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French Bulldog

Breedgroup of the French Bulldog

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History of the French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is a small energetic breed. They have large, rounded, bat like ears and a square flat head, similar to that of a English Bulldog but smaller. Their skin is quite soft making them very appealing to pet. Very comical little dogs they are always great for a good laugh and long friendship.

Temperament of the French Bulldog

This hilarious little dog makes a wonderful playmate and is very affectionate. Alert and clingy, this breed does require lots of human attention to thrive. This is not a kennel breed and should always be kept in a family environment. Given proper socialization the French Bulldog can do well with other dogs, but should not be around small children, as they do not tolerate rough play.
The French Bulldog has a very even and pleasant temperament, which makes him a perfect candidate for a household companion. French Bulldogs are very playful, yet some males may be dog aggressive. This breed gets along well with most other animals, and does best with older children.

Breedstandard of the French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is a smaller companion dog breed recognized by the major kennel clubs. Per the FCI, in Europe it falls under the domain of France as the country of origin. Other breed historians argue that the Americans and British played a larger part in development of the breed. The breed is commonly referred to as the Frenchie.

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History

While theories abound about the exact origin of the French Bulldog, the most prevalent opinion is that around the mid 1800s Normandy lace workers from England took smaller bulldogs with them when they sought work in France. In the farming communities north of France that the lace workers settled in, the little Bulldogs became very popular as ratters and loyal family companions and their population began to swell. These little bulldogs were in fact "culls" of the established Bulldog Breeders in England, who were generally more than happy to sell these undersized examples of their breed to fanciers of the "new" breed in England. This was especially true of the "tulip" eared puppies that cropped up at times in Bulldog litters. French Bulldogs were originally bred as ratters, but are now bred as lap dogs and companions.

As the new, smaller Bulldogs gained popularity in France, they became favorites of the Parisian "Belles De Nuit" - the street walkers. One reason for this is that when strolled, the exotic looking dogs brought attention to their owner, and gave potential customers a legitimate reason to chat with her. Another is that the docile breed was content to nap for short stretches when brought to hotel rooms, without making a fuss. Breed historians can still sometimes turn up notorious "French Postcards" bearing images of scantily clad French prostitutes posing with their little "Bouledogues Francais." The aura of notoriety that ownership of the little dogs conveyed made them a fashionable way for the well to do classes to show off how daring they could be, and they soon became favorites of the "artistic" set across Europe.

Photos dating to around this time show photos of the Russian Royal family posing alongside their French Bulldogs, and they imported several of the little dogs from France. Other famous fanciers included Toulouse-Lautrec, the author Colette and King Edward VII. As a point of historic interest, a French Bulldog, insured for the at that time astronomical sum of $750, was on board the ill fated Titanic.

It is inarguable that without the influence of dedicated, turn of the century American fanciers the breed would not be what it is today. It is they that organized the very first French Bulldog Club in the world, and it was they who insisted that the "bat" ear so associated with the breed today was correct. Until that time, French Bulldogs were shown with either the "bat" or "rose" ear.

All in all, French Bulldogs truly are an International Breed, with fanciers of many nations being responsible for the creation of the loving dogs we know today.

Description

Appearance

French Bulldogs are a compact, muscular dog with a smooth coat, snub nose and solid bone structure. Their physical appearance is characterized by naturally occurring 'bat ears' that are wide at the base and rounded on the top. Their tails are naturally short, not cropped, straight or screwed but not curly.

Under the American Kennel Club and Canadian Kennel Club standards, weight is not to exceed 28 pounds (13 kg). In general, bitches range in weight between 16 and 24 pounds, with dogs between 20 and 28 pounds. The FCI does not set a hard and fast weight limit, simply stating 'The weight must not be below 8 kg nor over 14 kg for a bulldog in good condition, size being in proportion with the weight'.

Coat colors in French Bulldogs

French Bulldogs come in a variety of colors and coat patterns. Here is what the AKC standard has to say about color:

"Acceptable colors - All brindle, fawn, white, brindle and white, and any color except those which constitute disqualification. All colors are acceptable with the exception of solid black, mouse, liver, black and tan, black and white, and white with black, which are disqualifications. Black means black without a trace of brindle."

The FCI standard disallowed fawn until the mid nineties. Color disqualifications under the current FCI standard are "black and tan, mouse grey, brown".

All of this variety has a drawback, however - confusion over just what name applies to each color or color pattern.

