French Bulldog Breed Description

French Bulldog Description, Straight from the Dog's Mouth
Bon Jour, mademoiselle, monsieur. My name is Louis. I am very glad to meet you. Now that I have arrived in the United States, I have to 'get bee zee', I believe is the term, with meeting zee ladies. My people had me flown over from France, recognizing me as an international kind of guy. Perhaps you get the impression from my physique that I am all, how-you-say , the brawns and no brains. No, no, no! I am quite intelligent! Look closely, Cherie, you can see it in my eyes. While your eyes are absorbing my beauty, ask yourself, is he not a magnificent dog? Because of this muscular build, some people think I was born to fight, but take heart, Cherie, I was born to love.

My people love me and they make sure I get around. I'm often taken to the office to brighten up the day of those who trudge through life working for a living. Not the life I live, of course. My life is filled with adventure. My passion for living and loving fills any room the moment I trot in. When I become bored, I insist that my people take me to 'doggy day care'. There, the ladies are enamored by my French accent and my good looks. Ooh la la la la!

 

Introduction

These are sturdy little dogs with large, erect, rounded bat ears, flat muzzles and pug noses. French Bull Dogs are playful and affectionate, curious and alert. They love to clown around and can run and play for hours. They need companionship and will not thrive without it. They often bond strongly to one person. Frenchies are good with children when raised with them from puppyhood. These dogs are not easy to train and do not like hot weather. Coat colors are fawn, pied and red or black brindle. Grooming is minimal. Height is 12" at the shoulders. There are two weight ranges, 19 to 22 lbs. and 22 to 28 lbs. Contact the dog breeders below for your next family friend.

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 is that when Normandy lace makers 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, their dogs became very popular as ratters and loyal companion dogs. The breeders were more than pleased to sell these undersized dogs to 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-do 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. They are well proportioned 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 disproportionate. Head is large and square and 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. Their 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, having an affectionate nature and even temperament, which makes Frenchies a good companion dog. They are inherently active, alert and playful but never disobedient. Like most companion breeds, a French Bulldog 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. A Frenchie's 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 French Bulldogs cannot live outdoors. It is also important to note that they are poor swimmers because of their bulk. They must be protected from hot and humid weather conditions. Another thing that owners should be aware of is that they 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.

Colors

Brindle, Brindle and White, Fawn and White, and any color except solid Black, Mouse, Liver, Black and Tan , Black and White, and White with Black ( without a trace of Brindling )

Living Area

French Bulldogs do best as an indoor dog. Frenchies tend to overheat easily, and do not fair well in cold weather.

Recognized By

CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC

Pets4You offers listings of French Bulldog breeders with puppies for sale.