The French Bulldog, affectionately known as the “Frenchie,” has won over the hearts of dog lovers around the globe. With their adorable bat ears, compact size, and affectionate personalities, it’s no wonder why they have become one of the most sought-after breeds in recent years. However, the Frenchie’s fascinating history is just as captivating as their charming appearance. From their beginnings in England to their ascent in popularity in France and America, the Frenchie has a rich background that has influenced their distinct traits and characteristics. In this blog post, we will delve into the history, unique traits, and proper care of the Frenchie, offering insights into why they are such a cherished breed.
History of the French Bulldog Breed
The French Bulldog’s history is quite fascinating, with three countries – America, England, and France – playing significant roles in its development. Although the breed is commonly associated with France, its country of origin is actually England. Initially, they were bred to create a smaller version of the giant bulldog and were commonly owned by workers in the lace industry in Nottingham.
After a few years, the industrial revolution closed many small industries, including lace-making. The workers of the industry immigrated to France along with their toy-versioned bulldogs. The dogs gained much attention, and soon the people of France started buying the dogs from English men.
For a long time, the French people guarded the breed and became known as the French Bulldogs. In the 19th century, a few Americans started bringing French Bulldogs to America. The bat-eared French Bulldogs were an American production. In the 1989s, the breed was registered the most. And it was the time of the rise of the breed.
How are Frenchies Bred?
Unlike many dog breeds, Frenchies can’t breed naturally. Because of their small sizes, the males can’t mount on the females. That’s why breeders go for artificial insemination.
Both males and females have fully functional reproductive organs. In artificial insemination, the semen of the make Frenchie is injected into the female’s body. It is a costly process and requires veterinary assistance.
Besides, the females can’t even deliver the puppies naturally because of their big heads. They have to undergo a C-section, which is an expensive and tiresome task. So, when someone says Frenchies are too expensive, give them the reason.
Physical Characteristics of the Frenchie
Height
11 – 12 inches
Weight
16 – 28 pounds
Average lifespan
11 – 14 years
Coat color
Variety
The Frenchies come in different coat colors. You’ll find brindle, cream, fawn, white, brindle and white, fawn and white, white and brindle, white and fawn, white brindle, and fawn-colored breeds. All these colors are AKC registered. Besides, there are some other coat colors too.
Frenchie Personality Traits/ Temperament
Frenchies are one of the most loved dogs. The dogs reward their owners back with the same love. They are energetic and highly trainable dogs. The Frenchies are good companion dogs and thrive on attention. If you don’t give them attention, they’ll demand it! Even they compete with other family members to get the owner’s attention.
Besides, the Frenchies don’t need excessive exercise like other breeds like the Newfiedoodle. A single small walk is enough to keep them healthy. Moreover, they are happy with every house, whether it’s an apartment or a big bungalow with an open yard.
Celebrity French Bulldogs
Many celebrities have fallen in love with the French Bulldog and have been spotted with them on various occasions. Some of the famous celebrities who own or have owned Frenchies include Hugh Jackman, Lady Gaga, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Reese Witherspoon, Leonardo DiCaprio, Martha Stewart, Chrissy Teigen, John Legend, and many more. Frenchies have become somewhat of a trendy breed, often seen as a fashionable accessory to many celebrities. However, it’s important to remember that French Bulldogs are a living and breathing animal and should be treated with the same care and respect as any other dog.
How to Groom a French Bulldog?
When you get a dog, you must groom it properly. In the case of Frenchies, let’s start with the bath.
Bathing French Bulldogs
The good news for you is that a Frenchie doesn’t need a bath every week. When you notice dirt on their hair, bathe them with vet-recommended shampoo. Avoid wetting the face area as it has many folds. The moisture in the folds causes infections.
After the bath, dry the pet properly. Check all the skin folds for moisture. In summer, the folds are more prone to bacterial infections. Keep the area dry with talcum powder or cornstarch.
Brushing your Frenchies
Frenchies have short and smooth hair. However, they shed them in such a small amount that it’s not a problem. Besides, you have to brush their hair weekly with a soft bristle brush. It removes dead skin cells and promotes the growth of new hair.
Trimming your Frenchies nails
You must trim your French bulldog’s nails. Train them with nail cutting from puppyhood so that the sight of a nail cutter doesn’t make them nervous. Timely cutting of nails prevents the pet from nail injuries and infections from the dirt.
Is It Easy to Train French Bulldogs?
Frenchies are obedient dogs. The puppies love learning, and you can quickly train them into a well- behaved dogs. Teach them basic commands like sit, stand, no, and walking on the leash.
At the initial stages, treats and rewards would be a great help. As time passes, bring them on non-treaty practices. In this way, the teachings will be ingrained with regular practice.
During the training, be very kind and gentle towards your puppy. You have to be patient. Scolding or becoming violent leaves a wrong impression on the Frenchies. So, if you are short-tempered, it is better not to get a puppy or a dog.
