It is always a good idea to get to know the requirements of a certain breed. We can facilitate this by providing you the essential information. This will lead to a more educated decision and help ensure that your pet lives a long happy healthy life and you enjoy having your best friend along for the ride.

Appearance

French Bulldogs have an iconic look. Adult dogs are small in size but stocky and muscular. They have a broad, square-shaped head with a pronounced forehead. Their eyes are dark, large, and expressive. The butterfly ears definitely are one of the breed’s most recognizable features, adding plenty of quirks to its charm. The short and flat nose also contributes to brachycephalic dog breed traits. The Frenchies have short necks, but their chest is broad. The tails are also generally short and may be straight or slightly curved.

The coat is easy to groom, short, smooth, and close to the body. Dogs only have one layer of hair, which is interesting. They have no undercoat, so they don’t shed as profusely as other breeds. The Frenchie is also unique because it has many different colors. A bulldog can be, for example, black, white, or cream, and they tend to have patterned colors.

They have fully defined muscles that make them look strong. Their legs, while short, are wide set, providing a stable postural base. Despite being a bulldog breed, they’re not intimidating by way of size and gloom. Their eye-catching, soft appearance makes them preferred even among kids. In general, the French Bulldog is a peculiar, well-known canine breed that dog fans around the globe love.

French Bulldog Breed History

The French Bulldog (or Frenchie for short) was created in the 19th century when two specific breeds began to be crossbred. One was the Toy Bulldog, now an extinct English breed, and the other was the Parisian Raterrier. The breeds were selected to make a small, family-friendly companion dog.

Dogs were brought over from England, and the French loved these little pets. The miniature bulldogs were known as French Bulldogs because that breed became very popular in France. These dogs were considered fashionable at that time, especially by the upper class. Next, the popularity of French Bulldogs began to increase even more and expanded globally. They arrived in America, too, and were recognized fully by the American Kennel Club in 1906.

These days, Frenchies are highly coveted family dogs for their friendly disposition. It is one of the smallest dog breeds making the perfect companion for all. Social media presence also helps boost the popularity of the breed.

French Bulldog Personality

Known for their unique appearance, French Bulldogs also have a special personality. They are one of the most desirable dogs because of their friendly and sociable nature. They enjoy being around humans and will develop a close bond with their owners.

French Bulldogs are typically happy and energetic, making them great playmates. They are small but brave and will defend their territory tenaciously. However, their temperament tends to be stable, which means that they are great family dogs for homes with children. Apart from being active and playful, these dogs enjoy lounging on the couch. They love to be stroked and cuddled.

French Bulldogs are intelligent and trainable dogs, but they can also be a bit stubborn at times. To be honest, these sweet-natured dogs do not trouble their owners much. They are also relatively polite and pretty laid-back. But remember, you do need to give them a little bit of a mental workout and some exercise as well. French bulldogs also tend to be extremely loyal and attached to their owner. Given proper training and care, these dogs can be the best companions.

Also, French Bulldogs are really jolly canines. Their personality often shows itself through funny and charming behavior, which is why having such a dog can bring a lot of joy. Overall, the French Bulldog is a kind and gentle breed that can provide much enjoyment in the owner’s day-to-day life.

French Bulldog Health

All purebred dogs are unique and beautiful in their own right, but they can also be prone to many diseases. When it comes to picking a breed, you should be mindful of certain illnesses that can strike a particular group of dogs. As such, speaking to a vet and reading up about the breed’s health could be worthwhile to avoid this before you take the plunge and choose a dog. Also, pick a good, recommended breeder that performs health tests on their dogs, as these will considerably decrease the chances of the diseases.

Due to their particular anatomical structure, French Bulldogs are also susceptible to numerous diseases. Bulldog-type dogs are likely to suffer from respiratory problems inheriting this short skull. Take a closer look at the ailments that owners of this breed frequently report. Awareness of some problems and breed-specific education can make it easy to recognize health issues early. Keep in mind, too, that routine vet visits will ensure that your dog remains healthy.

Eye Problems

Frenchies typically have eye issues stemming from the excessive skin folds on the face. The way the bulldog looks causes the tears to drain improperly, and the cornea is irritated. This is why this breed of dog is often subject to infections such as conjunctivitis.

