Let's talk French Bulldogs
Stocky and chock full of personality, French Bulldogs make fantastic companions. Their compact size and determination has won the hearts of many a potential owner. Don’t be fooled by that serious look on their face: there’s usually a playful dog hidden within. The French Bulldog is an adaptable breed that just wants to have fun. Bonus round: They are known to be easygoing with children -really everyone -and especially other dogs and pets.Official name: French Bulldog
Other names: Frenchie
Origins: England, France
| Drooling tendencies |
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Warm weather? |  |
| Grooming needs |  |
Cold weather? |  |
| Shedding level |  |
Suited to apartment living |  |
| Barking tendencies | |
Can stay alone?* | |
| Energy Level (high, low, medium)* | Medium | Family pet?* | |
| Compatibility with other pets |  |
* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed specifics should be taken as an indication.
For a happy healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socializing your pet as well as covering their basic welfare needs (and their social and behavioral needs.
Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.
Contact your breeder or veterinarian for further advice.
All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age.
Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.
| Baby age | Birth to 2 months |
| Puppy age | 2 to 10 months |
| Adult age | 10 months to 8 years |
| Mature age | 8 years to12 years |
| Senior age | From 12 years |
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Origins of the breed
For many enthusiasts, the Labrador Retriever remains one of the most popular all-round dogs worldwide. It’s thought that Labrador Retrievers originated from the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, where fishermen used dogs of this appearance to retrieve fish. The breed as we know it today, however, was established by the British in the early 1800’s.
The Labrador Retriever Club was founded in 1916 and the first standard followed soon after, predominantly tailored to working Labrador Retrievers who found early fame, having been originally introduced to the U.K. in the late 1800’s by Col Peter Hawker and the Earl of Malmesbury.
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2 facts about French Bulldogs
1. Cute but hefty
It’s easy to view your French Bulldog as an adorable companion but that stocky body is something to think about: It means exercise should be adapted to the dog’s ability, and swimming is definitely notallowed, as their density means they have little to no buoyancy. Stick to good feeding habits so your French Bulldog doesn’t gain weight.
2. Watch for them to be wiley
Enjoyable to watch, French Bulldog behaviour requires a backdrop of discipline. They’re playful for sure, but great fun can soon turn into willful ways -or even disobedience. They can even at times be called clown-ish. Offer them reward-based training -meaning treats -with each request. Just ensure treats are taken from their daily food portion!
History of the breed
The French Bulldog history is a long and fascinating one. The breed is thought to have descended from dogs used by the Molossians, an ancient Greek tribe that eventually made its way to England. The Molossian dog is then said to have developed into the English Mastiff and their sub-breed, the Bullenbeisser. After being initially used for the sport of bullbaiting, the breed became more of a companion dog after the sport was rightfully outlawed in 1835.
Terriers, who were found widely in England, were then crossed with the French Bulldog’s ancestor to achieve a mini version or toy Bulldog, where it continued to function as a ratter and guard dog. The early French Bulldog breed became very popular in the central England region of Nottingham, particularly in the lace-making industry, where they were valued for their ability to chase down rodents.
By the 1860s, this new type of French Bulldog breed debuted in dog shows in the country and became very popular. When the lacemaking industry shifted to France following a dip in popularity in England, lacemakers moved to Normandy and brought their dogs with them.
The French Bulldog caught on hugely in the nation, gradually becoming the breed we know today. The dog was highly fashionable and popular with society, particularly the royalty and nobility. They were incredibly celebrated in Paris, and seen widely in cafe life there. The famous French artists Toulouse-Lautrec and Degas often depicted French Bulldogs in their paintings.
The breed gained equal popularity in America in the 20th Century. They were recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1898 and The Kennel Club in England in 1905.
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of French Bulldogs
1. Ears
Large rectangular bat ears, always erect, give dog alert appearance.
2. Head
Large, square head, half-flat, half-domed skull
3. Tail
Stocky, compact body, strong legs, broad shoulders, thick neck
4. Tail
Straight or corkscrew tail, never curly, short, thick coming to tip
5. Fur
Smooth coat, typically shiny very short hair. Soft, loose skin around head and face falling in large wrinkles
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your French Bulldog
That cute face may be problematic
French Bulldogs health issuesare minimal but their facial structure can pose problems when it comes to breathing. French Bulldogs are prone to respiratory problems due to their facial make-up, i.e. brachycephalic syndrome, characterised by a flattened snout and nostrils. Breathing difficulties -especially in too-hot or too-cold weather -can be common, as when their exercise session is too strenuous. Take caution in very hot or cold weather. No dog should ever be in a hot car, only in air-conditioned places. They also have frequent digestive problems: Many dogs that have brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome also show signs ofgastrointestinal distress.
A robust body that’s prone to obesity
The stocky body of the French Bulldog couldn’t be more endearingbut it needs to be kept slim and trim, too. The breed could easily gain weight if meals and snacks aren’t kept in check. Their heavy chest and substantial legs make for a sturdy muscular build, but their small size demands almost more scrutiny than their big brethren. And they can’t take dips in the ocean, lake, or pool unless it’s with you holding them tight: They are barrel-like, so they often “roll” instead of swim, their very dense body lacking the buoyancy they need to get through the water. Keep them on dry land for their best exercise routine.
May suffer from cherry eye
It’s not life-threatening, it just looks bad: Cherry eye. The condition happens in French Bulldogs when the tear gland of the third eyelid (which all dogs have) pops out of place. The eye then looks slightly bulging, and is lined in red on the outer rim. Cherry eye happens when the fibres that anchor the gland inside the third eyelid become weak. There’s no avoiding it: Keep a close eye (!) on your dog for any sign of the condition. If it happens, treat your French Bulldog quickly at the veterinarian. When looking to add a new dog to your household, make sure to deal only with a responsible breeder.
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Caring for your French Bulldog
Grooming, training and exercise tips
Their short-haired coat is one of their more attractive characteristics but shedding for the French Bulldog does happen. They’ll benefit from weekly brushing with a medium-bristle brush or rubber grooming glove. The wrinkles and folds in their face should be kept clean and dry as well, to prevent bacteria build-up. Bathe your Frenchie monthly (or on an as-needed basis) and make sure to dry the folds of the skin completely afterward. Trimming their nails on a weekly basis too will keep their sturdy body in balance.
One of the best traits of the French Bulldog is their intelligence. It’s important to be firm from puppyhood since the French Bulldogcan be willful when they want to be. Patience is key too, and commands may need to be repeated during the training process. The breed is easy to train, and responds well to reward-based commands -meaning a treat is at the end of that “Sit!” A treat can be anything that your pet enjoys -dry food, treats, attention or petting, a fun toy, a play session. It’s important to limit the use of food-based treats since they can contribute to excessive weight gain. If they’ve had treats during the day, adjust your dog’s daily food portion accordingly.
When it comes to exercise, the French Bulldog doesn’t need a huge amount to keep healthy. Daily walks are sufficient, and they love to play around the house or yard. Bulldogs do not cope well in the heat however, so exercise should be moderate in the summer. Games that test their brain also benefit the very smart French Bulldog, who never shrinks from a challenge.
All about French Bulldogs
A very popular breed, the French Bulldog makes an excellent pet and companion dog, for families or single people, cityand country folk alike. Affectionate, low-key, and well-balanced, this incredible breed is valued for their affable approach to life. They’re always up for a nice walk but like their downtime, too.
Pleasant by nature, the French Bulldog breed is known to be curious, playful, and funny. Some are more energetic than others, but the one thing they have in common is the love of a good time!
Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book
5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/