies can also come in chocolate, black, and tan? It’s like a whole new world of Frenchie colors to explore.

For example, the American Kennel Club accepts these animals if they are brindle, cream, fawn, white, or any combination of the first four colors blended with white.

Blue and Lilac aren’t regarded as traditional colors by anybody. Therefore interested parties shouldn’t anticipate Frenchies in either of those hues to receive the same attention. 

In any event, the blue-colored Frenchie is connected to the black-colored French buddy.

However, it has two copies of a gene that causes its color to become diluted, giving it its odd appearance.

These animals have a wide range of characteristics. On the lighter side, a blue-colored Frenchie might appear gray; On the darker side, a blue-colored French furry friend can appear near-black.

Some may claim that one of the advantages of any Lilac Frenchie is that it is an excellent companion dog due to its tiny size and ease of care.

These Nice Harnesses Will Suit Your Blue or Lilac Frenchie Great!

Blue French Bulldogs may grow up to 13 inches tall, whereas the Lilac seldom surpasses 12 inches.

This should be considered when developing a food and exercise plan for your French buddy since it considerably influences the dog’s weight.

A Lilac French Bulldog is about the same height and weight as a standard French Bulldog, measuring about a foot tall at the shoulder and weighing around 20 pounds.

A Blue French Bulldog can grow to be as large as 28 pounds

There are now lilac Frenchies due to careful breeding among dogs with a distinctive purple or blue gloss to their coat.

When this dog is born, its coat may resemble that of a Blue French Bulldog.

Nevertheless, its coat lightens as it ages and takes on a distinctive lilac tint. Lilac French Bulldogs have less thick skin than the regular type.

The Blue Frenchie is a tiny, amiable dog with a laid-back personality. The Lilac French Bulldog’s attitude is similar to that of other Frenchies; They adore being touched and played with!

It will approach humans with the expectation of being petted. Lilac dogs are often laid-back and disinterested in strenuous exercise.

While French Bulldogs are intelligent dogs, teaching them is usually simple. The trick is to make it light and enjoyable.

Also, due to their tiny stature, Lilac French buddies should avoid engaging in high-intensity training or agility courses.

Final Thoughts

There's no apparent winner in Blue vs. Lilac French Bulldogs

Let’s face it: there’s no apparent winner in Blue vs. Lilac French Bulldogs. It’s like trying to decide between pizza and tacos; each is fantastic in its own right.

Blue Frenchies are the cool kids at school; They’re sleek, sparkly, and constantly in style. But don’t be fooled by their sophisticated façade; They’re absolute goofballs.

On the other hand, Lilac Frenchies are like your lovely and sassy best friend: Charming, lively, and always up for a good time. Additionally, having a pet with a one-of-a-kind color is like owning a unique piece of art.

Whether you buy a Blue or Lilac Frenchie, you get a fantastic friend who will unconditionally adore you.

It’s like having a best friend who never passes judgment on you (even if you eat pizza and tacos for every meal).

So go ahead and pick the one that speaks to your heart – you can’t go wrong!

What to Expect After Your French Bulldog Is Neutered? Learn Everything Right Here!

Although some decisions in our life are not easy, neutering your Frenchie is a significant decision that may benefit your loved one.

It can help avoid health problems, behavioral disorders, and unplanned puppy litter.

Nonetheless, you may be wondering what to expect following the surgery. The most common question dog owners ask when discussing this topic is: What to Expect After Your French Bulldog Is Neutered?

The shortest answer we can give you immediately would be: Because Frenchie’s bodies no longer produce sex hormones after neutering, they will be less motivated by impulses, making them more controllable and submissive.

This article will examine what occurs after your French Bulldog has been neutered.

We’ll go through any physical or behavioral changes you might see, how to care for your puppy while he’s recovering, and when to call your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

French bulldog

What is the Neutering Procedure?

Before we explain the advantages and disadvantages and how to manage and care for your Frenchie after surgery, we must briefly walk you through what a neuter is.

Neutering, often known as castration, is a surgical treatment that removes a male dog’s testicles.

A tiny incision typically removes the testicles in the scrotum while the puppy is under general anesthesia.

As you can guess, your Frenchie will need some time to recuperate and heal after the treatment. 

