French Bulldog Description

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French Bulldog

Quick Facts:

Group classification: Non-Sporting Group
Country of origin: France
Date of origin: 1800s
Weight (M): 28 pounds or less
Height (M): 11-13 inches
Weight (F): 28 pounds
Height (F): 11-13 inches
Alternate names: Bouledogue Francais
Life expectancy: 13 to 15 years

History

The French bulldog is a small companion dog. As the name suggests the breed originated in France but in reality the Americans and British have played bigger role in its breeding.

There is more than one theory about how exactly the French bulldog originated in France. The most accepted theory however is that when Normandy lace workers from England moved to France to find work they took smaller bulldogs along. These small dogs were actually rejects of the bulldog breeders in England. These were tulip eared puppies that were occasionally found in bulldog litters.

As the lace workers settled in North France, they became very popular as ratters and loyal companion dogs. The breeders were more than pleased to sell these undersized dogs to these people who fancied them as a ‘new breed.’

As the French bulldog became more famous it became a favorite of street walkers in Paris. The reason behind it was that this strikingly strange dog was instrumental in attracting attention towards to the owner. Eventually the breed became fashionable and popular with well-to-classes simply because of its notoriety.

The French bulldog was originally bred as a ratter but later became more popular as a companion and lap dog. A French bulldog, insured for $750, a royal sum at that time, was on board the doomed Titanic.

General Appearance

The French bulldog looks active and muscular. It has a heavy bone and smooth coat. Compactly built with a medium or small structure it has an alert, curious and interested expression. It is also an intelligent dog.

The French bulldog is a well proportioned dog and all points are distributed in good relation to each other. There is no feature that is more prominent than the other. Neither does it give an appearance of being disproportioned.

His head is large and square and his dark eyes are set low down in the skull, as far from the ears as possible. Light colored eyes are accepted only in light colored French bulldogs. His coat is fairly fine, short, smooth and brilliant. The skin, as in pure bred bulldogs, is soft and loose, which forms wrinkles at the head and shoulders.

Some allowances are made in favor of females as they do not have the same characteristics of a male dog.

Temperament

The French bulldog adapts easily. He has an affectionate nature and even temperament, which makes him a good companion dog. He is inherently active, alert and playful but never disobedient.

Like most companion dog breeds he requires close contact with humans. They need to be taken for a walk daily but otherwise do not have major exercise needs. For those living in apartments they are a perfect choice because of their tranquil nature and sensible barking behavior.

His overall structure makes it difficult for him to breathe efficiently, which affects its ability to maintain body temperatures. Due to this it must be understood that the French bulldog cannot live outdoors. It is also important to note that his bulk makes him a poor swimmer. Owners have also to protect him from hot and humid weather conditions. Another thing that owners should be aware of is that he can be sometimes rough on children and should be observed during play.

Although French bulldogs are vulnerable to certain congenital diseases they are still among the healthiest bull breeds. It is a brachycephalic breed and one of the most common defects is and elongated soft palate or cleft palate. They are also prone to develop a bleeding disorder, which is similar to hemophilia in humans. They are also susceptible to thyroid problems.

The French bulldog is an indoor dog and may require air-conditioning in warm weather. Although an alert dog who can alert his owner, its main role is that of a lap dog.

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Last Updated: 10/07/09

French Bulldog

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