French Bulldog: all about the breed

One of the world’s most endearing and well-liked companion dogs is the French Bulldog. These canines are well-known for their charming demeanor, unusual appearance, and playful disposition. They also seem to captivate everyone they come into contact with. There is much to adore and discover about this breed, regardless of whether you are already a fan or are thinking about getting one for your home.

French Bulldogs are known for their distinctive bat-like ears and robust, small build, making them both adorable and robust. They are very loving and thrive on human contact despite their hard exterior. For those seeking a devoted, small dog that fits in with the city well, they are ideal.

But having a French Bulldog means that you have to take care of it. These dogs require particular care, including consideration for their health and exercise needs. Knowing what makes this breed unique will enable you to give your Frenchie the best possible life, one that will see them happy, healthy, and full of life.

Topic	Details
Origin	France, 19th century
Size	Small, compact
Weight	16-28 lbs
Coat	Short, smooth
Temperament	Friendly, affectionate
Exercise Needs	Moderate
Life Expectancy	10-12 years
Common Health Issues	Breathing problems, joint issues
Good with Kids	Yes, very playful

Features of the breed: pros and cons

• Surprisingly, the ancestors of these funny dogs are molosser-like guard and fighting dogs
• The French bulldog is also called a small mastiff or miniature molossus
• Suitable for keeping in an apartment
• Ranked 109th in Stanley Coren"s classification of trainability
• Even beginners can handle training a French bulldog, but it is stubborn, touchy and cannot concentrate for a long time
• Gets along with other dogs, cats, birds
• Gentle and obedient with all family members
• Loves communication and does not tolerate loneliness
• Friendly with strangers
• Does not need much physical activity: an hour"s walk a day is enough
• Does not tolerate heat and cold well
• Due to the flattened muzzle, heart and respiratory diseases often occur
• Not suitable for clean people: snores, passes gas and drools
• Has a sense of humor: often deliberately amuses the owners to console, attract attention or beg for a treat
• Can "smile": this impression is created by the special shape of the lips coupled with a perky look
• Rarely barks
• Easy to care for, but prone to many diseases: frequent examinations and treatments increase the cost of maintenance
• Included in the top 5 most allergenic breeds: owners of French bulldogs joke that they are allergic to everything, including air

Breed standard

The French bulldog standard has undergone multiple revisions. The International Cynological Organization (FCI) adopted the current one, number 101, in 2015.

The French bulldog is a stocky, small dog with strength. The body is muscular and dense. Perkiness is created by the erect ears and snub nose, as well as an outgoing and inquisitive personality.

Created by stripes that alternate. The hue ranges from wheat with patches of darkness to nearly black with solitary red hairs.

Fawn

Varies in color from rich red to light biscuit. Two categories exist:

1. One-color (fawn). The color of the coat is any range of fawn: from gray-milk to bright red.
2. Brindle. Dark transverse stripes are located on the main background. Their number and thickness varies: from single thin to a large number of darkened areas. Similar to the brindle color, but genetically these are different colors.

More details! Small light patches on the head and chest, along with a mask on the muzzle, are acceptable in brindle and fawn colors.

Spotted (Caille)

Distinguished by the placement of variously colored dots over a white backdrop. increased piebaldness is the result of light regions displacing dark ones. Two different types of color exist:

1. White spots alternate with brindle: white& brindle.
2. White areas alternate with fawn: white& fawn.

Occasionally, the white pigment becomes so dominant in spotted French bulldogs that it covers up all other colored areas. It appears that these dogs are snow-white from the outside. This is untrue, as there are visible dark spots on the skin spots and pigment is not limited to the fur.

French bulldog weight by month

The most important factor to consider when evaluating a French Bulldog’s development is weight, not height. Puppies grow rapidly until they are 6–7 months old, at which point they stop eating and start to put on weight. Dogs stop growing at the age of one year, but they still gain muscle and eventually reach their full potential until they are two years old.

For adult males, the standard height is 27–35 cm, while for females, it is 24-32 cm. The standard weight ranges are 8–13 kg and 9–14 kg, respectively.