Critical signs include swelling and redness of the eyelids and increasing amounts of discharge. The dog may squint or paw at its face as a result. So, if you think your French bulldog has any symptoms of eye problems, take them to a vet who will thoroughly check the eyes and give the appropriate treatment. Thus, eye examinations are important.

Ear Problems

Due to their anatomy and moist, warm environment, French bulldogs are prone to ear problems. Ear infections are one of the most common problems in French Bulldogs. Therefore, their owners have to be able to recognize the symptoms that may indicate an ailment.

Inflammation of the ear canal can cause your dog to feel pain and itchiness in their ears. Hence, the owners might see their dogs scratching a lot and shaking their heads. You may also see discharge from the ear. And these symptoms should send you to the vet. That’s why taking care of the ears is also of great importance. In French Bulldog, the ears should be cleaned often and properly.

Respiratory Problems

French Bulldogs are prone to respiratory diseases mainly because of their anatomical structure. This dog breed has a flat face, resulting in an elongated soft palate and narrowed nostrils. Bulldogs also have tendencies for laryngeal collapse and nasal or throat polyps and tumors. As a consequence of these issues, French Bulldogs suffer from a condition termed Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS).

Symptoms are very typical and can be recognized easily. The dogs often exhibit labored breaths and make wheezing sounds. There is a possibility that they may breathe with an open mouth. They tire easily, and breathing problems tend to flare up after physical activity. This can even cause fainting due to the fact that we do not get enough air and cyanosis. Another consequence of breathing issues is difficulty eating. Dogs often vomit. They also show hypersalivation. Dogs of this breed require appropriate care due to all these problems. They may need surgical treatment.

Skin Problems

Skin diseases are another issue we frequently see with French Bulldogs. This breed has many skin folds, making it susceptible to such diseases. It can trap moisture and dirt in the folds of the skin, which can be a breeding ground for infection. Also, when the dog moves, the folds of its skin rub against each other, which can cause irritation. Obese dogs are more likely to have skin problems, too. That’s why they tend to be diagnosed with skin fold inflammation. The disease appears in the form of redness, cracking of the skin, and foul smell. This vulnerability means bulldog owners must properly care for their dogs’ skin to avoid these issues.

Cardiovascular Problems

Being a brachycephalic dog means that French Bulldogs have heart problems as well. This population of dogs has a predisposition for valvular pulmonary stenosis and subvalvular aortic stenosis (congenital heart disease). These abnormal defects can eventually cause heart failure. Thus, greater fatigue and shortness of breath are also signs of heart problems.

Neurological Problems

Although this makes French bulldogs look so appealing, sadly, it also means that they are prone to many diseases. Due to its shortened skull, this breed often has neurological diseases. One disorder is intervertebral disc disease, which causes spinal cord injury. Consequently, dogs have trouble moving because of weak legs. It could also result in paralysis. Seizures and dementia are other clinical signs common to neurological disease in dogs. When one of these diseases is diagnosed, a pet’s quality of life can improve, so the initial diagnosis is very important.

Musculoskeletal Problems

Because of their body structure, French Bulldogs also suffer from slipped discs, predominantly in the lumbar region, and congenital disabilities of the spine. These dogs can also be affected by joint conditions, particularly hip dysplasia. That is why owners need to keep their dogs healthy. An appropriate diet is required to defend canines from weight problems, making them extra vulnerable to those ailments. The appropriate quantity and quality of physical exercise also play a role.

French Bulldog Care

Since we own dogs, we should ensure they are well cared for. You hold their health and happiness in your hands. Dog care should also be breed-specific and individualized. French Bulldogs are one of the breeds that owners should be more careful about and pay special attention to. Their body structure makes these types of dogs susceptible to disease. That’s why French Bulldog owners need to make adjustments based on their actual risk level and take extra care of their dogs accordingly.

Vet visits, proper food, and exercise are essential to keeping them healthy. When cared for properly, French bulldogs make great companions and can fill their owner’s homes with joy and love. This is why it is vital that all those who want to own this very special dog know what it entails and be able to commit to it.

