Breed Details
Once a privilege comrade of English lacing manufacturer and a fixity of the Paris night life scenery , the French Bulldog has emerged as one of the nation ’s most popular dog breed .
Many people are drawn to that squishy boldness and widely - set eyes , but Frenchies are more than a pretty face . They have an affectionate , playful , adaptable nature , which means they ’re a great fit for both unity or large families .
These portable pooches are n’t for everyone , however . They ’re prone to a number of strain - specific wellness issues , can snore pretty loudly ( a event of that endearing squishy expression ) , and have a refractory bar . For preferent parent capable overlook these factors and make a commitment to their aid , French Bulldogs are well worth it .
Historyand Origin
The Gallic Bulldog can delineate its history to a powerful and brave breed ofBulldogbred for the “ mutation ” of bull baiting in 13thcentury England . After the British Parliamentoutlawed this brutal bloodsportin 1835 , fans of the dog start engender a smaller , gentler variation . This newfangled miniature Bulldog became popular in cities across England , most notably as a deary of habitation - free-base lace weaver in the urban center of Nottingham . When the Industrial Revolution replaced these small - scale doer with machinery , they migrated to France to find work .
These small Bulldogs were beloved throughout France — where they were formally named Bouledogues Français , or Gallic Bulldog — and became a mainstay of Paris life . “ The stock was believed to be companions to sure ‘ Lady of the Night , ’ ” pronounce Gina DiNardo , executive secretary of theAmerican Kennel Club(AKC ) .
Wealthy Americans visit Europe who had become in love with the pups brought them back to the States , DiNardo say . By the end of the 19thcentury , Frenchies had become widely known throughout Europe and the U.S. , and in 1898 the AKC officially greet the breed .
While these pups make fantabulous fellow animals , they ’re also capable of film on other impressive roles . “ They can also be excellent working dogs in all variety of therapy wiener roles in volunteer options such as schools , nursing home , and infirmary , ” says DiNardo .
Typesof French Bulldogs
While there ’s only one case of Gallic Bulldog , some are selectively bred based on color and sizing .
By Color
Standard French Bulldog semblance are ashen , pick , and varying refinement of dun -a yellow - tan color- or any combination of these . They sometimes come in what experts refer to as “ fad ” color including black-market , chocolate , tan , blue ( argent gray ) , merle ( blotchy patches ) , black and fawn , greyish brown brindle and white-hot , and gray and clean .
expert loosely discourage cover French Bulldogs for these colors . While these rare colors can be grow course , they ’re typically generate by multiply a separate gene pond , order Patti Rungo , theater director of NorCal French Bulldog Rescue based in Folsom , California .
There is grounds that this type of selective procreation can invest Frenchies at risk for sure genetic disorders . For example , merle - tinge French Bulldogstypically have blue or partially puritanic eye , which increase their risk of exposure for eye disorderliness and deafness .
By Size
French Bulldogs are sometimes breed to be teacup - sized , a practice expert say compromise a stock already at a keen risk for a phone number of health issue . The dog ’s curt , bland nose for model makes breathing difficult , which is intensified when this feature is miniaturized .
French BulldogPhysical Characteristics
Do n’t misidentify the Frenchie ’s belittled height for fragility — these wienerwurst are stocky , muscular , and sullen - deboned .
Most French Bulldogs endure between 11 to 14 inches tall and weigh about 20 pounds , with males slightly large and taller than female person . There are elision , though . “ We have take in French Bulldogs as humble as 11 pounds to 46 pounds , ” enunciate Rungo .
French Bulldogs have unmistakably big heads , widely set eyes , and prostrate , short noses that while endearing , rate them prostrate to overheating and respiratory issue . Another Frenchie trademark is the squash racket - shaped ears — polish at the top and standing straight up . The Gallic Bulldog hindquarters is short and low-set , and either full-strength or corkscrew - shaped .
Their coats are soft , short , shiny , and smooth , and come in cream , white , various shades of grayish brown , or any combination of these . They can also have marking that come in white , black , piebald ( patch consisting of two colour ) , and brindle ( brownish with streaks of other colors ) . Some potential French Bulldog color combination might admit cream , fawn , grayish brown and blanched , brindle and white , and white and brindle .
