French bulldog is a small breed of domestic dog, probably related to the English bulldog and American bulldog. Experts have debated, and continue to debate, the origins of this breed. A small English Bulldog, perhaps one as small as a toy, may be one of the ancestors, but there were probably several different breeds in France that were crossed with the Bulldogs in the late 1800s.
One of the distinguishing features of the French Bulldog breed today is the upright bat ears; early American breeders can be credited with establishing this feature. European dogs of this time period had the rose ears of the English Bulldogs.
The French Bulldog stands 10 to 12 inches tall and generally weighs between 16 and 28 pounds. The head is large and square, with a domed forehead. The muzzle is very short. The eyes are large and dark; the bat ears are upright. The body is muscular and heavy-boned. The tail is straight or screwed. The coat is short and smooth; many colors are acceptable, but brindle and white or brindle and fawn are the most common. The French Bulldog breed’s coat should be brushed twice weekly. The wrinkles on the face should be cleaned daily.
French Bulldogs are relatively low-activity dogs, although they do like to play and enjoy long walks. Their short muzzles makes them prone to breathing difficulties, though, so exercise should be avoided during hot, humid weather. Training should begin early. Although French Bulldogs are companion dogs, they can also have a mind of their own.
Although cute and cuddly-looking, a French Bulldog has a big personality and needs an adequate amount of training to make it a civilized companion. Housetraining the French Bulldog can sometimes be a challenge. The French Bulldog breed makes an excellent companion for a sedentary person who is home quite a bit. Although this breed can be good with children, the French Bulldog prefers adults to active kids. Unfortunately, as a brachycephalic (short-muzzled) and dwarf breed, French Bulldogs do have some health concerns, including breathing problems, back disorders, and difficulties with anesthesia.
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Despite his glum expression, the French Bulldog is comical, entertaining, and dependably amiable.
As comfortable in an apartment as he is on a farm, he is more lively than you might suspect from his chunky appearance. French Bulldog puppies are especially frisky, and ball chasing is one of their passions. Adults are more dignified and can be champion couch potatoes, but also love to clown around and go for walks in cool weather.
Many Frenchies are friendly with everyone, while others are politely reserved. French Bulldogs will bark to announce visitors, but are otherwise quiet dogs.
Usually peaceful with other pets (though some French Bulldogs will hunt small rodents), males may bicker with other males.
The French Bulldog is quite stubborn and can be challenging to train, yet also surprisingly sensitive, remembers what he learns, and responds well to early, patient, persistent training that utilizes food motivation.
Snorting, snuffling, and flatulence go with the territory of short-faced breeds.
Swimming pool owners must exercise caution: Because of his squat build and heavy head, most Frenchies cannot swim and will drown if they fall into a pool.
When Gisele Bundchen and Leonardo DiCaprio split, they decided to share custody of their pooch Django, named after a US jazz musician.
Puppy-Love Machine: Girls Aloud’s Sarah Harding loves nothing more than to show off her “first little boy”, Corker.
Bless! We love this snap of Christina Ricci picking up her adorable French Bulldog, Ramon, from the Animal Hospital in LA. The poor little guy doesn’t seem too happy about his new neck accessory.