The French Bulldog Breed

Diminutive and easygoing, the French Bulldog is one of the most popular breeds of dog among animal lovers. Best known for their trademark bat ears and compact, muscular body, the French Bulldog stands at between 11 and 13 inches at the shoulder. Resembling the English Bulldog with its short nose, large head, and wrinkles, the French Bulldog’s coat is short and comes in a variety of colors and markings. Along with its unique physical characteristics, the French Bulldog is best known for its friendly demeanor and great intelligence. Playful and affectionate, French Bulldogs thrive in both single-person households and among families with children.

History of the Breed

The French Bulldog’s history is rooted in England in the Industrial Revolution. During this time, a variety of toy Bulldog became increasingly popular with lace makers in the city of Nottingham. These small producers, which were known as cottage industries, adopted this tiny breed of Bulldog as their de facto mascot. When these small producers left England for northern France due to the increasing dominance of bigger manufacturers, they took their dogs with them. As time went by, these tiny Bulldogs bred with other dogs in the French countryside, notably Pugs and terriers, to create the breed that we now call the French Bulldog.

The Frenchie’s adorable face and playful nature soon endeared the breed to people throughout France. By the late 19th century, the French Bulldog was a popular city dog in Paris, where upper-class women frequently brought their prized pooches with them to the city’s well-known cafes. The breed’s incredible popularity in Paris piqued the interest of tourists, who adopted them in scores and brought them around the world. The French Bulldog was particularly popular in the United States. In the early 20th century, the French Bulldog dominated dog shows throughout the United States, where they earned a reputation as among the most iconic members of the canine family.

French Bulldog Health and Care Tips

While French Bulldogs have a reputation for being easy to care for, there are still a number of things potential owners should remember before welcoming a member of the breed into their home. In terms of exercise, veterinarians say that Frenchies only require a minimal amount of physical exertion each day. Generally, experts recommend either walking the animal each day or engaging in hearty play sessions. With this in mind, vets also remind owners that like with any breed of Bulldog, French Bulldogs are prone to breathing difficulties. As such, vets caution against exercising during hot and humid weather.

When it comes to grooming, experts on the breed also note that French Bulldogs are generally easy for owners to care for. Sporting a coat of short hair, French Bulldogs only shed a small amount of fur. Therefore, experts recommend brushing the animal at least once a week. During this time, vets also suggest checking the dog’s ears, eyes, and teeth for signs of health problems. Another important aspect of grooming for French Bulldogs is keeping the animal’s facial wrinkles clean and dry. This is essential for the Frenchie’s long-term health as it undercuts the spread of bacteria on the dog's face.

Socialization and Training

As previously stated, Frenchies are known for their amiable, affectionate personality along with their great intelligence. These positive attributes sometimes make the animals possessive of the humans in their lives. As such, experts suggest obedience training and socialization for French Bulldogs. Given the animal’s high intelligence and playful nature, these activities can be a joy for French Bulldogs and ensure that the animal lives a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle. During obedience training, experts further recommend reinforcing positive behavior by showing the animal affection and praise. While many owners might want to reward positive behavior by giving their pets treats, trainers warn that if done too much, this type of reward system could lead dogs to an unhealthy relationship with food. Praise and affection, conversely, helps to forge a positive relationship between Frenchies and their human caretakers.