Everything You Need to Know About American French Bull Terriers

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Portrait of Bull Terrier
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The American French Bull Terrier is a unique breed that's a mix of the French Bulldog and the American Bulldog.

They typically weigh between 16 and 28 pounds, making them a relatively small to medium-sized dog.

Their short coats require minimal grooming, but they do need regular nail trimming and ear cleaning.

These dogs are known for their adaptable nature and can thrive in a variety of living situations, from apartments to homes with yards.

Size and Build

The American French Bull Terrier is a sturdy breed with a muscular build, typically weighing between 41 and 65 pounds.

Their size is considered large, with males ranging from 19 to 25 inches in length and females from 18 to 20 inches.

These dogs are relatively short, with a solid frame that's well-suited for their energetic lifestyle.

Here's a breakdown of their size and weight:

Temperament/Personality

The American French Bull Terrier is a loving and affectionate breed that makes a great family companion. They are generally very good with children and other pets.

Credit: youtube.com, BULL TERRIER TEMPERAMENT DEEPDIVE

They are easy to train, especially if you use positive reinforcement and consistent training from an early age. This will help prevent behavioral issues and improve their quality of life as an adult.

American French Bull Terriers are sensitive to moods and become very attached to their people. They don't make good guard dogs as they'll often make friends with intruders.

These dogs are very active and require regular exercise, ideally daily. They're also very playful and intelligent, making them a joy to be around.

Here are some key personality traits of the American French Bull Terrier:

They're also adaptable to different climates, doing well in both hot and cold temperatures. Just remember to provide them with regular exercise and attention, and they'll be happy and healthy companions.

Health and Care

American French Bull Terriers are generally healthy dogs, but like any breed, they can be prone to certain health issues. They can suffer from patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and brachycephalic syndrome, which can cause breathing problems.

Brown and White American Pit Bull Terrier With Brown Costume
Credit: pexels.com, Brown and White American Pit Bull Terrier With Brown Costume

Their short noses can make them more susceptible to heatstroke, especially in hot weather. It's essential to take precautions to keep them cool and safe.

A daily 45-minute walk is recommended, but they may grow winded quickly, so short sessions are ideal. This breed isn't suitable for apartment living due to their size and energy levels.

Some common health conditions associated with American French Bull Terriers include glaucoma, cataracts, and hemivertebrae. They may also develop dwarfism, skin allergies, and spinal problems.

Here are some health concerns to be aware of:

  • Patellar Luxation
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Brachycephalic Syndrome
  • Heatstroke
  • Hemivertebrae
  • Cleft Palate
  • Glaucoma
  • Cataracts
  • Dwarfism
  • Skin allergies
  • Spinal problems
  • Cardiac diseases
  • Cerebellar Ataxia
  • Mild hip dysplasia

With proper care and attention, American French Bull Terriers can live a long and happy life, with an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years.

Care and Maintenance

Daily exercise is crucial for an American French Bull Terrier, with at least a 45-minute walk recommended. They also enjoy indoor or outdoor play like fetch or tug-of-war, but short sessions are ideal due to their tendency to grow winded quickly.

Credit: youtube.com, How to take care of your French Bulldog: 5 routine things for general maintenance

They're not suited for apartment living, as their size and energy levels make them a poor fit. Their recreational barking can also be a concern, even with proper exercise.

To keep their coat in good condition, brushing can be done as infrequently as once a week. However, regular cleaning of their deep facial wrinkles is necessary to prevent dirt and oil buildup, ideally done daily or twice daily.

Maintenance

Daily exercise is a must for American French Bull Terriers, with a 45-minute walk being the minimum requirement. They also need mental stimulation, which can be achieved through indoor or outdoor play like fetch or tug-of-war.

Recreational barking is a common issue with this breed, even when they're properly exercised. It's essential to find a suitable living arrangement, as they're not ideal for apartment living due to their size and energy levels.

Cleaning your American French Bull Terrier's ears and teeth is a weekly task, while checking their eyes for any buildup or infection is also part of the routine. Brushing their coat can be done as infrequently as once a week, but their facial wrinkles need to be cleaned daily to prevent dirt and oil buildup.

Bathing should be done on an as-needed basis, with a maximum of once a month. Nail maintenance is also crucial for all dog breeds, including the American French Bull Terrier.