The average weight values for French Bulldog puppies by month are shown in the table below:

Age	Weight (in kg)
At birth	0.2-0.3
4 weeks	1-1.5
2 months	2-2.5
3 months	3.2-5
4 months	4-6.5
5 months	4.8-7.8
6 months	5.6-9.1
7 months	6.4-10.4
8 months	7.2-11.7
9 months	8-13
10-12 months	8-14

The numbers provided are approximations. The development of French Bulldog males and females varies, and even puppies of the same gender from the same litter may have distinct characteristics. As a result, pay closer attention to the baby’s overall appearance balance and his emotional state as he grows.

French Bulldog Character

English Bulldogs and mastiff-like dogs were the ancestors of French Bulldogs, who inherited their strong physique, lack of pain sensitivity, and fearlessness. Dogs are therefore always prepared to defend both themselves and their owners. As excellent watchdogs, they will bark loudly to alert their owners to any intruders.

However, the "French" are also descended from amiable pugs. As such, the dogs make kind, devoted, and entertaining friends. They are able to communicate with everyone with ease. However, they are particularly loving and attached to their family.

The breed is friendly by nature. Bulldogs are always eager to play and joke around; they never spend the entire day away from their owners. They also find loneliness intolerable. Your pets will exhibit destructive behavior, such as throwing objects and chewing on floors, doors, wallpaper, and furniture, if you leave them alone for a few hours. This is their way of expressing their fear of being alone.

French Bulldog puppies are particularly gregarious and lively. Two years later, the dogs have calmed down and become more imposing in their behavior. However, French bulldogs retain their playful disposition well into old age.

Children get along well with French bulldogs. However, they are not always kind to children; when they are playing rough, they may snap or bite. As a result, it is preferable for families with school-age children to have pets and teach their kids the right way to treat animals, which includes not bullying them and not stealing their food and toys. Because newborns receive so much attention, pets may feel jealous of them.

French bulldogs would rather be the only family pets. They harbor envy. However, if the owners give all animals enough attention and they acknowledge their leadership, they get along with other dogs and cats.

Bulldogs and other people’s pets frequently clash. Even if another dog is much bigger than them, they will still fight with them. Additionally, they pursue street-walking cats.

This is fascinating! "French" people are perceptive to their owner’s emotions. When he is happy, the animals begin to play. When they’re depressed, they’ll sit down next to you, pay close attention, and prick their locator ears in order to "listen." Bulldogs are also very funny, which is why they frequently purposefully make people laugh with their antics.

Little bulldogs make wonderful companions for older people, families, and single people. However, people who work a lot and spend a lot of time away from home should not wear them. The dogs require close human contact and constant communication.

French bulldog grooming is not hard. Because of their short hair, dogs only shed a lot and don’t require frequent haircuts or baths. However, you will still need to practice good hygiene on a regular basis:

1. Bathing. Bulldogs are washed no more than once a month. Otherwise, the skin will become dry, the coat will become dull and brittle, dandruff will appear. To remove dirt after a walk, wipe the paws and lower abdomen with a damp sponge. After bathing procedures, the pet is thoroughly dried with a towel, not allowed outside for a couple of hours and drafts are avoided.
2. Combing. Combine 1-2 times a week to remove dead hair, dust and distribute sebum over the fur coat. During the shedding period, the number of procedures is doubled. Use a soft brush for short-haired breeds or a mitten comb.
3. Care of skin folds on the muzzle. Dirt, food and water remains constantly accumulate in them, they sweat. Therefore, the muzzle is wiped with a soft cloth every day.
4. Ear cleaning. Due to the structure of the ears of French bulldogs, little sulfur accumulates. But dirt and mites often get into them, inflammation is common. Therefore, the ears are examined every day and cleaned once a week. Use a sponge soaked in veterinary lotion or chlorhexidine.
5. Brushing teeth. Teeth are the weak point of the "French". They are often worn down, broken, and quickly plaque builds up. Brush and use dog toothpaste once a week. The rest of the time, give toothpick treats.
6. Eye cleaning. Due to the fact that the eyes of French bulldogs are slightly bulging, they often become inflamed and injured. Every day, carefully remove the nitrous oxides and inspect for diseases.
7. Claw trimming. If the dog walks on the asphalt for a long time every day, the claws wear down on their own. But in most cases, they are trimmed with a claw cutter, and then the sharp edges are smoothed with a file. The procedure is carried out once a month.

