Last Updated on April 20, 2021 by Dogs Vets
All you need to know About the French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is similar to a bulldog in Miniature, except for the large, upright “bat ears” that are the breed’s trademark. The head is large and square, with heavy wrinkles over his extremely short nose. The body under the smooth, brilliant coat is compact and very muscular.
The bright, lovable Frenchie is a charmer. Dogs of few words, Frenchies don’t do much barking – but their alertness makes them excellent watchdogs.
The French Bulldog easily adapt to any lifestyle with singles, couples or families and don’t require much outdoor exercise. They get along well with other animals and love making new friends of the human variety. It’s no wonder city dwellers from Paris to Peoria swear by this highly amusing and companionable breed.
| Other names | Bouledogue français |
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| Common nicknames | Frenchies |
| Origin | France |
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Life expectancy: 10 – 14 years
Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris
French Bulldog Temperament: Easygoing, Affectionate, Lively, Keen, Sociable, Patient, Bright, Alert, Playful, Athletic
French Bulldog Colors: Fawn, Brindle, White, Brindle & White, Tan
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French Bulldog Pug mix
The Frenchie Pug is a designer breed that was developed by crossing the Pug and the French Bulldog. These little dogs have a mixed physical appearance and inherit the physical characteristics of both parents. … They also show their pug a curled up tail.
French Bulldog Pug Mix is also known as the French Bulldog Pug Mix. Although small, they more than make up for it in personality.
French Bulldog History
The modern French Bulldog breed is directly descended from the dogs of the Molossians, an ancient Greek tribe. The dogs were spread throughout the ancient world by Phoenician traders. British Molossian dogs were developed into the English Mastiff. A subbreed of the Mastiff was the bull biter, a type of dog used for bull baiting.
See also: The Rottweiler Dog History, Breed, Diet, Cost, Size, Training
The dogs were used for blood sports until such as bull baiting were banned in England in 1835, leaving these “bulldogs” unemployed. However, they had been bred for non-sporting reasons since at least 1800, so their use changed from a sporting breed to a companion breed. To reduce their size, some Bulldogs were crossed with Terriers, rattling dogs from the “slums” of England.
By 1850, the small Toy Bulldog had become common in England and appeared in conformation shows when they began around 1860. These dogs weighed just about 7.3 to 11.3 kg (16 to 25 pounds), although classes were also available at dog shows for those that weighed under 5.4 kg.
At the same time, top Nottingham workers displaced by the Industrial Revolution began settling in Normandy, France. They brought with them a variety of dogs, including Toy Bulldogs.
The French Bulldog became more popular in France and a trade in imported small bulldogs was established, with breeders in England shipping bulldogs they considered too small, or with faults such as ears that stood up. By 1860, there were few Toy Bulldogs left in England, so popular were they in France and due to the exploits of specialized dog exporters.
The small bulldog was gradually considered a breed and was given the name Bouledogue Francais.
The dogs were highly fashionable and were sought after by society ladies as well as Parisian prostitutes and creative people such as artists, writers and fashion designers. There are records of artists named Edgar Degas and Toulouse-Lautrec, who were believed to have French bulldogs in their paintings.
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However, no records were kept of the breed’s evolution as it continued to diverge from its original bulldog roots. When it did change, terrier stock had been introduced to develop features such as the breed’s long straight ears.
Top 10 Types of French Bulldog
1. Fawn french bulldog
The fawn Frenchie is one of a symmetry elegance and beauty. The classic fawn coloration varies from cream to almost yellow. In some cases, there may also be a reddish tinge. Generally, the light brown Frenchie is accompanied by a black mask, but not always.
2. Brindle french bulldog
Brindle is a traditional French bulldog color. The pattern consists of a dark coat mixed with light streaks. It is among the most popular bulldog colors of all. Many bull and mastiff breeds can show this coat. It is caused by the agouti gene, which controls the distribution of black pigments.
3. Tiger brindle french bulldog
This is a variation of the natural brindle markings you see on Frenchies. However, the Tiger Brindle pattern shows much more defined stripes. Normal brindle is more of a jumbled mix.
4. The White French Bulldog
The white coloring in Frenchies comes from certain genetic combinations. They are considered cream in color and are often confused with pinto. A true white Frenchie has dark pigment around the lips, nose and eyes. White coloration can also be the result of albinism, but is less likely. White can also be associated with deafness, especially if they are pink around the lips, nose and eyes.