While it depends on the individual , DiNardo says Frenchies usually reach full physical maturity around 2 class of age .
French BulldogTemperament
Although cognitive content to sit quiet on your lap , most Frenchies ( specially French Bulldog puppies)also have a playful streak and will eagerly accommodate you in a plot of fetch . People who recognise the stock well also key the French Bulldog temperamentas affectionate , chic , and sport .
Because they ’re adaptable , these portable pooches can prosper in either a home or apartment , and DiNardo allege they make slap-up companions for all types of families . Another plus if you hold out in an apartment is their inherent quietude . While they may bark at unknown sounds , French Bulldogs are not overly yappy .
But the beloved French Bulldog personality comes with a few flaws . They can be obstinate , but that does n’t mean they are difficult to develop . In fact , training a French Bulldogjust choose some forbearance , repeat , and quotidian . to boot , “ French Bulldogs can be very ‘ unwritten ’ or mouthy , which can be misinterpret , ” aver Rungo . “ So they ’re not always the near pick for a family with little children . ”
Of course , every dog and family is different , and superintend any fauna when near small fry is always advisable .
French BulldogCare Guide
Diet and Nutrition
While they do n’t necessarily require special French Bulldog food , veterinarians recommend fertilize a complete and balanced dieting appropriate to the frank ’s years ( puppy , adult , or elderly ) . A nutritionary adequacy statement on the label from theAssociation of American Feed Control Officials(AAFCO ) means the food for thought meet or exceeds nutritional requisite and has been balance for optimal benefit .
French Bulldogs are prone to obesity , which DiNardo say can put them at a higher risk for some of the breed ’s health issues ( like exercising intolerance ) . “ So it is full of life to view their calorie intake and weight unit . ”
Dog treats should be given in moderation . veterinarian often recommend that treats comprise no more than 10 percent of the diet . “ Give table chip slenderly , if at all , especially avoiding cooked os and food high in blubber , ” says DiNardo .
Always peach to your veterinarian about a recommended diet and proper caloric inlet requirements for your Frenchie .
Exercise and Activity
The level of activity ask for French Bulldogs calculate on the dog , says Rungo . “ Some require very little use . Others that are more Terrier - like postulate more exercise just to combust some high energy off . ”
Generally , a daily short walk or outdoor free rein session should be sufficient for this breed , say DiNardo . “ Frenchies also savour participating in eyetooth sports such as obedience , agility , and rallying . ”
impart their front - heavy build , Frenchies are not innate bather . If you do want to experiment with the water , DiNardo recommendsstarting them off slow , stay fresh floatation and safety devices on mitt , and supervise them when in the water .
Whichever bodily function you take , keep in psyche that this breed is at an increased jeopardy for labored external respiration and overheating . Avoid straining exercise and keep your puppy cool in strong weather , allege DiNardo . If it appear like your Frenchieis overheat , becoming accent too easily , is emit noisily , or spit up foam , confer with your veterinarian , she bring .
Grooming and Nail Care
Frenchies do n’t shed as much as other stock do , but they still need to be brush weekly with a medium - bristle brush , rubber grooming baseball mitt , or hound glove to remove excess hair , say DiNardo . She also commend keeping their facial congregation clean and dry to prevent bacterial buildup . Most French Bulldogs need a bath once a calendar month , on ordinary , but individual needs can change .
excessively - farsighted nails can cause pain , so should be trimmed on a regular basis , tell DiNardo . Many experts recommend a trim every eight weeks .
French BulldogHealth Issues
With optimum tending and nutrition , a French Bulldog ’s lifespan is generally between 10 to 12 years , although this is just a guideline . Due to their forcible structure , French Bulldogs are at a high risk for a number of wellness military issue . Here are some of the most plebeian .
Breathing difficulty : respiration is more challenging for dogs with short muzzle and flatten out faces . Frenchies are prone tobrachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome , a disorderliness that can lead to exercise intolerance , respiratory hurt , wheezing , blue skin , and even collapse . “ This usually ask surgical correction,”Dr . Kayte Anderson , a veterinary surgeon at Fairwood Animal Hospital in Spokane , Washington .
Neck and Spinal Issues : French Bulldogs can develop abnormal vertebra and untimely retrogression of the intervertebral disc , says DiNardo . Symptoms of intervertebral phonograph recording diseaseinclude pain , paralysis , loss of arm social function , and numbness in the hind legs .
