Animal-World > Dogs > Non-Sporting Dogs > French Bulldog

French BulldogFrenchie ~ Frogdog ~ Bouledogue Francais

Family: Canidae

• Puzzles
• Postcards

Canis lupus familiarisPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy Justin Brough

    The stalky little French Bulldog was bred as a miniature of the English Bulldog, and was bred to be a pet, not a fighter.

    The French Bulldog is an affectionate and clownish companion. Despite the general bulldog reputation, this breed is quite easygoing and usually tolerates strangers well. It requires lots of attention and excels at hunting mice. When choosing a French Bulldog, look out for eye and respiratory problems.

Common Name(s)     French Bulldog, Frenchie, Frogdog, Bouledogue Francais

Breed Type     The French Bulldog is a non-sporting breed. Smaller than the English Bulldog, the Frenchie was bred to be a pet, not a fighter. This dog is best suited to cool or moderate climates.

Background     The French Bulldog actually originated in England in the mid 1800s. It was bred as a miniature version of the English Bulldog, then crossed with the French Terrier.
    Popular hybrids of the breed are the Frengle (French Bulldog and Beagle Mix) and the Free-Lance (French and English Bulldog mix).

Description     French Bulldogs are solid dogs with rounded heads, large ears, and pug noses. Acceptable colors according to breed standards include white, fawn, brindle, and white with fawn or brindle markings. These dogs can, however, be found in several other colors. Height is usually around 12 inches. Official weight classes are 19-22 pounds and 22-28 pounds.

Care and Feeding     The best diet for a French Bulldog includes beef, wheat, oats and beet pulp. These dogs often become overweight, so it is important not to overfeed them. This breed is very easy to groom, with only occasional brushing required.
    Regular checkups are especially important for this breed. Vaccinations should be administered as follows:

• 6-8 weeks: Distemper, Leptospirosis, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvo, and Corona virus (DHLPPC)
• 10-12 weeks: Second DHLPPC
• 14-16 weeks: Third DHLPPC and rabies
• Annually: DHLPPC and rabies booster
  

    The French Bulldog sheds an average amount. Regular vacuuming is important if this breed is to stay indoors.

Housing Your Dog     French Bulldogs can live indoors or out as long as they are not exposed to extreme temperatures. They make good apartment dogs, and do not require a yard.

Social Behaviors     The Frenchie has a great need for companionship, and tends to develop a close bond with one person. Still, it tends to get along with others, including strangers. Most get along with other pets, including dogs, but some males may display aggression. The breed does best with older children.

Handling and Training     The French Bulldog is a bit stubborn, but can be trained with firmness and consistency. Some are slow to housebreak.

Activities     French Bulldogs need daily walks and play sessions. It is important not to push them too hard in hot weather, because they may become overheated.

Breeding/Reproduction     Hereditary diseases and conditions that are often found in this breed include Von Willebrand's disease, thyroid disease, soft or cleft palate, back and spinal disorders, and eye problems. Bloodlines should be checked for these and other problems when selecting a mate.
    Artificial insemination is often required for breeding, and Cesarean sections are often necessary during delivery, because the puppies have large heads.

Common Health Problems     Thyroid disease is a common problem with French Bulldogs, and may be responsible for many other aliments of the breed. Your vet can determine the best treatment.

Availability     French Bulldogs are reasonably easy to find. Prices usually range from $1,000 to $2,000.

References "French Bulldog", Wikipedia, Copyright 2008
"French Bulldog", Dog Breed Info Center, Copyright 1998-2008
Cusick, William D., "What to Feed a French Bulldog", Referenced online, 2008
Welton, Michelle, "French Bulldogs: What's Good About ‘Em? What's Bad About ‘Em?", Copyright 2000-2008

Add your comment here!

Back to Non-Sporting Dogs