Crate

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The crate you choose for your American French Bull Terrier is crucial for their safety and comfort. The Frisco Fold and Carry Double Door Dog Crate is a great option, with its wires welded efficiently to ensure durability.

Its electro-coated wires prevent rust and scratching, making it a long-lasting investment.

Nutrition

The American French Bull Terrier has medium-sized breed needs, so they require a medium-sized breed diet with moderate energy levels. This means they need food that will keep them satisfied and energized throughout the day.

Food motivated tasks like snuffle mats or filled toys can help stimulate their active minds, and they often enjoy harder puzzle toys too. They're highly motivated by problem-solving and mental stimulation.

You'll want to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best food for your pup, as every dog is unique and has different dietary needs. They can help you choose the perfect food for your American French Bull Terrier.

They do well on high-quality dry kibble, and you can also consider wet canned food, raw food, or even homemade food that you prepare yourself. With so many options available, you're sure to find the perfect fit for your furry friend.

Coat and Grooming

Credit: youtube.com, HOW I GROOM MY FRENCH BULLDOGS (WEEKLY GROOMING - Bath, Drying, Tear Stains, Ears, & Nails)

The American French Bull Terrier's coat is a breeze to maintain. Their short, easy-to-groom coats require little effort, and brushing can be done as infrequently as once a week.

Their coats are pretty much self-cleaning, with minimal shedding, making them a great choice for busy owners. Regular brushing will help get rid of any dirt and debris.

To keep their wrinkles clean, it's essential to clean them daily or twice daily to prevent dirt and oil buildup. A quick wipe with a wet cloth can also help keep them clean, especially when bathing is not necessary.

Grooming

The American French Bull Terrier's coat is relatively low-maintenance, requiring brushing only once a week. Their short coats are easy to groom, but be sure to clean those deep wrinkles on their face daily or twice daily to prevent dirt and oil buildup.

The breed's coats are self-cleaning and shed minimally, so regular brushing will help remove any dirt and debris. Instead of bathing, a wet cloth rub-down every so often is recommended.

Credit: youtube.com, Helping you understand how to choose and use blending shears to groom dogs

For nail maintenance, it's essential to check on your American French Bull Terrier's nails regularly, as with all dog breeds. The JW Pet Gripsoft Slicker Brush is a great tool for this, with soft and flexible pins that won't irritate their skin.

Here's a quick guide to help you keep your American French Bull Terrier's coat in top shape:

Keep in mind that bathing should be done on an as-needed basis, rarely more than once a month. The TropiClean Luxury 2-in-1 Pet Shampoo and Conditioner is a great choice for their coat, featuring natural ingredients that won't dry out their skin.

Muzzle for

If you have an American French Bull Terrier, you'll want to consider a muzzle to help control biting and barking habits.

The Four Paws Walk-About Quick-Fit Dog Muzzle is a great option, as it's often used by professionals and is aptly sewn to perform its task well.

This muzzle features an open-front design, allowing your American French Bull Terrier to pant and drink water in peace.

Credit: youtube.com, Using a Muzzle - How to Safely Muzzle a Dog for Grooming - Gina's Grooming

The straps of this muzzle are adjustable, making it easy to fit your dog comfortably.

You can also wash the muzzle in a machine, making it easy to keep clean.

Here's a quick rundown of the features of the Four Paws Walk-About Quick-Fit Dog Muzzle:

  • Features an open-front design which will allow your American French Bull Terrier to pant and drink water in peace
  • The straps of this muzzle are adjustable.
  • Can be washed in a machine

Equipment and Supplies

When you're walking your American French Bull Terrier, it's essential to have the right equipment to ensure their safety and comfort. For long walks, a harness is a better option than a collar, as it helps optimize control.

The Kurgo Go-Tech Adventure Nylon Reflective Dog Harness is a great choice, made from durable nylon and featuring a padded chest with integrated webbing to reduce strain. It's also lined with a reflective material that glows in the dark, making it visible in low-light conditions.

This harness has a dual clip design, which is convenient for owners who like to have options. Steel nesting buckles provide immense strength and ensure the harness can withstand regular use.

The harness is available in various sizes, so be sure to choose the right fit for your American French Bull Terrier.

Harness

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A good harness is essential for any dog, especially for long walks. The Kurgo Go-Tech Adventure Nylon Reflective Dog Harness is a great option for American French Bull Terriers.

