We have provided this French Bulldog Breed Guide in case you are contemplating sharing your life with one of these super little dogs. After all these characterful pooches have been popular for a good few years now and you may have been captivated by their distinctive appearance. Even if you’re not considering owning a French Bulldog, you may find our guide of interest.
French Bulldog Breed Guide – Introduction
We will break down our French Bulldog Breed Guide starting with a history, description of appearance and temperament. Following on we can explain what they are like to live with so you can judge whether they will fit into your life. It is a big step to take and you will of course want to make sure you can provide for the dog’s needs. We will then go over some of the serious points about this breed so that we can put you fully in the picture.
The French Bulldog
French Bulldog History
The breed is endearingly known by all that love them as the Frenchie. What may be surprising to many is that the Frenchie isn’t actually French at all. The breed originated as toy bulldogs in and around the English city of Nottingham where it was popular with workers producing lace. In the early nineteenth century the industrial revolution impacted on the lace industry which until then had been produced by hand. Many of the lace-workers left Nottingham and relocated to France taking their bulldogs with them. The dogs became more and more popular in France and at some point became known as French Bulldogs.
French Bulldog Appearance
The Frenchie is a brachycephalic breed which means it has a shortened snout and flat face. It’s a small, compact muscular dog with a short, medium fine, smooth coat. The head is relatively large with ears that stand erect, being broad at the base and rounded at the tips. Frenchie’s have loose skin which forms wrinkles on the face and shoulders. The average size is 27 to 33 cm at the shoulders and average weight is 8 to 12 Kg. So they are a relatively small dog but with all breeds size can vary. Frenchies can be found in a variety of colours such as blue, fawn, black, brindle, lilac, white and chocolate. They can be any one of these colours or any combination.
French Bulldog Temperament
Although the Frenchie is a small dog, they have a very big character. They are intelligent, cheerful, lively, sociable and extremely affectionate. Although they do not need masses of exercise, they benefit from 30 to 40 minutes per day for they mental and physical well-being. Frenchies are great with children and other pets. They do not like being left for extended periods and will suffer anxiety if they are on their own for extended periods.
What are Frenchies Like to Live With?
French Bulldogs are loyal, very affectionate and love to curl up with their favourite person. They are easy to house train so you can expect few accidents. They are medium shedders and although they have short fur, you should expect some hairs to be left around the home. Frenchies are not keen on being home alone and will often suffer with separation anxiety if left for extended periods. French Bulldogs enjoy attention and being at centre stage. This is something that should be managed a little carefully to avoid behavioural problems. Frenchies are good with other pets and love children. We always recommend proper training and socialisation to achieve a well adjusted dog able to behave well in both human and canine company. Being a relatively small dog, they can live happily in most domestic situations including apartments.
The Serious stuff.
French bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed which means they have been selectively bred to have a shortened muzzle. In common with a number of other breeds including Pugs, English Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, brachycephalic breeds are susceptible to a number of issues and potential health complications. Their shortened muzzle makes it easy for them to overheat when exercising. For this reason you should never exercise a Frenchie in hot weather. Always take the out either late evening or early morning when the day is cool. Brachycephalic dogs are prone to BOAS (brachycephalic obstructed airways syndrome) issues. This often leads to surgery requiring the palate to be shortened and the nostrils widened. Frenchies should never be walked with a collar but should always be on a harness so as to avoid pressure on their neck and airways. French bulldogs also have a propensity to eye injuries and issues including ‘cherry eye’, entropion, ectropion and eye ulcers. You will find insurance for Frenchies to be more expensive. As always, bringing a dog into your life is a serious responsibility. Dogs are living creatures with specific needs so it is important that you apply due consideration before you commit. We recommend feeding only quality complete balanced dog food.
Conclusion
French Bulldogs are great little characters who make excellent family pets. They will bring happiness to any home but will need companionship and should not be left alone for long periods. Their propensity to certain health conditions also requires very careful thought. It is very important for their physical and mental health that they are given their daily exercise. As they are small dogs, they don’t need more than 40 minutes walk per day.