Safe Environment

French bulldogs are small dogs, so they do not require much space. They live in homes and smaller apartments, but they have to sleep and play somewhere, and their environment should be safe. Falls from heights are dangerous to them, so owners must protect them. Moreover, since they have sensitive respiratory systems, you will need to provide them with proper humidity and temperature in their environment. Because they are also prone to skin diseases, it is necessary to keep the house clean.

Diet and Nutrition

It is also important for French bulldog owners to focus more on their dogs’ diet so they can stay healthy and avoid many diseases. Their structure predisposes them to obesity, so they need a balanced diet appropriate to their energy requirements. Give them good quality food with high protein and low carbohydrate. Along with this, refrain from using the components that can cause food allergies. Since these dogs may also struggle with chewing and swallowing food, owners should remember to provide their dogs with small portions of food that are easy to consume.

Physical Activity

The French Bulldog is a small breed of dog with plenty of energy and playfulness inside of them. This means that these dogs require regular exercise for them to maintain a healthy and fit lifestyle. Bulldogs are known for their flat faces, which do not help them to breathe so well, so their activity has to be adjusted according to their body structure.

So, owners should be cautious about exercising their dogs too much during walks and playtime. You should not do any strenuous exercise on a hot day as the breed is a bit over-sensitive to heat. Lastly, bring frequent breaks to hold and keep the dog comfortable and safe. The right amount of exercise is necessary for the health and well-being of your dog.

Grooming

French Bulldogs have short and easy-to-maintain hair. However, this breed of canine needs to be properly taken care of through different means. Grooming still must be done, as dead hair must be removed to avoid skin diseases. The skin folds of the dog need special attention. To avoid dirt and moisture that makes them vulnerable to infection, they should be cleaned regularly.

Besides the skin care, you need to pay attention to French Bulldog eyes, which are sensitive too and easily tear and become inflamed. It is important to examine them regularly and see a vet if necessary. Caring for the ear is also important, and regular cleaning is required. French bulldog claws are also something to keep an eye on. They need to be clipped because they tend to grow long, which hampers the movement of the dog.

French Bulldog grooming is not only a question of appearance, as it is primarily about health, so it is definitely worth devoting time and attention to it. Frequent visits to the groomer will help keep the dog in a good state and avoid many health issues.

Training

Though French Bulldogs are small and gentle dogs, training is still required. Certain behaviors should be trained in the dog so that they do not destroy items in the house or be aggressive against people or other animals. Bulldogs are smart and learn basic commands quickly, but their stubbornness means that you should avoid using coercion. Dogs require regular training sessions, which should be short and not repetitive. Social activities should also be part of this program to ensure the bulldog gets familiarized with other dogs and people; this is essential for its psychological well-being.

Golden Retriever Dog FAQs

Are you already an expert on the French Bulldog breed? Well, these little dogs can be surprising. If you still have doubts, check out the questions and answers here. Perhaps they will help you decide for yourself.

Is a French Bulldog a Good Family Dog?

There are many reasons why French bulldogs are great family dogs. Primarily, they are extremely kind and gentle-natured, contributing to their ability to get along with children and other pets alike. Due to their small size, they are cute-looking. They are also extremely sociable and enjoy interacting with their family, making them great companions for everyday activities.

What Size Is a French Bulldog?

Even in adulthood, French Bulldogs are a relatively small breed. Adult dogs have a weight of approximately 28 pounds/12 kilograms and a height of about 12 inches/30 centimeters. Due to their size, they are perfect to carry with you when traveling or going for a stroll.

How Long Does a French Bulldog Live?

The lifespan of a French Bulldog is comparable to that of many other breeds of dog. Their life span is around 10-12 years. But they also might not live very long because they are so prone to many diseases. But proper care will give them an extended life.

How Much Does a French Bulldog Cost?

Frenchies are expensive compared to other breeds. You need to shell out a couple of thousand bucks on them. The prices for puppies vary between one thousand and eight thousand dollars. This depends on the owner from whom you are buying the dog. However, in this case, it would be best to go with a good breeder who regularly checks for health issues in their dogs.

Source

• Dan G. O’Neill, Lauren Baral, David B. Church, Dave C. Brodbelt, Rowena M. A. Packer (2018). Demography and disorders of the French Bulldog population under primary veterinary care in the UK in 2013.
  https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s40575-018-0057-9.pdf