Toilet

The puppy is trained to use a newspaper or diaper to go to the house during the first few weeks after he arrives. Since the baby is still under quarantine following vaccinations, you are unable to take them outside at this time.

Puppies cannot control themselves before the age of two to three months, when they become acclimated to using an indoor toilet. Newspapers or diapers cover the floor in areas where the baby frequently goes. They are gradually moved to one side, where the pet will remain at all times.

The puppy is started to be taken outside once the vaccination quarantine has been lifted. Every two hours, following a meal, play, and sleep, this is done. They always give praise when you behave correctly.

Counseling! It’s best to lead your pet in the same direction because the scent of past markings will guide him. Bring food and water with you if your pet does not urinate outside for an extended period of time. Following eating and playing, the puppy will undoubtedly need to use the restroom.

Due to their intelligence, French bulldogs can be trained to relieve themselves on a tray or even in a toilet. This trait comes in handy when the dog is ill, after a vaccination, or when inclement weather prevents them from taking the dog outside.

Use the same strategies as with puppies to accomplish this. Diapers should be spread out and then gradually moved to the tray. Newspapers or moisture-absorbing diapers are used to cover the potty; cat litter is not recommended.

The moment you see that the dog is urinating outside of its designated area, give it a firm reprimand and lead it over to the tray where it can relieve itself. However, this needs to be done at the scene of the "crime"; otherwise, the dog won’t comprehend the reason for the reprimand.

In all other situations, just clear out "unauthorized" puddles and piles. Odor-neutralizing products such as vinegar are applied to dirty areas. Bleach and ammonia-containing materials are not to be used because they smell like pee.

Feeding

The food that French bulldogs eat has a direct impact on how long they live. Allergies, obesity, and digestive disorders are common in this breed. As a result, a natural diet is carefully planned, and holistic or ultra-premium brands are selected from ready-made foods.

• Rating of holistic dog food
• Rating of super-premium dog food

If you want to serve "natural" food, your options are as follows:

• lean meats: turkey, veal, rabbit, chicken (the latter causes allergies in some animals);
• offal: hearts, lungs, stomachs, liver (in limited quantities);
• porridge: wheat, buckwheat, rice, oatmeal;
• fermented milk products: kefir, cottage cheese, yogurt without additives;
• seasonal vegetables and fruits.

Fatty meat, sweets, cheeses, legumes, mushrooms, processed meals, and spice-infused fried and smoked foods are all off limits to French bulldogs. Diarrhea in adult pets is caused by milk.

Bulldogs for decoration are actual beggars. They will beg for tasty "harmful things" all the time. Refuse to give in to cute faces and pathetic looks. Keep in mind that consuming even a small amount of prohibited food can cause fatalities or severe illnesses.

Veterinarians suggest Acana, Oridjen, Grandorf, GO!, and Dukes Farm among industrial feed brands. Select lines for dogs with sensitive digestion, allergies, and small breeds.

Dine in a quiet area. Select bowls with a stand and set them so that the dog’s chest is the height of the bowl. Meals are served room temperature. There should always be free access to bottled water, which should be changed several times a day as it gets dirty.

Age determines the feeding schedule:

• up to 2 months – 6 times a day;
• at 3 months – 5 times a day;
• from 4 to 7 months – 4 times;
• at 8-12 months – 3 times;
• dogs over one year old are fed twice a day.

Frequent weighing is advised by veterinarians for French bulldogs. They keep an eye on the growth of the puppies in this way. Additionally, this aids in the early detection of excessive weight gain in adult dogs.

Walks and trips

The breed’s ability to go on short walks is one of its benefits; on the other hand, the "French" have poor heat and cold tolerance. For walks, therefore, appropriate attire will be required.

It is sufficient to walk decorative bulldogs for 20 minutes in the morning and roughly an hour in the evening. They do not require frequent walks of any length. However, this does not negate the necessity of taking them outside. Like any dog, the "French" require jogging, games, and walks. particularly given the breed’s propensity for obesity.

Bulldogs love to run, play with a stick, and fetch balls and frisbees. They create a loud commotion that includes children, adults, and other dogs in the vicinity. However, you have to watch out that the dogs don’t exert too much energy because their flattened muzzles can cause them to become breathless very quickly.

