Description

The French Bulldog has a short and stocky body and shoulders that are wider than its backside. The height at the highest part of the dog’s back should be the same as the length from the tail to the highest part of the dog’s back. However, don’t be deceived by their appearance because, bulldogs are strong and muscular animals. Their skin is soft and loose. Their soft coats come in many colors including black, white, brindle and fawn and many combinations of those colours. Their short tails are either straight or corkscrew but not curly.

The French bulldog has a happy face. The Frenchie’s happy look comes from the shape, size and bone structure of the head, and its little bat ears. The ears are large, round and stand straight up. It is the Frenchie’s bat ears that give the dog its distinctive look.

Coat Description

The French Bulldog has loose and wrinkled skin on its shoulders and head. Its coat is soft and short. It does shed throughout the year with more pronounced shedding during the change of seasons. However, because of its fine hair, the shedding may not be very noticeable.

History

In the 1800s, the French began breeding the small French Terrier with the English Bulldog and the French Bulldog was born. The result of the terrier and bulldog mix is a smaller version of the English Bulldog known as the French Bulldog. French Bulldogs are skilled hunters of mice but not larger prey like their English Bulldog relatives. Frenchies were favourites of Parisian street walkers soon after their debut. The French Bulldog Club of America was founded in 1898 followed by the French Bulldog Club in England which was founded in 1902.

Temperament

The French Bulldog is a wonderful friend and a good family member. These dogs are playful and have a sweet and funny personality. They get along well with strangers and the whole family, although they may have a special bond with one person. Frenchies enjoy the company of both people and other dogs. Although, proper care should be taken when introducing the Frenchie to other dogs or young children, as they can occasionally be aggressive or play roughly. Neutering male dogs may significantly decrease the chance of aggression.

French bulldogs learn well when their handlers are consistent and gentle. They do not respond well to being treated harshly or yelled at. French bulldogs should never be physically punished.

They have a calm and happy-go-lucky kind of personality that makes them well suited for many different indoor living conditions including apartment living. While they are far from vicious, they are good little watchdogs and will promptly inform you of any visitors. They are not well suited for life outdoors.

Health Problems

It is important to keep French Bulldogs as close to their ideal weight as possible. Respiratory problems are common among Frenchies and the problem worsens when they are overweight. The problems are worse for overweight Frenchies because the abdomen swells and presses against the lungs.

In addition to breathing problems, French bulldogs may suffer from one or all of the following health problems: snoring, wheezing and eye problems. Also, puppies tend to have large heads which leads to the need for some caesarean births. Frenchies may also have dry skin which can result in bald spots on their coat. A vet can help teach the owner how to treat some of these problems and in some cases, how to prevent the problems.

Grooming

While regular bathing is not recommended for the French Bulldog, due to its tendency for dry skin, other grooming is required on a regular basis. It is important to brush the bulldog often. A wet cloth can clean the dog’s skin and ears. Teeth should be brushed to keep them healthy. Also, the French Bulldog’s face should be cleaned regularly because they have a tendency to drool. Professional grooming is not necessary.

Exercise

It is important that French Bulldogs receive the right amount of daily exercise since the health problems associated with overweight bulldogs are so significant. Ideally, bulldogs should exercise every day. Since bulldogs are so susceptible to heat related problems they should exercise indoors when it is warm outside. Playing ball or running around in a properly air conditioned environment is fun and safe for bulldog. These dogs have lots of energy and are happy to play.

Bulldogs may enjoy going for walks outside in moderate weather conditions. As a breed, bulldogs are not very good swimmers. Care should be taken near water so that the short and stout body of the French Bulldog does not cause it to drown. So, overall the owner should be prepared with different kinds of dog toys and attempt to get the bulldog most of his exercise indoors.

Training

French Bulldogs are relatively easy to train dogs. Owners need to be consistent and kind in their commands and Frenchies will learn quickly. They have a strong desire to please their owners; however, they can be stubborn dogs. So, if they believe they are pleasing their owners, then they are more likely to act obediently. Negative reinforcement is not an effective way to train a French Bulldog.

Housebreaking is, luckily, not a difficult task to teach a French Bulldog. The easiest way to train the Bulldog is with the crate training method. The dog is kept in the crate and let out to do its business. Bulldogs are very motivated to be near their owners so they are eager to learn the housebreaking rules and get out of the crate. Neutering males may make housebreaking even easier. When accidents occur, Frenchies respond well to redirecting and a kind reprimand.

Proper socialization is the key to long term happiness for this breed. If Frenchies are introduced to people, dogs and other animals from an early age then they will happily accept people and animals throughout their lives. Otherwise, many bulldogs tend to strongly prefer the company of one person.