This harness is made entirely of durable nylon, which can withstand rough handling. The padded chest with integrated webbing helps distribute the force of the harness, making it more comfortable for your dog.

The Kurgo Go-Tech Adventure Nylon Reflective Dog Harness features steel nesting buckles that are incredibly strong. This ensures that the harness stays secure even during intense activities.

If you're looking for a harness that's easy to use, consider one with a dual clip design. This allows you to attach the leash to either the front or back of the harness, giving you more control over your dog.

Here are some key features to look for in a harness:

  • Lined with a reflective material that glows in the dark
  • Features steel nesting buckles which possess immense strength
  • Available in various sizes

Collar

When choosing a collar for your dog, consider the material used in its crafting. Nylon webbing is a durable option, as seen in the Pawtitas Reflective Nylon Dog Collar.

The Pawtitas Reflective Nylon Dog Collar features a reflective thread that makes it visible in low-light conditions. This can be especially useful for evening walks or early morning jogs.

A reflective collar can also provide an added layer of safety for your dog.

Toys

Man and Bull on Rodeo
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Toys are an essential part of a dog's life, and choosing the right ones can make a big difference in their happiness and engagement.

The KONG Flyer Frisbee Dog Toy is a great option for American French Bull Terriers, as it's designed to be soft and flexible, making it perfect for their playful nature.

This frisbee is made using a high-quality rubber that's durable and buoyant, allowing it to withstand rough play and water.

Using a toy like this can help improve your bond with your pet pal, as it encourages interactive play and fetch sessions.

Here are some key features of the KONG Flyer Frisbee Dog Toy:

  • Helps improve your bond with your pet pal
  • Designed to be soft and flexible
  • Made using a high-quality rubber

Pet and Family

American French Bull Terriers are generally good with children when properly introduced, but may grow irritated with small children that aren’t familiar with handling dogs.

They can get along well with other dogs, but need careful introductions to ensure a smooth transition. This is crucial to avoid any potential conflicts or stress.

Due to their high prey drive, small animals like hamsters aren't likely to be good matches for an American French Bull Terrier. Larger pets like ferrets and cats can also be challenging to integrate into the household.

For another approach, see: What Are Siberian Huskies Good for

Bed

Credit: youtube.com, A 12 Foot Dog Bed?! | The Family Bed by Taylor & Wells, Available at The Bedding Mart

When choosing a bed for your furry friend, it's essential to consider their comfort and needs. The Best Friends by Sheri The Original Calming Shag Fur Donut Cuddler Dog Bed is a great option for many breeds, including the American French Bull Terrier.

This bed is designed with ultra-soft faux shag fur that provides warmth to your dog. The material is so comfortable that it's even been known to help with orthopedic support.

The bed's filling is made of polyester, which is a durable and long-lasting material. You can easily wash the removable cover in a machine, making it a low-maintenance option.

If you're in the market for a new dog bed, here are some key features to consider:

  • Polyester filling for durability
  • Ultra-soft faux shag fur for warmth and comfort
  • Removable cover for easy washing

Children and Pets

If you're thinking of adding a new furry friend to your family, it's essential to consider how they'll get along with your kids. This breed is typically good with children when properly introduced.

Credit: youtube.com, TOP 10 DOGS FOR FAMILIES - Best Puppy Breed For Children

However, it's crucial to remember that small children may not understand how to handle dogs gently, which can lead to irritation in your American French Bull Terrier. With patience and proper training, your kids can learn to interact with your dog safely.

Introducing your dog to other pets in the household requires careful planning to ensure a smooth transition. This breed can get along well with other pups, but it's essential to do it right.

If you have small animals like hamsters or larger pets like ferrets and cats, it's best to reconsider getting an American French Bull Terrier. Their high prey drive makes them a poor match for these pets.

Your dog will be devoted to your family, but they may be wary of strangers at first. With time and patience, they'll learn to trust new people.

If this caught your attention, see: Small Munsterlander Puppies

Dana Mitchell

Writer

Dana Mitchell is a passionate writer with a knack for storytelling. Her articles have been featured in various publications, covering topics that bring joy and knowledge to pet owners and enthusiasts alike. With a focus on mixed-breed dogs, Dana's writing aims to educate and inspire readers to appreciate the unique qualities of these lovable companions.

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