French Bulldog

In my own words

 

“Bonjour! Thank goodness you’re home, it’s time to play! What shall we play with? Your slipper? Haha got ya! I’m a very playful dog and love to joke around with you and make you smile. Where have you been anyway? I miss you when you aren’t here, I want to be around you as much as possible as I’m super affectionate and crave human attention! Sorry to stick my head in your shopping, I am naturally very curious. Besides I think I smell a new toy in there for me? Am I right? YAY. I can show the children when they get home. I’m very good with children and like it when they involve me in playtime as it combines my two favourite things socialising and playing. I’m really active and the childrens’ energy keeps me occupied and entertained.

 

Where are we going? For a walk to meet the children? Sounds good. I like to be walked daily, the more you walk me, the better. Don’t worry about the bad weather, I actually prefer the cold. Look another dog is passing! Might have a quick sniff, I am generally good around other dogs and friendly towards strangers. Ah, there the children are. Excellent, lets head back for a quick snooze before more play. Although I have boundless energy, affection is also important to me and I love to doze next to you on the couch. In fact I get so comfortable and content I sometimes snore… luckily so do you!

Information essential about the French Bulldog

 

Kennel Club Group:  Mastiff/Non-sporting

Size: Small

Weight: There are two weight classes of French Bulldog: 19-22 lbs. (9-10kg.) and 22-28 lbs. (10-13kg.).

Height 12 inches (30cm.)

Popularity:

 

French Bulldogs are popular among the celebrity set. Victoria and David Beckham adopted their frenchie in 2011, naming her Scarlet. Other famous owners include Reese Witherspoon, Ashley Olsen, Hugh Jackman and Yves Saint Laurent.

Breed History:

 

The French Bulldog originated in 19th Century Nottingham, England, where Lace makers decided to make a smaller, miniature, lap version of the English Bulldog, that were referred to as "toy" bulldogs. In the 1860's when the Industrial Revolution drove the craftsmen to France they took their dogs with them. The toy bulldogs became popular in France and were given the name the, "French Bulldog". The breed eventually made its way back to England for dog shows. The Brits were not happy with the name "French" given to a dog that was originally from England; however the name "French Bulldog" stuck.

 

Initially, the Kennel Club refused to recognise the French Bulldog as a different breed from the English Bulldog and referred to it as a subset until 1905 when they decided to recognise the breed as separate from its English counterpart

Character:

 

Very much the ‘joker’ of the dog world, French Bulldogs are known for their playful and comical personality. Enthusiastic and lively without being yappy, they enjoy clowning around and can brighten up the most boring of days. Don’t misunderstand their hilarity for dumbness though, as these dogs are actually incredibly bright and it must be conveyed to them early on that you are in charge. If proper human to canine interaction isn’t enforced, they run the risk of becoming self-important and aggressive. It is simple enough to get them into good habits if done from an early age, do not encourage any type of unwanted behaviours and instead correct them with a stern but calm approach. Although playing is at the forefront of this breeds’ priorities, he knows how to hunt too, and has been known to effectively and relentlessly hunt mice.

Not so much a mucky pup, French Bulldogs are clean and will avoid mud and puddles. Also, take extra caution around water as many cannot swim.

 

Unlike many other dogs, Frenchies can adapt well into apartments and city life. This is down to their ability to deal with confined spaces and their penchant for new people. Pleasant, sociable and charming, the French Bulldog will get along with just about anyone including other animals. Don’t worry, though his attentions may be diverted sometimes, he is also very loyal and his number one person to spend time with is you, his owner. Despite seemingly holding all the qualities of an excellent host, Frenchies can be protective, and will bark ferociously if an intruder comes to visit. Other bad habits can include drooling, snoring and slobbering though these aren’t common of all Frenchies and you will grow to love your new pals little quirks.

Temperament:

 

Although French Bulldogs are relatively low maintenance, they do not fare well when left alone for long periods of time. They are people-oriented and like nothing more than socialising and interacting with their families. He has a very even and pleasant temperament, making him a great household companion and wonderful addition to the family. Aggressive behaviour is rare, except for in some male dogs. His main focus is play, but care should be taken with small children as they do not tend to tolerate rough play. Once introduced into the family, he will become protective and sometimes clingy, which is why he is suited for active people who can involve him in their everyday lives. Comedian, playmate, and all round cutie- pie, the French Bulldog is a great candidate for anyone looking for a new best friend.

Conformation:

The French Bulldog is a sturdy, compact, stocky little dog, with a large square head that has a rounded forehead. The muzzle is broad and deep with a well-defined stop. The nose is black, but may be lighter in lighter coloured dogs. The upper lips hang down over the lower lips. The teeth meet in an under bite and the lower jaw is square and deep. The round, prominent eyes are set wide apart and are dark in colour. The bat ears stand erect, are broad at the base narrowing in a triangular shape and rounded at the tips. The height at the withers to the ground should be approximately the same as the length from withers to the base of the tail. The tail is either straight or cork-screw. The chest is broad and deep with the front of the dog being wider than the back end, forming a pear shape. The Dewclaws may be removed. The medium-fine coat is short and smooth. The skin is loose forming wrinkles around the head and shoulders

Colour:

Coat colours include brindle, fawn, white, and combinations of brindle or fawn with white

Training:

 

This breed needs leadership and will not thrive without it. The Frenchie cannot be owned and ignored. When they sense an owner is meek or passive towards them they will become very stubborn and even snappish. They can be trained if the owner is calm, but firm, consistent and patient.

The French Bulldog can be somewhat wilful so consistency is required. Even this being a sturdy little breed, they do not respond well to harsh training methods. This dog does best with a patient handler. With the correct handler, this breed can go far.

 

EXERCISE:

French Bulldogs can be fairly active indoors and can do okay without a garden. However, he will need to be taken on walks daily – not only for exercise purposes but as this also a prime time to train him. He should be walked beside or behind you in order for it to register that the leader (you) are in charge. Given the chance, Frenchies will run and play for hours and hours but care should be taken in hot weather as they do not take well to extreme temperatures.

Care:

 

This breed is an average shedder and does not need much grooming. Brushing with a rubber brush will remove any dead or loose hair. Due to the flat muzzle, the French Bulldog tends to drool so the mouth should be cleaned regularly. Bathe only when necessary.

Bear in mind that Frenchies are sensitive to extreme temperatures, preferring cooler climates to hot ones. If they spend too much time playing in the sun, they can suffer from heatstroke

Health:

 

Common health issues include eye problems and breathing problems that result from overeating. Feeding them smaller meals is a good practice.  French Bulldogs are prone to joint diseases, spinal disorders, heart defects and eye problems. Dams often have to deliver pups by caesarean section, because pups have relatively large heads. They often have respiratory problems. They tend to wheeze and snore and have trouble in hot weather. An overweight Frenchie may have trouble breathing, because of a swollen abdomen. Although easy to do, do not overfeed this breed. Putting them under anaesthesia is risky because of their breathing issues. With proper care, exercise and nutrition, you can expect your new buddy to live for up 10-12 years.

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