French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is a small dog that originally came from England where they were developed as lovable companions. However, some of them were often used as ratters as well. They are known by three different names: French Bulldogs, Frenchies and Bouledogues Français. French Bulldogs can be traced back to large dogs known as British Molossian Dogs, which were descendants of ancient canines owned by Molossian tribes in Greece. While some of these dogs were quite large, others turned out unusually small. The larger ones were renamed Mastiffs, and the smaller ones were named Bullenbeissers, or Bulldogs. Bulldogs were often used for bull-baiting in England until it was outlawed in 1835. It was at this time that a handful of breeders took note of the "toy" Bulldogs and decided to develop them into companion dogs. It is thought that terriers and pugs were often used to help reduce the size of these toy Bulldogs. Around 1860, various workers from England migrated to France taking their little Bulldogs with them. The dogs quickly became popular among the locals, and they were renamed Bouledogues Fracais, or French Bulldogs. While the English were not particularly happy with their new name, the name has held strong over the years.

The French Bulldog shares many features with its cousin, the Bulldog. It has a square body and is heavy and muscular. It has a short, soft coat, which needs minimal care. The wrinkles on its face have to be cleaned regularly. Although the French Bulldog is a small dog, it is quite muscular and has thick, solid bones. The average size for an adult Frenchie is about 19 to 28 pounds. This is a short-haired dog that can come in several different colors including fawn, dark brindle, tan or white. Fawn, tan and white dogs often have dark brindle markings. The eyes of the French Bulldog are large and round and should be dark brown. The large rounded ears are often described as "bat-like" and are fully erect atop a rounded head. The Frenchie's snout is very short, and its nose is typically black. The tail is small and is usually held in a tight corkscrew.

Personality

The French Bulldog is a playful, friendly, little dog that is sweet-natured and gentle. Frenchies need little exercise and will be happy with short walks or romps. This dog breed loves to cuddle and most of them snore. They are perfect companions for children and are friendly towards other dogs. They are timid towards strangers. French Bulldogs love humans and bond quickly to their owners. They do not require a lot of exercise, and due to their short snouts, they cannot tolerate extremely high or low temperatures. Because of their thick bodies and bulky chests, Frenchies cannot swim. Thus, you will want to be sure to keep your pet away from swimming pools. French Bulldogs rarely bark, which makes them excellent pets for people who live in apartments. These are sweet and affectionate little dogs that get along quite well with other dogs, cats and children. Since some Frenchies can be a bit stubborn at times, early training is highly recommended.

Breed Characteristics

French Bulldog Build Information

The French Bulldog shares many features with his cousin, the Bulldog. He has a square body and is heavy and muscular. He has a short, soft coat, which needs minimal care. The wrinkles on his face have to be cleaned regularly. Although the French Bulldog is a small dog, he is quite muscular and has thick, solid bones. The average size for an adult Frenchie is about 19 to 28 pounds. This is a short-haired dog that can come in several different colors including fawn, dark brindle, tan or white. Fawn, tan and white dogs often have dark brindle markings. The eyes of the French Bulldog are large and round and should be dark brown. The large rounded ears are often described as "bat-like" and are fully erect atop a rounded head. The Frenchie's snout is very short, and his nose is typically black. The tail is small and is usually held in a tight corkscrew.

Behaviour and Personality

The French Bulldog is a playful, friendly, little dog that is sweet-natured and gentle. Frenchies need little exercise and will be happy with short walks or romps. This dog breed loves to cuddle and most of them snore. They are perfect companions for children and are friendly towards other dogs. They are timid towards strangers. French Bulldogs love humans and bond quickly to their owners. They do not require a lot of exercise, and due to their short snouts, they cannot tolerate extremely high or low temperatures. Because of their thick bodies and bulky chests, Frenchies cannot swim. Thus, you will want to be sure to keep your pet away from swimming pools. French Bulldogs rarely bark, which makes them excellent pets for people who live in apartments. These are sweet and affectionate little dogs that get along quite well with other dogs, cats and children. Since some Frenchies can be a bit stubborn at times, early training is highly recommended.

Appearance

The French Bulldog is very easy to groom requiring only an occasional brushing with a hound glove. Bathing your pet once or twice a month should be sufficient. When bathing your pet, be sure to clean the wrinkles on his face and check the ears for wax buildup. Never use a cotton swab to clean your Frenchie's ears. If you need to clean your pet's ears, use the corner of a damp, clean cloth instead. Finally, if it becomes necessary to cut your dog's toenails, you can clip them using a guillotine nail clipper designed for small pets. However, make sure you do not cut into the quick of each nail. The quick is a tiny vein that can be found inside your dog's nails.

French Bulldog Common Health Conditions

A healthy Frenchie can live as long as 10 years or longer. However, if you choose to add one of these little dogs to your home, you need to know that they are prone to developing several genetic health conditions. Some of the most common of these issues are listed here: Breathing Difficulties, Difficulties Delivering Puppies, Brachycephalic Syndrome, Chondrodysplasia, Patellar Luxation, Various Eye Disorders, Obesity, Various Heart Defects and Elongated Soft Palate. The French Bulldog is a friendly and sweet little dog that makes a great companion for single people or families. Not only are they relatively easy to take care of, but they are also very quiet. Being so quiet and small, the French Bulldog can fit into most any home including small apartments.

French Bulldog Pet Insurance

When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.

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Breed Talents and Facts

Several famous persons have owned French Bulldogs at one point or another including Martha Stewart, Ashlee Simpson, Reese Witherspoon and Lady Gaga. Because of their short snouts, French Bulldogs cannot tolerate extreme heat or cold. Due to their breathing problems, placing a Frenchie under anesthesia can be risky.