While the name of this breed is the French Bulldog, the idea and reason for the creation of it originated in England. This adorable dog breed, which has always been meant to be a companion, started as a miniature version of the English bulldog that accompanied lace workers across the English Channel to France during the Industrial Revolution. Once the dog breed became prominent in France, the subsequent successful crossbreeding of the English Bulldog, the Pug, and the Terrier led to the creation of the modern-day Frenchie.
The French Bulldog breed originally came to the United States with groups of wealthy Americans who came across them and fell in love while touring Europe in the late 1800s. While French Bulldogs originally had floppy, rosebud ears, today’s French Bulldog standards are for them to have what are called Bat ears (they stand straight up). The French Bulldog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1898 and is a member of the non-sporting group.
The Frenchie pretty much adapts to any living situation that includes love and attention. They’re great dogs for apartment living, which also makes them one of the most popular breeds in all of New York City. Your French Bulldog will require tons of attention from you as these dogs thirst for it and do not tolerate long periods alone well. Being a short-snouted, snub-nosed dog breed, they do not tolerate heat very well and are also sensitive to cold.
Frenchies can be prone to some health problems. Eye problems such as Entropion, Cataracts, and Cherry Eye can occasionally occur in this dog breed. It is recommended that breeders acquire heart and joint certifications on this breed at a minimum. Talking with your breeders about the health of the parents can help avoid many of these issues.
Playful and happy, the French Bulldog is a great fit for a novice dog owner. They are sweet-tempered, eager to please, and easy to train. Occasionally, Frenchies can be stubborn and they do tend to have big personalities, so less experienced owners may want to seek the guidance of a dog obedience trainer. With this dog breed being so popular, there are plenty of celebrities who have chosen the French Bulldog as their companion. So, there are plenty of famous Frenchies out there!
Standard coat colors for Frenchies are Brindle, Cream, and Fawn. The French Bulldog’s grooming needs are low compared to many other dog breeds. Weekly brushing will go a long way in keeping this pup’s coat healthy. Consistent nail trimming and toothbrushing are recommended with all dogs, so starting this early and getting your puppy comfortable with it will be important. Gently handling your puppy’s paws early on will make them more trusting and calm when it’s time for a nail trim.
An important thing to consider when grooming this, and other Bulldog breeds, are the wrinkles. Frenchies have hereditary face wrinkles, it is important that you keep these wrinkles clean to prevent skin irritation or possible infection. It is recommended that you use a damp cloth to clean between these wrinkles regularly and make sure that they are properly dried afterward.
The French bulldog is an easy-going, couch potato companion breed. This is not to say they’re not playful. As one of the most friendly and loving breeds out there, there will be plenty of playtime, but you do need to be careful of overexerting this breed. They are what is called a Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dog, which also makes them very sensitive to heat. Their pushed-in snouts have narrower and smaller nostrils than other dog breeds. They can get winded easily, so be aware of this when playing with your dog or puppy and watch for signs of overexertion.
French Bulldogs are generally 11 to 13 inches tall and weigh between 16 and 28 pounds depending on genetics and gender.
Frenchies generally have a life span of 8 to 12 years.
French Bulldogs cannot swim, at least without a life vest. Because of their “head-heavy” build, they require a life vest to stay afloat. They can be taught to swim while wearing one, but they never be left unattended around bodies of water or swimming pools and require constant supervision while in the water.