French Bulldog Breed Information
One of the most charming dog breeds of our time, the French Bulldog is perfectly equipped to be a member of any loving family. Frenchies, as they are often adoringly called, are attention-loving dogs that crave a life of companionship and fun. They are big fans of cuddles and games and do quite well with children of all ages.
The most remarkable quality of Frenchies is their love for their owners. These dogs bond quickly and love unconditionally and deeply. They thrive glued to the hip and don’t care much for being without their owners. Because their love is so strong, Frenchies can adapt to any type of lifestyle as long as their owners are present at every step. They can be couch potatoes, adventure partners, and even little athletes if that’s what their owners ask of them.
BREED TYPE / MIX
Purebred
ENERGY
Moderate
SHEDDING
Average
TRAINING
Challenge
TEMPERAMENT
Affectionate, Independent, Funny, Playful
ADULT WEIGHT
22-28 lbs
ADULT HEIGHT
11-13 in
LIFE SPAN
9-11 yrs
Characteristics
- The French Bulldog is a small breed of dog that has its origins in Nottingham, England
- The breed received its official name and recognition from the American Kennel Club in 1898
- Small and perfectly adorable, the Frenchie dog is a perfect fit for apartment living
- The Frenchie has an ideal temperament to be a companion pet for families with small children
- Taking care of French Bulldogs is an easy job as these dogs have short, easy-to-manage coats and low exercise needs
- Most Frenchies are naturally open to new people and pets. They are outgoing and approachable
- Being a relaxed dog breed, the French bulldog makes a fantastic companion for seniors and retirees
Appearance
The French Bulldog is a gorgeous, small to medium-sized dog with a sturdy build and a short muzzle. The signature French Bulldog look also includes the famous and adorable bat ears.
The French Bulldog size can sometimes be confused with medium due to the breed’s predisposition to weight gain. As the American Kennel Club’s breed standard for the French Bulldog dictates, the size of Frenchies should not exceed 22 to 28 pounds in weight and 11 to 13 inches in height. Some Frenchies are naturally more robust, while others are leaner.
Frenchies have many stunning features among which we can count their adorable bat-like ears, docked tail, wide chest, and stocky figure. Their coats are smooth and shiny, giving them a sleek appearance. The breed’s coat has a very rich palette of colors, with various combinations, shades, markings, and patterns. They can be white, brown, cream, tan, gray, blue, merle, fawn, and piebald. There are also rarer colors among French Bulldogs. These are blue merle, lilac, and black.
Temperament
The French bulldog is a breed of small dog that has a very outgoing and playful personality. They are generally goofy and fun, but they can also be sweet and affectionate. They are good with kids and cuddly, which makes them great pets for families.
French bulldogs are playful, intelligent, confident, and curious dogs that can be stubborn at times. They have a playful and sociable personality and can get along well with other dogs as well as cats and other pets in the home. They are not suited for guarding or protection because they tend to be friendly with strangers.
French bulldogs are not like other dogs in that they don't bark much or need a lot of exercise. This makes them great for people who live in apartments or condos where space is limited or for those who don't have time to take their dogs on long walks every day.
Frenchies generally find a friend in everyone they meet. Their sociable nature makes them approachable and safe to be around, even for very small children. They lack reactive behavior, which means they don’t typically bark or bite when provoked, and they are never shy when it comes to games and adventures.
French bulldogs are great with children because they don't mind being picked up or carried around by little ones. They are also easy to train for those who want to teach their dog tricks or new commands, though some can be stubborn when it comes to training.
Care
Grooming
French bulldogs don’t have high grooming needs, but they do require some maintenance work to keep them looking and feeling their best. Some of the steps you need to take to keep your Frenchie in its gorgeous appearance include brushing its coat, bathing them, trimming its nails, cleaning its ears, and wiping its adorable wrinkles.
It is recommended to brush your French Bulldog’s hair as often as possible to remove loose hairs and dirt that may accumulate over time. Be sure to brush in the direction of hair growth, not against it.