5. Pied French Bulldog
The pied pattern is when a dog is predominantly white or eggshell, accompanied by darker patches. These areas can occur on any part of the body and are generally larger. This pattern accounts for patches around eyes or ears, giving them a unique appearance.
While the AKC only recognizes certain color variations, this does not stop breeders from playing around with possibilities. However, with rarer colors come questionable health issues that can affect the already poor health of the breed itself – they are naturally prone to skin allergies, food sensitivities, and brachycephaly syndrome.
Rare colored Frenchies come at a high price. They are also prone to color thinning alopecia and shorter life spans. Making sure you buy from a reputable breeder with a solid history can eliminate some worries. However, be aware of all the risks when considering a rare color.
6. Lilac French Bulldog
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Due to specific gene requirements, there are very few French Bulldogs with lilac coloring. If you do find one, they will likely come with an even higher price tag than your average Frenchie. To get a purple coat, both parents carry a lot of the blue and chocolate genes, which are also rare colors.
7. Pure Black French Bulldog
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Pure black is on the AKC’s list of disqualifying colors. However, it does not make it any less beautiful to see this stunning coat on a Frenchie. The color is caused by a recessive black gene. To be considered pure black, no trace of brindle can be found in the coat. They often have sapphire or dark brown eyes.
8. Cream French Bulldogs
The cream coat appears due to a recessive dilution gene in the fawn coloration. When cream Frenchies are born, they have pure cream all over their bodies. However, as they age, they develop black shading around the eyes, nose and mouth.
9. Chocolate French Bulldog
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When a chocolate color is achieved, both parents must carry the recessive chocolate gene. If you have a true chocolate Frenchie, his eyes are usually bright and piercing and come in shades of gold, green or yellow.
10. Sable French Bull Dog
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Sable is a beautiful color that is similar to deer, but has a unique twist. These dogs are light brown to dark mahogany with black hairs on the tips that give a beautiful dark hue over a light coat. Most sables are solid color with black or dark masks.
French Bulldog Price
On the average, you can probably expect to pay between $1,500 and $3,000. According to NextDayPets, the average price for most French bulldogs sold is $2,200. The price of a French bulldogs increases even more for dogs with exceptional breeding history. Prices for high-quality French bulldogs with excellent breed lines can range from $5,500 to $10,000.
Diet and Nutrition
A quality dog food appropriate for the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior) contains all the nutrients the breed needs. Frenchies are prone to obesity, which can damage their physical structure and put them at higher risk for some breed health problems. Therefore, it is important to watch their caloric intake and weight.
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If you choose to give your dog treats, do so in moderation. Give table scraps sparingly, if at all, avoiding cooked bones and high-fat foods. Learn which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not. Check with your veterinarian if you have concerns about your dog’s weight or diet.
Care, Coat Color and Grooming
The French Bulldog’s coat is short, smooth, glossy and fine. The skin is loose and wrinkled, especially on the head and shoulders, and has a soft texture.
French Bulldogs come in a variety of colors, including fawn, cream, various shades of tiger – a patterned coat with spots and stripes of light and dark markings – such as black tiger and striking tiger, and tiger and white, known as pied tiger. French Bulldogs can be any color except solid black, liver (a solid reddish brown with brown pigmentation on the lips and nose), mouse (a light steel gray) and black with white or tan.
Run to any breeder who tells you that a particular color is rare and therefore worth more money. Conversely, remember that you can’t just order a puppy of a particular color and sex. Having your heart set on a tawny female is a recipe for disappointment when the litter contains only cream and tiger males.
French Bulldogs are fairly easy to groom and only need an occasional brushing to keep their coats healthy. They are average shedders. Start grooming your Frenchman at a young age and teach your pup to stand on a table or floor to make this experience easier for both of you.
When you’re grooming your Frenchie at any stage of life, take the time to check for scabs, skin lesions, bare spots, rough, scaly skin or signs of infection. You should also check ears, eyes, and teeth for any leaks or bad odors. Both are signs that your Frenchie may need to see the vet.
Clean the ears regularly with a warm, damp cloth and run a cotton ball along the edge of the canal. Never insert the cotton swab into the actual ear canal. If the edges of your ears are dry, apply mineral or baby oil sparingly. The oil can also be used on a dry nose.
French Bulldogs do not naturally wear out their nails and will need their nails trimmed regularly. This prevents breakage and tearing, which can be painful for the dog.
