About French Bulldogs

History

• While the origin of French bulldogs is not entirely certain, the most likely conclusion is that the breed originated in England as a toy version of the larger English bulldog. English lacemakers in the 1800s bred the French bulldogs specifically as lap dogs, and when many of these lacemakers settled in France during the Industrial Revolution, they brought their dogs with them. The dogs gained popularity in France, becoming known as French Bulldogs in the late 1800s, and soon thereafter being brought to the United States by wealthy Americans who traveled in France. French bulldogs became an American Kennel Club-recognized breed in 1898.

Types

• French Bulldogs come in a range of coat colors, but the most common colors in the breed include fawn, white, brindle (gray or tawny with darker spots), and brindle and white. The American Kennel Club categorizes French bulldogs as a small, nonsporting breed.

Features

• Generally, French bulldogs, also known as Frenchies, weigh between 22 and 28 pounds and stand 11 to 13 inches tall. French bulldogs appear quite compact, with a heavy bone structure and large, square heads. The ears of French bulldogs are quite distinct and referred to commonly as bat ears, as they are high on the head, wide at the base, rounded at the top and stand straight up without flopping. As is common with other bulldogs, the French bulldogs are loose-skinned and wrinkled around the neck and have short, widely set forelegs. The coat of French bulldogs is short, smooth and shiny.

Considerations

• Bred to be lap dogs, French bulldogs are considered companion dogs ideal for loving families. They are very smart, easily trainable and generally even-tempered, making them a good choice for families with young children and other pets. French bulldogs are affectionate, alert to their surroundings and active, but not rowdy or unruly. French bulldogs thrive on attention and affection from their owners.
  Although French bulldogs make wonderful lap dogs and companions, they also make skilled watchdogs because of their near-constant alertness. Frenchies bark to warn their owners of visitors at the door or animals in the yard.
  French bulldogs cannot live outdoors, as they are incapable of keeping their body temperatures regulated because of their bulk and respiratory tract.

Benefits

• French bulldogs are ideal pets for families with a small living space or limited access to the outdoors, as the breed requires minimal exercise and does best in an air-conditioned environment. Because their coats are so short, French bulldogs also need little grooming apart from rubbing down their coats and trimming their nails.