Do you have a cute Frenchie for whom you want nothing but the absolute best? These little balls of delight may have won you over with their goofy expressions, silly antics, and lovable demeanour. But when you are a pet parent of a French Bulldog, you will have to manage other things apart from obsessing over their adorable wrinkles, pinchable cheeks, and wiggling butts. The French Bulldog is a brachycephalic breed, which literally means “short-headed.”. As per the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, Frenchies are prone to challenging, obstructive breathing due to the shape of their head, muzzle, and throat. If you love your most loyal companion, you will obviously want it to be healthy, safe, and comfortable. Taking them out for walks to maintain proper weight, keeping them cool in the summer, and seeing your vet on a regular basis are some measures you can take.
But if you want to take them out for walks and train them properly, you will come across a major dilemma of choosing a collar or harness for your pup. Why can’t you choose just any? Or can you choose both? Well, every dog breed is different, with their unique build and anatomy, making it essential for pet parents to understand this as per their dog and then choose the right fit. We won’t keep you waiting and share what is ideally the best choice: getting a French Bulldog Harness is better than a collar. Let’s uncover the disadvantages of choosing a collar for your dog and what makes harnesses a better choice.
When Should You Use A French BullDog Harness?
Before looking at the nitty-gritty of choosing between a collar and a French Bulldog harness, let’s first see when does it make sense to get a harness.
- If your dog is of a breed with a short nose, such as Pekingnese, French Bulldogs, or Boston Terriers, it is better to get a harness. Dogs of smaller breeds are more prone to collapsing trachea, and collars may impact their breathing, especially in situations where they pull with force.
- When you love taking your dog out for walks around the block or the park, it is important you and your dog enjoy the session without compromising on its safety. For force-free and non-violent walk training, a properly fitted French Bulldog harness is better than a collar. A harness helps dissipate pressure more evenly if the dog pulls on the leash.
- When you are training your little Frenchie, you may notice some of them are quite active and could be easily distracted. They may pull on the leash or jump in excitement, or sometimes in fear when they see other people or animals, feeling tension on their collar. A French Bulldog harness simply offers more control over it while walking.
Cons of Using A Collar Instead of French Bulldog Harness
- Your dog may slip out of the collar, especially when it is ill-fitted for their specific body type.
- One of the major disadvantages of using a collar leash is that when pulled, it can damage the thyroid and trachea of your dogs. This is especially true for brachycephalic dog breeds like Chihuahua, French Bulldog, and Pekingese
- Another disadvantage of using a collar is that it can get caught and suffocate your Frenchie. So, make sure you never leave a collar on for your dog unattended.
Benefits of Using a French Bulldog Harness
Not all French Bulldog owners may know this, but your dog’s neck and throat regions are extremely sensitive. Using a collar can strain these areas or cause injuries in some instances. A well-fitted French Bulldog Harness is designed specifically for this breed, which redistributes pressure over the dog’s chest, making it a safe walking experience for both the pet and the parent.
When you order French Bulldog harness for your pup, make sure it meets the brachycephalic’s needs. One way to keep your pup’s neck, spine, and hips safe is to get a vest-style harness that has adjustable straps. That way, Frenchie’s neck, spine, and hips remain safe!
However, there is one thing that every French Bulldog owner should remember. Just getting a harness for your dog will not be enough. It is important you accustom your Frenchie to wearing a harness while it is young so they become habituated to it over time. You can reward them with treats and praise them when they wear their harness. This habit will make them associate a harness with positive outcomes.
How To Choose the Right French Bulldog Harness?
When choosing a French Bulldog harness, you should consider some factors to ensure that it fits well, is comfortable, and is safe for your dog.
1. Size and Fit
If the harness does not fit properly, it can lead to pain and injury to your French Bulldog. Their stocky build and short neck require a leash made for brachycephalic breeds. Get a French Bulldog harness that is available in sizes according to their neck size and chest circumference. If the harness has adjustable straps, it allows for a tailored fit. Take measurements of your dog and look up the sizing chart to find the best size.
2. Material
Due to their short muzzles and pushed-in faces, French Bulldogs face overheating, a concern that intensifies in warm weather. A soft, breathable fabric, such as nylon, is best for a French Bulldog harness. Mesh or padded panels tend to keep the dog more comfortable on their walks. Though leather harnesses are durable, they may not always allow comfortable breathing and may irritate your pup’s skin. You can experiment with getting different harnesses and see what works for your pet.
3. Back Attachment
A back-attaching harness that has a D-ring on the back, between the shoulders, is among the safest options for a Frenchie. These harnesses prevent injury by redistributing pressure over their chest. Front-attaching harnesses can cause too much strain on the dog’s neck and are not suitable for French Bulldogs.
Conclusion
As a French Bulldog owner, it is essential you understand how crucial it is to find a harness designed for the brachycephalic breed’s needs. No pet parent would want their dog to suffer injuries due to wrong harness usage. The French Bulldog harness you choose should allow a complete range of motion and control while eliminating any pressure on the dog’s neck, spine, and chest. Consider your dog’s fit, material, size, and specific body design, and pick the right one!
