7 Mistakes You're Making with Your Frenchton (and How to Fix Them Before It's Too Late)

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting The Tilly and Tater Show!

Look, we get it. Your Frenchton is basically the cutest thing on four legs, and you want to give them the world. But here's the thing – those adorable flat faces and chunky bodies that make us fall head over heels also come with some pretty specific needs. And honestly? Most of us are screwing it up without even knowing it.

After dealing with Tilly and Tater's daily chaos (and a few emergency vet visits that could've been avoided), we've learned these lessons the hard way. So let's talk about the seven biggest mistakes Frenchton parents make – and more importantly, how to fix them before your pup pays the price.

Mistake #1: Treating Them Like Regular Dogs During Exercise

Your Frenchton might think they're a marathon runner, but their respiratory system didn't get that memo. Those cute smooshed faces come with seriously compressed airways, and pushing them too hard can actually be dangerous.

We learned this one the hard way during Tater's first "real" walk. Twenty minutes in, he was panting like he'd run a 5K, drooling everywhere, and looking absolutely miserable. That's when we realized – brachycephalic breeds like Frenchtons literally can't breathe like other dogs.

The fix: Keep walks short and sweet – 15-20 minutes max, especially when it's warm. Schedule exercise for early morning or evening when temperatures are cooler. Watch for signs like excessive panting, drooling, or that "I'm done" look. Trust us, they'll let you know when they've had enough.

Mistake #2: Using Regular Collars Instead of Harnesses

This one makes us cringe every time we see it. Regular collars put direct pressure on your Frenchton's already compromised trachea. Every single time they pull (and let's be honest, they will), you're basically choking them.

Frenchtons are already prone to breathing issues and tracheal collapse. Adding collar pressure to the mix? That's just asking for trouble.

The fix: Invest in a good harness – and we mean a GOOD one. We use and recommend this harness for our Frenchtons because it distributes pressure across the chest and keeps their airways happy. Look for harnesses designed specifically for flat-faced breeds that distribute pressure across the chest. Skip the retractable leashes too – they just encourage pulling.

Mistake #3: Ignoring the Temperature Danger Zone

Your Frenchton might love sunbathing, but they can go from "I'm warm" to heat stroke in minutes, not hours. Those short snouts make it incredibly hard for them to regulate body temperature, and overheating can be deadly.

We've seen Tilly go from playful to panting and red-gummed in what felt like seconds on a moderately warm day. It's genuinely scary how fast it happens.

The fix: Never leave your Frenchton outside unsupervised in warm weather. Keep your home comfortable, always provide fresh water and shade (we keep this collapsible water bowl in the car and clip it to the leash on walks), and learn the warning signs: heavy panting with tongue hanging out, excessive drooling, vomiting, loss of coordination, and bright red gums. When in doubt, get them cooled down immediately.

Mistake #4: Feeding All Wrong

Most people just plop down a regular dog bowl and call it good. But Frenchtons have specific eating challenges – they gulp air, eat too fast, and their flat faces make certain bowl shapes basically torture devices.

Plus, they're prone to food allergies and sensitive stomachs. That "one big meal a day" approach? Recipe for disaster.

The fix: Get a slow-feeder bowl or puzzle feeder – seriously, it's a game-changer. Choose shallow, wide bowls that work with their flat faces instead of against them. Feed 2-3 smaller meals throughout the day instead of one huge one. Your Frenchton's stomach (and your carpet) will thank you.

Mistake #5: Inconsistent Training and Boundaries

We get it – your Frenchton is adorable, and saying no to that face is basically impossible. But inconsistency in training and boundaries doesn't just create behavioral problems – it can create dangerous situations.

When family members enforce different rules or use different commands, your dog gets confused. A confused dog is more likely to ignore important commands like "come" or "stay" when it really matters.

The fix: Get everyone in your household on the same page. Same commands, same rules, same expectations. It might seem strict, but consistency actually makes your Frenchton feel more secure and makes training way easier.

Mistake #6: Skipping the Grooming Essentials

Those cute wrinkles and skin folds aren't just for show – they're bacteria and moisture magnets. Skip regular cleaning, and you're looking at infections, terrible odors, and some pretty hefty vet bills.

And don't even get us started on dental care. Dogs can develop serious gum disease as they age, but most owners never touch their dog's mouth until there's already a problem.

The fix: Clean those facial wrinkles and skin folds regularly – make it part of your routine. For baths, we use our favorite gentle pet shampoo this one because it's mild on sensitive skin and keeps their coat fresh. Get your Frenchton used to having their mouth touched early so you can brush their teeth regularly. Future you (and your wallet) will be grateful.

Mistake #7: Letting Food Boundaries Slide

"Oh, it's so cute when they steal food!" No. Just... no. When your Frenchton helps themselves to food whenever they want, you're not just dealing with bad manners – you're creating a potentially dangerous situation.

Dogs that steal food could grab something toxic like chocolate or grapes. Plus, this behavior shows a lack of respect for boundaries that can snowball into bigger behavioral issues.

The fix: Set clear food boundaries from day one. Never allow your Frenchton to take food without permission, keep human food out of reach, and teach a solid "leave it" command. This isn't about being mean – it's about keeping them safe.

The Bottom Line

Look, we love our flat-faced goofballs more than life itself, but loving them means understanding their specific needs. These aren't "difficult" dogs – they're just different. Once you adjust your approach to work with their unique characteristics instead of against them, life gets so much easier for everyone involved.

The key is catching these mistakes early and making adjustments before they become bigger problems. Trust us, a little prevention now saves a lot of heartache (and vet bills) later.

Your Frenchton isn't asking for much – just some understanding of what makes them tick. Get these seven things right, and you'll have a happy, healthy companion who's ready for whatever chaos life throws your way. And let's be honest – with a Frenchton, there's always going to be some level of chaos. That's half the fun.