The French Bulldog is a well known, popular dog breed across the World. They have high popularity ranging from Australia to the USA. These little dogs won our hearts with their funny ears and huge personality.
French Bulldogs make wonderful companions and are perfect if you live in an apartment. They require minimal exercise and grooming, plus they rarely bark. They also love children.
They are a brachycephalic (short-nosed) breed, so you need to exercise extra care if you live in a hot, humid climate. Frenchies can’t spend much time outdoors when it’s hot, but they appreciate air conditioning.
An unusual heritage
Believe it or not, the French Bulldog owes its origin to the enormous Mastiff. Although these breeds are vastly different today, some 2000 years ago, it is believed that Phoenician traders brought molosser dogs to the British Isles, and the Mastiff breed was developed, much as we know it today. Over time bulldogs also known as Bullenbeissers, were designed for bull and bear-baiting. These were blood sports that were extremely popular in England and other countries for centuries.
Breeders in England were interested in the brachycephalic snouts because they gave dogs an advantage in dog and bullfights. Dogs with this bone structure can chomp down and hold on while still maintaining normal breathing.
At the turn of the 19th century, most people were on the side of banning bull-baiting and bear-baiting. By 1835, both sports were officially banned by Parliament. As a result, some Bulldogs were bred smaller to continue dogfighting while others went out of fashion altogether.
A new beginning
The French Bulldog originated somewhere around the 19th century in Nottingham, England. They were bred to accompany the lace makers, and they wanted to create a lap version of English Bulldog to ensure company. Thus they were called toy bulldogs.
The toy Bulldog became something of a mascot for Nottingham’s lacemakers. This was the height of the Industrial Revolution in England, and such “cottage industries” as lace-making were increasingly threatened. Many in the lace trade relocated to northern France, and of course, they brought their toy Bulldogs with them.
The little dogs became popular in the French countryside, where lace makers settled. For decades, the toy Bulldogs were crossed with other breeds, perhaps terriers and Pugs, and, along the way, developed their now-famous bat ears.
Eventually, the small Bulldogs in France were considered a separate breed. They were called the Bouledogue Francais. They were popular with aristocrats, ladies of the evening, the artistic set – with everyone.
Pretty soon, everyone wanted their hands on this compact little fashion statement. Within 50 years, they had spread across Europe and made their way to the United States. Also, it’s believed that Frenchies have been in Australia since the 1940s when they were brought over by the English.
Personality
French Bulldogs are playful, intelligent and affectionate. They have a sense of humor that is unique to the breed, and Owners will attest to their quirky personalities.
Perhaps the most influential personality trait of the French Bulldog is its desire to be around humans. As a companion animal, this dog will not be happy to be left alone. Although they’re not as destructive as some other social breeds, you can definitely see a drop in mood when a Frenchie isn’t getting enough love and attention.
Luckily, the Frenchie is the perfect traveling companion. With regular exercise and socialization, these dogs are calm and quiet in most settings. They are well suited to keep you company for long hours at your desk, and they’re the perfect shop dog to welcome visitors.
Frenchies love children. They are also good with small children but make sure that you supervise so these little dogs don’t get hurt by accident.
Frenchies usually get along well with other pets but it’s essential to keep in mind that they are small dogs. Do not let them play with large dogs without supervision since they could be injured.
Grooming
French Bulldogs come in a variety of colors, but they all have the same coat: a short, single layer of fur that is easy to maintain and includes minimal shedding. The good news is you won’t need to worry about trimming or stripping.
On the other hand, you’ll find that finding a good hygiene routine may take some time with Frenchies. Because they are so prone to allergies, you’ll want to use dog shampoos and other products specially designed for sensitive skin. And if you do want to brush your Frenchie, use a soft-bristled brush.
In general, a simple wipe down with a wet cloth is enough to keep your French Bulldog fresh and clean. You’ll also want to invest in doggie ear wipes to lower the risk of ear infections.
Health Concerns
If there’s one thing that can threaten a breed’s good health, it’s popularity. And the Frenchies fashionability for the last 150 years has made it prone to some unfortunate genetic issues.
The Frenchie is both a short-nosed (brachycephalic) and dwarf (chondrodystrophic) breed, so it can have some unique health issues. As a short-nosed breed, they have shorter air passages than average, so they cannot cool themselves as efficiently as most dogs. Take walks in the morning and evening when it is cooler. Frenchies can play outside if you have a small, fenced yard.
Frenchies have large eyes, which can make them subject to some eye problems. Cherry eye and glaucoma, corneal ulcers, retinal fold dysplasia, and juvenile cataracts are issues that have been known to occur in the breed.
Allergies are also common in the breed. Many experience food-based allergies, while some may even be excessively sensitive to topical stimuli like shampoos or beddings. Airborne allergies are also quite prevalent with French Bulldogs.
French Bulldog Fun Facts
French Bulldogs are currently very popular with celebrities. Some of their famous owners are: Leonardo di Caprio, who shares this pet’s custody with this ex-girlfriend Giese Bundchen, David and Victoria Beckham (Scarlet and Coco), Tampa Bay Rays pitcher David Price (Astro), Hugh Jackman, Jeremy Renner, WWE wrestler Daniel Bryan, Ashlee Simpson, John Legend, Renee Felice Smith, Patton Oswalt, and Lady Gaga.
Frenchies tend to snore and make lots of odd noises. Drooling and flatulence can also be part of the Frenchie package.
A French Bulldog was one of the dogs that went down with the Titanic.
The Frenchie’s ears are commonly referred to as “bat” ears because of their shape.
Even though they are a small dog, the French Bulldog is in the AKC’s Non-Sporting group and not the Toy group.