French bulldogs, or Frenchies, have become one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States in recent years. Find out where they come from, what sets them apart, what their needs are, and what health conditions may afflict them in our guide to French bulldogs.
Origins of French Bulldogs
French bulldogs made their official debut in nineteenth-century France. They were bred by crossing small bulldogs with several types of small dogs native to France to be lap and companion dogs. According to historians, the French bulldog quickly became a symbol of Paris and the lifestyle of its inhabitants.
General appearance and distinctive features
Reputable breeders will always ensure that French bulldog puppies follow the established breed standard to avoid health problems associated with poor breeding. Some general guidelines for what a healthy Frenchie should look like include:
- Eyes: They should be rounded, well spaced and dark, preferably brown or black.
- Head: It must be large and square in shape.
- Ears: The most notable feature of the breed, the ears, should be large and elongated. These are called “bat ears”.
- Muzzle: The nose should be black and short, with nostrils large enough to allow comfortable breathing and have wrinkles on the top.
- Front and rear leg construction: The front legs should be short and wide apart, while the hind legs should be longer so that the loins are above the shoulders.
- Coat: It should have short, smooth coats with colors such as white, cream, fawn, brindle and any combination thereof.
These standards are established by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and have been in effect since 2018.
Personality traits
French bulldogs are a medium-energy breed, meaning that, for the most part, they will be happy to spend a lot of time lying down and sleeping as long as they get daily exercise.
French people are very affectionate and have great socialization skills. They are very likely to get along with all family members and other pets in the house. The breed is very playful and has a high tolerance for children. They are also easier to train than other dogs.
The breed also has a low level of barking, making them suitable for apartment living.
Health issues to watch out for
As with any other breed, Frenchies are susceptible to several breed-specific health problems, such as:
- Brachycephalic airway syndrome: This condition is characterized by difficulty breathing and affects dog breeds with flat facial structures (short muzzles), such as the English bulldog, pug, Boston terrier and others.
- Eye problems: Some French bulldogs may develop conditions like cherry eyes, cataracts in the juvenile stage, eye infections, etc.
- Sensitive skin: Frenchies are prone to skin allergies. These can lead to skin infections if not treated promptly. This sensitivity can be managed with medicated shampoos and similar products.
- Back issues: This breed is prone to back injuries, which can be exacerbated if the dog is overweight.
- Patellar luxation: In this condition, the patella or patella slips out of the groove and becomes dislocated.
According to the AKC, the French Bulldog Club of America recommends having your Frenchie have hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, eye, autoimmune thyroiditis, congenital heart disease, and juvenile cataract exams.
Some of the treatments and tests for medical problems common to French Bulldogs may be covered by pet insurance. If you don’t have one for your pet yet, check out our picks for the best pet insurance in 2024.
Care, nutrition and exercise needs
In terms of grooming, French bulldogs are relatively low maintenance. Because they have short fur, their shedding is minimal. Brushing the fur at least once a week should help both remove the fur and distribute the oil evenly through the coat. Owners should also keep their Frenchie’s skin folds and ears clean to avoid skin and ear infections.
Like all dogs, Frenchies need play and exercise to avoid obesity and other health problems. However, their short muzzles and energy levels require them to have a different amount of physical activity than other dogs. Short daily walks will help them get the exercise they need without overexerting or overheating.
A good diet is essential to maintaining the health of a French bulldog. High-quality dog foods can provide your dog with the necessary daily intake of calories and nutrients. With proper care, French bulldogs can have an average lifespan of ten to twelve years.
Money’s French Bulldog Guide Summary
- The French bulldog breed comes from a mix of toy bulldogs and other French breeds.
- The breed’s most distinctive feature is its bat-like ears, which are a requirement according to breed standards.
- There are some health issues that French bulldog owners need to watch out for, such as respiratory problems, skin allergies, and more.
- French bulldogs make great family pets, as they are likely to be very social and good with children.
- The well-being of a French bulldog depends on receiving adequate levels of exercise and interaction, thorough grooming and a balanced diet.