Exercise Requirements of French Bulldogs
French bulldogs have flat faces. So, a lot of experience puts them with respiratory problems. Therefore, 30 minutes a day is enough for them. The exercise sessions must be short with a lot of gaps in between. Small walks are the best exercise for the canines. Also, consider the playtime in these sixty minutes.
Common health issues in French Bulldogs
If you are getting a French Bulldog, it doesn’t need to have health issues. But you should be aware of some common health problems in Frenchies. Let’s dive into them!
Hip Dysplasia in Frenchies
Hip Dysplasia is a condition common in many dog breeds. In this medical condition, the femur bone does not perfectly fit into the pelvic joint; hence, the pet has a dislocated hip joint. The condition is excruciating. Frenchies with the condition are not too active and are reluctant to stand or walk.
Brachycephalic Syndrome in Frenchies
Frenchies are flat-headed and have shortened upper jaws and noses. It makes them prone to Brachycephalic Syndrome. It either happens due to the compression, increased resistance, or suction in your pet’s airways. Hence, the pet finds it difficult to breathe.
Hemivertebrae in Frenhies
Hemivertebrae is an abnormality or malformation in one or more vertebrae. It sometimes affects the spinal cord and puts Frenchie in pain. Besides, it can even cause paralysis.
French Bulldog Allergies
The Frenchies are prone to many food allergies, inflammatory reactions, and lesions.
Nutrition of Frenchies
Being a dog owner, keeping your pet healthy must be your top priority. You must feed it a balanced diet. Like all dogs, A large portion of Frenchies’ meals is meat. They can also eat several fruits and veggies. French Bulldogs are prone to obesity, hence reducing the table scrap intake. Offer treats sparingly during training sessions.
Commercially available dog food is the best option for these dogs. It contains all the required nutrients. You can also feed the pet raw food like liver, beef, steak, chicken, bones, etc. Fruits like apples, pears, bananas, etc. They are a source of a lot of essential vitamins and minerals. Your pet can also eat veggies like broccoli, kale, spinach, carrots, etc.
Another critical thing about Frenchies is their intolerance to certain foods. When consumed, they develop rashes, itching, diarrhea, and vomiting. Raw diets also increase the chances of food poisoning in French Bulldogs. Besides, never go ahead with processed food for dogs. It has deteriorating effects on their health.
The Pros and Cons of Having a French Bulldog
The French Bulldogs are highly adaptable and are becoming increasingly famous. Keeping them at home has pros and a few cons too.
Pros
- Affectionate companions: Frenchies are social animals who love to spend time with their owners. They are known for their affectionate and loving personalities, often following their owners from room to room and snuggling up on laps.
- Great for apartment living: Due to their compact size and relatively low exercise requirements, French Bulldogs make excellent apartment dogs. They don’t need a lot of space to be happy and can thrive in smaller living spaces.
- Adorable looks: French Bulldogs have a unique appearance with their bat ears, round eyes, and wrinkled faces. They are often described as cute and charming, and their distinctive looks make them stand out in a crowd.
- Easy to groom: Frenchies have a short, smooth coat that doesn’t require a lot of grooming. They shed minimally and only need to be brushed occasionally to keep their coat healthy and shiny.
- Good watchdogs: Despite their small size, French Bulldogs make excellent watchdogs. They are alert and will bark to alert their owners to any potential danger, making them a great choice for those looking for a small dog with a big personality.
Cons
- Health issues: Frenchies are prone to a variety of health problems, including breathing difficulties, allergies, skin issues, and hip dysplasia. These health issues can lead to costly vet bills and require ongoing care throughout the dog’s life.
- Stubbornness: Frenchies can be stubborn and challenging to train. They may require patience and persistence to learn new tricks and obedience commands.
- Can be needy: French Bulldogs love attention and can become clingy or needy if left alone for too long. They may suffer from separation anxiety and may not be the best choice for those who work long hours.
- Not the best swimmers: Due to their short legs and heavy body, French Bulldogs are not the best swimmers. They may need to be supervised around water and should never be left unsupervised near a pool or other body of water.
- Can be noisy: Frenchies are known for their variety of sounds, including grunts, snorts, and snuffles. They may snore loudly, which can be a problem for light sleepers. Additionally, they may bark excessively if not properly trained.
Some Fun Facts about Frenchies
Now that you have learned enough about French Bulldogs, here are some fun facts about the breed.
- Originally bred in England as a companion for lace workers, French Bulldogs quickly gained popularity among the upper classes.
- Frenchies have a unique way of communicating with a variety of sounds, including grunts, snorts, and snuffles.
- Despite their small size, French Bulldogs make excellent watchdogs and will bark to alert their owners of any potential danger.