Bathing is a great way to clean the skin and coat of your French Bulldog but bathing too often can dry out their skin and coat. The best solution is to bathe them one or two times a month with a shampoo that is made for dogs.
French Bulldogs should have their nails trimmed every two weeks because they grow very quickly. You can do this yourself by using nail clippers or if you're not comfortable doing it yourself, you can take them to the vet or groomer for this service.
Cleaning ears is an important part of grooming because it removes dirt and debris that can build up in the ear canal. The inside of the ear can be cleaned with warm water and cotton swabs, but this should only be done with your veterinarian's guidance.
Exercise Needs
French bulldogs are a small breed of dog that requires less exercise than the average dog. They need to be taken on daily walks, but also need to be given plenty of energy-boosting games and activities at home. French bulldogs should not be allowed to become overweight, as this can lead to health problems such as joint pain and arthritis.
The ideal daily routine for French Bulldogs should include at least two daily walks of 10 minutes and a few exercises or games indoors. Mentally stimulating games, in particular, are beneficial in keeping your Frenchie entertained and exercised both mentally and physically.
Health
French bulldogs are prone to some health problems because of their small size and flat faces. Thanks to careful practices and selective breeding, reputable breeders often manage to rid the dogs of serious, life-threatening conditions that may appear throughout their lives.
Frenchies can have respiratory problems due to their flat faces, which can lead to brachycephalic obstruction airway syndrome. They can encounter eye issues, such as glaucoma or cataracts, because of their protruding eyes. French bulldogs also have a high susceptibility to allergies because of their skin folds. Other conditions they may suffer from include dental issues, obesity, and hip dysplasia. Keeping an eye on their diet and making sure they get their daily exercise done will prevent them from becoming overweight. Regular vet checks are recommended to ensure they have the best chance of living a long, healthy life.
Lifespan
The lifespan of the French Bulldog is 12-15 years long on average; however, this can vary depending on the care and health checks they receive throughout their life. A good diet of high-quality dog food and daily exercise will help maintain their good health.
The oldest French Bulldog to have ever lived was named Popeye. Popeye lived to be 18 years and a few months old.
Training
French Bulldog puppies are clever dogs, but they can also be stubborn and easily bored when their needs aren’t met. Motivation is key in training Frenchie puppies, and for this, all you need is a pocket full of delicious treats and some praise and positive reinforcement.
French Bulldogs love attention, and this comes in handy when training class is in session. Because they are fond of being the center of attention, they will do what is asked of them to get there. They are also people-pleasers, which is also quite helpful.
The first thing to do when training your French bulldog is socializing them. This means exposing them to as many new people, sounds, places, and animals as possible, so they are not scared or shy around new things. When you take your dog out on a leash, make sure that you are using positive reinforcement and rewarding them with treats or praise, especially when they’ve done something that pleased you.
One thing that most Frenchies could benefit from at a young age is independence training. Because they tend to get overly attached to their owners, Frenchies are sometimes prone to separation anxiety. This is best dealt with during early puppyhood to avoid any anxiety transferring to adulthood.
History
The French Bulldog is a breed of dog with a wrinkly face and compact, heavy build, an appearance that everyone has come to know and love. The breed has its origins in 19th-century England where its ancestor first emerged as a rodent hunter in lace factories. Nottingham England is believed to be the place they were first developed. At that time, they were greatly admired by lace workers for their rodent-hunting skills. Lace workers also fancied them for their unique appearance and loveable personalities, so they were also kept as companion pets by those who worked in the lace factories.
As the Industrial Revolution hit, the Toy Bulldogs and their lace-making owners left in search of job opportunities, soon arriving in Normandy France. Once in France, Frenchies were quickly noticed by upper-class folk who saw their unique appearance and fell in love with them on sight. The breed was also popular among the aristocracy in Britain, France, and America.
The French Bulldogs were carefully developed by the French people through years of selective breeding. Thanks to the efforts of the French breeders, the new bulldogs received their signature bat ears and French name. The French Bulldog joined the ranks of the AKC in 1898 and is now one of six bulldog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club.