French Bulldog Dog Breed Profile

by Dr. Chris

AKC Group: Non-Sporting Group

The French Bulldog is a muscular little dog with characteristic "bat ears." Originally from France it was breed from English bulldogs. It is known to have a great personality and is very happy to sit on your lap. This breed makes a great companion for people who have smaller living spaces like apartments.

History

Lace makers in 1800's Nottingham, England uniquely bred the first bulldog for a reduced or "toy" bulldog, for usage as the lap family pet. When the Commercial Trend displaced several lace producers to France, they took the canines along with them, and shortly the "toy" bulldogs turned famous in France, where rich Americans undertaking the Grand Tour found and fell in love with them. In the late 19th century these "toy bulldogs" grew to be called French Bulldogs, and they popular continues to climb.

Physical Features

The French bulldog is mostly a strong, lightweight, sturdy little dog, with a huge square head which has a circular forehead. The coat is smooth and short. The skin has free forming wrinkles around the shoulders and head. Coat shades include brindle, fawn, white, and mixtures of fawn or brindle with white.

Height: 12 inches (30cm.)

Weight: 19 to 22 pounds (9-10kg.)

Over twenty eight pounds is a disqualification from competition.

Personality

The French bulldog is a pleasing, easy-care partner, who's affectionate, alert and playful. Passionate and energetic, but aren't loud and yappy. Curious, sweet and absolutely hilarious; they have a very humorous character and like to clown around.

They're easygoing and bright. The dog gets along pretty well with other people as well as other animals and loves being with their masters. Those Frenchies who may believe they're alpha dog, could become misbehaved.

Common Health Problems

French Bulldogs are susceptible to eye problems, heart defects, joint diseases and spinal disorders. Dams usually have to give birth by cesarean area, because pups have quite large heads. Sometimes they have respiratory difficulties due to their short noses.

They have a tendency to snore and wheeze and have difficulty in warm weather. Susceptible to heat stroke. An obese Frenchie could have trouble breathing, due to a swollen abdomen. Don't overfeed this dog. Placing them in anesthesia can be dangerous due to their breathing problems.

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