Get To Know the French Bulldog Breed

French bulldogs consistently rank as one of the most popular breeds in the United States. In 2021, Frenchies were number two on the American Kennel Club's annual list of the most popular dog breeds, sandwiched between Labrador retrievers at number one and golden retrievers at number three. Their popularity is understandable as Frenchies have many characteristics that make them a loveable and desirable breed. Apartment dwellers adore them because they do well in small spaces and don't require much exercise. Families appreciate them because they get along well with kids.

Nevertheless, Frenchies are not perfect. There are some potential health and behavioral issues that you should be aware of if you are thinking of adding a French bulldog to the family.

History

French bulldogs became popular in France, but they actually originated in England. Lace makers and other artisans bred miniature English bulldogs, primarily to serve as companions while they were working but also to help keep vermin out of their workspaces. Eventually, pugs and terriers were added to the mix, and the breed that came to be known as the French bulldog was born.

With the Industrial Revolution in the late 19th century, products such as lace that used to be made by hand were now manufactured by machines. Having lost their livelihood in England, lace makers moved across the English Channel to France. They brought their specially bred pets with them, and the little dogs made quite a sensation.

Then, as now, France was a worldwide fashion center. As French bulldogs became popular pets, American tourists fell in love with them and decided that they wanted to bring them home. The French Bull Dog Club of America was established in 1897.

Appearance

French bulldogs are small, stocky dogs measuring up to 13 inches in height at the shoulder and weighing around 20 to 30 pounds. Like their English bulldog ancestors, Frenchies have broad, solidly muscled chests and slim, relatively weak hips.

Frenchies are brachycephalic dogs with shorter noses than average surrounded by deep skin folds on either side. While their short muzzles are adorable, they can cause breathing problems that hot and humid weather may exacerbate. French bulldogs' eyes are large and slightly protuberant, something they have in common with their pug relatives. Like other brachycephalic breeds, they may drool.

In the early days of the breed, Frenchies could have either bat ears that stuck up or rose ears that folded over. American breeders preferred the former, while Europeans favored the latter. It was quite a controversy in the global French bulldog fanciers' community in the early years, but eventually, bat ears were recognized as the breed standard.

Behavior and Personality

French bulldogs are quiet dogs that hardly ever bark. They have a moderate energy level and require very little exercise. These traits, combined with their small size, make them excellent pets for people who live in apartments and other small spaces. Frenchies are affectionate dogs that love to spend time with their people more than anything else, whether that be cuddling on the couch or running errands around the neighborhood.

Frenchies have friendly, good-natured personalities. They love to meet new people and get along well with just about everyone, including other pets. They make great family pets because they are gentle and patient with even young children. Nevertheless, they are just as happy living with a couple or a single person as long as they get plenty of love.

French bulldogs are intelligent and pick up on new concepts quickly, Nevertheless, they can be stubborn, which makes training them a challenge. They are motivated by food, so positive reinforcement methods using treats tend to be the most effective.

Grooming

French bulldogs are fairly easy to groom. They have short, single-layer coats and do not shed more than average. They can be brushed once a week and bathed once a month unless they have skin issues that may require more frequent baths.

The biggest grooming concern with French bulldogs is the skin creases around their snouts. These need to be kept clean and dry to avoid infection.

Health and Safety Concerns

Because of their narrow hips, Frenchies cannot reproduce on their own. Females have to be artificially inseminated, and the babies have to be delivered by cesarean section because of their disproportionately large heads. For this reason, it is very important that a female French bulldog kept as a pet, rather than for breeding, be spayed. Impregnation by a larger dog breed could be hazardous to her health.

Because of their relatively low energy levels, Frenchies are prone to putting on weight. Therefore, they should be fed only high-quality dog food, never table scraps.

Weight gain can exacerbate a French bulldog's breathing problems, but so can overexertion. Therefore, they should have daily exercise in the form of short walks around the neighborhood or playing with toys inside. Don't exercise a French bulldog outside when the temperature is hot.

Because of their short faces, deep chests, and slim hips, Frenchies cannot swim. You should never leave a French bulldog unattended next to a body of water, a pool, or even a tub. In fact, with the exception of baths, you should never take your dog anywhere near the water unless he is wearing a life jacket.

In addition to breathing problems, French bulldogs are susceptible to genetic conditions of the eyes, hips, knees, and heart. A reputable breeder should screen for these to make sure the puppies are healthy.

Despite the possible health issues, French bulldogs have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. With proper care, attention, and lots of love, you can give your new best friend a long, happy life.