- Frenchies are known for being social creatures who love spending time with their owners and snuggling up on laps.
- Their adorable bat ears, round eyes, and wrinkled faces make them a favorite among many dog lovers.
- French Bulldogs can be stubborn, but with positive reinforcement training, they can learn a variety of tricks and commands.
- They are prone to flatulence and snoring, which can be quite amusing to their owners.
- Frenchies have become a trendy breed, often seen as a fashionable accessory to many celebrities.
- They are excellent apartment dogs due to their compact size and relatively low exercise requirements.
- French Bulldogs are loyal and affectionate companions who will steal your heart with their charming personalities and adorable looks.
FAQs
Is a French Bulldog a good family dog?
Frenchies are pretty playful and are good companions, especially children. They have a loving nature and demand the same love and attention from their owners. So, yes, they are great family dogs.
Are Frenchies aggressive dogs?
Generally, the French Bulldogs are not aggressive. They are pretty loving, caring, and socializing dogs. If not trained well, they may turn out to be aggressive. But it’s pretty rare.
How much does a French Bulldog cost?
Typically, French Bulldogs are expensive. Their average price is similar to the mini goldendoodle at $1,500 to $3 500. But the price varies depending on the coat color. The brindle-colored Frenchies are less costly as compared to fluffy bulldogs. The breeding technique and C-section make them expensive.
Are Frenchies aggressive toward other dogs?
As already mentioned, French Bulldogs are highly social and playful. They quickly get along with other dogs. But sometimes, they do show aggression towards them.
The Bottom Line
The French Bulldogs originated in England, slowly spreading worldwide. They are small in height, have flat faces with skin folds, and have a loving nature. Frenchies make good family pets and are highly trainable. Their exercise needs are also not too much. Besides, they are prone to allergies and many other health problems. If you want a French Bulldog, you must be patient and give your time to the pet.
French bulldogs, or “Frenchies” as they are often called, are a small breed of domestic dog that originated in France. They are a popular breed due to their affectionate and playful personalities, as well as their unique physical characteristics. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history, physical characteristics, temperament, and care requirements of French bulldogs.
Frenchie History
The French bulldog was first bred in the 1800s by crossing English bulldogs with local ratters in France. These early French bulldogs were larger than the modern breed, and they were used as companion dogs and to catch rats. The breed’s popularity grew in France and soon spread to other parts of Europe, including England.
In the early 1900s, French bulldogs were brought to the United States, and they quickly became a popular breed. In 1898, the French Bulldog Club of America was formed, and the breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1898.
Physical Characteristics of French Bulldog
French bulldogs are a small breed, typically weighing between 16 and 28 pounds and standing around 11 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a compact, muscular build, with a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, including brindle, fawn, white, and black.
One of the most distinctive features of the French bulldog is its “bat ears,” which are large, erect ears that stand straight up on the head. They also have a short, stubby tail and a flat, wrinkled face with expressive eyes.
French Bulldog Temperament
French bulldogs are known for their affectionate and playful personalities. They are loyal and loving towards their owners and make great family pets. They are also friendly towards strangers and get along well with other pets.
Despite their small size, French bulldogs are known for their courage and can be protective of their family. They are not typically aggressive, but they may bark to alert their owners of potential threats.
French bulldogs are also a high-energy breed and enjoy playing and going for walks. However, they are not overly active and are happy to cuddle up on the couch with their owners.
Frenchie Care Requirements
French bulldogs have some unique care requirements due to their physical characteristics. Here are some things to keep in mind when caring for a French bulldog:
- Exercise: While French bulldogs are not overly active, they still need daily exercise to keep them healthy and happy. Short walks and playtime in the backyard are sufficient for most Frenchies.
- Heat Sensitivity: French bulldogs are sensitive to heat due to their short snouts, so it’s important to keep them cool during hot weather. Avoid leaving them outside for extended periods and provide plenty of water and shade.
- Dental Care: French bulldogs are prone to dental issues, so it’s important to brush their teeth regularly and provide them with dental chews or toys to help keep their teeth clean.
- Grooming: French bulldogs have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming. They should be brushed weekly to remove loose hair and bathed as needed.
- Health Issues: French bulldogs are prone to a variety of health issues, including hip dysplasia, skin allergies, and respiratory problems. Regular veterinary checkups and a healthy diet can help prevent or manage these issues.
Looking for a French Bulldog to adopt?
Here are several organizations to check first for Frenchies to adopt:
- French Bulldog Village.
- French Bulldog Rescue and Adoption
- Snort Rescue
- Blue Ridge French Bulldog Rescue
French bulldogs are a unique and beloved breed that make great family pets. They are known for their affectionate and playful personalities and distinctive physical characteristics, including their bat ears and flat, wrinkled faces. While they have some unique care requirements, French bulldogs are generally easy to care for and make great companions for those looking for a loyal and loving furry friend.