Take a walk in the summer with a cooling blanket, water, and a damp towel. Avoid leaving your pet outside in the heat during the day and avoid spending extended periods of time in the sun. Wear warm clothing for the French Bulldog during the colder months. Wear a waterproof jumpsuit if it’s raining outside.

Bulldog miniatures love to travel. They can be moved by bus, train, or automobile. However, keep in mind that they are heat-intolerant, so it is preferable for vehicles to have air conditioning. Moreover, drink a lot of water and give your pet water frequently.

Crucial! Because of their high risk of death and brachycephalic skull shape, French Bulldogs are not allowed to be transported by plane.

Education and training

According to the Stanley Corena classification, French Bulldogs are ranked 109th out of all dogs in terms of intelligence. However, because of their strong people skills, they breeze through the general training program, earn the title of "Controlled city dog," and excel in agility, freestyle, and other canine sports.

A puppy’s training starts on the first day of life in a new home. He must be shown where to play, rest, eat, and use the restroom right away. Teach the commands "No," "No," and "Come to me" gradually. Even infants can recall them with ease.

Every command that the dog learns at home needs to be practiced outside, where it will encounter various situations and environments. The breed tends to be a little stubborn, easily distracted, and quickly weary of repetitive tasks. As a result, lectures are cut short and are broken up with games and walks.

Crucial! Rudeness and cruelty are not tolerated in training. Bulldogs are not vengeful, but they can be touchy at times. Similar to any breed, they learn best with a reward system, so try praising the animal more frequently than correcting it.

They start socializing the dog once the vaccination quarantine is lifted. They are taken to various locations (parks, stores, raucous crowds), socialized with other pets and kids, and trained to ride public transportation.

French Bulldogs are submissive and want nothing more from their master. They can be raised by even a novice dog breeder. However, it is advised that you take lessons from a dog trainer if this is your first dog. He will give you advice on how to properly care for your pet, help you understand it, and teach you some basic commands.

The French Bulldog is a compact, robust breed that is well-liked by both city people and families because of its amiable and loving disposition. This breed, which is playful and low-maintenance due to its unique bat-like ears and small build, thrives on attention and company. Although French Bulldogs are generally laid-back dogs, they require extra attention in hot weather and when exercising because they are susceptible to certain health problems, especially breathing issues caused by their flat faces.

Health and diseases

A breed created through artificial selection is the French Bulldog. They are thus more vulnerable to various illnesses. With proper care, the average life expectancy is not more than ten or twelve years. A few delegates made it to the age of 14 or 15, but these are the exceptions.

Among the breed’s illnesses are frequently:

• deformation of the soft palate;
• dysplasia of the joints: knee and hip;
• allergies;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• pathologies of the intervertebral discs;
• blood diseases;
• obesity;
• dermatitis of the skin folds on the muzzle or between the fingers;
• eye pathologies: glaucoma, third eyelid, conjunctivitis, cataract, entropion, blepharitis;
• urolithiasis;
• hypotrichosis – symmetrical hair loss.

Crucial! The American Kennel Club advises that, before acquiring a puppy, you look for certificates from the parents attesting to the absence of heart, joint, or vision issues due to the tendency toward multiple diseases.

Apart from genetic disorders, the breed possesses additional health characteristics associated with body type:

• complicated mating: "hand" mating is often practiced;
• difficult childbirth: in most cases, a cesarean section is performed;
• problems with thermoregulation: dogs tolerate heat and cold equally poorly;
• susceptibility to colds and respiratory diseases: due to the flattened muzzle.

With its lively demeanor and cute appearance, the French Bulldog is a beloved and amiable friend. They quickly win over dog lovers all over the world with their distinctive bat-like ears and small bodies. They are excellent for both singles and families, despite their small size and vibrant personalities.

French Bulldogs are perfect for apartment living because they don’t need a lot of exercise. They do, however, require constant care and benefit from human company. They are great companions because of their friendly and devoted personality, but occasionally they can be a little stubborn.

All in all, the French Bulldog is the ideal combination of fun, devotion, and cuteness. The French Bulldog is a wonderful option if you’re looking for a low-maintenance dog that will bring joy and love into your home.

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