By Dr. Becker
The French Bulldog is one of the top 10 most popular dog breeds in the U.S., and are fun-loving, affectionate, intelligent dogs.
The French Bulldog is a brachycephalic breed, which means he is unable to regulate his own body temperature and must be carefully monitored in hot weather to prevent heatstroke.
If you’re thinking of adding a French Bulldog to your family, be sure to check your local shelters and rescue organizations for adoptable dogs.
10 Fascinating Facts About French Bulldogs
The French Bulldog Is One of the Most Popular Breeds in the U.K. and the U.S.
In 2014, the French Bulldog was the 4th most popular registered dog in the U.K., and the 9th most popular in the U.S.
The small-sized Frenchie, as she is known, is a domestic dog and the result of crossbreeding bulldogs from England with local ratters in Paris starting in the 1800s.
The First U.S. French Bulldogs Were Owned by Society Ladies
Frenchies arrived in the U.S. in 1885, and their first owners were primarily society ladies who first showed them at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 1896.
By the early 1900s, the breed was very popular among members of high society, including the Rockefellers and the J.P. Morgans.
By 1906, after having received very quick recognition by the American Kennel Club (AKC), the French Bulldog was listed as the 5th most popular dog breed in the U.S.
The French Bulldog Is Uniquely Appealing
What’s not to love about those huge bat ears? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, of course, but the French Bulldog is undeniably a looker.
He’s small but sturdily built, with a muscular physique. Frenchies stand from 11 inches to a foot tall at the shoulder. Males weigh 20 to 28 pounds, females 16 to 24 pounds.
The French Bulldog coat is short, smooth, and shiny. The skin is loose, wrinkled, and soft to the touch. Frenchie coats come in a wide range of colors, including fawn, cream, and various shades of brindle.
The Frenchie Is Sometimes Called ‘Frog Dog’ or ‘Clown Dog’
The French Bulldog has an odd way of sitting with his hind legs spread out — thus the nickname “frog dog.” Frenchies are also called “clown dogs” due to their fun-loving temperament.
The French Bulldog Coat Is Low-Maintenance
The Frenchie coat is easy to groom and requires only an occasional brushing. These dogs are average shedders. As you groom your Frenchie, it’s a good idea to check for any signs of a skin condition.
You should also check her ears, eyes, and teeth for discharge or an unpleasant odor.
French Bulldogs don’t naturally wear down their nails while walking or running, so regular nail trims are a must. They also need their facial folds kept clean and dry to prevent bacterial infection.
French Bulldogs Are Fairly Low-Energy
Frenchies don’t need tons of exercise, but daily walks and playtime are essential for your dog’s physical health and mental stimulation. The breed is prone to heat exhaustion, so physical exertion should be avoided during the warmest hours of the day.
The French Bulldog is an intelligent free thinker, by turns eager to please or stubbornly independent. Training your Frenchie is essential, but make sure to keep sessions short and fun.
These little dogs are very loving, enjoy being the center of attention, and need to spend plenty of time with their humans each day.
French Bulldogs Become Cold Very Easily
Your Frenchie’s coat is short and single-layered, which means she can get chilled in a hurry. She may need a doggy sweater indoors during the cooler months of the year, and will definitely need a sweater or coat when she goes outside.
Since she’s prone to heat stroke, during warm weather she should be indoors where it’s cool (but not TOO cool), which will help regulate her body temperature.
Frenchies Are Quiet Dogs
The French Bulldog isn’t known for barking excessively. Their quiet nature coupled with their small size and low need for exercise makes them a great choice for apartment dwellers.
Frenchies do tend to drool quite a bit, and are also known to be gassy and sometimes difficult to housetrain.
French Bulldogs Generally Do Very Well With Children
Frenchies are sweet-natured, excellent companions. They are patient and affectionate, and females in particular are protective of the children in the family. They make wonderful watchdogs, but they can become territorial without proper guidance.
French Bulldogs can also easily live with other pets as long as everyone has been properly socialized.
The French Bulldog Has an Average Lifespan of 11 to 14 Years
Because they are a brachycephalic breed with a compacted airway and bulky body, Frenchies are unable to effectively regulate their body temperature. This is why they must be closely monitored and cared for during hot weather.
This breed is also prone to several inherited diseases, including brachycephalic syndrome, hip dysplasia, hemivertebrae (a malformation of one or more vertebrae that causes it to be shaped like a wedge or triangle), patellar luxation, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), and allergies.