Designer dog breeds have witnessed a recent surge in popularity, and the Frenchton dog mix is, without a doubt, a great example of the benefits that come with mating two different dog breeds.
First of all, what is a Frenchton? The Frenchton dog is a designer dog hybrid that is produced by mating two canine breeds, namely a Boston Terrier and a French Bulldog. The Frenchton is popular for its friendliness towards both humans and animals and its ability to adapt well to different living conditions.
Also known as the Froston or Boston Frenchie, Frenchton dogs inherited some of the best qualities from their parent breeds. And today’s article examines tips and routines for the maintenance of the Frenchton, as well as temperaments of this amicable dog breed and health challenges that you may likely encounter while raising this pooch. However, before going into all this, let’s start off by taking a look at those physical features that can tell you if a dog is a Frenchton.
What Is A Frenchton?
As stated earlier, the Frenchton is a mixed breed dog that is produced by mating a French Bulldog and Boston Terrier. The Frenchton made its first appearance in the United States in the 1990s, and the aim of scientists was to develop a dog breed that is devoid of health challenges commonly found in French Bulldogs.
Appearance
When it comes to physical looks, the Frenchton retains much of the appearance of the French Bulldog with its short, stocky, and athletic build.
Additionally, the Frenchton retains the French Bulldog’s bat-like, pointed ears, and flat face characteristics. However, its pointed snout is in sharp contrast to what is obtainable with its parent breed.
And along with well-spaced, bulging eyes, the Frenchton is also renowned for its short, shiny coat and short tail.
Size
The Frenchton doesn’t differ in size from its parent breeds and can be classified as a small dog breed.
When fully grown, both male and female Frenchtons typically weigh between 15 to 25 lbs. And at maximum height, the Frenchton stands no more than 11 to 14 inches at shoulder level.
Coat Colors
Because the Frenchton is a mixture of two different dog breeds, it is difficult to predict with certainty what color each pooch will come with.
Regardless, most Frenchtons come in colors such as white, black, black and white, fawn, or cream. It is also possible for a Frenchton to appear in a brindle coat, but they most times come in solid colors or a combination of any two or three of the colors listed above.
What Is The Lifespan Of A Frenchton Dog?
The average Frenchton, or Froston, will live for between 12 to 15 years. And this value is greatly influenced by the pooch’s diet, environment, and general health status, among several other factors.
Common Health Issues Of Frenchton Dogs
As we’ve stated earlier, the Frenchton breed was developed to eliminate health issues devoid in the French bulldog breed, and it is safe to say that this has been achieved to a certain extent.
This is not to say the Frenchton isn’t without its own issues, and with poor feeding habits, environmental factors, or unsuitable living conditions, your Frenchton, like all other dogs, will fall sick.
That said, some of the common health issues you may likely encounter while raising a Frenchton include:
Skinfold Dermatitis
Skinfold dermatitis is an acute skin disorder that is common among Frenchtons with excess, wrinkly skin. This disorder is caused by the habitation of bacteria and fungi in the excess skin folds, and it usually occurs in the face, lip, and vulva regions.
Frenchtons suffering from skinfold dermatitis may emit an unsavory smell, scratch and lick the affected regions, or suffer from blisters, lesions, and skin irritation.
Fortunately, this condition can be treated with the use of antibiotics and antifungals, but surgery may be prescribed to remove excess skin folds.
Luxating Patella
The Frenchton dog’s small size means it is prone to suffering from a luxating patella, which can be simply described as a dislocation of the kneecap. A luxating patella is mostly due to a dog’s genetics, but Frenchtons may also suffer from this condition as an aftermath of a serious injury.
You can tell that a Frenchton is suffering from a luxating patella if you notice intermittent lameness, skipping, refusal to walk on the affected leg, or licking the affected region in a bid to relieve pain.
Frenchtons suffering from a luxating patella can live with the condition, along with light medication, but in severe cases, surgery may be required to correct the pooch’s anatomy.
Perineal Hernia
Similar to a luxating patella, a perineal hernia involves the dislocation of body parts, but in this case, it’s the pelvic and abdominal organs that are weakened and displaced from their natural positions.
The causes behind Perineal Hernia in Frenchtons are not yet fully understood, but a pooch suffering from this condition may display constipation, an inability to urinate, abdominal pain, and pooping difficulties, among others.
Perineal Hernia in dogs can be treated by dealing with the symptoms individually or via surgery to return the hernia contents to their natural positions.
Other Medical Conditions
Apart from the conditions listed above, a Frenchton may also suffer from the following:
- Environmental allergies
- Eye diseases and issues, like cataracts
- Digestive issues
- Obesity
- Respiratory difficulties, like the brachycephalic syndrome
How To Take Care Of Frenchtons?
Dietary Needs
The general requirement for feeding a Frenchton, or a Froston, is 20 to 25 calories per pound of body weight. And this should be spread out into two or three meals daily to keep your Frenchie energized and prevent obesity.
If you wish to feed your Frenchton with Kibble, then serving half a cup of kibble two to three times per day is okay for normal growth. However, to really ensure that your Frenchton’s physical development goes accordingly, you should place your pooch on high-quality dog food, and one diet plan I’ll recommend is the Pet Plate.