Also, neutering is a routine surgery with several advantages for you and your furry friend.

With the breed’s inherent health problems, choosing to neuter might be crucial for Frenchie’s owners.

In this article, after we’ve done with what neutering is, we will explain the possible benefits of the process and what to expect from your Frenchie’s recuperation.

The Best Timing To Neuter Your Buddy

when to neuter your French bulldog

The optimum time to neuter your French buddy depends on your dog’s breed and unique conditions.

In general, neutering dogs between six and twelve months is advised. But is that also the case for your French friends? Let’s clear all that up right now.

But, depending on your dog’s health and personality, your veterinarian may prescribe neutering at an earlier or older age. This is generally the following question that comes up once you’ve decided to have the operation done.

Because there are so many various points of view and perspectives out there, most Frenchie parents have difficulty selecting when they should do it.

Most veterinarians recommend neutering your Frenchie between 8 and 10 months.

By that age, individuals have reached sexual maturity and have gone through the primary hormonal changes that impact their development.

If your puppy exhibits troubling sexual tendencies, operating sooner may be appropriate. If you wait longer, that is fine; It is never too late to perform the surgery.

Every puppy is unique, so the best thing you can do is find a reputable veterinarian with extensive expertise with Frenchies and talk with them before making a selection.

How Do They Perform The Procedure?

As mentioned, neutering is a standard procedure for removing a dog’s reproductive organs.

The vet will create an incision in the scrotum, remove the testicles, and sew it back up again when castrating male puppies.

When female puppies are spayed, the ovaries and, in some instances, the uterus are removed by cutting their abdomen and sealing it again.

We know this sounds scary, but don’t worry! Your Frenchie will be anesthetized on both occasions so that they will experience no pain or discomfort.

Also, there are more alternatives to the neutering procedure. Currently, mainly created drugs give so-called “chemical castration.”

These drugs can temporarily and reversibly lower your Frenchie’s testosterone levels, similar to a temporary and reversible neuter operation.

If you are satisfied with the behavioral adjustments provided by the temporary remedy, you may schedule the surgical and permanent neutering surgery with your trusted veterinarian.

But, this is only beneficial if you want to cease your buddy hormone-related antics temporarily or if you want to know what to hope for following medical treatment.

What to Expect After Your French Bulldog Is Neutered?

What to Expect After Your French Bulldog Is Neutered

As with any human intervention or surgery, our dear furry pets also must have a specific healing period

You will need to pay special attention to some things after the surgery of your French buddy, and we are here to present them to you.

Your Frenchie must wear a cone after surgery to prevent them from reaching and damaging the sutures. It’s also critical to keep the scar clean to avoid infection.

Many of our Frenchie parents have stated that they use a surgical suit on their pups instead of a cone, which is an excellent idea because they are much more comfortable and practical.

Although safety is the most important and only then comfort comes along in these situations, be sure that in this article, you will find a combination of both to give your sweetest pup the best treatment after surgery.

Sutures are routinely removed 7-14 days after surgery in male French Bulldogs. But, depending on the particular dog’s recovery process and the veterinarian’s prescription, the duration may vary.

It’s critical to attentively follow your vet’s instructions and monitor your Frenchie’s incision site for any symptoms of infection or problems.

Also, sutures are typically removed in female pups after the surgery after 10-12 days.

Your vet will also prescribe some antibiotics and medicines for your dog.

Be aware that they may cause them to get sleepy and lose their appetite for a day or two, which is normal.

Most importantly, your Frenchie gets enough rest and affection from you.

They usually get back on their feet quickly and without incident. Regarding your dog’s activities, this period may be challenging.

We can all agree that all domesticated dogs have an innate desire to explore and mate with other female dogs.

So it’s no secret that your Frenchie will be calmer and less inclined to roam after being neutered. It’s completely normal and certainly not a reason to be afraid or think something is wrong.

Also, it’s no secret that he lacks the tremendous urge to pursue girls and prefers to stay closer to home.

As a result, don’t be shocked if your pet wants to sleep in your lap or spend the entire day at your side.

Usually, the incision site is free of redness and drainage, although germs can get in. You should see your veterinarian immediately if you see any redness or drainage from the incision site.

