Description

This is a sturdy little Bulldog with large, erect, rounded, bat ears, a flat, powerful muzzle and a pug nose. The square flat head is not as massive as the English Bulldog's. The forehead is rounded. Height doesn't matter as long as the dog is well balanced. The height at the withers should be approximately the same as the length from withers to tail set. The dog should be pear-shaped, with the shoulders wider than the tail area. The short, soft, easy-care coat comes in brindle, fawn, white and combinations of brindle or fawn with white. The skin is soft and fairly loose, making the dog very pleasant to pet. The prominent round eyes are dark colored and the bite is undershot. The tail is either straight or cork-screw.

Origin

The French Bulldog was originally developed in England as a miniature version of the English Bulldog. In the 1860's, French dog breeders imported some of these very small Bulldogs from Great Britain and bred them with French Terriers. Streetwalkers in France greatly admired the imports and this led to the name French Bulldog. When the breed was eventually brought back to England for exhibition, the English made a big uproar about the name French Bulldog, since the Bulldog was originally an English Breed and because the Bulldog was a traditional symbol of English culture.

Temperament

The French Bulldog is a pleasant, easy care companion. A very playful and affectionate dog. Sweet and absolutely hilarious; they have a very comical personality and love to clown around. It is bright and easygoing. Curious and alert. The Frenchie gets along fairly well with strangers and other animals, but he is often bonds strongly to one person. They play well with other dogs; some males may be dog aggressive, while others get along with other dogs just fine. This breed needs companionship and will not thrive without it. The Frenchie cannot be owned and ignored. They are fairly willful, but can be trained if the owner is patient. They respond to patient, consistent training that DOES NOT include hitting or harsh jerking. They are clean, and companionable, enthusiastic and sometimes do not know when to quite, but they are not yappy and loud. This breed does best with older considerate children. Frenchies are easy going to show. This breed may drool and slobber; however a good percentage of them do not. This little dog is also a ruthless hunter of mice!

Height

Height: 12 inches (30cm.)

Weight

Weight: 30-40 pounds (14-18 kg.)

Known Health Problems

French Bulldogs are prone to eye and respiratory problems. If too overweight, the French Bulldog may have trouble breathing, because of a swollen abdomen. They may wheeze, snore and be gassy. It is said breed can not swim because of his physique, so be very careful around swimming pools, however some French Bulldog owners have reported that their dogs can indeed swim. Sometimes bitches must deliver by Cesarean section because of the puppies' large heads. Potential purchasers should be aware that these are high maintenance dogs and you can expect your vet bills can be big.

Conditions for Living

Frenchies are sensitive to temperature extremes. Overheating this dog may cause heat stroke. They prefer cooler climates. This breed is good for apartment life. They can be fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Exercise Requirments

hot weather. They love to run and play and can play for hours if you let them. Some have higher energy levels than others.

Life Expectancy

About 10-12 years.

Grooming

Very little grooming is needed. Regular brushings will do. This breed is an average shedder.

Group

Mastiff, AKC Non-Sporting