Frenchtons require a diet that is rich in protein, and the Pet Plate’s protein-based formulation will ensure that your pooch gets the nutrients necessary for healthy growth. Additionally, with Pet Plate, dog owners also have the option to customize the meal plan according to their pooch’s specific needs.
Multivitamins and dental water additives can also contribute to the overall well-being of a Frenchton. And these should be administered as the occasion calls for and with a vet’s directives.
Exercise Requirements
The Frenchton mix was primarily designed to be an indoor pooch. But like all other dogs, frequent exercising is needed to keep a Frenchton mentally stimulated and to prevent problems of obesity.
Regardless, the exercise requirement for a Frenchton is low, and this pooch will thrive on thirty minutes of quality exercise per day; This can be in the form of a stimulating walk or playtime with other dogs. You can also purchase doggie toys to keep your Frenchton entertained at all times to curb the development of undesirable traits.
You should also note that Frenchies aren’t particularly tolerant of extreme weather conditions; Hence, you should limit exercise and playtime to early in the morning or late afternoons, when the weather is generally tolerable.
Are Frenchtons Easy To Train? Temperaments Of Frenchtons
Frenchtons, or Boston Frenchies, are lovable, fiercely loyal, and affectionate towards their family. Additionally, they demand constant attention and don’t do quite well when left alone for long periods. And if you’re constantly going to be on the road, the Frenchtons will gladly accompany you on your road trips.
The small size and low maintenance requirements of a Frenchton make it an ideal pet for those living in small apartments. And this pooch’s laid-back nature means it will gladly snuggle on its favorite couch all day.
Frenchtons are renowned for their friendliness, and will readily play with children, as well as other dogs and cats.
Regardless, early socialization is important to develop your Frenchton’s behavior towards humans and other pets.
Training
The Frenchton has been known to display average levels of intelligence and can be trained to use the potty or walk on a leash.
Frenchtons generally enjoy training at a reduced tempo; hence, repetition will be needed to reinforce training ideals in these dogs. Regardless, the Frenchton is a crossbreed, and you may be fortunate to get a fido that’ll take you to train right off the bat.
Frenchtons, just like their parent French Bulldog breeds, can be particularly wilful; Hence, patience and determination are essential to ensure success in any training method you employ on your pooch.
Suitability For Security Purposes
Frenchtons are generally very alert and full of bravado, traits that are possessed by the best watchdogs. However, a reluctance to bark means that Frenchtons are not the best dogs to warn you of impending danger or the presence of an intruder.
Do Frenchtons Shed? Grooming Tips For Frenchtons
Like all other dogs, Frenchtons, or Boston Frenchies, do shed, but the amount of hair that falls off is considerably lesser compared to other heavy-shedding dog breeds.
Additionally, Frenchton dogs are not completely hypoallergenic and have been known to trigger an allergic response in people that are averse to dog dander.
Brushing
The Frenchton is a low-maintenance dog, partly due to its short-length coat and minimal shedding. But, it is recommended that you occasionally brush your Frenchton’s coat to keep it polished and as a way of bonding with the pooch.
You can help maintain your Frenchton’s appearance by brushing its coat once or twice a week with the FURminator Undercoat Tool. And with this FURminator, you get a curved blade for the easy removal of loose hair and an ergonomic handle design for comfortable brushing.
Bathing
It has to be said that the Frenchton doesn’t really need frequent baths; However, you can occasionally bathe your pooch as long as you use a mild, dog-friendly shampoo. And one product that ticks these boxes, and which I’ll recommend for use in bathing your pooch is the Mighty Petz 2-In-1 Oatmeal Dog Shampoo And Conditioner.
The Mighty Petz’s all-natural formulation means you can use it on your Frenchton without needing to worry about a negative skin reaction. And with the product’s long-lasting, pleasant lavender scent, you can cuddle your Frenchton for as long as you want.
Additional Grooming Tips
- Occasionally check your Frenchton’s ears for signs of debris and pests, and if found, clean them with a warm, damp cloth.
- Regularly brush your Frenchton’s teeth to prevent tartar buildup, leading to dental infections.
- Trim your Frenchton’s nails once they become too long to prevent your pooch from harming itself.
Related Questions
How Much Does A Frenchton Cost? The average price to purchase and own a Frenchton Bulldog Boston Terrier mix typically ranges between $500 to $3,000, and this price is largely influenced by the rarity of this particular mixed breed. If you feel this price is on the high side, you can always check for, and adopt a Frenchton from a local shelter or animal rescue near you.
What Colors Do Frenchtons Come In? Frenchtons mainly come in colors such as white, black, brown, and cream. Most times, however, Frenchtons appear as a combination of any two or three of these colors, and you may occasionally come across a brindle-colored Frenchton. In the same vein, it is possible for a Frenchton to appear in solid colors.
Can Frenchtons Swim? Frenchtons, by default, are terrible swimmers. And without the aforementioned requirements, the chances that a Frenchton may drown are quite high. However, with the appropriate swimming equipment, strict supervision, and constant training, Frenchtons can be taught to swim.
