The French Bulldog
Vital Stats of French Bulldog
- Dog breed group: Non-Sporting, Companion dogs
- Height: 11 to 12 inches at the shoulder
- Weight: 16 to 28 pounds
- Lifespan: 11 to 14 years
Physical Characteristics of French Bulldogs
Bat-eared but oddly beautiful, the French Bulldog has a unique appeal. This breed is on the small side, having a compact, big-boned, muscular frame with smooth coats. Also, their square heads have rounded skulls, broad muzzles and black noses.
In addition, French Bulldogs have small eyes that are dark and set low on the face—just above the muzzle. Frenchies have strong necks, full chests and short, stocky legs. They have short and thick tails, and their soft coats come in solids or combinations of brindle, fawn and white. Overall, this breed appears alert, friendly and sturdy.
The French Bulldog’s Personality
According to people who love him, the French Bulldog’s best qualities are charm and adaptability. Frenchies love almost everyone they meet and will seek out anyone who is willing to provide a lap.
This breed is also known for their attentiveness. They follow their people around from room to room without making a nuisance of themselves. When a Frenchie wants your attention, he will tap you with a paw.
French Bulldogs can be stubborn about any kind of training. Therefore, motivate them with gentle, positive techniques. Once you find the right reward, they can learn quickly. However, you will discover they like to put their own spin on tricks or commands, particularly when they have an audience.
Health of French Bulldogs
When considering this breed, make sure you are aware of the following potential health problems:
- Hip dysplasia: a genetic malformation of the hip socket
- Brachycephalic Syndrome: varying degrees of obstruction to airways, causing anything from noisy or labored breathing to total collapse of the airway
- Allergies: food-based allergies, contact allergies and inhalant allergies
- Hemivertebrae: malformation of one or more vetebrae that causes it to have a wedge-shape or to be triangular
- Patellar Luxation: improper alignment of the patella (femur, patella and tibia)
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): occurs when a disc in the spine ruptures or herniates and pushes upward into the spinal cord
- Von Willebrand’s Disease: blood disorder that affects the clotting process due to the reduction of von Willebrande factor in the blood
- Cleft Palate: a slit that runs bi-laterially or uni-laterally and can range in size from a small hole to a large slit
- Elongated Soft Palate: causes obstruct airways and difficulty in breathing
History of French Bulldogs
In his adopted home country of France, this breed is known as the “bouldogge Francais. However, the origins of the French Bulldog are actually in the city of Nottingham, England.
Small bulldogs were popular pets with the local laceworkers, keeping them company and ridding their workrooms of rats. Lacemaking became mechanized after the industrial revolution, and many of the lacemakers lost their jobs. Therefore, this caused the move of some to France, where their skills were in demand. This breed was equally popular with French shopkeepers and eventually took on the name of their new country.
Frenchies became popular with member of the Paris bohemian class:
- ladies of the night
- artists
- writers such as the novelist Colette
- wealthy Americans doing the Grand Tour in the late 19th and early 20th centuries
Impressionist artist Toulouse Lautrec even put a French Bulldog in one of his paintings, Le Marchand des Marrons.”
In the past decade, this breed has gained rapidly in popularity. Today, French Bulldogs rank 21st among the breeds registered by the American Kennel Club.
For more information on the French Bulldog or other dog breeds, don’t hesitate to contact us here at All Pets Veterinary Medical Center with the link below!