While the incision should remain dry, it is advised that you clean up any remaining pee with toilet paper every time your Frenchi buddy goes to release the bladder throughout the recuperation period. 

Frenchies need roughly a week to recuperate following anesthesia and surgery, so you must care for them for at least a few days. If you can stay at home, it would mean especially to your sweetest furry friend during this period.

Some dogs may vomit, get exhausted, or lose their appetite due to anesthesia or surgery. Nevertheless, these symptoms usually go away after 1 to 2 weeks.

Frenchie owners worldwide, do you wish to assist your dog in healing more quickly? Here are some tips to help your lovely puppy push through the recovery process as quickly and painlessly as possible:

Inquire about the finest medication for your buddy’s post-surgery discomfort with your veterinarian.

If your Frenchie is an active and hyperactive puppy, keep him calm for at least two weeks. Also, your veterinarian may prescribe sedatives to assist in keeping him calm.

Even though most skin sutures are absorbable, examine the incision site frequently.

As we already mentioned, Skin sutures typically take 7-14 days to dissolve completely. Examine the incision line daily for redness, edema, and discharge.

Wrap the Elizabethan cone, surgical suit, or something your vet recommended around your Frenchie’s neck to protect the incision site. Your dog will attempt to lick it, which may result in an infection, so it is essential to keep him away from the scar.

The Advantages of Neutering Your Frenchie

The Advantages of Neutering Your Frenchie

There are several advantages to neutering your French Bulldog.

First and foremost, neutering can aid in the prevention of particular health concerns, including testicular cancer and prostate disorders.

It can also help lessen the probability of behavioral issues like aggressiveness and disobedient wandering.

Moreover, neutering can help limit the number of unwanted puppies, which is especially significant for owners who do not wish to breed their puppies.

Urine marking, male-to-male aggressiveness, humping, and wandering are the four most common undesired male behaviors among French Bulldogs and male puppies in general.

Some of these habits are amusing, some are humiliating, and still, others have the potential to be deadly. Frenchies can communicate their sexual displeasure in a variety of ways.

Here is a list of the advantages of neutering your furry buddy:

  • Prostate problems

Prostate issues (enlargement, cysts, and infections) affect 80% of intact male Frenchies.

They are not life-threatening, but they necessitate costly comprehensive therapies. Neutering helps to reduce the occurrence of prostate problems.

  • Testicular problems

Infections and malignancies of the testes are odd, but when they occur, they are challenging to treat. These conditions need long-term antibiotic therapy for your buddy.

It’s no secret that tumors form in around 7% of intact canines. Castration is required, as is chemotherapy and radiation if the disease has spread.

Having your French buddy neutered eliminates the danger of testicular problems.

  • Fistulas anal and perianal 

Perianal and anal fistulas begin as deeper infections but gradually develop canals that connect them to the outer world.

Such canals usually appear as carbuncles in the anal and perianal regions.

This terrible and overpowering illness of Frenchies necessitates lengthy therapy and has a recurring tendency.

Here is the significant advantage of neutering: Neutering substantially reduces the risk of perianal and anal fistulas.

If your loved one is not neutered and develops this problem, your veterinarian will propose neutering as part of the treatment plan.

  • Tumors and venereal illnesses

Venereal illnesses and malignancies are relatively prevalent in French Bulldogs who are mated.

But these illnesses are generally challenging to treat and may need intensive and sophisticated treatment strategies (strong antibiotics, surgery, chemotherapy).

Because a neutered Frenchie can’t reproduce, there are no venereal infections or malignancies.

  • Improved immune system

Some studies and available online data support that neutered dogs have more vital immune systems and are less vulnerable to infectious illnesses due to unknown underlying causes.

Final Thoughts

Well, we’ve come to the very end of this article, so it’s time to summarize everything that’s important for every Frenchie parent.

So, the question we talked about today was: What to Expect After Your French Bulldog Is Neutered?

And as we said at the beginning, the most accurate answer would be: When our Frenchies do not produce sex hormones, they will have less desire to interact with females, and they will be easier to control and more obedient.

Finally, neutering your Frenchie is a personal decision that must be carefully considered. Nonetheless, it might offer several advantages for you and your loved one.

We hope you enjoyed gathering new knowledge with us on the FrenchieGlobe blog as much as we enjoyed preparing this content for you!