| Training | |
| Sensitivity to strangers | |
| Affection for family | |
| Suitable for first-time owners | |
| Ease of grooming | |
| Energy level |
Contents
Muscular and friendly, the French Bulldog is a small Hercules with a genuine devotion to its owner.
The French Bulldog (or French Bouledogue or Bouledogue français) is a very popular canine breed. It actually comes from England: the name “French”, in fact, is for the English workers who emigrated to France during the French Revolution. They took these dogs with them, which quickly became famous in noblest families.
French Bulldog: Origins
Many years ago, the ancestors of the little French Bulldog were mainly used in bull-baiting. It was a popular bloody sport in medieval Europe in which dogs harassed bulls. These dogs were specially selected and bred for this discipline for which it was necessary to breed a dog with a robust and muscular body, but also agile enough to avoid the bull’s fearsome horns.
Although bull baiting was outlawed in 1835, bulldogs were already considered a companion breed at that time. To reduce size, they were crossed with terriers or pugs.
By the mid-19th century, this little breed was already famous in England. Its story begins with the Industrial Revolution, when English textile workers lost their jobs after the introduction of the steam engine.
Some of these workers who emigrated to France brought their small bulldogs with them. There these pups became very popular and began to be bred by the French who were looking for even smaller dogs. For this reason, the Bulldogs that were considered too small or too straight-eared began to arrive in France from Europe to be mated.
The “little Bulldog” became known as the French Bulldog, and this dog was one of the favorite breeds of artists of that time. By the early 20th century, it was an extremely popular breed especially in high society.
French Bulldog: Characteristics
The French Bulldog can weigh up to 30 pounds (14 kg) which makes it a medium-sized dog. It is characterized by its brachycephalic skull (this means that it has a short nose and flat face) and its large bat ears. The French Bulldog has definitely a unique appeal. It is very popular in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, Ireland, Scotland and South Africa. In England, it is the fourth most popular dog breed among all existing breeds.
French Bulldog: Temperament
The French Bulldog is probably one of the most loving and owner-attached dogs that can be found. Physical contact with their family is simply sacred for these adorable four-legged friends.
It will follow all family members wherever they go to protect them from any potential danger. As you notice, courage is one of the distinctive features of this breed. Besides, it is a good, calm, and affectionate dog. It can be an excellent guard dog, but you must keep in mind that it will be a bodyguard that will make friends with everyone.
This cute little guy is known to be stubborn and obstinate to get what it wants. The French Bulldog does not give up, no matter the obstacles. Its stubbornness makes it a not very obedient dog, but if you have some patience, it can be trained. Fortunately, the French bulldog’s natural temperamentis truly irresistible, sociable, loyal, affectionate, and playful.
French Bulldog: Use
It is a very docile dog, and like any pet, it needs constant contact with humans. It should never be left alone for too long as it would suffer from separation anxiety, especially puppies.
An animal that is left alone for a long time ends up developing a destructive behavior. For example, it will gnaw all kinds of objects, including household furniture. Frenchies do not require a lot of outdoor exercise; however, short walks per day would help them not to gain weight. Take note of the following fact If you plan to put your puppy’s bed close to yours: the French Bulldog snores, and a lot!
This dog breed is perfect for those looking for a companion dog as it fits well to apartment life and its temperament that allows it to bond with people easily. Besides, Frenchies hardly bark, so there will not be any problem with your neighbors. French Bulldogs make excellent watchdogs, thanks to its incredible loyalty and bond they build with the owner.
French Bulldog: Health
The average life span of the French Bulldog is between 11 and 13 years due to its small size. Nevertheless, it is subject to the same health problems as other molossers. To begin with, due to its small, compact size and flattened muzzle, it struggles to best regulate its body temperature.
Although high temperatures may be harmful for many dogs, it could be lethal for this dog breed. Because of its short coat, it cannot regulate its own body temperature, which makes it prone to heat strokes. It is important to always protect your French Bulldog from extreme temperatures and the sun. It is also essential for your Frenchie to have easy and immediate access to cool water and a roof to guard it from the sun. If it is very hot, you must not let it run a lot.
Just like other brachycephalic dogs, this breed is often prevented from flying in airplanes because of their difficulty in breathing.
In general, the French Bulldog does not suffer from other particular health problems. Therefore, we advise you to protect it from hot weather, take care of its joints, and brush its coat well to avoid the presence of ticks, fleas, and other parasites. Besides, brushing will reduce the risk of dermatitis.
French Bulldog: Relationship with the Owner
The ideal owner is the one who, when he looks the French Bulldog in the eyes for the first time, cannot resist his loving and affectionate look. From then on, a bond will be created that is destined to last a lifetime.
The dog and the owner will live in symbiosis. The ideal owner is the one who can assure the animal a life full of love and happiness, and also will take care of it to protect it from hot weather during summer. Frenchies must reduce their physical activity when it is too hot.
French Bulldog: Relationship with Children
French Bulldogs are fond of children, even if they have never seen them before. In terms of size and temperament, it is the perfect companion for the little ones: compact and robust. French Bulldogs, especially female French Bulldogs, take care of children. They protect them with all their strength.
It is playful, it never gets tired, it seeks physical contact with people, and it always follows children everywhere. It’s always ready when the little ones want to run and have fun.
French Bulldog: Relationship with Other Dogs
When it comes to the relationship with other dogs, the French Bulldog is very balanced and it will never be the one who starts the fight. If it finds another friendly four-legged friend, it will play happily for hours; if not, your French Bulldog will simply ignore it.
It is a brave dog that if it feels threatened or if another dog behaves too aggressively, it will react regardless of the difference in size: it is stubborn and fearless. It does not think twice, especially if it has to defend its owner! It risks its own life in the face of any danger, it will face anyone, even aggressive dogs or other threats.
French Bulldog: Puppies For Sale, and Price
If you have already decided to have a French Bulldog puppy, it is important that you find a good breeding establishment and avoid internet sales or unreliable people. This is because it is a delicate breed that, if not properly bred, may suffer from the diseases listed above. In addition, it is imperative to know if it has congenital problems that could greatly shorten the dog’s life.
When buying a French Bulldog, you should ask for pedigree papers, which is actually essential as it states the dog’s breed’s purity. An animal with a pedigree has certain characteristics of its breed that differentiate it from the rest.
The price of a French Bulldog puppy from a certified and registered breeder is quite high, ranging between 900 and 1400 dollars, about 800-1300 English pounds. In addition, when you buy a puppy, a reliable breeder will provide you with a veterinary certificate, which states that your puppy has been dewormed and is completely healthy.
Now that we have clarified some of the most important aspects, you can go in search of your new 4-legged friend, who is surely waiting for you.
The French Bulldog belongs to the Molosser dog group, so the following may also interest you:
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Poodle
- Beagle
- Borador
- Australian Cattle Dog
- Boston Terrier
- English Bulldog
- Golden Retriever
- American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff)
- Doberman Pinscher (Dobermann)