Skin allergic reaction : One study published inCanine Genetics and Epidemiologyfound that skin problems were the most big wellness issue in Frenchies , which researchers assign to their skin fold . “ We seeskin allergies , include on the face , ears , face folds , and tail folds , ” says Rungo , who is also the office manager atBlue Ravine Animal Hospital , also in Folsom .
Anesthesia Complications : Frenchies have a narrower and smaller upper airway , makinganesthesia riskier than in other breed . receive a veterinary surgeon familiar with brachycephalic breed if your Frenchieshould need OR .
Birthing Complications : Breeding French Bulldog should be done by responsible for dog stock breeder , but it ’s deserving take note thatFrench Bulldogs are often ineffectual to rescue puppies on their own , says Anderson . “ The majority of the time they call for help with artificial insemination and caesarean section for manner of speaking of puppies . ”
Interesting French BulldogFacts
give thanks Americans for the Frenchie ’s trademark bat ears . They would have been bred out and replaced with folded - back ears , which DiNardo says would have result in a mini variant of the English Bulldog .
A Frenchie , whose material name was Beatrice , played the theatrical role of Stella on the television showModern Family . She was show as Jay Pritchett ’s chum . Beatrice conk away just a few days after the show wrapped up filming its final episode . Before Beatrice , a Frenchie named Bridgette encounter the part of Stella until Season 4 .
The Gallic Bulldog has surge in popularity in the yesteryear decade , even earning a smear on AKC ’s Top Ten list consecutively since 2014 .
Along with other breeds , include a King Charles Spaniel and aGreat Dane , a French Bulldog was one of 12 four - legged passengers on theTitanic .
French Bulldogs have catch the spunk of celebrities like Hugh Jackman , Martha Stewart , and Hillary Duff .
Popular French BulldogMixes
call what a Frenchiemix or any room decorator hound will look and act like is not a trusted affair . Much of it depends on which genes are dominant . But here are a few common Gallic Bulldog mixes :
French BulldogAdoption Tips
Because Frenchies are normally in mellow demand , they ’re not often available in shelter , says Anderson . “ So when there is one in a shelter they go fast . ” And the majority at shelter are usually there due to medical or behavioral offspring , tally Rungo .
However , even if a French Bulldog in a deliverance or shelter has a aesculapian or behavioral government issue , he or she may make the perfect pet if you ’re uncoerced to put in the time , muscularity , and concern needed .
It ’s vital to do enquiry before adopting a French Bulldog ( or any breed ) and to vet the rescue , tax shelter , or breeder .
French Bulldog Rescues
If there are no French Bulldog rescue in your area , one of these home internet might be able to guide you in the correct direction .
to boot , you may look for French Bulldogs on espousal internet site such asPetfinderorHow I Met My Dogto see if there are any of these dogs available in your area .
French BulldogFAQs
Frenchies have a draw of love to give and make great pets . But if you ’re thinking about impart one into your lifespan , knowing as much info about this bounder stock is important . Here are some common frequently need questions about French Bulldogs .
Do French Bulldogs Shed?
Yes , French Bulldogs do shed , but minimally . Experts urge a weekly brushing to murder excess hair .
How Big Do French Bulldogs Get?
French Bulldogs typically weigh about 20 pound and no more than 28 . French Bulldog sizecan vary , however . Some have been known to consider as small as 11 pounds and as much as 46 pounds .
Can French Bulldogs Swim?
French Bulldogs are not rude swimmers , due to their front - heavy shape . When in the piss , they need to be supervised and fitted with a life vest or other flotation machine .
Are French Bulldogs Smart?
Although immanent , sports fan of the strain say Frenchies are extremely intelligent and can also be excellent watchdogs .
Do French Bulldogs Have Tails?
While it may seem elusive at times , Frenchies do , in fact , have tails . The French Bulldog tail is forgetful and stubby . It can also be straight or curled .
Picturesof French Bulldogs
We ca n’t resist their squishy faces , pointy ears , and stocky builds . If you love Frenchies as much as we do , see to it out our heading featuring pictures of French Bulldogs ( include puppy pic ! ) . Browse through to see a variety of sizes , colors , and ages .