Keep facial wrinkles clean and dry to prevent bacterial infections. Each time you bathe your dog, take the time to completely dry the skin between the folds. Bathe your French Bulldog monthly or as needed and use a high-quality dog shampoo to maintain the natural oils in his skin and coat.
French Bulldogs should be easy to groom, and with proper training and positive experiences during puppyhood, grooming can be a wonderful bonding time for you and your Frenchman. If you feel uncomfortable with any aspect of grooming, such as clipping nails, take your dog to a professional groomer who understands the needs of French Bulldogs.
The Frenchie’s short coat sheds minimally. Weekly brushing with a medium bristle brush, rubber glove or tool, or dog glove will help remove shedding hair and keep him looking as good as possible. Brushing encourages new hair growth and distributes skin oils throughout the coat to keep it healthy. A Frenchie’s facial folds should be kept clean and dry.
The Frenchie’s nails should be trimmed regularly, as nails that are too long can cause pain.
Exercise
A short walk or a daily outdoor play session with their owner should provide enough exercise to keep the French Bulldog in shape. Frenchies enjoy participating in dog sports such as obedience, agility and rally. However, as a flat-faced breed, they are prone to respiratory problems and should never be allowed to exert themselves in hot or humid weather.
French Bulldog Training
Early socialization and puppy training classes are recommended. Exposure to a variety of people, places and situations will help the puppy develop into a well-adjusted adult. French Bulldog Puppy training classes serve as part of the socialization process, encouraging good behavior and helping owners identify and correct bad habits.
The French bulldogs have great personalities and may need proper training to make them civilized companions. They can be very stubborn, but at heart they are people lovers and therefore easy to train. Proper motivation (like food) and a game of process will ensure their cooperation.
Children and other pets
French Bulldogs get along well with children and are not so small that they cannot live in a household with a small child. That being said, no dog should ever be left alone with a small child. It’s just common sense to supervise and make sure neither one is hitting or otherwise harassing the other.
When socialized with them during puppyhood, Frenchies can get along well with other dogs and cats. Overly spoiled Frenches, however, can be jealous of other dogs, especially if those other dogs are drawing attention from the Frenchie’s own person.
Health
Due to their front-heavy structure, Frenchies cannot swim and should never be left unattended near a tub, pool or body of water. Like all flat-faced breeds, Frenchies are prone to respiratory problems and do poorly in hot or humid weather. Flat-faced breeds are also more sensitive to anesthesia. Frenchies occasionally have eye diseases such as cherry eye, juvenile cataract, or entropion, and have also been known to have skin allergies and autoimmune skin diseases.
A responsible breeder will use available tests to screen breeding stock for conditions that may affect the breed.
Eyes
French Bulldogs are prone to eye problems. Cherry eye or inverted third eyelid has been known to occur, although it is more common in bulldogs. Glaucoma, retinal fold dysplasia, corneal ulcers, and juvenile cataracts are also conditions known to affect French bulldogs. Screening potential breeding candidates through the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) can help eliminate cases of these diseases in offspring.
The skin folds under the eyes of the French bulldog should be cleaned regularly and kept dry. Tear stains are common in lighter colored dogs.
Recommended National Breed Club health tests:
- Hip Evaluation
- Patella evaluation
- Ophthalmologist evaluation
- Heart exam
French Bulldog temperament
The French Bulldog, like many other dog breeds, requires close contact with people. If left on their own for more than a few hours, separation anxiety can occur. This is especially true at a young age, but persists into adulthood. The French Bulldog is sometimes referred to as a “frog dog” or “clown dog.”
- Frog dog” refers to their wide round face and the way they sit with their hind legs spread.
- Clown dog” is because they are considered fun-loving and have actually been described as “clowns of the dog world.”
French Bulldogs are people-oriented dogs because they are easier to train as a result, although they tend to be stubborn sometimes. It is recommended that socializing puppies, including French Bulldogs, can have a significant positive impact on the puppy’s training and this is advised.
Rescue Groups
French Bulldogs are often acquired without a clear understanding of what it means to own one, and these dogs often end up in the care of rescue groups, in need of adoption or fostering. If you’re interested in adopting a French, a rescue group is a good place to start.
French Bulldog Rescue Connection
French Bulldog Rescue Network
French Bulldog Lovers of Canada
Breed Organizations
Below are breed clubs, organizations and associations where you can find more information about the French Bulldog.
French Bulldog Club of America
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Reference: Doggiedesigner.com and Wikipedia,