In its most simple forms, French Bulldog coat color can be simply described as fawn, with a variety of possible marking patterns and dilutions possible. Fawn can range in shade from deep red to cafe au lait to pale golden cream. The differences in appearance from here are all due to variants in marking patterns, which range from brindle - black stripes in varying degrees of repetition and thickness overlying the fawn base coat, to pied - varying patches of brindle overlaying fawn interspersed with white markings, to black masked fawn - fawn in differing shades with a classic 'masking' pattern on the face and dorsal area of the body. There are a myriad of variants of marking type, pattern, size and placement possible within these parameters.

Here are a few examples of common - and not so common - coat patterns and colors within French Bulldogs. All terms should be taken objectively, as there is a great deal of difference of opinion within the Frenchie community as to which term defines which color.

For more in depth exploration of coat color inheritance and genetics in French Bulldogs, refer to Malcolm Willis' 'Genetics of the Dog'

Temperament

The French Bulldog is a gentle breed that typically has a happy-go-lucky attitude. Like many other companion dog breeds they require close contact with humans. They have fairly minimal exercise needs, but do require at least daily walks. Their calm nature makes them excellent choices for apartment dwellers, as does their usually sensible attitude towards barking. As a flat faced breed, it is essential that owners understand that French Bulldogs cannot live outdoors. Their bulk and their compromised breathing system makes it impossible for them to regulate their temperature efficiently. In addition, Frenchies are top heavy and therefore have a difficult time swimming. Be cautious when exercising your Frenchie during hot or humid weather, as well.

French Bulldogs can play too roughly for some smaller children, and should be monitored at all times during play. As well, children should be cautioned not to pick French Bulldogs up, as the dogs' small size can mask how heavy they are.

French Bulldogs are essentially a bull and terrier breed, and as such, it is not surprising to learn that canine aggression can sometimes occur. Generally, this takes the form of same sex aggression, with the bitches being the most culpable in this respect. Owners considering adding a second dog to their household are usually cautioned to choose one of the opposite sex. Spaying or neutering can do much to curb aggressive tendencies before they begin. The French Bulldog energy level can range from hyperactive and energetic to relaxed and laid back.

French Bulldogs can be stubborn, and early and consistent obedience training is highly recommended. French Bulldog haves competed successfully in numerous competitive dog sports, including dog agility, obedience, rally obedience, weight pulling and even Schutzhund. Obtaining a Canine Good Citizen certification on your French Bulldog is easy, and an excellent way of ensuring they have a solid set of basic manners. Many French Bulldogs excel at doing therapy dog work, with most seeming to truly enjoy the attention and interaction with both children and the elderly.

Health

There are several congenital diseases and conditions to which French Bulldogs are susceptible, although they are still considered among the healthiest of the Bull Breeds. Frenchies can suffer from Von Willebrand's disease (VWD), a bleeding disorder that is also found in humans and is similar to Hemophilia, which can impede their clotting. In conjunction to this, French Bulldogs may also suffer from thyroid condition. Many breeders follow a program of testing younger dogs for VWD, and only testing for thyroid at that time if the VWD factor is low. In this program, the breeder tests thyroid again just prior to using the dog for breeding. Other breeders test both VWD and Thyroid at the same time.

French Bulldogs suffer from Brachycephalic syndrome, which is what creates the flat faced appearance of the Frenchie. As a result, one of the most common defects in French Bulldogs is elongated soft palate or cleft palate. Puppies affected with Cleft palate are generally put down at birth, as it is generally considered to be an almost impossible condition to correct. Elongated soft palate can manifest as anything from a mild condition causing labored breathing to severe condition that can cause the affected dog to pass out from moderate exercise.

Frenchies may also have a tendency towards eye issues. Cherry eye, or everted third eyelid, has been known to occur, although it is more common in (English) Bulldogs and Pug Dogs. Glaucoma, retinal fold dsyplasia, corneal ulcers and juvenile cataracts are also conditions which have been known to afflict Fr

Care of the French Bulldog

This breed is an average shedder and does not need much grooming. Brushing with a rubber brush will remove any dead or loose hair. Due to the flat muzzle, the French Bulldog tends to drool so the mouth should be cleaned regularly. Bathe only when necessary.
The French Bulldog sports a very short and smooth coat that should be fine to the touch, to a certain degree. This breed does not require much grooming, but under the folds of skin should be regularly cleaned.

Training of the French Bulldog

The French Bulldog can be somewhat willful so consistency is required. Even this being a sturdy little breed, they do not respond well to harsh training methods. This dog does best with a patient handler. With the correct handler, this breed can go far.

Other information on the French Bulldog

The French Bulldog can easily become overheated due to the flat muzzle and breathing problems during extreme temperatures. Proper shade and water should always be provided. Not recommended for outdoor life. Do not exercise this breed in hot weather as this can cause heatstroke. If it's too hot outdoors, move your exercise and play indoors to prevent complications.

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