French Bulldog

The large bat ears and even disposition of the French Bulldog makes the breed, or “Frenchies,” one of the world’s most popular small-dog breeds.

Temperament

French Bulldogs are adaptable, playful and smart.

Characteristics

French Bulldogs are a bright, affectionate and charming breed. They don’t bark much but are alert enough to make an excellent watchdog. They don’t require a lot of exercise and enjoy the family love – whether the family is a single owner, a couple or a family. They usually get along well with other animals and love to make friends. Their adaptability and activity level makes them ideal for apartment living.

Lifespan

10 to 12 years

Colors

Frenchies are a variety of colors, including combinations of brindle, cream, fawn and white.

Shedding

French Bulldogs have short coats that don't shed much.

Health

The French Bulldog has a flat face, which makes him prone to breathing problems. Flat-faced dogs are also more sensitive to anesthesia.

Occasionally, Frenchies develop conditions like cherry eyes, cataracts or entropion. Skin allergies and autoimmune skin disorders are also common. Responsible breeders screen for these conditions to breed healthy French Bulldogs.

Best Dog Food For French Bulldogs

Since Frenchies are small, look for dog foods formulated specifically for small breeds to maintain their ideal body composition.

These foods include:

• Bella Natural Bites
• Purina Pro Plan Specialized Small Breed
• Purina Pro Plan Essentials Small Breed
• Purina Dog Chow Little Bites for Small Dogs

Best Dog Food For French Bulldog Puppies

When choosing a food for your French Bulldog puppy, choose one formulated with DHA for brain and vision health and antioxidants to support their developing immune system during their first year of life.

The following foods meet the needs of a growing puppy:

• Beneful Healthy Puppy
• Purina Puppy Chow
• Purina One SmartBlend Healthy Puppy
• Purina Pro Plan Puppy

History

The French Bulldog was developed by English lace makers in the 1800s who bred a toy-sized bulldog as a lap pet. During the height of the Industrial Revolution, the lace trade relocated to northern France, bringing the Bulldogs along.

Over the years, the toy Bulldog was crossed with other breeds, which is how they developed their bat ears.

The people of Paris soon discovered this adorable dog, launching the breed’s popularity as a city dweller. They were seen with their human companions at sidewalk cafes and Parisian dancehalls. Even Edgar Dega and Toulouse-Lautrec painted French Bulldogs into their artwork.

Facts

• Frenchies are a popular breed among Hollywood celebrities, including Hugh Jackman, David Beckham and Reese Witherspoon.
• The French Bulldog is, not surprisingly, related to the English Bulldog.
• The most distinctive features of the French Bulldog are his bat ears and half-flat, half-domed skull.
• Frenchies make good watchdogs.