MANHATTAN CHIEN~French Market

Egg Crate

2007-08-18T21:01:00.000-04:00

The New York Times reported on a cool new product- the ecrate designed by Peter Pracilio of DesignGo. Now this is good Feng Shui- no poison arrows from pointed corners for the owner and a soothing low stress interior space for for the dog. The design detail continues into the interior where there is a pita pocket bed that pets can burrow into and there is a cable knit wool shell cover. Pictured enjoying this post modern masterpiece-Peter Pracilio's companion and muse Petey the Min Pin.

En-chanting Toys

2007-03-30T13:42:00.000-04:00

I love my Feng Shui Toys - I have the Lotus squeaker and the Flower ball. Now the makers, Bodhi Toys, have come up with Bodhi India a collection of Shanti sticks, Mehndi mangoes and an OM ball that doesn't squeak- it chants.

Down at FBRN

2007-03-08T01:47:00.000-05:00

The print on the About page titled "Down" has been donated to the French Bulldog Rescue Network and is available exclusively at their Cafe Press Store. This organisation does a wonderful job of rescuing French Bulldogs from unfortunate circumstances. Go to their website to learn more about what they do and also read their blog about the Frenchies that they find homes for.

Winter Tonic

2007-02-03T19:04:00.000-05:00

Bright sunshine on a winter’s day
is caught and held by naked trees.
Where light and shadow interplay,
like memories which fade away.
As quickly passing years erase
the glory of our younger days.

In youthful years of innocence.
Bright sunshine on a winter’s day,
dispensed by kindly providence.
Softened the sombre shades of grey
with subtle hints and shades of gold
Our winter weary eyes behold.

As we grow up and make our way
from childhood to maturity.
Bright sunshine on a winter’s day
still offers us the surety.
That winter is not permanent
in course of time it must relent.

A fact that cannot be gainsaid.
Which tells us spring is on the way
a sign of better times ahead
Bright sunshine on a winter’s day
Can send the spirits soaring high
to meet the brightness in the sky.

Tonic by Ivor Hogg

Sail Away

2007-01-04T01:05:00.000-05:00

Are you ready to lift anchor and set sail into the new year? Whether you're headed for Treasure Island or Giligan's Island, look the part in Nautical Navy with our Salty Dog Tee.

Happy Merry Greetings

2006-12-11T02:12:00.000-05:00
Our Greeting Cards this year have the bright warm colors of old posters-think Toulouse Lautrec- with the addition of unusual woodgrain and paisley textures.

Painted Chien

2006-11-27T10:59:00.000-05:00
If you've ever wondered about the artwork that heads up all the pages on this site, here's an explanation of how they are created. Although these digital paintings start out as photographs, the images are stripped down and rebuilt with up to forty layers of shades of colour and textures in Photoshop-not unlike the layers of washes that it would take to paint a watercolor. See the pictures below for a look at a couple of stages of the process and a close up of the visual textures in the final work

Click for larger image

Some of these paintings are now avalable as 13"x 16"framed prints-( the image itself being 9"x 12") at our Cafe Press store.

Red, White and Blue

2006-11-18T02:20:00.000-05:00

We're getting into a holiday mood and we're flying the tricolor. Red because its hot, Blue because its a winner and our Organic white shirts are made right here in the USA.

Safe & Sensible

2006-11-12T17:11:00.000-05:00
If you look on our resources page at the article by Jan Grebe, a respected authority on French Bulldogs, called The Brachycephalic Syndrome- she warns and advises that
"Even the most ox-like Frenchie neck may conceal a fragile airway, so a well-fitted harness is much better for the dog."
The Sensible Harness additionally addresses another common problem with Frenchies in that they are stubborn walkers and aside from providing a safer alternative to a collar also 'Gently Stops Dogs From Pulling'. You attach the leash to a ring on the chest, so you can provide more accurate cues to your dog as to the direction that you want to go. As you move your leash, your dog feels gentle pressure (sensations) behind his front legs and shoulders. This encourages your dog to move with you, without pulling on the leash.

Eco Friendly

2006-11-02T18:31:00.000-05:00
Hemp is pesticide/herbicide free, hypoallergenic, 100% biodegradable and longer, stronger, more absorbent, and more insulative than cotton fiber. Farming only 6% of the U.S. with Hemp could produce enough energy to end America's dependence on fossil fuels. This durable toy with a 'sweet' taste that dogs can't resist -great for heavy chewers and tug of war fans, is perfect for the socially concious canine.

Keep Busy

2006-10-24T15:18:00.000-04:00
Interactive toys are an excellent way to stimulate the mind and keep it occupied . The mental challenge is also surprisingly tiring and generally requires a nap after. They are also a useful tool when you're dealing with separation anxiety.

The Busy Buddy Twist-N-Treat is a great example of one. This toy/treat dispenser unscrews easily and its adjustable opening allows for different treat sizes and levels of interaction. Its also easy to clean and dishwasher safe.

Le Vampire

2006-10-13T00:44:00.000-04:00

Toi qui, comme un coup de couteau,
Dans mon coeur plaintif es entrée;
Toi qui, forte comme un troupeau
De démons, vins, folle et parée,

The Vampire
You, who like a dagger ploughed
Into my heart with deadly thrill:
You who, stronger than a crowd
Of demons, mad, and dressed to kill,

from Charles Baudelaires Flowers of Evil

Fall Investment

2006-09-28T13:13:00.001-04:00
Now that we have officially entered Fall, and cooler weather is in our near future, its time to contemplate our Fall wardrobe. This quilted vest from Wagwear looks like a fine addition. Its trickier than you'd think to find a garment that fits a Frenchie's muscular body type. This vest however, as you can see, fits it's model rather well.

La Parure

2006-09-24T10:48:00.000-04:00
Theres a black and turquiose French Bulldog necklace over at Etsy handcrafted from black and turquiose colored glass. The design is also available on a Blue Murano bead.

Sacre Bleu!

2006-09-14T23:39:00.000-04:00
Yves Klein Bleu; Gitanes Bleu; Denim Bleu; French Bleu.

Indian Summer Beads

2006-09-09T12:00:00.000-04:00
Last year I had a shell/bead decorated collar that PL made for me. Bear Beads has some similarly bohemian collars made from bone, wooden and trade beads, semiprecious stones, Dutch glass and sterling silver beads. Perfect for an Indian Summer.

Fawn Figurine

2006-09-06T10:50:00.002-04:00
Here's something you don't see too often, a figurine of a fawn french bulldog. This one is by Ron Hevener and is available from The Dog Collector.

Bringing Buttons Back

2006-08-20T14:04:00.000-04:00
In a pointless campaign with no agenda other than to spread meaningless frenchie visual propaganda, Manhattan Chien release a series of buttons to decorate leashes, bags, jean jackets and pretty much anything else you like.