French Bulldog, also known as Frenchie, is a small sized domestic dog breed. The dogs were introduced in the 1800s when bulldog ancestors brought them from England and local ratters in Paris (France).
In 2015, French Bulldog was the 4th most popular listed dog breed in the UK and the 6th most popular recorded dog breed at AKC (American Kennel Club. The French Bulldog was rated as the 3rd most popular dog breed in Australia in 2017.
Size and Weight
French Bulldogs are small sized domestic dogs having weight around 7.3 to 11.3 Kg (16 to 25 pounds). Some classes at dog shows were weighed under 5.4 Kg (12 pounds).
French Bulldog Appearance
The dog should have the appearance of an active, brawny dog, of heavy bone, smooth coat, densely built, and of a small or medium structure. The points should be well distributed and tolerate good relation one to the other, no feature being in such fame from either excess or lack of quality that the animal appears distorted or poorly balanced. In comparison to specimens of dissimilar gender, due allowance should be made in favor of the female dogs, which do not bear the characteristics of the breed to the same marked degree as do the male dogs.
The head should be large and square. The top of the skull should be flat but fairly rounded and stop should be distinct producing a hollow or groove between the eyes. The muzzle should be broad, deep, and well laid back; and the muscles of the cheeks should be intense. The nose should be very small and nostrils broad with a clear line between them. The nose and flews should be black excluding lighter colored dogs. The flews should be dense and wide, hanging over the lower jaw at sides, touching under the lip in front and covering the teeth.
Colors and Coat
The acceptable colors for French bulldog breed are various shades of brindle, fawn, tan or white with brindle patches. But the most popular colors are brindle, then fawn, with Pieds being less popular than other colors. The breed clubs do not identify any other colors or designs. The AKC states that Frenchies can be brindle, fawn, white, brindle, and white. The skin should be soft and loose, mainly at the head and shoulders, forming wrinkles. The coat should be soberly fine, bright, short and smooth.
According to AKC Standard, the acceptable colors for French bulldog are brindle, fawn, white, brindle and white, and any color excluding those which constitute disqualification. The unacceptable colors comprise black; black and fawn, black and white, cream and white, fawn and black, fawn brindle and white, and gray and white.
French Bulldog Temperament
French bulldogs, like other companion dogs, need a close contact with humans. Thus, they should not be left alone for more than a few hours as French bulldogs feel uneasiness if they are alone for a long time. This is particularly essential when French Bulldogs are young, but this problem remains a concern into the maturity. Leaving alone for a long time can cause French Bulldogs to behave in a harsh manner, which contains: chewing household items, furniture, even going to the bathroom in the house.
French bulldogs require slight exercise and daily short walks. They are occasionally called ‘Frog dog’ due to extensive round face and unique way of sitting with hind legs spread out and sometimes called ‘Clown dog’ due to fun-loving vibrant ‘clowns of the dog world’. The peaceful nature makes the French bulldogs a choice for good home dwellers, as does their sensible attitude towards barking.
The bulk and compromised breathing system make it difficult for French bulldogs to regulate their temperature efficiently. They become cold easily due to a single short coat. They need extra covering inside during winter season; especially in cold areas. They need warm clothing when out in cold weather. Similarly, precautions must be taken during training in hot or humid climate, as they are prone to heatstroke. It is also suggested that French Bulldogs who live inside rooms have access to the air-cooling system to regulate their temperature. In terms of training, the French bulldog needs regular nail trimming, brushing, infrequent bathing, and ear cleaning.
French Bulldog's Behavior
The French Bulldogs can make good companions as they like a close contact with humans. They seldom bark; and if they do it to draw attention, to indicate that they need something. The breed is very tolerant and affectionate with its owners, particularly with children, who are exclusively protected by the females. French bulldogs can live easily with other dog breeds when they are properly groomed.
History
The origin of present French bulldogs derives directly from an ancient Greek tribe called the ‘Molossians’. The dogs were spread all over the ancient world by Phoenician traders. The British Molossian dogs were produced into the ‘Mastiff’ and its sub-family was ‘Bullenbeisser’ which is a type of dog used for bull-baiting.
The blood sports like bull-baiting were banned in England in 1835, leaving these Bulldogs jobless. However, they had been bred for non-sporting purposes since at least 1800s, and their use was changed from a sporting breed to a companion breed. To decrease their size, some Bulldogs were crossed with ‘Terriers’ and some with pugs. During 1850-1860, the Toy Bulldogs were common in England, and they participated in conformation shows.
Concurrently, lace workers from Nottingham, displaced by the Industrial Revolution, began to settle in Normandy (France). They took a variety of dogs with them, including Miniature Bulldogs. These dogs became very popular in France, and a trade of imported small Bulldogs was started. By 1860, a limited Miniature Bulldogs were left in England due to their popularity in France and feats of professional dog exporters.
The small Bulldog type slowly became thought of as a breed, and titled as the ‘Bouledogue Francais’. This Francization of English name is also a narrowing of the words boule (ball) and dogue (mastiff or molosser). The dogs were very stylish and adored by society ladies and Parisian prostitutes, artists, writers, and fashion designers.
Also see: Cute Pictures of French Bulldog Puppies